bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ Expansion, Differentiation, and Electromechanical Coupling of Human Cardiac Muscle in a 3D Bioprinted, Chambered Organoid
Authors: Kupfer Molly E. , Lin Wei-Han , Ravikumar Vasanth , Qiu Kaiyan , Wang Lu , Gao Ling , Bhuiyan Didarul B. , Lenz Megan , Ai Jeffrey , Mahutga Ryan R. , Townsend DeWayne , Zhang Jianyi , McAlpine Michael C. , Tolkacheva Elena G. , Ogle Brenda M.
Published: March 2020

Rationale:

One goal of cardiac tissue engineering is the generation of a living, human pump in vitro that could replace animal models and eventually serve as an in vivo therapeutic. Models that replicate the geometrically complex structure of the heart, harboring chambers and large vessels with soft biomaterials, can be achieved using 3-dimensional bioprinting. Yet, inclusion of contiguous, living muscle to support pump function has not been achieved. This is largely due to the challenge of attaining high densities of cardiomyocytes—a notoriously nonproliferative cell type. An alternative strategy is to print with human induced pluripotent stem cells, which can proliferate to high densities and fill tissue spaces, and subsequently differentiate them into cardiomyocytes in situ.

Objective:

To develop a bioink capable of promoting human induced pluripotent stem cell proliferation and cardiomyocyte differentiation to 3-dimensionally print electromechanically functional, chambered organoids composed of contiguous cardiac muscle.

Methods and Results:

We optimized a photo-crosslinkable formulation of native ECM (extracellular matrix) proteins and used this bioink to 3-dimensionally print human induced pluripotent stem cell–laden structures with 2 chambers and a vessel inlet and outlet. After human induced pluripotent stem cells proliferated to a sufficient density, we differentiated the cells within the structure and demonstrated function of the resultant human chambered muscle pump. Human chambered muscle pumps demonstrated macroscale beating and continuous action potential propagation with responsiveness to drugs and pacing. The connected chambers allowed for perfusion and enabled replication of pressure/volume relationships fundamental to the study of heart function and remodeling with health and disease.

Conclusions:

This advance represents a critical step toward generating macroscale tissues, akin to aggregate-based organoids, but with the critical advantage of harboring geometric structures essential to the pump function of cardiac muscle. Looking forward, human chambered organoids of this type might also serve as a test bed for cardiac medical devices and eventually lead to therapeutic tissue grafting.
Epigenetic Metabolic Reprogramming of Right Ventricular Fibroblasts in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Tian Lian , Wu Danchen , Dasgupta Asish , Chen Kuang-Hueih , Mewburn Jeffrey , Potus Francois , Lima Patricia D.A. , Hong Zhigang , Zhao Yuan-Yuan , Hindmarch Charles C.T. , Kutty Shelby , Provencher Steeve , Bonnet Sebastien , Sutendra Gopinath , Archer Stephen L.
Published: March 2020

Rationale:

Right ventricular (RV) fibrosis in pulmonary arterial hypertension contributes to RV failure. While RV fibrosis reflects changes in the function of resident RV fibroblasts (RVfib), these cells are understudied.

Objective:

Examine the role of mitochondrial metabolism of RVfib in RV fibrosis in human and experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Methods and Results:

Male Sprague-Dawley rats received monocrotaline (MCT; 60 mg/kg) or saline. Drinking water containing no supplement or the PDK (pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase) inhibitor dichloroacetate was started 7 days post-MCT. At week 4, treadmill testing, echocardiography, and right heart catheterization were performed. The effects of PDK activation on mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism, RVfib proliferation, and collagen production were studied in RVfib in cell culture. Epigenetic mechanisms for persistence of the profibrotic RVfib phenotype in culture were evaluated. PDK expression was also studied in the RVfib of patients with decompensated RV failure (n=11) versus control (n=7). MCT rats developed pulmonary arterial hypertension, RV fibrosis, and RV failure. MCT-RVfib (but not left ventricular fibroblasts) displayed excess mitochondrial fission and had increased expression of PDK isoforms 1 and 3 that persisted for >5 passages in culture. PDK-mediated decreases in pyruvate dehydrogenase activity and oxygen consumption rate were reversed by dichloroacetate (in RVfib and in vivo) or siRNA targeting PDK 1 and 3 (in RVfib). These interventions restored mitochondrial superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production and inactivated HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor)-1α, which was pathologically activated in normoxic MCT-RVfib. Redox-mediated HIF-1α inactivation also decreased the expression of TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor-beta-1) and CTGF (connective tissue growth factor), reduced fibroblast proliferation, and decreased collagen production. HIF-1α activation in MCT-RVfib reflected increased DNMT (DNA methyltransferase) 1 expression, which was associated with a decrease in its regulatory microRNA, miR-148b-3p. In MCT rats, dichloroacetate, at therapeutic levels in the RV, reduced phospho-pyruvate dehydrogenase expression, RV fibrosis, and hypertrophy and improved RV function. In patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and RV failure, RVfib had increased PDK1 expression.

Conclusions:

MCT-RVfib manifest a DNMT1-HIF-1α-PDK–mediated, chamber-specific, metabolic memory that promotes collagen production and RV fibrosis. This epigenetic mitochondrial-metabolic pathway is a potential antifibrotic therapeutic target.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy With Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction
Authors: Marstrand Peter , Han Larry , Day Sharlene M. , Olivotto Iacopo , Ashley Euan A. , Michels Michelle , Pereira Alexandre C. , Wittekind Samuel G. , Helms Adam , Saberi Sara , Jacoby Daniel , Ware James S. , Colan Steven D. , Semsarian Christopher , Ingles Jodie , Lakdawala Neal K. , Ho Carolyn Y. ,   For the SHaRe Investigators
Published: March 2020

Background:

The term “end stage” has been used to describe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), defined as occurring when left ventricular ejection fraction is <50%. The prognosis of HCM-LVSD has reportedly been poor, but because of its relative rarity, the natural history remains incompletely characterized.

Methods:

Data from 11 high-volume HCM specialty centers making up the international SHaRe Registry (Sarcomeric Human Cardiomyopathy Registry) were used to describe the natural history of patients with HCM-LVSD. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify predictors of prognosis and incident development.

Results:

From a cohort of 6793 patients with HCM, 553 (8%) met the criteria for HCM-LVSD. Overall, 75% of patients with HCM-LVSD experienced clinically relevant events, and 35% met the composite outcome (all-cause death [n=128], cardiac transplantation [n=55], or left ventricular assist device implantation [n=9]). After recognition of HCM-LVSD, the median time to composite outcome was 8.4 years. However, there was substantial individual variation in natural history. Significant predictors of the composite outcome included the presence of multiple pathogenic/likely pathogenic sarcomeric variants (hazard ratio [HR], 5.6 [95% CI, 2.3–13.5]), atrial fibrillation (HR, 2.6 [95% CI, 1.7–3.5]), and left ventricular ejection fraction <35% (HR, 2.0 [95% CI, 1.3–2.8]). The incidence of new HCM-LVSD was ≈7.5% over 15 years. Significant predictors of developing incident HCM-LVSD included greater left ventricular cavity size (HR, 1.1 [95% CI, 1.0–1.3] and wall thickness (HR, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.1–1.4]), left ventricular ejection fraction of 50% to 60% (HR, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.2, 2.8]–2.8 [95% CI, 1.8–4.2]) at baseline evaluation, the presence of late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (HR, 2.3 [95% CI, 1.0–4.9]), and the presence of a pathogenic/likely pathogenic sarcomeric variant, particularly in thin filament genes (HR, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.0–2.1] and 2.5 [95% CI, 1.2–5.1], respectively).

Conclusions:

HCM-LVSD affects ≈8% of patients with HCM. Although the natural history of HCM-LVSD was variable, 75% of patients experienced adverse events, including 35% experiencing a death equivalent an estimated median time of 8.4 years after developing systolic dysfunction. In addition to clinical features, genetic substrate appears to play a role in both prognosis (multiple sarcomeric variants) and the risk for incident development of HCM-LVSD (thin filament variants).
Lexical Access in Naming and Reading: Spatiotemporal Localization of Semantic Facilitation and Interference Using MEG
Authors: Dirani Julien , Pylkkänen Liina
Published: March 2020

Naming an object involves quick retrieval of a target word from long-term memory. Research using the semantic interference paradigm has shown that objects take longer to name when they are preceded by primes in the same semantic category. This has been interpreted as reflecting either competition during lexical selection or as an interference effect at a later, postlexical level. Since the behavioral finding has been a core argument for the existence of competition during lexical selection in naming, understanding its processing level is important for models of language production. We used MEG to determine the spatiotemporal localization of the interference effect. We also compared its neural signature to the effect of semantic relatedness in reading, in which relatedness is expected to speed up behavioral responses and reduce activity in the left superior temporal cortex at around 200–300 ms. This is exactly what we found. However, in naming, we observed a more complex pattern for our semantically related targets. First, the angular gyrus showed a facilitory pattern at 300–400 ms, likely reflecting aspects of lexical access. This was followed by a broadly distributed and sustained interference pattern that lasted until articulatory stages. More transient interference effects were also observed at 395–485 ms in the left STG and at ∼100–200 ms before articulation in the parietal cortex. Thus, our findings suggest that the semantic interference effect originates from both early and late sources, which may explain its varying localizations in previous literature.
Self-Healing and Self-Organized Gold Nanoparticle Films at a Water/Organic Solvent Interface
Authors: Balmes Olivier , Bovin Jan-Olov , Malm Jan-Olle
Published: March 2020

Gold nanoparticles (5 nm and 20 nm) have been synthesized and stabilized with mercaptoundecanol. These particles, although insoluble in water or common organic solvents, spread as a thin film at the liquid–liquid interface between a water phase and an organic phase. Films of these
gold nanoparticles have been observed both by conventional transmission electron microscopy of deposited samples and by cryo-transmission electron microscopy of plunge-frozen samples. The film can be monolayered and extend over centimeter-sized areas. The particle films spontaneously re-assemble
and self-organize at the interface when disrupted. This self-healing capacity of the film should make it possible to build a device for continuous production and deposition of the film.
Various Conformations of Carbon Nanocoils Prepared by Supported Ni–Fe/Molecular Sieve Catalyst
Authors: Yang Shaoming , Chen Xiuqin , Takeuchi K. , Motojima Seiji
Published: March 2020

The carbon nanocoils with various kinds of conformations were prepared by the catalytic pyrolysis of acetylene using the Ni metal catalyst supported on molecular Sieves which was prepared using Fe-containing kaolin as the raw material. There are four kinds of carbon nanocoils conformations
produced by this catalyst. The influences of reaction temperature and gas conditions on the conformations of the nanocoils were investigated and the reasons of forming nano-size coils were discussed by comparison with pure Ni metal catalyst.
Synthesis of Polyaniline Nanofibrous Networks with the Aid of an Amphiphilic Ionic Liquid
Authors: Miao Zhenjiang , Wang Yong , Liu Zhimin , Huang Jun , Han Buxing , Sun Zhenyu , Du Jimin
Published: March 2020

In this work, polyaniline (PANI) nanofibrous networks were prepared using ionic liquid (IL), 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C16MIMCl), as a template through oxidative polymerization of aniline with ammonium persulfate. The resulting PANI was characterized by means
of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis, and FTIR. It was indicated that the as-prepared PANI was in the emeraldine form and its morphology strongly depended on the molar ratio of aniline/C16MIMCl. A possible mechanism for the formation
of PANI nanofibrous networks was that the ordered micro-domains of the IL acted as template to direct the growth of the nanostructures.
Defect Healing of Self-Assembled SiO2 Layer by Heat-Treatment and Multi-Coating
Authors: O Yong-Taeg , Shin Dong-Chan
Published: March 2020

This study examined the effect of heat-treatment and multi-coating on the microstructure and optical properties of photonic crystals (PCs) that had been self-assembled using mono-dispersed spherical SiO2 nanoparticles. When the heat-treatment temperature was increased, the
reflectance peak due to the photonic bandgap moved to a shorter wavelength direction, and the peak intensity of the Fabry-Perot fringes increased. The highest reflectance peak intensity was obtained in the sample heat-treated at 250∼300 °C. Heat-treatment reduced the average particle
size and number of defects, and increased the packing density of the PC. When the heat-treatment temperatures were increased up to 900 °C, a large crack with an average size of approximately 1.3 μm was formed through the self-assembled layer. A multi-coating could effectively
fill the open space of this crack and thereby reduce the total number of defects. The crystallinity and optical properties of the self-assembled PC were improved by the heat-treatment and multi-coating.
Charge Transport of Alkanethiol Self-Assembled Monolayers in Micro-Via Hole Devices
Authors: Kim Tae-Wook , Wang Gunuk , Song Hyunwook , Choi Nak-Jin , Lee Hyoyoung , Lee Takhee
Published: March 2020

In this paper we fabricated 13440 microscale via hole structure devices using different length of alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers and characterized their electronic transport properties. Statistically averaged transport parameters such as current density, transport barrier height,
effective electron mass, and transport decay coefficient were obtained from the great number of these devices. The yield of working microdevices was found as 1.5%. Temperature variable current-voltage characteristics for alkanethiol micro-via hole devices showed typical tunneling behavior
when properly fabricated.
Control of Bio-MEMS Surface Chemical Properties in Micro Fluidic Devices for Biological Applications
Authors: Dhayal Marshal , So Chealho , Choi Jeong Sik , Jun Jin
Published: March 2020

Surface chemistry of silicon/glass based bio-MEMS was controlled by depositing plasma polymerized acrylic acid (ppAc) films at two different electrode positions in a two-stage plasma reactor. AFM and XPS were used to characterize the surface roughness and surface chemistry of the films,
respectively. The surface of bio-MEMS was highly functionalized with carboxylic/ester functionalities with a very good surface uniformity. The proportion of carbon atoms as C–OX, C(=O)OX functionalities was decreased and an increase in C=O functionalities was observed when the electrode
position was increased from the mesh. These functionalized bio-MEMS devices have advantages in fabrication of reusable micro fluidic devices and the variation of fluid velocity by changing the surface properties may be used to develop a micro-mixing system to control the mixing ratio of different
fluids for different biological and chemical applications.
Extracellular Synthesis of Magnetite and Metal-Substituted Magnetite Nanoparticles
Authors: Roh Y. , Vali H. , Phelps T. J. , Moon J.-W.
Published: March 2020

We have developed a novel microbial process that exploits the ability of Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms to produce copious amounts of extracellular magentites and metal-substituted magnetite nanoparticles. The Fe(III)-reducing bacteria (Theroanaerobacter ethanolicus and Shewanella
sp.) have the ability to reduce Fe(III) and various metals in aqueous media and form various sized magnetite and metal-substituted magnetite nano-crystals. The Fe(III)-reducing bacteria formed metal-substituted magnetites using iron oxide plus metals (e.g., Co, Cr, Mn, Ni) under conditions
of relatively low temperature (<70 °C), ambient pressure, and pH values near neutral to slightly basic (pH = 6.5 to 9). Precise biological control over activation and regulation of the biosolid-state processes can produce magnetite particles of well-defined size (typically tens of nanometers)
and crystallographic morphology, containing selected dopant metals into the magnetite (Fe3−yXyO4) structure (where X = Co, Cr, Mn, Ni). Magnetite yields of up to 20 g/L per day have been observed in 20-L vessels. Water-based ferrofluids
were formed with the nanometer sized, magnetite, and metal-substituted biomagnetite particles.
Biomolecular Photonic Device Consisting of Chl a/Chl b/Phycoerythrin/Phycocyanin Hetero Structure
Authors: Choi Jeong-Woo , Nam Yun-Suk , Kim Jong-Min , Kim Jin Seok
Published: March 2020

In living organisms the photosynthesis involves the absorption of light by the light-harvesting (LH) antenna complexes. By mimicking the photosynthesis process the artificial photonic device composed of bio-molecular hetero structure is developed. The proposed photonic device is composed
of Chl a, Chl b, phycoerythrin and phycocyanin. To fabricate the highly ordered structure of biomolecules, the deposition of ordered Chl a/Chl b molecules onto solid substrates was done by the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique, and the self-assembly technique was
used for the deposition of phycocyanin molecule. To optimize the photocurrent generation, the photoelectric response characteristics of Chl a and Chl b LB films were measured according to the number of deposition layers, and effects of phycocyanin layer and various phycoerythrin
concentrations on the photocurrent generation were analyzed. The biophotonic device was fabricated by the combination of the hetero biofilms and the photocurrent generation of the proposed device was observed. It was observed that the photocurrent generation of the proposed biodevice was improved
by using the appropriate biopigments to be selected. The proposed artificial biophotonic device consisting of biopigments can be used to generate photocurrent by mimikng the photosynthesis in living system.
Heterogeneity Analysis of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes from the Adsorption Equilibria of Nitrogen and Benzene
Authors: Shim Wang-Geun , Kang Hyun-Chul , Kim Chan , Lee Jae-Wook , Kim Sang-Chai , Lee Chul-Jin , Moon Hee
Published: March 2020

Nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms and gravimetric methods were employed to examine the structural and adsorption properties of selected adsorbent. The equilibrium data of benzene were also obtained at three different temperatures (303.15, 313.15, and 323.15 K) with pressures
up to 7 kPa. The results of nitrogen and benzene sorption isotherm revealed that SWCNTs exhibit type II with the features of type I. The Toth and UNILAN models were found to provide a reasonable correlation between the adsorption isotherm data. In addition, the adsorption second virial coefficient
and the isosteric heat of adsorption were determined by using these isotherm models. The isosteric heat of adsorption and adsorption energy distribution indicated that SWCNTs have energetically and structurally heterogeneous surfaces.
Fabrication and Characterization of Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Using Zinc Complexes as Hole-Blocking Layer
Authors: Kim Won Sam , You Jung Min , Lee Burm-Jong , Jang Yoon-Ki , Kim Dong-Eun , Kwon Young-Soo
Published: March 2020

2-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole (HPB) was employed as organic ligand and the corresponding zinc complexes (Zn(HPB)2 and Zn(HPB)q) were synthesized. And their EL properties were characterized. The structures of zinc complexes were determined with FT-NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis, and
XPS. The thermal stability showed up to about 300 °C under nitrogen flow, which was measured by TGA. The photoluminescence (PL) of zinc complexes were measured from the DMF solution. The PL emitted in blue and yellow region, respectively. The EL devices were fabricated by the vacuum deposition.
Two kinds of OLEDs devices were fabricated; ITO/NPB (40 nm)/Zn complexes (60 nm)/LiF/Al and ITO/NPB (40 nm)/Alq3 (60 nm)/Zn complexes (5 nm)/LiF/Al. Both of the EL properties as the emitting and the hole-blocking layer were investigated. The EL emission of Zn(HPB)q exhibited green
light centered at 532 nm. The device showed a turn-on voltage at 5 V and a luminance of 6073 cd/m2 at 10 V. Meanwhile, the maximum EL the emission of the Zn(HPB)2 device was found to be at 447 nm. And the device showed a luminance of 2813 cd/m2 at 10 V. The
ITO/NPB (40 nm)/Alq3 (60 nm)/Zn(HPB)2 (5 nm)/LiF/Al device showed increased luminance of L = 17000 cd/m2 compared to L = 12000 cd/m2 for similar device fabricated without the hole-blocking layer. And the turn-on voltage was significantly
affected by the existence of the hole-blocking layer.
Effect of Hot Extrusion on Microstructure and Corrosion Performance of Mg–Zn Binary Alloys Prepared by Vacuum Evaporation
Authors: Ma Jun , Niu Li-Bin , Long Yu-Xuan , Yan Yu-Ting , Wang Xiao-Gang
Published: March 2020

The Mg–Zn binary alloys prepared by vacuum evaporation were investigated in the initial state and after hot extrusion. The results of X-ray diffraction reveal that the composition of initial state alloys are α-Mg solid solution, MgZn, Mg7Zn3,
and MgZn2 intermetallic compounds, respectively. As the compression treatment at the 360 °C (40 min, 10 Mpa), the size of the gray α-Mg phase is reduced from 100 μm to about 50 μm, which is surrounded by white intermetallic. At the same time,
the corrosion current density is remarkably reduced, which means that the corrosion performance of the alloy is better. When the hot extrusion time raised from 4 h to 12 h (320 °C, 10 Mpa), the area of the deformation zone increased, and the precipitation amount of Mg7Zn3
distributed α-Mg matrix phases increased. Both the value of CPE1 and Rct are significantly reduced, indicated that the charge harder to transfer and the corrosion resistance of the alloy in Ringer's solution is weakened.
Effects of Plastic Strain on Mechanical and Electrical Conductivity Response of (100) Monocrystalline Copper
Authors: Li Lijia , Zhao Dan , Sun Xingdong , Wang Shunbo , Guo Yue , Wang Jiru , Zhao Hongwei
Published: March 2020

The physical characteristics of material would be influenced by its stress states. In this paper, nanoindentation experiments with a maximum load of 100 mN and strain-sensitive resistance tests were conducted on (100) monocrystalline copper with tension-induced plastic strain to investigate
the influences of plastic strain on mechanical and electrical characteristics. By theoretical and experimental analysis, indentation depth, elastic modulus, recovery rate of total work, contact area, pile-up and apparent hardness of the deformed and virgin material were obtained and the corresponding
investigation was compared and analyzed. The experimental results revealed that under the same conditions, tensile pre-deformed material would like to generate more penetration depth to achieve the same load during indentation. As the plastic strain increased in the uniform plastic region,
both the total and elastic indentation work increased, while the recovery rate of total work, contact area, apparent hardness, and elastic modulus decreased. Meanwhile, the contribution of plastic strain to electrical resistivity was also investigated. The quantitative relation between electrical
resistivity and plastic strains was extracted from experiments. The understanding of the role of plastic strain in mechanical and electrical properties of monocrystalline copper would be helpful to the application in damage detection systems and strain sensing sensor.
Preparation and Activity Evaluation of the Novel Cu/TiO2 Nanometer Photocatalytic Materials
Authors: Miao Yingchun , Xu Xiaolin , Liu Kaiquan , Yu Shiwen , Wang Yaqin , Yang Shanshan
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the Cu/TiO2 thin film catalysts were prepared by alcoholthermal method with copper sheet as the carrier. In order to improve the degradation rate of antibiotic (cefazolin sodium), the synthesis conditions of Cu/TiO2 thin films were optimized. The
physicochemical properties and activity were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray energy dispersion spectrometer (EDX), infrared spectrometer (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), high performance
liquid chromatography (HPLC), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and spectrophotometry. The results show that the Cu/TiO2 catalyst had a uniform thickness of ∼200 nm and the particle size was about 0.4 nm, and the heterojunction between copper and anatase titanium dioxide has was
successfully prepared. It can be found that when the dosage of TiF4 was 0.016 g, the tertiary butyl alcohol was 40 ml, the oven temperature was 130 °C, the oven reaction time was 24 h, the calcination temperature was 180 °C, and the calcination time was 2 h, the formed Cu/TiO2
catalyst can reach 58.1% for 3 h under visible light, with the photocatalytic degradation of 20 μg · mL–1 cefazolin sodium aqueous solution.
Bacterial Inhibition and Oxidative Stress Remedial Properties of Azadirachta indica and Moringa oleifera
Authors: Ul Islam Khursheed , Chishti Benazir , Kulkarni Atul , Fouad H. , Hashem Mohamed , Seo H. K. , Ansari Z. A.
Published: March 2020

Bacterial resistance towards the use of synthetic drugs has created a havoc in the modern era of health sciences. Medicinal plants may pave the way for alternative source of medicines that can overcome bacterial resistance. In this regard, employing three different extraction procedure
(Maceration, Decoction and Soxhlet) aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera and Azadirachta indica were prepared and observed for bacterial inhibition and antioxidant properties. Phytochemical screening results revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, reducing sugars and saponins.
Percentage scavenging activity primarily DPPH assay shows Moringa oleifera Soxhlet 6th (MOS 6th) with the highest percentage scavenging activity. Similarly, total flavonoid content estimation results rendered Moringa oleifera Decoction (MOD) as the highest flavonoid containing
sample (68.97 ± 0.9) mg RUE/ml. Antibacterial efficiency of the extracts was monitored against Streptococcus mutans (gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (E. Coli) DH5 (gram-negative) bacteria, 96-well microtiter two-fold dilution reveals lowest MIC of 625 μg
ml–1 for Neem soxhlet 6th cycle (NS 6th) against Streptococcus mutans while Moringa oliefera soxhelt 2nd cycle shows a low toxicity pattern (MIC 5000 μg ml–1). However, only three extract (Neem Soxhlet 2nd cycle, Moringa oleifera
Soxhlet 2nd cycle and Neem Soxhlet 6th cycle) shows inhibitory potential against E. coli. Furthermore, zone of inhibition acquired via agar-well diffusion assay well corroborates with the results of 96-well pate. Based on extraction procedure, Soxhlet method establishes a good toxicity
profile against the studied organism.
Enhanced Thermal Conductivity of Carboxyl (–COOH) Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT)-Silicone Oil Based Nanofluids
Authors: Premalatha M. , Preetha N. , Padmavathi S. , Jeevaraj A. Kingson Solomon
Published: March 2020

Thermal conductivity and viscosity studies of carboxyl (–COOH) functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes-Silicone oil nanofluids were discussed in this work. Carboxyl (–COOH) functionalized MWCNT-Silicone oil nanofluids were prepared in various concentration ranges from
0.001 to 0.005 g of COOH-MWCNT and characterized at a range of temperatures between 303 K to 323 K. The thermal conductivity of carboxyl (–COOH) functionalized MWCNT-Silicone oil nanofluids increases with the raise in concentration of MWCNTs and also with the raise in temperatures. Mechanism
for the enhancement of Silicone oil with concentration of MWCNT is due to the percolation of heat through the nanotubes through axial direction than through radial direction. Because of large aspect ratio of nanotubes heat transfer inside MWCNTs is also more. Also, as the temperature increases
the viscosity of the (–COOH) functionalized MWCNT-Silicone oil nanofluids decreases, because CNT aggregation kinetics may contribute resulting in enhanced thermal conductivity.
Evaluation of the Bulk Mass Flux Formulation Using Large-Eddy Simulations
Authors: Gu Jian-Feng , Plant Robert Stephen , Holloway Christopher E. , Jones Todd R. , Stirling Alison , Clark Peter A. , Woolnough Steven J. , Webb Thomas L.
Published: March 2020

In this study, bulk mass flux formulations for turbulent fluxes are evaluated for shallow and deep convection using large-eddy simulation data. The bulk mass flux approximation neglects two sources of variability: the interobject variability due to differences between the average properties of different cloud objects, and the intraobject variability due to perturbations within each cloud object. Using a simple cloud–environment decomposition, the interobject and intraobject contributions to the heat flux are comparable in magnitude with that from the bulk mass flux approximation, but do not share a similar vertical distribution, and so cannot be parameterized with a rescaling method. A downgradient assumption is also not appropriate to parameterize the neglected flux contributions because a nonnegligible part is associated with nonlocal buoyant structures. A spectral analysis further suggests the presence of fine structures within the clouds. These points motivate investigations in which the vertical transports are decomposed based on the distribution of vertical velocity. As a result, a “core-cloak” conceptual model is proposed to improve the representation of total vertical fluxes, composed of a strong and a weak draft for both the updrafts and downdrafts. It is shown that the core-cloak representation can well capture the magnitude and vertical distribution of heat and moisture fluxes for both shallow and deep convection.
Effect of Balint seminars training on emotional intelligence and burnout among internal medicine residents
Authors: Antoun Jumana , Bou Akl Imad , Halabi Zeina , Bou Khalil Pierre , Romani Maya
Published: March 2020

Background:

Balint seminars are widely used educational activities in family medicine residency programs. However, their impact on measurable outcomes is uneven and controversial. The discussions in Balint seminars deal with perceiving and understanding the emotions of the participants.

Objective:

This study measures the effect of Balint seminars on the emotional intelligence (EI) and burnout of internal medicine residents at the American University of Beirut.

Design:

Quasi-experimental observational pretest–posttest study.

Setting:

In all, 27 internal medicine residents at the American University of Beirut.

Methods:

Bi-weekly Balint seminars were delivered to internal medicine residents throughout the academic year. EI using Mayer Salovey and Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) and burnout level using Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were measured at the beginning and end of the academic year.

Results:

A total of 20 Balint seminars were delivered. On average, residents attended six sessions with standard deviation ( SD) of 2. Using paired t-tests to compare post- and pre-total EI scores, there was no significant difference between the two scores (mean difference post-pre = -0.6 ± 9.7, p = .738). Gender was the most important predictor of the difference between pre- and post-total EI scores (women are the reference, β = -8.403, p = .007) as compared to understanding emotions baseline score (β = -0.263, p = .003). A significant proportion of residents (22.2%–29.6%) showed severe burnout levels on at least one of the three domains of burnout at baseline; however, Balint seminars did not have any effect on any of the burnout domains.

Conclusions:

Balint seminars may have the beneficial effect of improving emotional intelligence among women. Balint seminars did not improve the burnout levels of internal medicine residents. Optimizing attendance of the Balint sessions may affect the outcomes attributable to Balint seminars.
Trends and Characteristics of CDC Global Rapid Response Team Deployments—A 6-Month Report, October 2018–March 2019
Authors: Ben Hamida Amen , Bugli Dante , Hoffman Adela , Greiner Ashley L. , Harley Danny , Saindon John M. , Walsh James , Bierman Eli , Mallory Jonathon , Blaylock Kenneth , Shetty Sharmila , Bensyl Diana M. , Wheeler Brian D.
Published: March 2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Global Rapid Response Team (GRRT) was launched in June 2015 to strengthen the capacity for international response and to provide an agency-wide roster of qualified surge-staff members who can deploy on short notice and for long durations. To assess GRRT performance and inform future needs for CDC and partners using rapid response teams, we analyzed trends and characteristics of GRRT responses and responders, for deployments of at least 1 day during October 1, 2018, through March 31, 2019. One hundred twenty deployments occurred during the study period, corresponding to 2645 person-days. The median deployment duration was 19 days (interquartile range, 5-30 days). Most deployments were related to emergency response (n = 2367 person-days, 90%); outbreaks of disease accounted for almost all deployment time (n = 2419 person-days, 99%). Most deployments were to Africa (n = 1417 person-days, 54%), and epidemiologists were the most commonly deployed technical advisors (n = 1217 person-days, 46%). This case study provides useful information for assessing program performance, prioritizing resource allocation, informing future needs, and sharing lessons learned with other programs managing rapid response teams. GRRT has an important role in advancing the global health security agenda and should continuously be assessed and adjusted to new needs.
Text Recycling in STEM Research: An Exploratory Investigation of Expert and Novice Beliefs and Attitudes
Authors: Moskovitz Cary , Hall Susanne
Published: March 2020

When writing journal articles, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) researchers produce a number of other genres such as grant proposals and conference posters, and their new articles routinely build directly on their own prior work. As a result, STEM authors often reuse material from their completed documents in producing new documents. While this practice, known as text recycling (or self-plagiarism), is a debated issue in publishing and research ethics, little is known about researchers’ beliefs about what constitutes appropriate practice. This article presents results of from an exploratory, survey-based study on beliefs and attitudes toward text recycling among STEM “experts” (faculty researchers) and “novices” (graduate students and post docs). While expert and novice researchers are fairly consistent in distinguishing between text recycling and plagiarism, there is considerable disagreement about appropriate text recycling practice.
Exploitation and Liberation: Case Study of Women Workers in Surat’s Unorganised Sector
Authors: Desai Kiran
Published: March 2020

Based on an empirical study, this article narrates the condition and status of women workers engaged in the unorganised sector in Surat. The city, considered Gujarat’s economic hub and business capital, is known for its small- and medium-scale industries (SMSIs) especially those connected with weaving, dying-printing, embroidery and diamonds. A number of non-industrial, informal sector livelihood activities, known as the fringe sub-sector, are integrated with the city’s main industrial activities. Studies reveal that a high number of migrant workers from all over India eke their livelihood from this wide spectrum of economic activities combining both these sub-sectors in which women constitute a significant proportion of this workforce. The article firstly describes their demographic profile as well as their working conditions. It also takes into account not only their contribution in terms of an economic income but also outlines their impact in the social sphere. The article argues that though the work milieu of the unorganised sector is as exploitative and oppressive for women workers as it is for men, to a certain extent there is an element of liberation for women in their social existence.
Examining Change in Family Conflict and Family Violence After Release From Prison
Authors: Stansfield Richard , Mowen Thomas J. , Napolitano Laura , Boman John H.
Published: March 2020

This study examines changes in family conflict and violence among a sample of adult men after release from prison. Using longitudinal panel data on 1,282 men in the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative, cross-lagged dynamic fixed-effects panel data models are used to examine factors that relate to family conflict and family violence perpetrated by men after release from prison. Increased contact with family members during incarceration, as well as postrelease family support, related to decreased family conflict, even after accounting for family conflict during incarceration. Contact was unrelated to postrelease family violence. Interestingly, family violence prior to incarceration did not predict within-person changes in violence postrelease. Postrelease substance use and criminal offending significantly related to postrelease family violence. With incarceration affecting so many people nationwide, understanding how the experiences of incarceration and reentry impacts family health and well-being should be an important consideration for correctional policy and programming.
Quality, hydrocarbon generation, and expulsion of the Eocene Enping Formation source rocks in the Wenchang Depression, western Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea
Authors: Li Jinheng , Chen Dongxia , Chang Lu , Xie Guangjie , Shi Xuebin , Wang Fuwei , Liao Wenhao , Wang Ziyi
Published: March 2020

Recently, increasing numbers of oil and gas reservoirs have been discovered in the Wenchang Depression, western Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea, revealing prospects for hydrocarbon exploration. The Enping Formation (E3e) is a key target layer for the development of source rocks. However, previous work has only focused on lacustrine swamp source rocks of E3e in the Wenchang A Sag, without a systematic study of shallow lacustrine source rocks. In this study, the quality of E3e shallow lacustrine source rocks is reevaluated, and the hydrocarbon generation and expulsion characteristics are analyzed using relevant geological data and constructing a conceptual model. The results show that the E3e2 source rocks have greater thickness (50–600 m) and similar organic matter abundance (0.5–2.5%) compared with the E3e1 source rocks (50–500 m and 0.5–2.5%). On the whole, the E3e source rocks were deposited in the continental environment and are dominated by Type II and Type III kerogen. Meanwhile, the E3e source rocks of the Wenchang A Sag are in the stage of mature to over mature, while those of the Wenchang B Sag are in the stage of low mature. Vertically, the hydrocarbon generation potential of the E3e2 source rocks is greater than E3e1. Also, the cumulative hydrocarbon production of steep slope in the Wenchang A Sag is larger than that in the Wenchang B Sag. In addition, the corresponding vitrinite reflectances of hydrocarbon expulsion threshold and peak are 0.72 and 0.96%, respectively. Horizontally, four hydrocarbon generation and expulsion centers were mainly concentrated in different subsags of the Wenchang A and B Sags for E3e. The maximum values of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion intensity for E3e1 are 1500 × 104 t/km2 and 1000 × 104 t/km2, respectively, while those for E3e2 are 1800 × 104 t/km2 and 1200 × 104 t/km2, respectively, with the expulsion efficiency of 75%.
A Comparison of Video-Based Interventions to Teach Data Entry to Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: A Replication and Extension
Authors: McDuff Emeline , Lanovaz Marc J. , Morin Diane , Giannakakos Antonia R. , Kheloufi Yasmine , Vona Mélissa
Published: March 2020

Researchers have demonstrated that video-based interventions are effective at teaching a variety of skills to individuals with intellectual disabilities. To replicate and extend this line of research, we initially planned to compare the effects of video modeling and video prompting on the acquisition of a novel work skill (i.e., data entry) in two adults with moderate intellectual disabilities using an alternating treatment design. When both interventions failed to improve performance, the instructors sequentially introduced a least-to-most instructor-delivered prompting procedure. The results indicated that the introduction of instructor prompts considerably increased correct responding in one participant during video modeling and in both participants during video prompting. Overall, the study suggests that practitioners should consider incorporating instructor-delivered prompts from the onset, or at least when no improvements in performance are observed, when using video-based interventions to teach new work skills to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The modifying effect of nutritional factors on the association between IL1-β single nucleotide polymorphism and serum CXCL10 levels in young Canadian adults
Authors: Li Xuedi , Jarosz Alicia Caroline , El-Sohemy Ahmed , Badawi Alaa
Published: March 2020

Background:

Genetic and nutritional factors play an important role in inflammatory response and diseases. CXCL10 is a critical biomarker that is involved in multiple inflammatory diseases, and elevated levels of CXCL10 have been associated with the development of several chronic and infectious diseases. In contrast, micronutrients can attenuate inflammatory responses. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the pro-inflammatory cytokine genes such as IL-1β at rs16944 contributed to a number of inflammatory disorders and may substantiate the convergance between chronic and infectious diseases.

Aim:

This study aims to identify the modifying effect of nutritional factors on the association between IL-1β genotypes and CXCL10 levels.

Methods:

Participants ( N = 386) were healthy males and females from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health study recruited from the University of Toronto. Levels of micronutrients and inflammatory markers were measured in plasma. IL-1β genotypes were extracted from the Affymetrix 6.0 SNP chip.

Results:

CXCL10 levels were not different across different IL-1β genotypes. Among those with the GA genotype, elevated CXCL10 levels were observed with higher than median ascorbic acid (β = 0.004 ± 0.002, P = 0.047) or higher than median vitamin D status (β = 0.003 ± 0.002, P = 0.044). Among participants with the AA genotype, subjects with low α-tocopherol status had elevated levels of CXCL10 (β = −0.016 ± 0.007, P = 0.012).

Conclusion:

The association between IL-1β rs16944 genotype and CXCL10 levels was modified by the levels of ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and vitamin D. These findings may aid in understanding the combined effect of genetic and dietary factors in the development of various infectious and chronic diseases in which IL-1β and CXCL10 may play an etiological role.
Effect of serum from healthy individuals on the growth of melanocytes in vitro following moxibustion at the “Jiudianfeng” point
Authors: Liu Rupeng , Niu Tianhui , Cheng Yu , Zhou Dongmei , Zhang Cang , Qu Jianhua , Sun Liyun , Guo Guangjin , Gao Ran , Zhao Guang , Wang Jusheng
Published: March 2020

Objective

To investigate the effects of serum from healthy individuals obtained following moxibustion at the “Jiudianfeng” point on melanocytes in vitro.

Methods

Ten healthy adults (five male and five female) were treated by moxibustion at the “Jiudianfeng” point for 30 minutes once daily for 3 months. The effects of treatment with serum obtained following moxibustion on melanocyte proliferation, melanin content, tyrosinase activity, cell cycle progression, and c-kit mRNA and protein expression were assessed in vitro before and after moxibustion for 1, 2, and 3 months.

Results

Exposure to sera from healthy adults following moxibustion therapy promoted melanocyte proliferation, melanin synthesis, tyrosinase activity, and c-kit mRNA and protein expression in vitro. Melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity increased in the first 2 months following moxibustion and a synchronous decline was observed during the third month. Serum also promoted melanocyte entry into the G1 phase of the cell cycle.

Conclusions

Serum treatment following moxibustion at the “Jiudianfeng” point promoted melanocyte proliferation and melanin synthesis. Further exploration of this intriguing phenomenon is essential.
Neighborhood Income Inequality and Adolescent Relationship Aggression: Results of a Nationally Representative, Longitudinal Study
Authors: Okeke Nnenna , Rothman Emily F. , Mumford Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2020

Adolescent relationship aggression (ARA) is a prevalent public health issue with myriad adverse health outcomes. Experts suggest that a research focus on individual- and family-level risk factors for ARA has been too limited, proposing that research on the “outer layers” of the social-ecological model, including community-level risk factors, may hold promise for the development of interventions targeting ARA. This study assessed the longitudinal association between one community-level risk factor—income inequality—and ARA victimization and perpetration. The study also examined variations of this association by race/ethnicity, income, and/or sex. This study is based on 723 participants (351 male and 372 female participants) from the Survey on Teen Relationships and Intimate Violence (STRiV). We assessed data across two waves (2013 and 2016). Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between neighborhood income inequality and both ARA victimization and perpetration. We included interaction terms to assess whether these associations varied by race/ethnicity and/or income, and we stratified analyses by sex. We did not detect associations between income inequality and ARA victimization or perpetration in the overall sample. However, for female participants from families with more income, living in a neighborhood with more income inequality was associated with increased risk of ARA victimization (odds ratio [OR] = 1.163; p < .05). More affluent, compared with less affluent, adolescent girls in mixed-income neighborhoods may be at increased risk of ARA victimization.