bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Non-invasive Method Allowing for Discovery of Pathologically Relevant Proteins From Small Airways
Authors: Östling Jörgen , Geest Marleen Van , Olsson Henric K , Dahlén Sven-Erik , Viklund Emilia , Gustafsson Per , Mirgorodskaya Ekaterina , Olin Anna-Carin
Published: September 2020

BackgroundBreath contains an aerosol of droplet particles, which are formed from the epithelial lining fluid when the small airways close and re-open during inhalation succeeding a full expiration. These particles can be collected by impaction using the PExA® method (Particles in Exhaled Air), and constitute a potential source of biomarkers reflecting pathological processes in the small airways.ObjectiveOur aim was to investigate if PExA method may be useful for discovery of biomarkers that reflect pathology of small airways.Methods10 healthy controls and 20 subjects with asthma, of whom 10 with small airway dysfunction (SAD), were examined using the PExA instrument. The samples were analysed with the SOMAscan proteomics platform (SomaLogic Inc). ResultsTwo hundred-seven proteins were detected in up to 80% of the samples. Nine proteins showed differential abundance in subjects with SAD as compared to healthy controls. Two of these were less abundant (ALDOA4, C4), and seven more abundant (FIGF, SERPINA1, CD93, CCL18, F10, IgM, IL1RAP). sRAGE levels were lower in ex-smokers (n=14) than in never smokers (n=16). Gene Ontology (GO) annotation database analyses revealed that the PEx proteome is enriched in extracellular proteins associated with extracellular exosome-vesicles and innate immunity.ConclusionThe applied analytical method was reproducible and allowed identification of pathologically interesting proteins in PEx samples from asthmatic subjects with small airway dysfunction. The results suggest that PEx based proteomics is an novel and promising approach to study respiratory diseases with small airway involvement.
Maternity waiting homes as component of birth preparedness and complication readiness for rural women in hard-to-reach areas in Ethiopia
Authors: Gurara Mekdes Kondale , Geertruyden Jean-Pierre Van , Gutema Befikadu Tariku , Draulans Veerle , Jacquemyn Yves
Published: September 2020

Background: In rural areas of Ethiopia, 57% of births occur at home without the assistance of skilled birth attendants, geographical inaccessibility being one of the main factors that hinder skilled birth attendance. Establishment of maternity waiting homes (MWH) is part of a strategy to improve access to skilled care by bringing pregnant women physically close to health facilities. This study assessed barriers to MWHs in Arba Minch Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken from February 01 to 30, 2019. Study participants were selected by computer-generated random numbers from a list of women who gave birth from 2017 to 2018 in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance System site. Data were collected using a pre-tested and interviewer-administered questionnaire. STATA statistical software version-15 was used for data analysis, and variables with p-values ≤0.25 in bivariate analysis were considered for multivariable logistic regression analysis. Level of statistical significance was declared at a -value <0.05. Qualitative data were analyzed manually based on thematic areas.Results: MWH utilization was found to be 8.4%. Wealth index (lowest wealth quintile aOR 7.3; 95% CI 1.2, 42), decisions made jointly with male partners (husbands) for obstetric emergencies (aOR 3.6; 95% CI 1.0, 12), birth preparedness plan practice (aOR 6.5; 95% CI 2.3, 18.2), complications in previous childbirth (aOR 3; 95% 1.0, 9), history of previous institutional childbirth (aOR 12; 95% CI 3.8, 40), residence in areas within two hours walking distance to the nearest health facility (aOR 3.3; 95% CI: 1.4, 7.7), and ease of access to transport in obstetric emergencies (aOR 8.8; 95% CI: 3.9, 19) were factors that showed significant associations with MWH utilization.Conclusions: A low proportion of women has ever used MWHs in the study area. To increase MWH utilization, promoting birth preparedness practices, incorporating MWH as part of a personalized birth plan, improving access to health institutions for women living far away and upgrading existing MWHs are highly recommended.
A Comparison of Contemplative vs. Transformative Instruction in EFL Learners' Oral Performance: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Ahmadpour Sahar , Asadollahfam Hassan , Kuhi Davud
Published: September 2020

The present study aimed at comparing the effectiveness of contemplative and transformative teaching approaches in the teaching of second language speaking skill. These two approaches move away from the traditional instructional approaches by making the learners in center of teaching—albeit in different ways. For this purpose, a total of 41 English as a foreign language (EFL) learners were exposed to each pedagogical approach and their speaking development was measured prior to and following the relevant practices. Furthermore, participants were interviewed to glean out richer insights about the efficacy of each approach. Results of both statistical analyses and interview analyses indicated the superiority of the transformative approach in bringing about speaking enhancement in learners’ posttest scores. However, the contemplative approach was not found to be effective. These findings offer significant implications for teachers and teacher trainers regarding oral language development which are further discussed.
Graphene Oxide Nanofilm and Chicken Embryo Extract Decrease the Invasiveness of HepG2 Liver Cancer Cells
Authors: Sosnowska Malwina , Kutwin Marta , Strojny Barbara , Koczoń Piotr , Szczepaniak Jarosław , Bałaban Jaśmina , Daniluk Karolina , Jaworski Sławomir , Chwalibog André , Bielawski Wiesław , Sawosz Ewa
Published: September 2020

Background: The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a mosaic of various structural and functional proteins that cooperate with the cell, regulate adhesion, and consequently manage its further fate. Liver destruction is accompanied by a disruption of the physicochemical properties of the ECM which deregulates the cell-ECM interaction and can lead to uncontrolled proliferation and neoplastic transformation of cells. Therefore, it can be assumed that ECM modification and restoration of its characteristics for healthy tissue may counteract uncontrolled cell proliferation. The purpose of the presented research model was to optimise the physical characteristics of ECM by introducing a graphene oxide plane/nanofilm (nfGO) and enriching the cell environment with potentially missing proteins by adding a functional protein cocktail (chicken embryo liver extract) and determine the impact of these factors on cell-ECM cooperation and its consequences on adhesion, proliferation, and cell phase, which are factors of the invasiveness of cancer cells.Results: Experiments were performed with non-cancer HS-5 cells and liver cancer cells HepG2 and C3A. The cells were divided into four groups; (1) control, (2) cultured on GO nanofilm, (3) cultured with the addition of chicken embryo liver extract (CELE) to the medium and (4) cultured on the GO nanofilm with the addition of CELE. CELE contained 1735 proteins; the top 57 of these proteins have been presented. The use of GO nanofilm as well as CELE and nfGO + CELE reduced the proliferation of HepG2 cancer cells to the greatest extent; this is in contrast to non-cancer cells and also to C3A cancer cells. Furthermore, the combined use of the CELE protein cocktail and GO substrate effectively resulted in a decrease in the population of HepG2 cells in the G0/G1 phase and an increase of the population in G2/M. Molecular analysis of HepG2 cancer cells also showed an increase in the expression of genes responsible for adhesion such as fak (focal adhesion kinase), e-cadherin, and n-cadherin and a decrease in β-catenin, which is considered a proto-oncogen. Conclusions: Studies have shown that both the GO surface structure on which the cells are grown as well as the presence of a multi-component natural cocktail of regulatory proteins, can modify the expression of integrins, increase adhesion and, as a consequence, proliferation and the cell cycle - entering the resting phase. For the first time, it has been documented that hepatic cancer cells of the HepG2 line under the influence of stimuli derived from mimic ECM (graphene oxide) in interaction with a unique protein complex derived from chicken liver embryo decreased of the invasiveness of cancer cells.
A Conjoint Analysis of Preferences on Medical Endoscope After-sales Service
Authors: Zheng Jun , Wei Jingming , Xie Ying , Chen Siyao , Li Jun , Lou Ligang , Sun Jing , Feng Jingyi
Published: September 2020

Background: Medical endoscope instruments are minimally invasive, and they are widely used to investigate symptoms or help to perform certain types of surgery. This study investigates and defines a comprehensive set of attributes, to measure the after-sales service of medical endoscopes. The set of attributes help customers communicate their real needs with suppliers, and guide suppliers to develop the right products and services to fulfil customer demands. Methods: Based on literature review and the findings from the Delphi study, we identified 5 factors (attributes) that best described the expectations on the after-sales service of medical endoscopes. Using conjoint analysis, a set of 16 combinations (also named as cards or profiles) of the factor levels were generated in orthogonal design and used to develop the questionnaire. We administered the cards to 65 medical staff and 56 medical engineers across 50 Chinese hospitals, asking them to assign a preference score to each card. The utility value of each factor level was estimated and attribute importance values were obtained.Results: Attribute importance and utility values of factor levels were analysed at the aggregate level, occupation level, and medical institution level. (1) At the aggregate level, the five attributes were ranked in the order of importance values, the most important one is “maintenance response” and the least important is “maintenance efficiency”. (2) Medical staff and medical engineers ranked the five attributes in the same order. However, medical staff paid more attention to "maintenance response" and medical engineers paid more attention to "maintenance quality". (3) At the medical institution level, primary hospitals paid more attention to "maintenance price", while tertiary hospitals paid more attention to "maintenance quality".Conclusions: In this study, the utility values and attribute importance that affected the after-sales service level of medical endoscopes were obtained using conjoint analysis. The research results were consistent with the actual market situation of medical endoscope service. In general, this study provides a more scientific solution for hospitals in choosing after-sales service of medical equipment, and it also helps manufacturers and suppliers improve the after-sales service.
Hematopoietic stem cells can differentiate into pericytes and myofibroblast in wound healing, not bone Mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Kong Yanan , Cheng Liuhanghang , Xuan Min , Ding Hao , Cheng Biao
Published: September 2020

Background

Hematopoietic stem cells(HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) can participate in wound healing. However, very few studies had shown HSCs and MSCs could arrive to the wound and differentiate into tissues. In this study, we intend to investigate the role of bone marrow HSCs and MSCs in wound healing.
Methods

We first removed the bone marrow of mice by irradiation. Furthermore, we injected different colours of fluorescent HSCs and MSCs into the tail vein of irradiated mice to reconstruct bone marrow function. We prepared wound models on the back of these mice. In vivo imaging and immunohistochemical staining were used to track the expression of fluorescent protein.
Results

HSCs and MSCs have been isolated and cultured. HSCs expressed expressed Sca1, not lineage, CD34 or CD48. MSCs expressed expressed CD29 and CD44,not CD34 or CD45. HSCs labeled with green fluorescent protein reached the wound and co-expressed with desmin and α-SMA. MSCs didn’t stay on the wound.
Conclusions

The results show HSCs in the bone marrow of mice can directly participate in wound healing and differentiate into pericytes and myofibroblasts.
Integrating transcriptome-wide association study and mRNA expression profile identified sensitive genes related to hand osteoarthritis
Authors: Xu Jiawen , Zeng Yi , Si Haibo , Liu Yuan , Li Mingyang , Zeng Junfeng , Shen Bin
Published: September 2020

Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common skeletal system disease which proven partly related to genetic factors. The hand is a frequently affected part, which seriously affects the quality of life. But pathogenesis mechanism of hand osteoarthritis (hand OA) is still elusive.
Methods
The Genome-wide association study (GWAS)summary of hand OA was derived from the UK Biobank, which contains 452,264 White British individuals with 37782 osteoarthritis patients. The transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS)of hand OA was carried out using the Functional Summary-based Imputation (FUSION) using the gene expression references of muscle skeleton and blood. The significant genes identified by TWAS were further subjected to gene sets enrichment analysis (GSEA) by the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) tool. Furthermore, we compared the identified genes and gene sets of TWAS with that of an OA mRNA expression profile to detect the genes and gene sets shared by TWAS and mRNA expression profiles of OA.
Results
TWAS identified 177 genes with P value < 0.05 for muscle skeleton, such as ANKRD44 (P = 0.0001), RIC3(P = 0.0003), AC005154.6 (P = 0.0004). TWAS identified 423 genes with P value < 0.05 for blood, such as CRIM1(P = 0.0002), ZNF880 (P = 0.0002), NCKIPSD (P = 0.0003).After comparing these results of TWAS to those of mRNA expression profile, we identified 5 common genes, such as DHRS3 (log2fold=-1.85, P = 3.31 × 10− 9), SKP2(log2fold = 1.36, P = 1.62 × 10− 8). GSEA of TWAS identified genes detected 51 gene ontology (GO) terms for hand OA, for example, protein binding (P = 0.0003), cytosol (P = 0.0020). We also detected 6 common GO terms shared by TWAS and mRNA expression profiling of OA, such as protein binding (PTWAS = 2.54 × 10− 4, PmRNA = 3.42 × 10− 8), extracellular exosome (PTWAS =0.02, PmRNA = 1.18 × 10− 4), cytoplasm(PTWAS =0.0183, PmRNA = 0.0048).
Conclusion
In this study, we selected 5 sensitive genes(DHRS3, SKP2, IRS2, TOB1, PPP1R15A)and 6 GO terms(protein binding, extracellular exosome, cytoplasm, oxidoreductase, cellular response to mechanical stimulus, oxidation-reduction process) related to the hand osteoarthritis, which may help to uncover the pathogenesis of hand osteoarthritis at the genetic and molecular levels.
Filopodia rotate and coil by actively generating twist in their actin shaft
Authors: Leijnse Natascha , Barooji Younes , Verhagen Bram , Wullkopf Lena , Erler Janine , Szabolcs Semsey , Nylandsted Jesper , Doostmohammadi Amin , Oddershede Lene , Bendix Poul
Published: September 2020

Filopodia are actin-rich structures, present on the surface of practically every known eukaryotic cell. These structures play a pivotal role in specific cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions by allowing cells to explore their environment, generate mechanical forces, perform chemical signaling, or convey signals via intercellular tunneling nano-bridges. The dynamics of filopodia appear quite complex as they exhibit a rich behavior of buckling, pulling, length and shape changes. Here, we find that filopodia additionally explore their 3D extracellular space by combining growth and shrinking with axial twisting and buckling of their actin rich core. Importantly, we show the rotational dynamics of the filamentous actin inside filopodia for a range of highly distinct and cognate cell types spanning from earliest development to highly differentiated tissue cells. Non-equilibrium physical modeling of actin and myosin confirm that twist, and hence rotation, is an emergent phenomenon of active filaments confined in a narrow channel which points to a generic mechanism present in all cells. Our measurements confirm that filopodia exert traction forces and form helical buckles in a range of different cell types that can be ascribed to accumulation of sufficient twist. These results lead us to conclude that activity induced twisting of the actin shaft is a general mechanism underlying fundamental functions of filopodia
High Norepinephrine Status Induced Growth of Colorectal Cancer With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Benefited From ADP-Ribosyltransferase 1
Authors: Chen Wenwen , Yang Yanping , Duan Jiale , Li Ming , Tang Yi , Zhang Shuxian , Gong Hanjuan , Li Qingshu , Wang Yalan
Published: September 2020

BackgroundIt is known that type 2 diabetes mellitus patients have higher susceptibility to colorectal cancer and poorer prognosis, but the mechanism is quite unknown. Here, we investigated effect of ADP-Ribosyltransferase 1 on growth of colorectal cancer combined diabetes in high norepinephrine status and the potential mechanism. MethodsWe evaluated size and weight of transplanted tumors with different ADP-Ribosyltransferase 1 level of CT26 cells or different norepinephrine level on diabetic mice model and observed their survival time as well. Consistently, CCK8 and flow cytometry were applied for detecting growth of CT26 cells in vitro. Western blot was performed for analyzing differentially expressed proteins of proliferatic profiles to determine ADP-Ribosyltransferase 1-modulated pathway.ResultsAccording to our data, high level of norepinephrine and ADP-Ribosyltransferase 1 both facilitated proliferation of CT26 cells in vitro and in vivo, besides, inhibition of norepinephrinee-depended-proliferation was observed in ADP-Ribosyltransferase 1 silencing CT26 cells in vitro compared with CT26 cells with ADP-Ribosyltransferase 1 expression. However, we discovered after reducing norepinephrine level of serum by surgery, size and weight of the transplanted tumors were significantly reduced compared with non-operated group and sham-operated group. Further, expression of ADP-Ribosyltransferase 1, mTOR, STAT3, p-AKT protein in tumor tissues of diabetic mice was increased rather than non-diabetes mice, while after depleting norepinephrine level by renal denervation operation, expression of proliferation-relative proteins mTOR, STAT3, p-AKT protein was decreased, but no change was discovered in ADP-Ribosyltransferase 1 expression. While under the same concentration of norepinephrine environment, ADP-Ribosyltransferase 1 boosts expression of p-AKT, mTOR, STAT3, CyclinD1 and c-myc in CT26 cells in vitro. ConclusionsThis study proposed a hypothesis that high-norepinephrine-induced proliferation of colorectal cancer required expression of ADP-Ribosyltransferase 1, and raise ADP-Ribosyltransferase 1 might be a candidate target for treatment of diabetes-associated colorectal cancer.
Differential expression of starch and sucrose metabolic genes linked to varying biomass yield in Miscanthus hybrids
Authors: De Vega Jose J , Peel Ned , Purdy Sarah J , Hawkins Sarah , Donnison Iain , Dyer Sarah , Farrar Kerrie
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND:Miscanthus is a commercial lignocellulosic biomass crop owing to its high biomass productivity and low chemical input requirements. Interspecific Miscanthus hybrids with high biomass yield were shown to have low concentrations of starch and sucrose but high concentrations of fructose. We performed a transcriptional RNA-seq analysis between selected Miscanthus hybrids with contrasting values for these phenotypes to clarify how these phenotypes are genetically controlled. RESULTS:We observed that genes directly involved in the synthesis and degradation of starch and sucrose were down-regulated in high yielding Miscanthus hybrids. At the same time, glycolysis and export of triose phosphates were up-regulated in high yielding Miscanthus hybrids. CONCLUSIONS:Our results evidence a direct relationship between high expression of essential enzymatic genes in the starch and sucrose pathways, high starch concentrations, and lower biomass production. The strong interconnectivity between genotype, chemotype and agronomic traits opens the door to use the expression of well-characterised genes in the starch and sucrose pathway for the early selection of high biomass yielding genotypes from large Miscanthus populations.
LncRNA MAGI2-AS3 and ZEB2 Plays a Crucial Role in the Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma:a Bioinformatics Study
Authors: Hu Chenjing , Lu JianLin , Wang Zirui , Lu Jianjun , Qian Wenfei
Published: September 2020

PurposeLung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is a common type of non-small-cell lung cancer. Because of the limitations of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, LUSC treatments are ineffective. To better understand the underlying mechanisms of LUSC carcinogenesis, the present study aimed to identify novel factors and their signaling networks in LUSC, with a primary focus on the construction of a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network. MethodsWe conducted a transcriptomic analysis of LUSC samples from The Cancer Genome Altas database. Furthermore, we analyzed the data using bioinformatics methods.Results533 samples were selected for analysis, including 485 “PrimaryTumor” samples and 48 “SolidTissueNormal” samples. A total of 1853 DEgenes were identified. Bioinformatics analyses identified the most physiologically relevant and significantly dysregulated lncRNAs and mRNAs. MAGI2-AS3 and ZEB2 were found to play key roles in LUSC. Furthermore, we mapped these signaling pathway based on its role as a miRNA sponge to predict the binding of miRNA to MAGI2-AS3 and ZEB2.ConclusionWe concluded that MAGI2-AS3/ZEB2 loop exhibited tumor-suppressor activity in LUSC by inhibiting miR-374a-5p and miR-374b-5p and modulating the downstream signal transduction through a ceRNA network.
Compare the Segmentation Accuracy of Heart Substructure on Contrast Enhanced CT by Deep Convolutional Neural Network with Different Loss Functions
Authors: Huang Danju , Bai Han , Wang Li , Hou Yu , Li Lan , Xia Yaoxiong , Chen Wenrui , Yan Zhirui , Chen Zhaocai , Zhang Wei , Chang Li , Li Wenhui
Published: September 2020

Background: We aimed to compare the segmentation accuracy of heart substructure on contrast enhanced CT by deep neural network combined with different loss functions.Methods: We collected 35 thoracic tumor patients admitted to the Department of Radiation Oncology of Yunnan Cancer Hospital. Organ-at-risks (OARs) were defined as 10 organs of cardiac substructures (pericardium, heart, left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, right ventricle, left main stem, left anterior descending Branch, left circumflex branch, right coronary artery), and use the OARs manually outlined by radiation oncologists on enhanced localization CT as the gold standard. The automatic segmentation results of GDL U-Net, WCEGDL U-Net, ELL U-Net, and GDL V-Net are compared with the gold standard. DSC, JC, HD, VD are used as quantitative evaluation indicators. Results: The segmentation DSC of the pericardium, heart, atrium, and ventricle of the DCNN with different loss functions all reached above 0.87. WCEGDL U-Net segmented the pericardium with DSC of 0.961 and 95% HD of 3.449mm; The segmentation DSC of the heart by ELL U-Net reached 0.965, and the 95% HD was 3.477mm; GDL U-Net segmentation of left atrium and right ventricle is better, DSC is 0.896 (95% HD: 3.429mm), 0.912 (95% HD: 4.242mm);GDL V-Net has better segmentation performance for right atrium and left ventricle, with DSC of 0.881 (95% HD: 3.904mm) and 0.940 (95% HD: 2.821mm). Conclusions: The DCNN proposed in this study have achieved better segmentation effects on the pericardium, heart and four chambers in cardiac substructure segmentation.
THE MANAGEMENT OF CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEW TWO-LAYER RUBBER MATRIX SEALS
Authors: Aslanov Jamaladdin Nuraddin , Abasova Sevinc Malik , Huseynli Zenfira Seydi
Published: September 2020

Rubber seals for closing devices operating in cold climates degrade quickly in aggressive environments at very low temperatures. As a result, leaks and failures occur in the closure devices. Therefore, there is a great need to develop a new model of rubber seals and develop their scientific basis.

The article is devoted to increasing the sealing effect of rubber seals of machines and equipment, including closures, by introducing the anisotropy of the rubber matrix into its structure with control of the characteristics of hard closures obtained from rubber. For this purpose, new models of the gate valve design were obtained and new models of two-layer panel seals based on a modified rubber elastomer matrix are applied to these structures.

For this, a test program is carried out in the form of an analytical trajectory of large, medium and small constant curves in two closed forms based on characteristic deformations to study the anisotropy of matrix deformations. It is found that the eigenvector of the deformation anisotropy of the matrix is not in the load trajectory before it collapses, it arises with a delay. This delay slows down the rate of destruction.

This property of deceleration of the main eigenvector of the deformation anisotropy of the matrix is subjected to a very complex loading of the initial fields, in the latter sections it is also observed in samples No. 2, No. 3, tested along the trajectory of linear loading. This delay slows down the destruction rate.

Thus, the direction of the deceleration property of the main eigenvector can be considered quite common. This leads to an increase in its resistance to wear in a highly aggressive environment
DIAPHRAGMATIC MYOTRAUMA IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE RESPIRATORY FAILURE
Authors: Filyk Olha
Published: September 2020

The aim of the study was to establish the prevalence of diaphragmatic dysfunction (DD), depending on the strategy of mechanical ventilation (MV).

Materials and methods. We completed the prospective single-center cohort study. Data analysis included 82 patients (1 month – 18 years old), divided into I group (lung-protective MV) and II group (diaphragm-protective in addition to lung-protective MV).

Patients were divided into age subgroups. Stages of the study: 1st day (d1), 3rd (d3), 5th (d5), 7th (d7), 9th (d9), 14th (d14), 28th (d28). We studied amplitude of diaphragm movement; thickening fraction, parameters of acid-base balance and MV. Results are described as median [IQR - interquartile range] with level of significance p.

Results. In patients of the 1st age subgroup in I group there were episodes with under-assist during MV, while in II group diaphragm overload was registered only on d5.

In patients of 2nd subgroup in I group we found over-assist of MV with excessive work of the right hemidiaphragm and low contractions of left dome at all stages of study, while in II group – the only episode of diaphragmatic weakness on d3 due to under-assist of MV. In the 3rd subgroup the proper diaphragmatic activity in I group was restored significantly later than in II group. In 4th subgroup of I group there was episode of high work of diaphragm on d5, whereas in II group – all data were within the recommended parameters for diaphragm-protective strategy of MV. In 5th subgroup of I group excessive work of both right and left domes of diaphragm was significantly more often registered than in II group, however, in II group there were found episodes of both type changes – diaphragmatic weakness and excessive work.

Conclusion: The prevalence and variety of manifestations of DD depend on the strategy of MV. Low incidence of DD was associated with lower duration of MV: in 1st age subgroup in 1.5 times; in 2nd age subgroup – in 2.4 times; in 4th age subgroup – in 1.75 times; in 5th age subgroup – in 4.25 times.
The influence of spacetime curvature on quantum emission in optical analogues to gravity
Authors: Jacquet Maxime , Koenig Friedrich
Published: September 2020

Quantum fluctuations on curved spacetimes cause the emission of pairs of particles from the quantum vacuum, as in the Hawking effect from black holes.
We use an optical analogue to gravity
to investigate the influence of the curvature on quantum emission.
Due to dispersion, the spacetime curvature varies with frequency here.
We analytically calculate for all frequencies the particle flux, correlations and entanglement.
We find that horizons increase the flux with a characteristic spectral shape.
The photon number correlations transition from multi- to two-mode, with close to maximal entanglement.
The quantum state is a diagnostic for the mode conversion in laboratory tests of quantum field theory on curved spacetimes.
Pulmonary hypertension: From an orphan disease to a global epidemic
Authors: Butrous Ghazwan
Published: September 2020

[No abstract. Showing first paragraph of article]Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive disease characterized by an elevation of pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance, leading to right ventricular failure and death. It remains a challenging chronic progressive disease, but the current interest and advent of medical therapy in the last 20 years has significantly changed the perception of medical community in this disease. Pulmonary hypertension is not a specific disease; the majority of cases present with other diseases and various pathological processes that affect the pulmonary vasculature, and consequently increase pulmonary pressure and vascular resistance.
AS ALTERAÇÕES NO CLIMA URBANO DE PARANAGUÁ CORRELACIONADO AO USO E OCUPAÇÃO DO SOLO
Authors: De Souza Francisco Xavier da Silva , Do Carmo Marcio Rosário , Da Cruz Junior Helio Edison , De Souza Geovana Rodrigues , Lopes Evany Evely Lenz , Da Silva Luiz Everson
Published: September 2020

O município de Paranaguá está localizado na planície litorânea do Estado do Paraná, também nela está localizado o Porto D. Pedro II, importante fonte de renda para a cidade e na organização do espaço urbano de Paranaguá. Este trabalho tem por objetivo identificar as temperaturas médias térmicas e correlacionar com a ocupação do solo no período entre 1950 e 2019 na cidade de Paranaguá - Paraná. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de revisão bibliográfica, pesquisa nos arquivos do IBGE Paranaguá, 8º Distrito de Meteorologia de Porto Alegre-RS, pesquisa de campo no período de 2007 a 2019 na Estação de Meteorologia de Paranaguá. A coleta dos dados foi realizada às 09h00min, 15h00min e 21h00minh seguindo horários estabelecidos pela (OMM). Utilizando processamento matemático, foram analisadas as variações da temperatura e precipitações diárias para o período entre janeiro de 1950 e dezembro de 2019. Para a observação no uso de ocupação do solo foram utilizadas fotos antigas e atuais do município, e fez-se uma análise nas temperaturas médias e no crescimento populacional para correlacionar com o uso do solo. No período entre 1950 e 1970 a temperatura média do Município foi de 21,1°C e as precipitações médias foram de 2.173 mm, período caracterizado pelas atividades portuárias em expansão, com o Ciclo do Café. Para o período entre 1971 e 2000, início do ciclo da diversificação, observou-se que houve aumento significativo na média da temperatura, observou-se que a média registrada foi de 21,9ºC com um volume de precipitações de 2.213mm em média. Para o período compreendido entre 2001 e 2019, a temperatura média registrada foi de 22,42 ºC e volumes de precipitações na faixa de 2.238 mm. Os resultados parciais da pesquisa mostram que no período estudado houve aumento nas temperaturas médias, bem como aumento nos volumes de precipitações.
WILHELM OSTWALD PARA ALÉM DO ANTIATOMISMO
Authors: Pereira Letícia , Freire Jr. Olival , Mascarenhas Artur , Boeck Gisela
Published: September 2020

WILHELM OSTWALD BEYOND ANTIATOMISM. The Baltic German chemist Wilhelm Ostwald (1853-1932) had his scientific prestige eclipsed in the history of chemistry due to his rejection to atomic theory, which suggests the permanence of the whig interpretation on history of chemistry in the narratives about him. In this paper, we intend to present elements on Ostwald’s biography far from his role in the atomic controversy from the 19th century, as for example his efforts for the popularization of physical chemistry; his role as a teacher and a textbook writer, and his role as a chemical researcher, being responsible for relevant studies on chemical affinity and catalysis, for example. Finally, we conclude this paper defending that Ostwald’s trajectory cannot be neglected for those interested in history of science.
Identification of total aromas of plant protein sources
Authors: Antipova Luydmila , Kuchmenko Tatiana , Osmachkina Anastasiya , Osipova Natalia
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Due to the deficit and high cost of complete animal protein, the search and analysis of alternative sources is an actual scientific trend. Lentils is a good alternative to animal protein, but the pronounced bean smell and taste limit its full or partial use in food production. The aim of the work was to determine the total aromas of lentils when germinated to eliminate the bean taste and smell.

Study objects and methods. The object of the study was brown lentil beans germinated under laboratory conditions. Samples of the equilibrium gas phase formed over samples of wet and sprouted beans were investigated. The analysis of total aromas was carried out on a laboratory odor analyzer MAG-8 (“electronic nose”) by the method of piezoelectric quartz micro-weighing with an array of sensors.

Results and discussion. The study results showed qualitative and quantitative differences in the equilibrium gas phase over samples of wet and germinated grain. The quantitative analysis showed that the content of volatile compounds over sprouted grain is 12% less than over wet. The qualitative composition of the samples of wet and sprouted grain differed by 60%, which confirmed the influence of germination on the composition of the equilibrium gas phase and the possibility of eliminating bean odor. Testing showed that the use of pre-processed lentil grains allows to replace up to 50% of raw meat in minced products (minced food, chopped food) without changing the smell of the products.

Conclusion. According to the results obtained, preliminary processing of lentils by germination will allow using this bean culture as an alternative source of animal protein to expand the range, and improve the quality of meat and dairy products.
Quality characteristics of snacks produced from nixtamalized corn flours of new drought-tolerant yellow corn hybrids
Authors: Yaseen Attia , Hussein Ahmed , Esmail Ramadan , Mohammad Ayman
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Producing new maize cultivars in areas with limited water resources is the main task of plant breeders. However, there is little information regarding their technological characteristics and industrial potential. Besides, snacks have gained worldwide acceptability and become part of modern food culture, especially among young people and children. Thus, our study aimed to produce corn snacks from new yellow corn hybrids planted under water stress in Delta region, Egypt.

Study objects and methods. We investigated healthy processing techniques and used nixtamalization and baking instead of frying. We also evaluated the chemical composition and starch crystallinity of flour, the rheological properties of dough, as well as color attributes and sensory characteristics of baked snacks.

Results and discussion. Significant differences (P ˂ 0.05) were found between all corn genotypes in their fat, protein, ash, crude fiber, and carbohydrate contents. The experimental drought conditions caused higher protein and fat contents compared to normal conditions. X-ray diffraction indicated that nixtamalization decreased starch crystallinity. Also, X-ray and rapid visco analysis showed that Y2 genotype exhibited the highest crystallinity and the lowest pasting properties, while Y3 and Y5 had the lowest crystallinity and the highest pasting properties. Baked snacks made from nixtamalized corn flour of genotypes planted under drought conditions had comparable quality characteristics in terms of color and sensory properties to the control snacks made from SC178 genotype

planted under normal conditions.

Conclusion. The new corn hybrids grown in limited water conditions and the developed snacks represent a healthy alternative to cornbased fried snacks.
Separation of gliadins from wheat flour by capillary gel electrophoresis: optimal conditions
Authors: Grujić Radoslav , Cvjetković Vesna Gojković , Marjanović-Balaban Željka
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Gliadin proteins are one of the gluten fractions. They are soluble in alcoholic solution and divided into four groups (α + β, γ, ω1.2, and ω5-gliadins). In this paper gliadins were extracted from wheat flour, and optimal conditions for their separation were determined.

Study objects and methods. The separation was performed by capillary gel electrophoresis on Agilent apparatus, CE 7100 (a capillary with an inner diameter of 50 μm, a total length of 33 cm, and an effective length of 23.50 cm). In order to determine the optimal conditions, different solvent concentrations (50, 60, and 70% ethanol), capillary temperatures (20, 25, 30, 35, and 40°C), and electrode voltages (–14.5, –16.5, –17.5 and –18.5 kV) were applied. Migration time and relative concentration of each protein molecules within gliadin fractions in the electrophoregram were analysed using Agilent ChemStation Software.

Results and discussion. The optimal conditions for gliadin separation were: solvent 70% (v/v) ethanol, capillary temperature of 25°C, and electrode voltage of –16.5 kV. Under these conditions, the total proteins were indetified as Xav = 23.50, including α + β gliadin fraction (Xav = 7.50 and relative concentration RC = 28.29%), γ-gliadins (Xav = 5.00, RC = 26.66%), ω1.2-gliadins (Xav = 4.33, RC = 14.93%), and ω5-gliadins (Xav = 6.67, RC = 30.98%).

Conclusion. The results of the research can be of fundamental importance in the study of gluten proteins and the influence of technological procedures on their change and the possibility of reducing the allergic effect of gluten during processing.
Water supply network pollution source identification by random forest algorithm
Authors: Grbčić Luka , Lučin Ivana , Kranjčević Lado , Družeta Siniša
Published: September 2020

A novel approach for identifying the source of contamination in a water supply network based on the random forest classifying algorithm is presented in this paper. The proposed method is tested on two different water distribution benchmark networks with different sensor placements. For each considered network, a considerable amount of contamination scenarios with randomly selected contamination parameters were simulated and water quality time series of network sensors were obtained. Pollution scenarios were defined by randomly generated pollution source location, pollution starting time, duration of injection and the chemical intensity of the pollutant. Sensor layout's influence, demand uncertainty and imperfect sensor measurements were also investigated to verify the robustness of the method. The proposed approach shows high accuracy in localizing the potential sources of pollution, thus greatly reducing the complexity of the water supply network contamination detection problem.
Changes in flow and sediment load of poorly gauged Brahmaputra river basin under an extreme climate scenario
Authors: Haque Shammi , Ali Md. Mostafa , Islam A. K. M. Saiful , Khan Jamal Uddin
Published: September 2020

Brahmaputra River Basin (BRB), the largest contributor of sediment load in Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna delta, is highly vulnerable to future climate change. Several studies assessed the effects of climate change of BRB on river flow but an assessment on sediment load has not been conducted. Changes in sediment load in the future need to be assessed to control and manage sediment flows in large catchments properly. The present study focuses on developing a hydrological and sediment routing model of BRB using the HEC-HMS model to estimate future sediment load together with the flow for the RCP 8.5 climate scenario. Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation and Engelund Hansen method of HEC-HMS have been applied for the sediment transport of BRB. The model has been calibrated using daily runoff for the period 1983–1996 and validated for the period 1997–2010, respectively. The uncertainty in the percentage change in seasonal sediment load during the pre-monsoon season is higher than that of the monsoon season. However, the contribution of the sediment load of pre-monsoon is very much lower than the monsoon season. The percentage changes in mean annual sediment load compared to the baseline period for the 2020s, 2050s and 2080s are 34, 67 and 115%, respectively.
Purifying polluted water through hemodialysis filters for poor villages without electricity: the Easy Water for Everyone approach and experience
Authors: Port Friedrich K. , Raimann Jochen G. , Boaheng Joseph Marfo , Narh Philip K. , Johnson Seth , Lipps Ben , Donald Linda , Levin Nathan W.
Published: September 2020

Given the need for treating polluted drinking water, our NGO Easy Water for Everyone has produced pure water in remote villages without power and achieved health benefits. With the goal of reaching more needy populations we report our experience and successful implementation in Ghana. In 20 villages polluted water is pumped every few days to an elevated water tank connected to a filtration device leading to a faucet. Repurposed hemodialyzers with polysulfone membranes, having a filter pore size of 0.003 micrometres, prevent passage of pathogens. Gravity from a 3 m height pushes water through the membrane whenever the faucet is open. Backflushing of the hemodialyzer membrane three times daily removes built-up organic material and maintains flow rates of 250 L/hour for at least two years. Filtered water has been culture-negative. Management of problems and optimization are reported. The five-year cost per village of <1,500 population averaged <2 US$ per day.
KEY PROBLEMS OF THE WORLD ECONOMY ON THE BACKGROUND OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Authors: Milonova M. V. , Baranov S. V.
Published: September 2020

The article discusses issues related to the general decline in the world economy on the background of coronavirus infection. The authors attempt to analyze the consequences of the introduction of quarantine and isolation for the population of most countries, as a measure to constrain the pandemic. The article presents changes in the gross domestic product of the countries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, and a special place there is given to Russia. The authors also consider the crucial changes in the international pension system and suggest possible solutions to this problem. The article puts forward and substantiates the hypothesis that the reasons for such a significant drop in the economy include hard economic problems formed long before the pandemic. This includes an analysis of the recession on the income of large international corporations included in the S & P 500 international index. This article identifies the main key problems of the international economy and suggests the main ways to solve them. It also provides a forecast of further development of the economic situation, with regard to the current state.
THE PROBLEMS OF PENSION SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION AT THE SECOND–THIRD DECADES (IN US)
Authors: Lebedeva L. F.
Published: September 2020

The article examines the transformation of US social security trust funds in view of pension benefits guarantees. It is pointed out main approaches to solving the growing gap between the volume of payroll taxes and outlays for each year. According to the Social Security Board of Trustees, the asset reserves are expected to be exhausted in the fourth decade of the current century and future retirees could face problems with retirement benefits. Meanwhile, it’s an important point of each candidate’s agenda before presidential elections. One of the approaches for keeping the financial stability of the Social Security Act till the end of the current century and beyond is raise payroll taxes. But this proposal is not popular among republicans. President D. Trump's position on Social Security is not to increase payroll taxes or the age of retirement, but to stimulate economic growth which make it possible to collect more payroll taxes for Social Security system. At the same time the key priority of D. Trump’s administration in the field of strengthening retirement security in America is development of individual pension plans.
Możliwości wykorzystania biogazu rolniczego do produkcji paliwa silnikowego
Authors: Samson-Bręk Izabela , Biernat Krzysztof
Published: September 2020

Agricultural biogas production and its applications are some of the most favorable methods of receiving the energy at present. Thanks to using biogas both to the production of electricity and the warmth and as an engine fuel we can limiting consuming nonrenewable energy sources. Using biogas as a fuel contributing also to the reduction of the greenhouse effect mainly thanks to methane reduction.
Одиночное и совместное движение суперкавитирующих ударников в сверхзвуковом режиме в воде
Authors: Ищенко А.Н. , Буркин В.В. , Дьячковский А.С. , Майстренко И.В. , Рогаев К.С. , Саммель А.Ю. , Чупашев А.В.
Published: September 2020

The research considers features of the underwater movement of single and two supercavitating strikers when simultaneous penetration into the water at speeds exceeding of sound speed. Conditions which provide non-destructive penetration into the water of strikers and their stable movement along an aiming trajectory at the transonic speed range has been developed. A stable cooperative movement of two strikers at the supersonic speed has been realized.
Влияние кривизны поверхности на процессы физического распыления кремния ионами Ar низкой энергии
Authors: Сычева А.А.
Published: September 2020

In this paper molecular dynamics simulations of the irradiation of silicon nanoparticles with 200 eV Ar ions were performed. The detailed analysis of the results obtained demonstrates special features of the interaction between incident low-energy Ar ions and silicon targets with different surface curvature.
Получение естественного металломатричного композита Al-Nb деформацией сдвигом под давлением и его эмиссионная эффективность в тлеющем разряде
Authors: Хисамов Р.Х. , Корзникова Г.Ф. , Халикова Г.Р. , Сергеев С.Н. , Назаров К.С. , Шаяхметов Р.У. , Мулюков Р.Р.
Published: September 2020

A natural, in-situ, metal-matrix composite Al-Nb with an intermetallic phase Al3Nb with a fraction of 25% at. was obtained by deformation shear under pressure and subsequent annealing. The microstructure of the composite was studied. The emission efficiency in the glow discharge of Al-Nb composite, as well as aluminum and niobium as cold cathodes, was determined. The analysis of the difference between the glow discharge current at fixed voltages for cathodes from the studied materials is carried out.
Выглаживание поверхности антимонида галлия
Authors: Левин Р.В. , Федоров И.В. , Власов А.С. , Брунков П.Н. , Пушный Б.В.
Published: September 2020

For the first time, the results of a study of the conditions for obtaining an atomically smooth surface of GaSb substrates are presented. It is shown experimentally that it is possible to improve the surface quality of the samples by changing the annealing conditions. The lowest obtained roughness of 1.27 nm was obtained at an annealing time of 16 minutes at a temperature of 650°C in the flow of TMSb and H2.