bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tactile landscape compositional solutions for creating an accessible environment
Authors: Aksyanova T Y , Livak N S , Kondrashova E V , Parfenova A G , Yuldasheva E P
Published: January 2020

The paper presents a project of a tactile square with an assortment of woody and herbaceous plants non-standard for landscaping Siberian cities. Plants were selected based on the environmental conditions of the future place of growth, as well as according to the aromatic and textural characteristics of plant parts.
Calculation of the economic effect of environmental measures
Authors: Zhigir A A
Published: January 2020

The article presents the problems of atmospheric air protection from industrial emissions and labor protection at polluting enterprises. A list of measures to protect the atmosphere from industrial emissions is disclosed. A technique is proposed for determining the economic effect by increasing labor productivity as a result of measures to prevent atmospheric pollution.
The use of cenospheres for the production of spheroplastics with high dielectric characteristics, obtained from ash of thermal power plant operating on solid fuel
Authors: Lisyatnikov M S , Roshchina S I , Chukhlanov V Yu
Published: January 2020

Current work investigates problems of smoke emissions utilization from thermal power plants operation on solid fuel. During the work of this TPP type, a significant amount of ash is formed. During flotation, a pop-up fraction consisting of hollow spherical particles – cenosphere is distinguished from it. One of the promising applications of the cenospheres is their use as a filler in the production of spheroplastics. Cenospheres ecological safety was studied for the presence of heavy metals and the impact of water hoods on bioorganisms. Cenospheres’ shell chemical composition was determined using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer «Cпeктроскaн». It is determined that the censosphere consists mainly of aluminium oxide and silicon oxide, and heavy metals are presented in trace amounts. Micro-organisms’ test reactions of the daphnia magna showed the absence of toxic characteristics in the cenospheres. Considering tests results, it was concluded that use of the cenospheres in spheroplast was safe. Based on the unique composition of cenosphere shell made of aluminum and silicon oxides, it was concluded that they should be used as dielectric materials. Dielectric characteristics of spheroplastics on the basis of cenosphere and connector, polymethylphenylsiloxane resin of domestic manufacture, in the field of centimeter microwave radio range are studied by the waveguide method. The research results showed that the dielectric characteristics of spheroplastics are at a very high level. The use of polymethylphenylsiloxane connector allows not only to increase the dielectric characteristics and durability of spheroplastics, but also partially reduce the combustibility and flammability of structures.
To the issue of complex increasing energy efficiency of electric receivers of oil and gas fields
Authors: Dmitriev A A , Gerasimov V E
Published: January 2020

When designing oil and gas industry facilities and petrochemical facilities, the issue of the organization of their power supply system does not lose its relevance. At the stage of the feasibility study, the options based on the use of renewable energy sources, as well as energy storage systems are not often considered due to the high cost of solutions. The absence of standard solutions for the use of renewable energy sources and energy storage systems, the incompleteness of the regulatory framework force designers to refuse to consider them when designing power supply systems. This article analyzes the theoretical aspects and practical examples of the use of additional non-traditional sources of power supply, contributing to the improvement of energy efficiency of power supply systems as a whole.
Environmental safety systems in breadbaking efficiency analysis
Authors: Dmitrieva I A , Gordienko L V , Mileshko L P , Sakharova O V
Published: January 2020

The results of publications on the level of environmental safety of bakery production are summarized. The production potential of the baking industry is characterized. The components of ensuring environmental and technosphere safety of baking enterprises in the city of Orenburg are highlighted. It is concluded that the wide introduction of the best available technologies is the main way to enhance environmental and technosphere safety of the bakeries of the Russian Federation.
Analysis of the chemical composition of wildlife raw material of the Far Eastern region having endoecological action
Authors: Frolova N A , Reznichenko I Yu , Shkrabtak (Babii) N V , Balandin A V
Published: January 2020

The development of the production of functional products based on plant materials is the most important scientific direction, based on modern physiological ideas about adaptation, homeostasis, the provisions of biological cybernetics and the theory of functional nutrition. From the point of view of the biochemistry of nutrition, the human body needs, in addition to vitamins and minerals, an extensive set of other compounds that have a diverse physiological effect on it. The main part of toxins during environmental pollution passes from the blood into the extracellular and then the intracellular space of human organs and tissues. If the changes they cause are not yet irreversible, in this case some medicinal plants with endoecological effects can help. The article presents an analysis of the chemical composition of plant raw materials of the Far Eastern region. The assessment of quality characteristics, chemical composition and safety indicators of certain types of plant materials is given. According to the results of research, it was established that freshly harvested wild fruit and berry raw materials have a high moisture content (79–84%). In wild berries, the content of pectic substances was in the range of 0.66 - 1.72%. the highest amount of vitamin C is found in actinidia colomicta 112.3 mg / 100 g, Chinese magnolia vine 136.3 mg / 100 g and rosehip 166.3 mg / 100 g, the lowest amount of ash is 44.9 mg / 100 g Analyzed medicinal and technical raw materials are also quite rich in biologically active substances. All investigated types of raw materials can be used in the production of functional products.
Progress in environmental safety (review)
Authors: Dmitrieva I A , Mileshko L P , Sakharova O N , Gordienko L V
Published: January 2020

The results of studies reflecting the state of environmental safety at the global and regional levels over the last 3 years are reviewed. The mutual influence of environmental and economic problems is noted; since economic security is a vital human interest, it is an integral part of environmental security at all economic levels. It is assumed that great progress in further research can be expected in the use of environmental safety provisions in the field of economics and economic modernization of the general theory of environmental safety.
Biological peculiarities and frequency of erythrocyte antigens occurrence of Trans-Baikal fine-wool breedsheep blood
Authors: Murzina T V , Zorina I G , Lefler T F , Chetvertakova E V , Kirienko N N
Published: January 2020

The research data of modification in physiological and hematological blood indices of Trans-Baikal fine-wool breed sheep depending on the season is given in the article. In winter period the pulse rate rises, quantity of formed elements of blood and hemoglobin increase, the protein content in blood decreases. In summer pulmonary ventilation and body temperature increase and it is connected with animals’ adaptive reaction to environment circumstances. An intensiveness of organism biological process grows; protective power forms. Among animals of different inbreed types of Trans-Baikal breed that differ in wool and meat efficiency manifestation, quite high resemblances of frequency of erythrocyte antigens occurrence has been identified. Reliable differences in concentration of five blood groups: Ab, Bi, Mb, Da and O (P<0,01) have been found, and there in the rest nine groups - Aa, Bb, Bd, Be, Bg, Ca, Cb, Ma and O reliable differences in the frequency of occurrence haven’t been found. Among sheep of Argun meat and wool type Mb and O antigen carriers were identified reliably more often than among animals of other population, and Aband Da factors carriers were identified less frequently. In sheep population of wool and meat type animals with Bi, Mb and O antigens were met reliably seldom. Ma factor carriers were also defined with less frequency, but the difference was close to reliable. Sheep of wool type were characterized by wider spread of Ma, Da and R blood types (P<0,05; P<0,01) than other types. The sheep of meat and wool type and wool types were the closest in value of genetic distance(d) = 0,01225. The sheep of wool type and meat and wool types had lager genetic distance (0,01695).
Assessment of the dynamics of biodiversity of green spaces of Krasnoyarsk city
Authors: Artemiev O S , Vais A A , Vyazmina E A , Varaksin G S , Nezamov V I
Published: January 2020

In large Russian cities there is a significant decrease in urban plantations, which negatively affects the environmental situation. In recent years, there has been a growing scientific interest in assessing biodiversity of green spaces. As a result, the analysis of the dynamics of the number of trees and shrubs in urban areas is a very relevant and practical issue. The work is based on research results for 28 years. The object of research was the green space of the city of Krasnoyarsk. An analysis of the assortment of intra-quarter plantations and a survey of the territory of the quarters showed that mainly the decrease in the number of trees and shrubs was caused not by negative environmental factors, but by the point development of the territory. As a result, it can be stated that the dynamics of green plant biodiversity in the urban environment is caused by a number of processes that can be either negative (reducing plant resistance, decreasing area) or positive (increasing the assortment of plants, improving the quality of care for green spaces).
Technological platform of the development of beef cattle breeding in food supply system
Authors: Kurzyukova T A , Udalova T A , Frolova O Y
Published: January 2020

An effective method of increasing the meat productivity of livestock in herds is the industrial crossing of part of cows and heifers with producers of highly productive meat breeds. For the experiment, according to the principle of analogue pairs, 2 groups of newborn gobies were formed taking into account the live weight of the animals. The first group included Hereford bulls, the second group consisted of crossbred bulls (♀ red-motley x ♂ Hereford). We studied the productive qualities of gobies by the dynamics of growth in live weight of gobies. To assess the meat qualities, a control slaughter of experimental gobies was performed. Domestic bulls exceeded (P <0.05) pure-bred calves in live weight. For the growing period (from 6 to 12 months of age), the difference in live weight between the bulls of the first and second groups was 24.3 kg or 7.5 percent (P <0.1). When feeding on natural pastures for 90 days, the difference in live weight between the groups was between the first and second - 29.1 kg (7.3%). As a result of the experiment, the cost of production of 1 kg of beef obtained from cross-breed gobies is 1180.2 rubles lower. The profitability of growing crossbred bulls is 11.2 orders of magnitude higher. In order to increase meat productivity and improve meat quality in commodity cattle breeding, it is advisable to practice rearing and feeding of young animals obtained by crossing red-motley cows with Hereford bulls in order to raise fattening young animals using intensive technology of meat cattle breeding.
Assessment of the state of the urboecosystem by integral indicators of pine and soil cover
Authors: Korotchenko I S , Alekseeva A N , Pervyshina G G , Medvedeva V A , Baykalova T V
Published: January 2020

Soil contamination due to the accumulation of heavy metals directly affects the biogeochemical composition, development stability (fluctuating asymmetry) of urban vegetation. To assess the condition of urbanized territories, monitoring is required, especially biological. This work shows an assessment of the stability of the development of populations of Scots pine growing in the urban environment, depending on the content of heavy metals in the soil cover, needles. The representativeness of the data obtained is confirmed by appropriate statistical processing. Higher values of integral indicators were found for all the territories examined, especially for the Central Park, which is characterized by maximum traffic load. The values of the fluctuating asymmetry index of pine needles reflect the elemental composition of the soil cover (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co Cr, Mn).
Problems of urban phytocenoses on the example of the city of Krasnoyarsk
Authors: Aksyanova T Y , Stupakova O M , Repyah M V , Usova E A
Published: January 2020

The article proposes a classification of urban phytocenoses(Vegetation)into natural(Original), artificial and transitional ones. The characteristics of the bedding, species diversity, and living soil cover for each type of plant community are considered. Particular attention is paid to artificial urban phytocenoses, especially to species diversity and structure, as this criterion is one of the main ones in the formation of sustainable and effective gardening. The question is raised of the lack of both ecological and composition approaches in the design of artificial plant communities. Methods for increasing and maintaining the species diversity of artificial phytocenoses are proposed.
Geese of Central Siberia (number, current state)
Authors: Emelyanov V I , Savchenko A P , Savchenko P A , Karpova N V , Davaa A M
Published: January 2020

The studies were carried out on the territory of Central Siberia in the period 1980-2019. The research purpose is to assess the current state of geese in the region as an important biological resource. Data about geese number are fragmentary, and for some species and groups are absent. This problem is extremely weakly represented in English literature. Material includes previously published data and personal research of the authors. The observations were carried out at 91 points; additional of geese census in places of their stops - at 132 wetlands. The total duration of census on the flyways and in places where geese stopped in the daytime was more than 15 thous. hours, at night - 1422 hours. The total length of routes was more than 60 thous. km, of which land - 35.6 thous. km, with aviation use - 25.5 thous. km. 1035 collectible unites were collected and processed. The number of photo / videos files of geese were 13.1 thous. copies. As a result, the number of the northern geese populations was estimated at 1.72 million of individuals. “Southern” geese, including migratory geese, are small-numbered and make up no more than 1.5% of the total geese number in Central Siberia. In a certain sense, species and subspecies of geese, geographically related to the Altai-Sayan region, today represent the same relics of the Ice Age as reindeer, argali, and other animal species that live in the Sayans.
Fortification of cereal groats with iron and zinc using ultrasound
Authors: Yanova M A , Khizhnyak S V , Khaliullin R
Published: January 2020

The research is devoted to fortification of cereal groats with iron and zinc using ultrasound. Three factors were studied: ultrasound frequency at levels 35 kHz and 42 kHz; processing time at levels 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 minutes, and temperature at levels 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60ºC. All factors had statistically significant effects on the absorption of iron and zinc ions both for pearl barley and oat groats, and no interaction effects between factors were found. Four multiple regression models with the coefficients of determination in the range of 0.951 to 0.985 were developed to predict the ions Fe2+ and Zn2+ absorption by cereal groats.
Technology of malus sieversii softwood cutting
Authors: Bakhtaulova A S
Published: January 2020

Sievers Apple tree is listed in the Red book of Kazakhstan and is protected by The International Union for Conservation Nature. The total area of wild forests in the territory of Zhongar – Alatau Natural Park is 8,573 thousand ha (1.05% of the park area). In order to preserve Apple forests, studies on Malus sieversiisoftwood cuttings have been carried out, taking into account their genetic purity. Genetic analysis of Malus sieversii diversity, using DNA markers, showed that only inaccessible and most remote reserves (Kokzhota 1,2, Chernova river) are considered the best crops on the territory of natural Park, that are unaffected by the processes of genetic erosion and do not contain DNA Malus domestica. They served as mother plants for harvesting green cuttings for reproduction by green cuttings technology. On the basis of the obtained data, recommendations for the reproduction of Malus sieversii in the territory of the Zhongar-Alatau natural Park to strengthen the weakened populations of the species are developed. It is recommended to create temporary collections by green cuttings and transplanting into natural habitats.
The current state assessment of pine forests in the central part of the Kola Peninsula
Authors: Evdokimov A S
Published: January 2020

The problem of restoring disturbed pine forests in the European part of Russia is one of the main directions not only in the forestry sector, but also in the study and development of various segments of environmental management. This paper presents modern data on the vitality structure of the stand of various types of pine forests in the central part of the Kola Peninsula, which are at a different stage after catastrophic violations of natural and anthropogenic origin (cutting, fire).
Biology of causative agents of crayfish mycoses in connection with environmental protection in crayfish producing reservoirs
Authors: Alexandrova E N , Tarasov K L
Published: January 2020

In order to prevent outbreaks of fungal infections in reservoirs with crayfish we recommend to (1) performa bioassay on the disease of crayfish with aphanomycosis (crayfish plague); (2) determine the incidence of crayfish with signs of mycosis called burn-spot disease (BSD); (3) check for contamination of coarse grains with agents of mucoriosis; (4) oppose the ingress into the reservoir of waste water from cultivated fields carrying agents of fusariosis; (5) prevent over consolidation of crayfish population. These measures are taking into account the ability of pathogenic oomycetes to quickly infect crayfish with mobile zoospores, long-term viability of chlamydospores (gemmae) of Saprolegniaparasitica and oogoniaof Aphanomyces astaci. These factors support the infection in the reservoir and prevent the recovery of crayfish populations after outbreaks of mycoses.
Introduction as a way to increase biodiversity of urban dendroflora
Authors: Antonov A M , Sungurova N R , Marich S N , Aleksandrova Iu V , Popkova I A
Published: January 2020

Urban green spaces introduce elements of nature into the city, preserve the connection of man with nature, and expand urban landscapes. Introduction and acclimatization is the basis for the selection and successful introduction of economically valuable plants into the culture. A limited floristic assortment of local dendroflora determines the relevance of the introduction of trees and shrubs in the Arkhangelsk region. Arboretum named after I.M. Stratonovich was created in Arkhangelsk to study the acclimatization and introduction of plants from the southern regions to local conditions in northern Russia. Representatives of various geographical areas are gathered in the arboretum in a limited area. There are about 200 species from 50 genus and 19 families. Resistant plants to the conditions of the northern climate are selected. The range of woody species at the main objects of landscape architecture of Arkhangelsk was studied and analyzed. Conducted research expands the scientific and informational level of knowledge about the possibility of moving to the North economically valuable tree and shrub species. This will positively affect the biodiversity of the north dendroflora.
Successful care transitions for older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of interventions that support medication continuity
Authors: Tomlinson Justine , Cheong V-Lin , Fylan Beth , Silcock Jonathan , Smith Heather , Karban Kate , Blenkinsopp Alison
Published: January 2020

Background

medication-related problems occur frequently when older patients are discharged from hospital. Interventions to support medication use have been developed; however, their effectiveness in older populations are unknown. This review evaluates interventions that support successful transitions of care through enhanced medication continuity.

Methods

a database search for randomised controlled trials was conducted. Selection criteria included mean participant age of 65 years and older, intervention delivered during hospital stay or following recent discharge and including activities that support medication continuity. Primary outcome of interest was hospital readmission. Secondary outcomes related to the safe use of medication and quality of life. Outcomes were pooled by random-effects meta-analysis where possible.

Results

twenty-four studies (total participants = 17,664) describing activities delivered at multiple time points were included. Interventions that bridged the transition for up to 90 days were more likely to support successful transitions. The meta-analysis, stratified by intervention component, demonstrated that self-management activities (RR 0.81 [0.74, 0.89]), telephone follow-up (RR 0.84 [0.73, 0.97]) and medication reconciliation (RR 0.88 [0.81, 0.96]) were statistically associated with reduced hospital readmissions.

Conclusion

our results suggest that interventions that best support older patients’ medication continuity are those that bridge transitions; these also have the greatest impact on reducing hospital readmission. Interventions that included self-management, telephone follow-up and medication reconciliation activities were most likely to be effective; however, further research needs to identify how to meaningfully engage with patients and caregivers to best support post-discharge medication continuity. Limitations included high subjectivity of intervention coding, study heterogeneity and resource restrictions.
CRISPR/Cas9 for cancer treatment: technology, clinical applications and challenges
Authors: Cheng Xing , Fan Shaoyi , Wen Chengcai , Du Xianfa
Published: January 2020

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) is described as RNA mediated adaptive immune system defense, which is naturally found in bacteria and archaea. CRISPR-Cas9 has shown great promise for cancer treatment in cancer immunotherapy, manipulation of cancer genome and epigenome and elimination or inactivation of carcinogenic viral infections. However, many challenges remain to be addressed to increase its efficacy, including off-target effects, editing efficiency, fitness of edited cells, immune response and delivery methods. Here, we explain CRISPR-Cas classification and its general function mechanism for gene editing. Then, we summarize these preclinical CRISPR-Cas9-based therapeutic strategies against cancer. Moreover, the challenges and improvements of CRISPR-Cas9 clinical applications will be discussed.
Examining Professionals’ Critical Thinking about Children Who Pose a Serious Threat to Others
Authors: Heron Gavin , Lightowler Claire
Published: January 2020

Concerns have been raised about the quality of child-care professionals’ critical thinking and analytical skills. This study examines the critical thinking demonstrated by professionals when discussing risk in relation to vulnerable children. Data were collected from thirty consultation meetings, each of which focused on assessing the risks of a child who presented a serious threat of harm to others. Discourse analysis is used to examine the way in which critical thinking about risk is discussed at the consultation meetings. The findings suggest that critical thinking is demonstrated by professionals in ways that differentiate between potential harm and actual harm, and in relation to harm children pose to themselves and to other people. Also, the willingness of professionals to ask relevant questions and challenge each other is an important way of prompting individuals to demonstrate critical thinking. However, professionals tend to demonstrate a relatively narrow conceptualisation of critical thinking. This narrow conceptualisation cannot be reduced solely to the abilities or traits of an individual or professional group and it is argued that the bureaucratic and procedural demands of organisations in relation to vulnerable children may be an important factor in limiting the way professionals demonstrate critical thinking.
“SILVAMP TB LAM” Rapid Urine Tuberculosis Test Predicts Mortality in Patients Hospitalized With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in South Africa
Authors: Sossen Bianca , Broger Tobias , Kerkhoff Andrew D , Schutz Charlotte , Trollip Andre , Moreau Emmanuel , Schumacher Samuel G , Burton Rosie , Ward Amy , Wilkinson Robert J , Barr David A , Nicol Mark P , Denkinger Claudia M , Meintjes Graeme
Published: January 2020

Reducing diagnostic delay is key toward decreasing tuberculosis-associated deaths in people living with human immunodeficiency virus. In tuberculosis patients with retrospective urine testing, the point-of-care Fujifilm SILVAMP TB LAM (FujiLAM) could have rapidly diagnosed tuberculosis in up to 89% who died. In FujiLAM negative patients, the probability of 12-week survival was 86–97%.
Changes in high-resolution manometric diagnosis over time: implications for clinical decision-making
Authors: Triadafilopoulos George , Kamal Afrin , Zikos Thomas , Nguyen Linda , Clarke John O
Published: January 2020

Although High resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) is the gold standard to assess esophageal motility, little is known about the stability of the manometric diagnosis over time and its implications for management. To assess the stability and usefulness of repeat HRM in patients presenting with esophageal symptoms over time we performed this retrospective study of patients with esophageal symptoms. Medical records, questionnaires, and HRM tracing were independently reviewed using the Chicago classification. The primary objective was to assess the stability of the manometric diagnosis over time; secondary objective was its change (positive or negative). At least one repeat study was performed in 86 patients (36% women, ages 20–86, with mild to moderate symptoms), while 26 had a third procedure. Mean intervals between studies were 15 ± 1.6 months (for baseline v. first study) and 13 ± 0.8 months (for second to third study). Of the 27 patients initially with a normal study, 11 changed (five had esophago-gastric junction outflow obstruction [EGJOO], two diffuse esophageal spasm [DES], one jackhammer esophagus [JE], and three ineffective esophageal motility [IEM] [41% change]). Of the 24 patients with initial EGJOO, only nine retained it (65.2% change). Of nine patients with initial DES, four changed (44.4% change). Similarly, different diagnosis was seen in 7 of 24 initial IEM patients (22.7% change). Only one patient had achalasia initially and this remained stable. Additional changes were noted on a third HRM. Fluidity in the HRM diagnosis over time questions its validity at any timepoint and raises doubts about the need for intervention.
Liquid nitrogen spray cryotherapy-based multimodal endoscopic management of dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus and early esophageal neoplasia: retrospective review and long-term follow-up at an academic tertiary care referral center
Authors: Kaul Vivek , Bittner Krystle , Ullah Asad , Kothari Shivangi
Published: January 2020

Background

Endoscopic eradication therapy of dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and early esophageal neoplasia has emerged as an effective treatment option. Data for the role of spray cryotherapy (SCT) in this setting is relatively limited.

Objective

To evaluate the safety and long-term outcomes of SCT-based multimodal therapy in the management of dysplastic BE and early esophageal neoplasia.

Design

Single-center, retrospective, cohort study.

Setting

Academic, tertiary care center between August 2008 and February 2019.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted of the prospectively maintained endoscopic cryotherapy database at our center. Fifty-seven patients were identified who underwent SCT treatment for dysplastic BE and esophageal or Gastro-esophageal (GE) junction adenocarcinoma during the study period. Primary outcome was complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM); secondary outcome was complete eradication of dysplasia (CE-D).

Results

A total of 171 SCT procedures were performed in 57 patients. The majority of patients were male (89.5%) with long-segment BE (93%; mean segment length 6.2 cm). Complete follow-up data was available for 56 of these 57 patients. 43.9% (25/57) of patients underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) during the course of treatment (e.g. after initiating SCT). 33.3% of patients (19/57) were RFA failures prior to SCT. Additionally, 68.4% (39/57) of patients underwent endoscopic resection (EMR) prior to SCT as part of our multimodal approach to treatment of BE dysplasia/neoplasia. Four patients (7%) are currently undergoing active ablation and/or EMR treatment. CE-IM was achieved in 75% (39/52) of patients, and CE-D in 98.1% (51/52). Mean duration of overall follow-up was 4.8 years, with mean CE-IM durability of 2.6 years.

Limitations

Single-center only, retrospective study design.

Conclusion

SCT-based multimodal endoscopic therapy can achieve very high CE-IM (75%) and CE-D (>98%) rates in a high-risk population with esophageal dysplasia and/or neoplasia.
Polyphasic taxonomic analysis of Parasedimentitalea marina gen. nov., sp. nov., a psychrotolerant bacterium isolated from deep sea water of the New Britain Trench
Authors: Ding Wanzhen , Liu Ping , Xu Yunping , Fang Jiasong , Cao Junwei
Published: January 2020

A novel Rhodobacteraceae bacterium, strain W43T, was isolated from a deep-sea water sample from the New Britain Trench. Strain W43T exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 96.5% to Sedimentitalea nanhaiensis DSM 24252T, Phaeobacter gallaeciensis DSM 26640T, Phaeobacter inhibens DSM 16374T, and Phaeobacter porticola P97T. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and phylogenomic analysis of the genome showed that strain W43T formed an independent monophyletic branch within the family Rhodobacteraceae. Strain W43T was Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, and grew optimally at 16–20°C, pH 6.5–7.0 and 2% (w/v) NaCl. The principal fatty acids were C18:1ω7c/C18:1ω6c, major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 and predominant polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The 5 080 916 bp long genome, comprising a circular chromosome and four plasmids, exhibits a G + C content of 55.9 mol%. The combined phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular data show that strain W43T represents a novel species of a novel genus, for which the name Parasedimentitalea marina gen. nov. sp. nov. is proposed (type strain W43T = MCCC 1K03532T = KCTC 62635T).
CLEAN beamforming for the enhanced detection of multiple infrasonic sources
Authors: den Ouden Olivier F C , Assink Jelle D , Smets Pieter S M , Shani-Kadmiel Shahar , Averbuch Gil , Evers Läslo G
Published: January 2020

The detection and characterization of signals of interest in the presence of (in)coherent ambient noise is central to the analysis of infrasound array data. Microbaroms have an extended source region and a dynamical character. From the perspective of an infrasound array, these coherent noise sources appear as interfering signals that conventional beamform methods may not correctly resolve. This limits the ability of an infrasound array to dissect the incoming wavefield into individual components. In this paper, this problem will be addressed by proposing a high-resolution beamform technique in combination with the CLEAN algorithm. CLEAN iteratively selects the maximum of the f/k spectrum (i.e. following the Bartlett or the Capon method) and removes a percentage of the corresponding signal from the cross-spectral density matrix. In this procedure, the array response is deconvolved from the f/k spectral density function. The spectral peaks are retained in a ‘clean’ spectrum. A data-driven stopping criterion for CLEAN is proposed, which relies on the framework of Fisher statistics. This allows the construction of an automated algorithm that continuously extracts coherent energy until the point is reached that only incoherent noise is left in the data. CLEAN is tested on a synthetic data set and is applied to data from multiple International Monitoring System infrasound arrays. The results show that the proposed method allows for the identification of multiple microbarom source regions in the Northern Atlantic that would have remained unidentified if conventional methods had been applied.
Present-day interseismic deformation characteristics of the Beng Co-Dongqiao conjugate fault system in central Tibet: implications from InSAR observations
Authors: Yongsheng Li , Yunfeng Tian , Chen Yu , Zhe Su , Wenliang Jiang , Zhenhong Li , Jingfa Zhang , Yi Luo , Bingquan Li
Published: January 2020

Numerous V-shaped conjugate strike-slip fault systems distributed between the Lhasa block and the Qiangtang block serve as some of the main structures accommodating the eastward motion of the Tibetan Plateau. The Beng Co-Dongqiao conjugate fault system is a representative section, and determining its tectonic environment is a fundamental issue for understanding the dynamic mechanism of the V-shaped conjugate strike-slip fault systems throughout central Tibet. In this paper, we investigate the deformation rates of the Beng Co-Dongqiao conjugate faults using 3 yr of SAR data from both ascending and descending tracks of Sentinel-1 satellites. Only interferograms with a long temporal baseline were used to increase the proportion of the deformation signals. The external atmospheric delay product and the InSAR stacking strategy were employed to reduce various errors in the large-spatial-coverage Sentinel-1 data. The InSAR results revealed that the fault-parallel deformation velocities along the eastern and western segments of the Beng Co fault are 5 ± 1 mm/yr and 2.5 ± 1 mm/yr, respectively. The second invariant of the horizontal strain rates shows that the accumulated strain is centered on the eastern segment of the Beng Co Fault and Gulu rift. The velocity and strain rate fields show that the Anduo-Peng Co faults may be paired with the Beng Co fault to form a new conjugate system and the tectonic transformation between the Beng Co fault and Gulu rift. These results can better explain the tectonic deformation environment of the Beng Co-Dongqiao conjugate fault system and provide insights on the crustal dynamics throughout the entire plateau interior.
Early Surgery Versus Biologic Therapy in Limited Nonstricturing Ileocecal Crohn’s Disease—A Decision-making Analysis
Authors: Broide Efrat , Eindor-Abarbanel Adi , Naftali Timna , Shirin Haim , Shalem Tzippora , Richter Vered , Matalon Shay , Leshno Moshe
Published: January 2020

Background

Surgery is the preferred option for patients with symptomatic localized fibrostenotic ileocecal Crohn’s disease (CD) but not for those with predominantly active inflammation without obstruction. The benefit of early surgery in patients with a limited nonstricturing ileocecal CD over biologic treatment is still a debate.

Objective

Our objective is to formulate a decision analysis model based on recently published data to explore whether early surgery in patients with limited nonstricturing CD is preferred over biologic treatment.

Methods

We constructed a Markov model comparing 2 strategies of treatment: (1) early surgery vs (2) biologic treatment. To estimate the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and the costs in each strategy, we simulated 10,000 virtual patients with the Markov model using a Monte Carlo simulation 100 times. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the model and address uncertainties in the estimation of model parameters.

Results

The costs were $29,457 ± $407 and $50,382 ± $525 (mean ± SD) for early surgery strategy and biologic treatment strategy, respectively. The QALY was 6.24 ± 0.01 and 5.81 ± 0.01 for early surgery strategy and biologic treatment strategy, respectively.

Conclusion

The strategy of early surgery dominates (higher QALY value [efficacy] and less cost) compared with the strategy of biologic treatment in patients with limited ileocecal CD.
Physician champions’ perspectives and practices on electronic health records implementation: challenges and strategies
Authors: Gui Xinning , Chen Yunan , Zhou Xiaomu , Reynolds Tera L , Zheng Kai , Hanauer David A
Published: January 2020

Objective

Physician champions are “boots on the ground” physician leaders who facilitate the implementation of, and transition to, new health information technology (HIT) systems within an organization. They are commonly cited as key personnel in HIT implementations, yet little research has focused on their practices and perspectives.

Materials and Methods

We addressed this research gap through a qualitative study of physician champions that aimed to capture their challenges and strategies during a large-scale HIT implementation. Email interviews were conducted with 45 physician champions from diverse clinical areas 5 months after a new electronic health record (EHR) system went live in a large academic medical center. We adopted a grounded theory approach to analyze the data.

Results

Our physician champion participants reported multiple challenges, including insufficient training, limited at-the-elbow support, unreliable communication with leadership and the EHR vendor, as well as flawed system design. To overcome these challenges, physician champions developed their own personalized training programs in a simulated context or in the live environment, sought and obtained more at-the-elbow support both internally and externally, and adapted their departmental sociotechnical context to make the system work better.

Discussion and Conclusions

This study identified the challenges physician champions faced and the strategies they developed to overcome these challenges. Our findings suggest factors that are crucial to the successful involvement of physician champions in HIT implementations, including the availability of instrumental (eg, reward for efforts), emotional (eg, mechanisms for expressing frustrations), and peer support; ongoing engagement with the champions; and appropriate training and customization planning.
Advancing the FDA/Office of Regulatory Affairs Mycotoxin Program: New Analytical Method Approaches to Addressing Needs and Challenges
Authors: Cai Yanxuan (Tina) , McLaughlin Michael , Zhang Kai
Published: January 2020

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) oversees FDA field laboratories, monitoring the occurrence and levels of toxic mycotoxins in domestic and imported human and animal food products that have the potential to impact human and animal health when consumed. The mycotoxins being routinely monitored in human and animal foods and feeds by the Agency include aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2, and M1), fumonisins (FB1, FB2, and FB3), deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A, patulin, and zearalenone. There has been an ongoing expansion of the Sample Collection Operation Planning Effort (SCOPE) for the mycotoxin program to monitor more mycotoxins in a wider variety of food and feed matrices. To meet this pressing need, we are in the process of modernizing and harmonizing the FDA/ORA mycotoxin program in the field laboratories using approaches such as adopting new analytical technologies/methods to further advance the service. This short perspective gives an overview of the FDA mycotoxin program in the field laboratories and the current program status, discusses the need to advance the program, strategies for modernization and harmonization by implementing liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technologies for multi-mycotoxin analysis, benefits of doing this, and challenges in taking this new approach. Perspectives on finding solutions to tackle challenges and addressing emerging issues are also discussed.
Phenols, Flavors, and the Mediterranean Diet
Authors: Issaoui Manel , Delgado Amélia Martins , Caruso Giorgia , Micali Maria , Barbera Marcella , Atrous Hager , Ouslati Amira , Chammem Nadia
Published: January 2020

Phenols or phenolics are a class of compounds that have one or more hydroxyl groups attached to a 6-carbon aromatic ring, they occur as plant secondary metabolites, having in common the antioxidant activity. Their average daily intake varies widely around the world. Many researchers consider coffee, tea, wine, cocoa products, fruits and vegetables as the main sources of polyphenols in different diets. However, spices and culinary herbs have been referred to as the foods richest in polyphenols. Despite spices and culinary herbs are used in small amounts as seasonings, their contribution to the dietary supply of phytonutrients should not be disregarded. A diet rich in a variety of polyphenols (and other phytonutrients) has potential health benefits, namely in the prevention of chronic diseases and cancer. In addition, flavor and color are the most important factors for the selection of food by consumers. A multitude of endogenous food compounds, including phenolics, are involved in food flavor. The presence of phenolic compounds in the food matrix has been mainly associated with the perception of bitter taste and tactile sensation of astringency. However, these compounds can also impact the color and aroma notes of fruits and vegetables. Thus, understanding the sensory impact of these substances and relationships with consumers’ approaches towards phenolic-rich fruits and vegetables may help find strategies to increase the consumption of such foods. A well-known example of a tasty, healthy and sustainable dietary model is the Mediterranean Diet. In this study, we summarize the dietary intake of some polyphenols from different dietary patterns around the world and the contribution of natural phenolic compounds to the flavor of food and beverages, in particularly those associated to the Mediterranean Diet.
Host Range and Effects of Plant Species on Preference and Fitness of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Idriss Gamal E A , du Plessis Hannalene , Khamis Fathiya M , Ekesi Sunday , Tanga Chrysantus M , Mohamed Samira A
Published: January 2020

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is one of the most devastating pests of tomato in both open field and greenhouse production settings that significantly reduce yield and quality of the fruit. Being a new invasive pest, information on the pest bio-ecology, including host-rage and effects of plant species on its various fitness traits are virtually lacking. This study involved a field survey to establish the realized host range and laboratory experiments to evaluate the preference for, and fitness effects of T. absoluta on different plant species. In the field, T. absoluta was recovered from only four solanaceous plant species: tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), eggplant (S. melongena L.), black nightshade (S. nigrum L.), and gubbain (S. dubium Fr.). In choice and no-choice tests, tomato was the most preferred host of T. absoluta having the highest number of eggs deposited, followed by black nightshade, French bean Phaseolus vulgaris L., and chilli pepper Capsicum frutescens. Larvae developed quickest on tomato followed by black nightshade and French bean. The percentage survival to adulthood was significantly higher on tomato, compared to survival on black nightshade and French bean. Rearing of T. absoluta on tomato or black nightshade had no significant effect on pupal mass and length as well as adult size for both sexes. Fecundity and longevity, as well as oviposition preference of T. absoluta, were not affected by rearing on different plants. These findings confirm the oligophagous nature of the pest with high preference to tomato.
Trade and Frictional Unemployment in the Global Economy
Authors: Carrère Céline , Grujovic Anja , Robert-Nicoud Frédéric
Published: January 2020

We develop a multicountry, multisector trade model featuring risk-averse workers, labor market frictions, unemployment benefits, and equilibrium unemployment. Trade opening leads to a reduction in unemployment when it simultaneously raises welfare and reallocates labor toward sectors with lower-than-average labor market frictions. We then estimate and calibrate the model using employment data from 31 OECD countries and worldwide trade data. Finally, we quantify the potential unemployment, real wage, and welfare effects of repealing NAFTA and raising bilateral tariffs between the United States and Mexico to 20%. This policy would increase unemployment by 2.4% in the United States and 48% in Mexico.
Data Privacy and Displacement: A Cultural Approach
Authors: Witteborn Saskia
Published: January 2020

Recent research has pointed to the increasing impact of digitally derived data on forced migration processes, including legal mechanisms for accessing social media profiles of asylum seekers. These developments raise the issue of data privacy, specifically how asylum seekers understand data privacy and protect their data. This article pays particular attention to cultural variants of data privacy. Culture, here, refers to a communication culture linked to displacement, with safety as a key code and variant of data privacy. For the asylum seekers and refugees from South(east) Asia, the Middle East and African nations, safety was a concern in daily digital practice. Safety was a relational way of being, exercised through selective contacts and playful presentations of the self. Those presentations were deeply embedded in the logics of social media and stood in contrast to narratives of persecution, potentially posing problems for asylum claim determination in the future. Based on the lack of awareness of asylum seekers about data privacy and safety, a data safety workshop was designed, available on GitHub.
Drying times: plant traits to improve crop water use efficiency and yield
Authors: Condon Anthony G
Published: January 2020

Crop water use efficiency (WUE) has come into sharp focus as population growth and climate change place increasing strain on the water used in cropping. Rainfed crops are being challenged by an upward trend in evaporative demand as average temperatures rise and, in many regions, there is an increased irregularity and a downward trend in rainfall. In addition, irrigated cropping faces declining water availability and increased competition from other users. Crop WUE would be improved by, first, ensuring that as much water as possible is actually transpired by the crop rather than being wasted. Deeper roots and greater early crop vigour are two traits that should help achieve this. Crop WUE would also be improved by achieving greater biomass per unit water transpired. A host of traits has been proposed to address this outcome. Restricting crop transpiration through lower stomatal conductance is assessed as having limited utility compared with traits that improve carbon gain, such as enhancements to photosynthetic biochemistry and responsiveness, or greater mesophyll conductance. Ultimately, the most useful outcomes for improved crop WUE will probably be achieved by combining traits to achieve synergistic benefit. The potential utility of trait combinations is supported by the results of crop simulation modelling.