bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Automobiles on Environmental Pollution
Authors: Usmanova R M , Sattarova N A , Boyko N N
Published: March 2021

This article considers the influence of automobiles on environmental pollution. It’s been pointed out that the amount of pollutant emitted into the environment depends on the size and the structure of the motor vehicle fleet and the technical conditions of automobiles, namely their engines. Automobiles burn enormous amounts of petrol, thus significantly damaging the environment, primarily the atmosphere, and producing adverse impacts on human health. Vegetation suffers as well because the exhaust fumes from cars immediately affect plants and disturb their natural breathing processes. The use of automobiles leads to environmental pollution and the ecosystem of the entire planet Earth suffers as a result.
Questions about Greening the City Environment in the Application of City Functions that is Compatible with Biosphere
Authors: Bakaeva N V , Chernyaeva I V
Published: March 2021

The role of urban green spaces is revealed from the perspective of the implementation of the functions of a biosphere-compatible city as one of the fundamental principles of creating a favorable and comfortable urban environment. The article analyzes the main problems associated with the organization of green spaces in the urban environment when implementing the paired functions “Life Support” and “Communication with Nature”. The gradation of landscaping systems in a planning urbanized structure at four urban levels is given on the example of the city of Orel. Modern methods of forming zones of environmental comfort in cities with dense buildings are proposed. The results of the study can serve as the basis for the development of proposals and recommendations for the reconstruction of urban development and renovation of the urban environment based on the symbiotic relations of the biosphere and the city and human development.
Methods of Assessing the Mineral Potential in the Geographic Information Analytical System
Authors: Dadykin B C , Dadykina O V , Nikitina A O
Published: March 2021

This paper discusses the methods of assessing the mineral resource potential in the geo information system. The relevance of the research is justified by the need for comprehensive development of the mineral resource potential of any region, the development of not only balance deposits, but additional exploration and commissioning of those that currently belong to the category of off-balance. In order to assess the economic efficiency of objects of the mineral resource complex, appropriate methodological support is required. Taking into account the uniqueness of a number of deposits, in many cases the only proper method is to search for similar deposits or analogous industrial raw material objects. Calculations for similar objects can be used to assess the prospects of objects of the mineral resource base in conditions of insufficient information or lack of it necessary for the use of other calculation methods, which determined the purpose of this paper. The work is carried out with the financial support of the grant of the President of the Russian Federation no. MD-2409.2020.5.
Risk-Oriented Approach to Industrial Control over Occupational Health & Safety at the Main Gas Pipeline Construction Stage
Authors: Artanova M V , Ivanova M V , Korobov A V
Published: March 2021

In the paper, industrial health protection and labor safety inspection certificates have been analyzed. The categories of violations have been composed by the frequency of their occurrence. Based on the General Contractor’s risk assessment method, the severity of potential consequences has been determined and transformed into the ranks. Based on the results obtained, the final rank has been determined for each violation category. It has been proposed to supplement the General Contractor’s Questionnaire with a ranking criterion that will ensure a flexible industrial control system and rational planning of the company’s administrative and material resources.
Performance Analysis of a Small-Sized Screw Cooling Tower
Authors: Bondar K E , Shulaev N S , Laponov S V
Published: March 2021

In this Article describes analysis of efficiency, i.e. analysis of coefficient of thermal - and mass transfer, which carried out thanks to increase of time of phases interaction in developed cooling tower with a spiral air flow. There is given a description of the construction of effective the small-size cooling tower with the spiral type airflow. The main difference of the cooling tower of the existing constructions of that the sprinkler, made of layers of cylindrical polymer cellular pipes, laid on screw line, alignment to the current of the screw type airflow. The small-size cooling tower operates as following: the water, heated at technological process from the closed loop of system is brought to water distribution system. It is distributed evenly on all square of the sprinkler laid on the screw, in which take place a heat and mass transfer of the water and air spiral type flow, which is create by the fan. There is a swirling of the gas phase the tangential feed of the cooling air flow in the bottom of the cylindrical small-size cooling tower, and it can be described by two elements of speed: rotational and translational. Such action allows to intensify a heat and mass transfer processes.
Use of Pumping Stations and Reservoirs for Water Supply in Rural Areas of Central Yakutia
Authors: Salva A M
Published: March 2021

The peculiarity of the design, construction and operation of water supply and sanitation systems in the Far North is directly related to the permafrost-climatic and economic factors. This should take into account factors such as the high cost and shortage of electricity, types and nature of production, natural conditions and conditions of water disposal, capacity and features of the regime of water sources. In the early 1990s, the construction of the main water supply system, which consisted of pumping stations, pipelines, reservoirs and canals, began in rural areas of Central Yakutia in order to provide the population with drinking and technical water. This system consists of three branches of main water pipelines: 1 – Lena-Tuora Kuel-Tatta, 2 – Bedeme-Tungulu and 3 – Lena-Muru. The object of study is the main conduit Lena – the Muru. The article presents the results of the study of the main water pipeline «Lena – Muru» for 2014 – 2016 years, compiled schedules of water supply pumping stations in the reservoir, power consumption of electricity and financial costs for it. In addition, the mode of operation of pumping stations of the main water pipeline for the period 2014 – 2017 is analyzed and the ratio of the volume of water supply, electricity consumption and financial costs are shown.
Regression Dependence of the Influence of the Installation Angles of Drum Mixer Blades on the Quality of Mixture
Authors: Fudin K , Konovalov V , Zaitsev V
Published: March 2021

The aim of the research was to establish a regression model of the influence of the angles of installation of the wings of the L-shaped blades and to optimize their values. The methodology of the studies provided for the experimental determination of the coefficient of variation of the mixture with subsequent computer processing of the results, establishing the functional dependence of the quality of the mixture on the angles of the wings of the blades, finding the minimum values. The research technique implemented in this work allowed us to determine an adequate functional dependence of the quality of the mixture on the angles of installation of the wings of the blades. The optimum quality of the mixture of 20% for the share of the control component of 1% and the mixing time equal to 200 sec corresponded to the angles of the wings of the L-shaped blades: the lower part - 45 degrees and the upper part - 25 degrees between the direction of the wing of the blade and tangent to the circumference of the drum at the installation site of the wing of the blade (its closest point to the axis of attachment of the drum) in the range of angles was, respectively: 30-55 degrees and 0-45 degrees. Deviation of the indicated angles (except for increasing the installation angle of the lower wing of the blade) affects the quality of the mixture. In this direction, the stabilization of the coefficient of variation was observed.
Building of the «Safe City» Software-Hardware Complex at the Novovoronezh Urban District in the Voronezh Region
Authors: Razin’kov N D , Ovchinnikova T V , Kupriyenko P S
Published: March 2021

The United Nations approved the development of the cities towards «Resilience-building of cities to disasters: my city is preparing» in 2010, its purpose is actively to implement for reducing the number of natural disasters measures and mitigation of catastrophes in towns. During the program time in the word 3098 cities from 119 countries from the world were participated in this program. The «All-Russian EMERCOME of Russia research institute of Civil Defense and emergency situations problems» certified 7 cities of Russia Federation in 24 Jan. 2017, which involved in the Resilience-building of cities «My city is preparing» international program. The program was carried out through the UN International Development Strategy strategies to reduce the calamities; in many ways, its main principles are interrelated with the «Safe City» software-hardware complex developed in Russian [1,2].
Forecast of the Effect of Condensation Water on Reservoir Losses of Hydrocarbons in the T1-A Field of the Srednetungsky Field
Authors: Katanova R K , Inyakina E I , Krasnov I I
Published: March 2021

Experimental PVT studies of the gas condensate mixture of the Srednetyungskoye field for the determination of the reservoir losses of hydrocarbons with the availability of condensation water have been conducted on recombined samples of separator gas, deposit water and saturated condensate. The bed samples were taken during field research of wells operating the T1-A deposit of the Srednetyungskoye oil and gas condensate field. T1-A bed has been sunk by all wells drilled in the field. The gas condensate pool was opened by thirteen wells, three of which (No. 225, 230, 240) made it possible to determine the position of the газоводяной контакт (ГBK) gas-water contact (GWC) of the deposit. Experimental modeling of phase behavior of gas-condensate bed systems at different thermodynamic states was carried out to determine the influence of condensation water on the value of condensate recovery during the development.
The Screening Influence of the Composite Structure Broken Ice on the Gravity Waves Propagation
Authors: Zuev V A , Kalinina N V , Moskvicheva Yu A
Published: March 2021

The broken ice influence on the surface of the water area on the parameters of propagation of gravity waves including ship waves is considered. The discrepancy using of the superposition principle, which consist in the addition of the independent component of water and ice resistance of the vessels motion and used in the existing analytical calculations, and the real process picture is shown. The quantitative assessment of the broken ice influence on the resistance components is given.
Ensuring the Safety of Gas Distribution Stations When Increasing Capacity
Authors: Fomina E , Guskov M , Mitichkin S , Shishkin S
Published: March 2021

The paper shows the dynamics of accidents and industrial fatality injuries at the Main Pipeline Transport of Hydrocarbons in the Russian Federation. The features of operation of a Gas Distribution Station (GDS) as one of the Hazardous Production Facilities of Main Pipeline Transport of Natural Gas are considered. The main technological units and systems for ensuring the complex safety of automated low-performance GDS are presented. The main factors contributing to the occurrence and development of accidents at the GDS are listed. To increase gas supplies to the consumer, the calculation of the technically possible throughput capacity of the existing GDS with a design capacity of 20 thousand m3/hour was carried out. Using a software complex “Vesta-GDS” we built process flow diagram that under the given constraints (pressure, temperature, gas velocity in the pipeline and the degree of opening of the gas pressure regulator valve) determined that the technically possible throughput capacity of GDS is 16.37 thousand m3/hour more than design capacity. With technically possible increased productivity, a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the risk of an accident at the GDS II class of danger was made, as a result of which the risk was assessed as “low” and not exceeding the background indicators of the oil and gas industry of the Russian Federation.
The Development of Sheep Breeding in the Doctrine of Food Security: Problems and Design
Authors: Zhichkin K , Nosov V , Zhichkina L , Levina N , Lobacheva T , Pokidov B
Published: March 2021

The article discusses the experience of restoring sheep stock in the Samara region under counter-sanctions. During the economic reform years, the number of sheep in the region decreased by 10 times. However, the introduction in 2014 of reciprocal restrictions on the import of food products from European countries made it possible to partially restore the population. Over this period, it has grown almost 2 times. As the experience of creating new sheep farms in modern conditions shows, it is necessary to change the old specialization (wool production) to a new one - lamb production. Polyester sheep breeds are better suited for this purpose. With an integrated approach to the implementation of an investment project in sheep farming, high profitability indicators can be achieved. Starting with 300 ewes and spending about 15 million rubles for the purchase of breeding stock, equipment, construction, in two and a half years, the number of productive stock can be brought up to 1000 head. The calculations showed that in this case the payback period of the projects is no more than 4-5 years, depending on the scale of production, the chosen pace of development, and the depth of products processing.
V.A. Kostitsin Eco-Genetic Model in Studying the Race Dynamics of the Multirakered Muksun of the Yenisei River
Authors: Haydenok N D , Chumakov V F , Chumakov I V
Published: March 2021

The paper considers the results of studying the ordinary multirakered muksun race dynamics in the Yenisei River based on the eco-genetic model and resolves the issue of determining the fish farm locality, which is equivalent to defining which subpopulation should be strengthened through the artificial reproduction.
The Influence of the Technological Order for Modifiers Introduction on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Cement-Mineral Systems
Authors: Vavrenyuk S V , Efimenko Yu V , Farafonov Al E
Published: March 2021

There were studies aimed on the influence of operating practice for solid-phase mechanochemical modification of cement-mineral systems. The effect of the introduction order for modifiers of hydrophobic-plasticizing action on the physical and mechanical properties of cement-mineral compositions (CMC) was studied.
Updated Technique for Forecasting Strength and Deformability of Composite (Clastic-Silty-Clayed) Soils
Authors: Aminova L I , Dobud’ko O V
Published: March 2021

Clastic-silty-clayed soils are most common on construction sites of the Russian Far East. DalNIIS studies of the construction properties of these soils were launched by Professor V. I. Fedorov in 1968-1972 and ended with the development of a Technique of Assessing the Strength and Compressibility of the studied soils in 1991. This is the first in the global soil science Technique evaluating the mechanical characteristics of soil through its physical properties. In 2013-2014, the Technique was updated. As a result, a new modern edition of the Technique was developed as a Manual for Design and Construction of Foundations and Basements of Buildings and Structures in Watering out and Hazardous Heaving Soils of the southern Russian Far East with enclosed Charts of Standard Strength and Deformation Parameters of Clastic-Clayed Soils.
Updated Evaluation of RhD Status Among Women of Child-Bearing Age in Detroit, Michigan
Authors: Uzuni Ajna , Wlosinski Lindsey , Lopez-Plaza Ileana
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The Rh blood group system is one of the most important and immunogenic blood group systems after the ABO blood group system and, like other blood group antigens, it follows ethnic and racial trends. However, when it comes to D variants—partial D and weak D—most of the cohorts studied in the literature have been of European descent. This study aimed to discover the variant D trends in Detroit, Michigan, with an emphasis on Black communities.

Methods

From 2016 to 2018, there were 102 patients (women of childbearing potential: < 50 years) at Henry Ford Hospital that had serologic D discrepant testing. These patients were sent out for molecular RHD determination.

Results

In total, 12.7% of patients were characterized as RhD positive and 87.3% of patients were characterized as RhD variants (nominated as RhD negative at our institution).

Conclusions

Our predominantly Black cohort sheds light on the diversity of the RhD antigen. The majority of Blacks were classified as RhD variants (RhD negative nomination at our institution). Therefore, molecular testing for this patient population with serologic RhD discrepancies is paramount to properly manage their obstetric care.
Exception, Symbolism and Compromise: The Resilience of Treason as a Capital offence
Authors: Dudai Ron
Published: March 2021

This article explores the causes, forms and consequences of the resilience of treason as a capital offence. Though generally overlooked by the literature on the death penalty, treason has been the second most common capital offence—after murder—in states’ law books in the post-WWII world and has had tangible effects on abolition trajectories. The article first traces the transformation of treason from the paradigmatic capital offence in the pre-modern era to a peripheral yet persistent component of contemporary death penalty. It then analyses and explains the dynamic of ‘exempting’ treason from abolition for common crimes. The third section examines situations where treason remains a capital offence on the books but is rarely used, functioning as ‘symbolic law’ with important consequences and spillover effects. In the conclusion, I argue that treason laws could become a central obstacle in the path to full global abolition of the death penalty.
A new infrageneric classification of the pantropical genusChamaecrista(Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae) based on a comprehensive molecular phylogenetic analysis and morphology
Authors: de Souza Alessandro Oliveira , Lewis Gwilym P , da Silva Marcos José
Published: March 2021

Chamaecrista with > 330 species, six sections, three subsections and 39 series has had a long and complex taxonomic history. The genus is monophyletic, but most of its traditional infrageneric categories are not. To test the monophyly of sections, subsections and series of Chamaecrista, we used two molecular phylogenetic approaches. The first (Broad) based on two DNA regions (ITS and trnL-F) includes a comprehensive sampling of Chamaecrista spp. and infrageneric taxa. The second (Multilocus) is based on four molecular regions (ITS, ETS, trnL-F and trnE-T) for a smaller but representative sampling. We performed ancestral character reconstructions to identify morphological characters that could serve as synapomorphies for major clades. Both molecular approaches support Chamaecrista and sections Apoucouita, Grimaldia and Xerocalyx as monophyletic, but sections Chamaecrista, Caliciopsis and Absus and most of the series are not monophyletic. The four main clades recovered are all characterized by a combination of morphological characters: a clade of tree species with cauliflorous inflorescences (including species of section Apoucouita); a mostly Brazilian campo rupestre clade (including all species of subsections Adenophyllum, Baseophyllum and Otophyllum); a clade of mostly herbaceous/shrubby species with solitary flowers or fascicles (including sections Chamaecrista, Caliciopsis and Xerocalyx and extra-American species) and a clade (with three main subclades) of species with viscous indumentum (including section Grimaldia and section Absus subsection Absus). We propose a new infrageneric classification for Chamaecrista supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphology, recognizing the four main clades as sections Apoucouita, Baseophyllum, Chamaecrista and Absus, the last with three subsections (Absus, Viscosa and Zygophyllum), but we do not recognize any previously circumscribed series. Our taxonomic treatment includes descriptions of and a key to the newly defined infrageneric taxa and an updated species list for the genus under the new classification.
Scalp high-frequency oscillation rates are higher in younger children
Authors: Cserpan Dorottya , Boran Ece , Lo Biundo Santo Pietro , Rosch Richard , Sarnthein Johannes , Ramantani Georgia
Published: March 2021

High-frequency oscillations in scalp EEG are promising non-invasive biomarkers of epileptogenicity. However, it is unclear how high-frequency oscillations are impacted by age in the paediatric population. We prospectively recorded whole-night scalp EEG in 30 children and adolescents with focal or generalized epilepsy. We used an automated and clinically validated high-frequency oscillation detector to determine ripple rates (80–250 Hz) in bipolar channels. Children < 7 years had higher high-frequency oscillation rates (P = 0.021) when compared with older children. The median test−retest reliability of high-frequency oscillation rates reached 100% (iqr 50) for a data interval duration of 10 min. Scalp high-frequency oscillation frequency decreased with age (r = −0.558, P = 0.002), whereas scalp high-frequency oscillation duration and amplitude were unaffected. The signal-to-noise ratio improved with age (r = 0.37, P = 0.048), and the background ripple band activity decreased with age (r = −0.463, P = 0.011). We characterize the relationship of scalp high-frequency oscillation features and age in paediatric patients. EEG intervals of ≥10 min duration are required for reliable measurements of high-frequency oscillation rates. This study is a further step towards establishing scalp high-frequency oscillations as a valid epileptogenicity biomarker in this vulnerable age group.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Patients with Congenital Chloride Diarrhoea
Authors: Norsa Lorenzo , Berni Canani Roberto , Duclaux-Loras Remi , Bequet Emeline , Köglmeier Jutta , Russell Richard K , Uhlig Holm H , Travis Simon , Hollis Jennifer , Koletzko Sibylle , Grimaldi Giusi , Castaldo Giuseppe , Rodrigues Astor , Deflandre Jaques , Dembinski Lukasz , Shah Neil , Heinz-Erian Peter , Janecke Andreas , Leskinen Saara , Wedenoja Satu , Koskela Ritva , Lachaux Alain , Kolho Kaija-Leena , Ruemmele Frank M
Published: March 2021

Background

Congenital chloride diarrhoea [CLD] is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the solute family carrier 26 member 3 [SLC26A3] gene. Patients suffer from life-long watery diarrhoea and chloride loss. Inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] has been reported in individual patients with CLD and in scl26a3-deficient mice.

Methods

We performed an international multicentre analysis to build a CLD cohort and to identify cases with IBD. We assessed clinical and genetic characteristics of subjects and studied the cumulative incidence of CLD-associated IBD.

Results

In a cohort of 72 patients with CLD caused by 17 different SLC26A3 mutations, we identified 12 patients [17%] diagnosed with IBD. Nine patients had Crohn’s disease, two ulcerative colitis and one IBD-unclassified [IBD-U]. The prevalence of IBD in our cohort of CLD was higher than the highest prevalence of IBD in Europe [p < 0.0001]. The age of onset was variable [13.5 years, interquartile range: 8.5–23.5 years]. Patients with CLD and IBD had lower z-score for height than those without IBD. Four of 12 patients had required surgery [ileostomy formation n = 2, ileocaecal resection due to ileocaecal valve stenosis n = 1 and colectomy due to stage II transverse colon cancer n = 1]. At last follow-up, 5/12 were on biologics [adalimumab, infliximab or vedolizumab], 5/12 on immunosuppressants [azathioprine or mercaptopurine], one on 5-ASA and one off-treatment.

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of patients with CLD develop IBD. This suggests the potential involvement of SL26A3-mediated anion transport in IBD pathogenesis. Patients with CLD-associated IBD may require surgery for treatment failure or colon cancer.
Automated cardiac volume assessment and cardiac long- and short-axis imaging plane prediction from electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography volumes enabled by deep learning
Authors: Chen Zhennong , Rigolli Marzia , Vigneault Davis Marc , Kligerman Seth , Hahn Lewis , Narezkina Anna , Craine Amanda , Lowe Katherine , Contijoch Francisco
Published: March 2021

Aims

To develop an automated method for bloodpool segmentation and imaging plane re-slicing of cardiac computed tomography (CT) via deep learning (DL) for clinical use in coronary artery disease (CAD) wall motion assessment and reproducible longitudinal imaging.

Methods and results

One hundred patients who underwent clinically indicated cardiac CT scans with manually segmented left ventricle (LV) and left atrial (LA) chambers were used for training. For each patient, long-axis (LAX) and short-axis planes were manually defined by an imaging expert. A DL model was trained to predict bloodpool segmentations and imaging planes. Deep learning bloodpool segmentations showed close agreement with manual LV [median Dice: 0.91, Hausdorff distance (HD): 6.18 mm] and LA (Dice: 0.93, HD: 7.35 mm) segmentations and a strong correlation with manual ejection fraction (Pearson r: 0.95 LV, 0.92 LA). Predicted planes had low median location (6.96 mm) and angular orientation (7.96°) errors which were comparable to inter-reader differences (P > 0.71). 84–97% of DL-prescribed LAX planes correctly intersected American Heart Association segments, which was comparable (P > 0.05) to manual slicing. In a test cohort of 144 patients, we evaluated the ability of the DL approach to provide diagnostic imaging planes. Visual scoring by two blinded experts determined ≥94% of DL-predicted planes to be diagnostically adequate. Further, DL-enabled visualization of LV wall motion abnormalities due to CAD and provided reproducible planes upon repeat imaging.

Conclusion

A volumetric, DL approach provides multiple chamber segmentations and can re-slice the imaging volume along standardized cardiac imaging planes for reproducible wall motion abnormality and functional assessment.
Low-frequency ambient distributed acoustic sensing (DAS): case study from Perth, Australia
Authors: Shragge Jeffrey , Yang Jihyun , Issa Nader , Roelens Michael , Dentith Michael , Schediwy Sascha
Published: March 2021

Ambient wavefield data acquired on existing (so-called ‘dark fibre’) optical fibre networks using distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) interrogators allow users to conduct a wide range of subsurface imaging and inversion experiments. In particular, recorded low-frequency (<2 Hz) surface-wave information holds the promise of providing constraints on the shear-wave velocity (VS) to depths exceeding 0.5 km. However, surface-wave analysis can be made challenging by a number of acquisition factors that affect the amplitudes of measured DAS waveforms. To illustrate these sensitivity challenges, we present a low-frequency ambient wavefield investigation using a DAS data set acquired on a crooked-line optical fibre array deployed in suburban Perth, Western Australia. We record storm-induced microseism energy generated at the nearby Indian Ocean shelf break and/or coastline in a low-frequency band (0.04−1.80 Hz) and generate high-quality virtual shot gathers (VSGs) through cross-correlation and cross-coherence interferometric analyses. The resulting VSG volumes clearly exhibit surface wave energy, though with significant along-line amplitude variations that are due to the combined effects of ambient source directivity, crooked-line acquisition geometry and the applied gauge length, fibre coupling, among other factors. We transform the observed VSGs into dispersion images using two different methods: phase shift and high-resolution linear Radon transform. These dispersion images are then used to estimate 1-D near-surface VS models using multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW), which involves picking and inverting the estimated Rayleigh-wave dispersion curves using the particle-swarm optimization global optimization algorithm. The MASW inversion results, combined with nearby deep borehole information and 2-D elastic finite-difference modeling, show that low-frequency ambient DAS data constrain the VS model, including a low-velocity channel, to at least 0.5 km depth. Thus, this case study illustrates the potential of using DAS technology as a tool for undertaking large-scale surface wave analysis in urban geophysical and geotechnical investigations to depths exceeding 0.5 km.
Digital Diagnostics and Mobile Health in Laboratory Medicine: An International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Survey on Current Practice and Future Perspectives
Authors: Desiere Frank , Kowalik Katarzyna , Fassbind Christian , Assaad Ramy Samir , Füzéry Anna K , Gruson Damien , Heydlauf Michael , Kotani Kazuhiko , Nichols James H , Uygun Zihni Onur , Gouget Bernard
Published: March 2021

Background

A survey of IFCC members was conducted to determine current and future perspectives on digital innovations within laboratory medicine and healthcare sectors.

Methods

Questions focused on the relevance of digital diagnostic solutions, implementation and barriers to adopting digital technologies, and supplier roles in supporting innovation. Digital diagnostic market segments were defined by solution recipient (laboratory, clinician, patient/consumer, payor) and proximity to core laboratory operations.

Results

Digital solutions were of active interest for >90% of respondents. Although solutions to improve core operations were ranked as the most relevant currently, a future shift to technologies beyond core laboratory expertise is expected. A key area of potential differentiation for laboratory customers was clinical decision support. Currently, laboratories collaborate strongly with suppliers of laboratory integration software and information systems, with high expectations for future collaboration in clinical decision support, disease self-management, and population health management. Asia Pacific countries attributed greater importance to adopting digital solutions than those in other regions. Financial burden was the most commonly cited challenge in implementing digital solutions.

Conclusions

Specialists in laboratory medicine are proactively approaching digital innovations and transformation, and there is high enthusiasm and expectation for further collaboration with suppliers and healthcare professionals beyond current core laboratory expertise.
Phylogeography of Cedros and Tiburón Island Mule Deer in North America’s Desert Southwest
Authors: Alminas Ona S V , Heffelfinger James R , Statham Mark J , Latch Emily K
Published: March 2021

Though mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) persist in robust populations throughout most of their North American distribution, habitat loss, unregulated hunting, and other factors have reduced their historical range in México. Two of the 6 putative subspecies inhabiting México’s deserts and Baja California peninsula are of conservation concern, occupying islands in the Pacific Ocean (Odocoileus hemionus cerrosensis on Cedros Island: endangered) and Sea of Cortés (Odocoileus hemionus sheldoni on Tiburón Island: threatened). Focusing on the desert southwest (n = 448), we sampled Tiburón (n = 22) and Cedros (n = 15) Island mule deer using contemporary samples and natural history museum specimens to complete a phylogeographic evaluation of the species complex, and assess the phylogeography of these insular subspecies. Both insular subspecies formed endemic haplotype lineages, consistent with island biogeographic theory. Bayesian skyline plots were consistent with Holocene demographic expansion. Cedros Island deer were genetically most similar to adjacent mainland Baja California deer, but exhibited a suite of unique haplotypes and reduced genetic variation. Tiburón Island deer haplotypes unexpectedly nested within a mainland lineage found in distant New Mexico, rather than the adjacent mainland Sonoran lineage. Such findings suggest the importance of postglacial climate fluctuations and biotic community turnover in the phylogeographic history of mule deer in the desert southwest. Our genetic data corroborates cultural, archaeological, and phenotypic evidence supporting Cedros and Tiburón deer endemicity and subspecies status. Reduced genetic variation, divergence from mainland populations, and demographic trends on both islands indicate that conservation, monitoring, and management are critical to ensure persistence of these endemic insular subspecies.
Investor Obligations in Special Economic Zones: Legal Status, Typology, and Functional Analysis
Authors: Lam Joanna , Guo Rui
Published: March 2021

The article discusses various types of investor obligations in special economic zones and examines how they are utilized as instruments for devising development policies. It presents the evolution of regulatory models and practices related to investor obligations in the context of the unilateral character of the legal framework of the zones. The article distinguishes between two types of investor obligations. The first includes commitments focused on quantifiable aspects of economic performance of the investor in the host country, such as the maintenance of a pre-determined level of investment or the creation of a specific number of jobs. The second category of investor obligations is those containing qualitative goals that contribute to the host country’s developmental objectives, such as workforce welfare commitments, environmental standards, and technology transfers. Case studies of Shenzhen, Poland, and Tanzania are analysed to demonstrate how relevant regulatory practices have evolved over time. The case studies are drawn from three different phases of the global proliferation of special economic zones and reflect the regional diversity of the zones.
NTRK Fusions Can Co-Occur With H3K27M Mutations and May Define Druggable Subclones Within Diffuse Midline Gliomas
Authors: Dahl Nathan A , Donson Andrew M , Sanford Bridget , Wang Dong , Walker Faye M , Gilani Ahmed , Foreman Nicholas K , Tinkle Christopher L , Baker Suzanne J , Hoffman Lindsey M , Venkataraman Sujatha , Vibhakar Rajeev
Published: March 2021

Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are incurable pediatric tumors with extraordinarily limited treatment options. Decades of clinical trials combining conventional chemotherapies with radiation therapy have failed to improve these outcomes, demonstrating the need to identify and validate druggable biologic targets within this disease. NTRK1/2/3 fusions are found in a broad range of pediatric cancers, including high-grade gliomas and a subset of DMGs. Phase 1/2 studies of TRK inhibitors have demonstrated good tolerability, effective CNS penetration, and promising objective responses across all patients with TRK fusion-positive cancers, but their use has not been explored in TRK fusion-positive DMG. Here, we report 3 cases of NTRK fusions co-occurring within H3K27M-positive pontine diffuse midline gliomas. We employ a combination of single-cell and bulk transcriptome sequencing from TRK fusion-positive DMG to describe the phenotypic consequences of this co-occurring alteration. We then use ex vivo short-culture assays to evaluate the potential response to TRK inhibition in this disease. Together, these data highlight the importance of routine molecular characterization of these highly aggressive tumors and identify a small subset of patients that may benefit from currently available targeted therapies.
Disentangling spatial, environmental and historical effects on tropical forest tree species turnover
Authors: Santos Alisson Borges Miranda , Maia Vinicius Andrade , de Souza Cléber Rodrigo , Fagundes Nathalle Cristine Alencar , Gianasi Fernanda Moreira , Pais Aurélio de Jesus Rodrigues , de Aguiar-Campos Natália , Pires Gabriela Gomes , Girardelli Diego Teixeira , Morel Jean Daniel , Morelli Mariana Caroline Moreira , Araújo Felipe de Carvalho , dos Santos Rubens Manoel
Published: March 2021

Aims

We aimed at disentangling the effects of spatial distance, current and past environmental dissimilarity, and their combinations on tree community taxonomic and phylogenetic turnover by addressing the following questions: (i) Is tree community taxonomic and phylogenetic turnover related to the indirect effects of spatial distance via environmental dissimilarity? (ii) Does tree community taxonomic and phylogenetic turnover respond to paleoclimate (Last Glacial Maximum and Mid-Holocene)?

Methods

The study was carried out in 14 Atlantic rainforest sites in Brazil (20.4 ha sampled) containing 615 tree species from 83 plant families. We obtained plot-level geographic coordinates and soil variables and site-level bioclimatic variables in the current, Mid-Holocene and Last Glacial Maximum. We used structural equation models with a distance-based approach to (i) test the direct effects of spatial distance and environmental dissimilarity and (ii) test the indirect effects of spatial distance via environmental dissimilarity on taxonomic (Bray–Curtis distance) and phylogenetic turnover (Comdist and Comdistnt distances).

Important Findings

Our results suggest a weak indirect effect of spatial distance via environmental dissimilarity on taxonomic and phylogenetic turnover. Tree community turnover was driven by the direct effects of neutral, niche-based and historical processes. Thus, we inferred that the paleoclimate (historical processes) promoted the selection of the clades that gave rise to the current flora, while spatial distances (neutral processes) limited the dispersal range of species from the regional pool and environmental conditions (niche-based processes) locally selected the taxa that are able to persist.
Medical Support of the Sinai Multinational Force and Observers: An Update, 2020
Authors: Gragg James , Sheehan Nathaniel , Weldon Louis , Vande Kamp Seth Vernon , Co Edgie-Mark
Published: March 2021

The Multinational Force and Observers in Sinai is a 13-nation international peacekeeping organization with the mission to implement the security provisions of the 1979 Egyptian–Israeli Treaty of Peace and continues today after approximately four decades. Despite not having significant changes to its core mission of force health protection, the medical team has recently evolved to face several challenges, with a coronavirus pandemic and a fatal helicopter crash. This article describes the medical challenges and experiences of the medical team from August 2019 to December 2020, highlighting changes from previous years. This article also updates three previous articles on the subject published in Military Medicine in 1983, 1991, and 2003.
Maximum black hole mass across cosmic time
Authors: Vink Jorick S , Higgins Erin R , Sander Andreas A C , Sabhahit Gautham N
Published: March 2021

At the end of its life, a very massive star is expected to collapse into a black hole (BH). The recent detection of an 85  M⊙ BH from the gravitational wave event GW 190521 appears to present a fundamental problem as to how such heavy BHs exist above the approximately 50  M⊙ pair-instability (PI) limit where stars are expected to be blown to pieces with no remnant left. Using mesa, we show that for stellar models with non-extreme assumptions, 90–100  M⊙ stars at reduced metallicity ($Z/\mbox{ $\mathrm{Z}_{\odot }$}\le 0.1$) can produce blue supergiant progenitors with core masses sufficiently small to remain below the fundamental PI limit, yet at the same time lose an amount of mass via stellar winds that is small enough to end up in the range of an ‘impossible’ 85  M⊙ BH. The two key points are the proper consideration of core overshooting and stellar wind physics with an improved scaling of mass-loss with iron (Fe) contents characteristic for the host galaxy metallicity. Our modelling provides a robust scenario that not only doubles the maximum BH mass set by PI, but also allows us to probe the maximum stellar BH mass as a function of metallicity and cosmic time in a physically sound framework.
Dynamical dust traps in misaligned circumbinary discs: analytical theory and numerical simulations
Authors: Longarini Cristiano , Lodato Giuseppe , Toci Claudia , Aly Hossam
Published: March 2021

Recent observations have shown that circumbinary discs can be misaligned with respect to the binary orbital plane. The lack of spherical symmetry, together with the non-planar geometry of these systems, causes differential precession which might induce the propagation of warps. While gas dynamics in such environments is well understood, little is known about dusty discs. In this work, we analytically study the problem of dust traps formation in misaligned circumbinary discs. We find that pile-ups may be induced not by pressure maxima, as the usual dust traps, but by a difference in precession rates between the gas and dust. Indeed, this difference makes the radial drift inefficient in two locations, leading to the formation of two dust rings whose position depends on the system parameters. This phenomenon is likely to occur to marginally coupled dust particles (St ≳ 1) as both the effect of gravitational and drag force are considerable. We then perform a suite of 3D Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) numerical simulations to compare the results with our theoretical predictions. We explore the parameter space, varying stellar mass ratio, disc thickness, radial extension, and we find a general agreement with the analytical expectations. Such dust pile-up prevents radial drift, fosters dust growth and may thus promote the planet formation in circumbinary discs.
The proliferation of space objects is a rapidly increasing source of artificial night sky brightness
Authors: Kocifaj M , Kundracik F , Barentine J C , Bará S
Published: March 2021

The population of artificial satellites and space debris orbiting the Earth imposes non-negligible constraints on both space operations and ground-based optical and radio astronomy. The ongoing deployment of several satellite ‘mega-constellations’ in the 2020s represents an additional threat that raises significant concerns. The expected severity of its unwanted consequences is still under study, including radio interference and information loss by satellite streaks appearing in science images. In this Letter, we report a new skyglow effect produced by space objects: increased night sky brightness caused by sunlight reflected and scattered by that large set of orbiting bodies whose direct radiance is a diffuse component when observed with the naked eye or with low angular resolution photometric instruments. According to our preliminary estimates, the zenith luminance of this additional light pollution source may have already reached ∼20 $\mu$cd m−2, which amounts to an approximately 10 per cent increase over the brightness of the night sky determined by natural sources of light. This is the critical limit adopted in 1979 by the International Astronomical Union for the light pollution level not to be exceeded at the sites of astronomical observatories.
Nse5/6 is a negative regulator of the ATPase activity of the Smc5/6 complex
Authors: Hallett Stephen T , Schellenberger Pascale , Zhou Lihong , Beuron Fabienne , Morris Ed , Murray Johanne M , Oliver Antony W
Published: March 2021

The multi-component Smc5/6 complex plays a critical role in the resolution of recombination intermediates formed during mitosis and meiosis, and in the cellular response to replication stress. Using recombinant proteins, we have reconstituted a series of defined Saccharomyces cerevisiae Smc5/6 complexes, visualised them by negative stain electron microscopy, and tested their ability to function as an ATPase. We find that only the six protein ‘holo-complex’ is capable of turning over ATP and that its activity is significantly increased by the addition of double-stranded DNA to reaction mixes. Furthermore, stimulation is wholly dependent on functional ATP-binding pockets in both Smc5 and Smc6. Importantly, we demonstrate that budding yeast Nse5/6 acts as a negative regulator of Smc5/6 ATPase activity, binding to the head-end of the complex to suppress turnover, irrespective of the DNA-bound status of the complex.
Risk Factors, Clinical Features, and Polygenic Risk Scores in Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder Depressive-Type
Authors: Dennison Charlotte A , Legge Sophie E , Hubbard Leon , Lynham Amy J , Zammit Stanley , Holmans Peter , Cardno Alastair G , Owen Michael J , O’Donovan Michael C , Walters James T R
Published: March 2021

There is controversy about the status of schizoaffective disorder depressive-type (SA-D), particularly whether it should be considered a form of schizophrenia or a distinct disorder. We aimed to determine whether individuals with SA-D differ from individuals with schizophrenia in terms of demographic, premorbid, and lifetime clinical characteristics, and genetic liability to schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. Participants were from the CardiffCOGS sample and met ICD-10 criteria for schizophrenia (n = 713) or SA-D (n = 151). Two samples, Cardiff Affected-sib (n = 354) and Cardiff F-series (n = 524), were used for replication. For all samples, phenotypic data were ascertained through structured interview, review of medical records, and an ICD-10 diagnosis made by trained researchers. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to compare individuals with schizophrenia and SA-D for demographic and clinical characteristics, and polygenic risk scores (PRS). In the CardiffCOGS, SA-D, compared to schizophrenia, was associated with female sex, childhood abuse, history of alcohol dependence, higher functioning Global Assessment Scale (GAS) score in worst episode of psychosis, lower functioning GAS score in worst episode of depression, and reduced lifetime severity of disorganized symptoms. Individuals with SA-D had higher depression PRS compared to those with schizophrenia. PRS for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder did not significantly differ between SA-D and schizophrenia. Compared to individuals with schizophrenia, individuals with SA-D had higher rates of environmental and genetic risk factors for depression and a similar genetic liability to schizophrenia. These findings are consistent with SA-D being a sub-type of schizophrenia resulting from elevated liability to both schizophrenia and depression.
Knowledge Transfers from Federally Funded Research and Development Centers
Authors: Link Albert N
Published: March 2021

The findings from a study of the relationship between postdoctoral students and R&D at Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are presented in this paper. The goal of the study is not only to understand better knowledge transfers from publicly supported R&D but also to estimate the returns to R&D conducted in federally funded laboratories. Using public domain data related to FFRDCs, published by the US National Science Foundation, the R&D elasticity of doctoral students is estimated over the years 2010–2019 to be about 0.85. This estimate compares well to previous studies of the returns to publicly funded R&D.