bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fixed- versus mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Wenchao , Wang Jianpeng , Li Hui , Wang Wanchun , George Daniel M. , Huang Tianlong
Published: November 2020

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) can be either a fixed bearing (FB) or a mobile bearing (MB) construct with controversy as to which design is superior. This question is addressed with a systematic review and meta-analysis. A literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Studies were reviewed according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria developed in advance. We compared the differences in clinical and radiological outcomes between the FB and MB UKAs. Analyses were performed with the Review Manager and STATA software. A total of 17 studies involving 2612 knees were included. No significant differences were presented between the FB and MB prostheses in clinical and radiological outcomes. However, it was evident that there were differences in the modes and timing of the failures, bearing dislocation led to earlier failures in the MB prosthesis, while the FB prosthesis failed later due to polyethylene wear. There was no evidence of publication bias using the incidence of revisions. There is no significant difference between the FB and MB UKAs; however, there are differences in the modes and timing of failures.
Effective screening of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in patient serum using lentivirus particles pseudotyped with SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein
Authors: Tandon Ritesh , Mitra Dipanwita , Sharma Poonam , McCandless Martin G. , Stray Stephen J. , Bates John T. , Marshall Gailen D.
Published: November 2020

Pseuodotyped particles have significant importance and use in virology as tools for studying the biology of highly pathogenic viruses in a lower biosafety environment. The biological, chemical, and serological studies of the recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 will be greatly aided by the development and optimization of a suitable pseudotyping system. Here, we pseudotyped the SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein (SPG) on a traditional retroviral (MMLV) as well as a third generation lentiviral (pLV) vector and tested the transduction efficiency in several mammalian cell lines expressing SARS-CoV-2 receptor hACE2. While MMLV pseudotyped the vesicular stomatitis virus G glycoprotein (VSV-G) efficiently, it could not pseudotype the full-length SPG. In contrast, pLV pseudotyped both glycoproteins efficiently; however, much higher titers of pLV-G particles were produced. Among all the tested mammalian cells, 293Ts expressing hACE2 were most efficiently transduced using the pLV-S system. The pLV-S particles were efficiently neutralized by diluted serum (>:640) from recently recovered COVID-19 patients who showed high SARS-CoV-2 specific IgM and IgG levels. In summary, pLV-S pseudotyped virus provides a valid screening tool for the presence of anti SARS-CoV-2 specific neutralizing antibodies in convalescent patient serum.
Mucosal microbiota and gene expression are associated with long-term remission after discontinuation of adalimumab in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Sakurai Toshiharu , Nishiyama Hiroki , Sakai Kazuko , De Velasco Marco A. , Nagai Tomoyuki , Komeda Yoriaki , Kashida Hiroshi , Okada Akiyoshi , Kawai Isao , Nishio Kazuto , Ogata Hiroyuki , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: November 2020

Given that sustained remission is the ultimate treatment goal in the management of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), the decision to stop anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) treatment in UC patients is difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate mucosal microbiota and gene expression profiles associated with long-term remission after discontinuation of anti-TNF therapy. In nine UC patients who received anti-TNF therapy for 6 months, microbiota isolated from uninflamed mucosae and gene expression in inflamed and uninflamed mucosae were investigated at week 0 and at week 24. At treatment initiation, Fusobacterium sp. and Veillonella dispar were over-represented in the relapse group compared with the non-relapse group. After treatment, Dorea sp. and Lachnospira sp. were over-represented in the non-relapse group. In the relapse group only, a significant shift in gut bacterial community composition was found between week 0 and week 24. Gene expression of ALIX (PDCD6IP) and SLC9A3 was significantly higher in the non-relapse group than in the relapse group. Lastly, we used machine learning methods to identify relevant gene signatures associated with sustained remission. Statistical analyses of microbiota and expression profiles revealed differences between UC patients who did or did not keep remission after the discontinuation of TNF inhibitors.

Trial registration: UMIN000020785: Evaluation of adalimumab therapy in mesalazine-resistant or -intolerant ulcerative colitis; an observational study (EARLY study).
Potential of MALDI-TOF-based serum N-glycan analysis for the diagnosis and surveillance of breast cancer
Authors: Lee Jong Won , Lee Kyungsoo , Ahn Sei Hyun , Son Byung Ho , Ko Beom Seok , Kim Hee Jeong , Chung Il Yong , Kim Jisun , Lee Woochang , Ko Myung-Su , Choi Soojeong , Chang Suhwan , Ko Chung Kon , Lee Sae Byul , Kim Dong-Chan
Published: November 2020

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)-based serum N-glycan analysis has gained acknowledgment for the diagnosis of breast cancer in recent years. In this study, the possibilities of expanding its application for breast cancer management and surveillance were discovered and evaluated. First, a novel MALDI-TOF platform, IDsys RT, was confirmed to be effective for breast cancer analysis, showing a maximum area under the curve of 0.91. Multiple N-glycan markers were identified and validated using this process, and they were found to be applicable for differentiating recurring breast cancer samples from healthy control or ordinary breast cancer samples. Recurrence samples were especially distinct from non-recurrence samples when N-glycan signatures were sampled in multiple time points and monitored via MALDI-TOF, throughout the therapy. These results suggested the feasibility of MALDI-TOF-based N-glycan analysis for tracking the molecular signatures of breast cancer and predicting recurrence.
Autofluorescence-based sorting removes senescent cells from mesenchymal stromal cell cultures
Authors: Bertolo Alessandro , Guerrero Julien , Stoyanov Jivko
Published: November 2020

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are used in cell therapy, but results depend on the unknown quality of cell populations. Extended culture time of MSC increases their senescent levels, leading to a critical loss of cell fitness. Here, we tested the suitability of MSC-sorting based on their FACS autofluorescence profile, for a rapid and non-invasive method of senescent cell elimination. Cells were classified in low- (LA) and high- (HA) autofluorescence groups, and results compared to the original MSC population (control). Three days after sorting, cells were screened by replicative senescence markers (cell volume, SA-β-Gal assay and gene/protein expression) and MSC differentiation assays. The transcriptional profiles of sorted MSC were also analyzed by RNA‐Seq. Compared to control, LA cells had 10% lower cell volume and autofluorescence, and 50% less SA-β-Gal + cells. Instead, HA cells had 20% higher cell volume and autofluorescence, and 120% more SA-β-Gal + cells. No changes in replicative senescence and differentiation potentials were observed between all groups. However, 68 genes (16 related to senescence) were significantly differentially expressed (DEG) between LA and other groups. Biological network of DEG identified CXCL12 as topological bottleneck. In summary, MSC sorting may have practical clinical implications to enhance the results of MSC-based therapies.
Reduced levels of biomarkers of exposure in smokers switching to the Carbon-Heated Tobacco Product 1.0: a controlled, randomized, open-label 5-day exposure trial
Authors: Tran Cam Tuan , Bosilkovska Marija , de La Bourdonnaye Guillaume , Blanc Nicolas , Haziza Christelle
Published: November 2020

In addition to smoking cessation, for those who would otherwise continue to smoke, replacing cigarettes with less harmful alternatives can reduce the harms of smoking. Heating instead of burning tobacco reduces, or eliminates, the formation of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHC) that are found in cigarette smoke. The Carbon-Heated Tobacco Product (CHTP), a heat-not-burn tobacco product, mimics the cigarette smoking ritual. This randomized, open-label, two-arm, parallel-group, short-term confinement study tested the hypothesis that the geometric means of the BoExp levels for subjects switching to CHTP 1.0 for 5 days are lower relative to those continuing to smoke cigarettes. Biomarkers of exposure (BoExp), including nicotine, urinary excretion of mutagenic constituents (Ames test), and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 activity, were measured in blood and/or 24-h urine samples during ad libitum product use. Nicotine exposure remained at similar levels in individuals using CHTP as in those continuing to smoke cigarettes. Switching to CHTP resulted in marked decreases in all other urinary BoExp (56–97%), carboxyhemoglobin (59%), urinary mutagenic constituents, and CYP1A2 activity compared with continued cigarette smoking. Our results provide evidence of decreased exposure to 15 selected HPHCs in smokers switching from cigarettes to exclusive CHTP use.

Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02503254; Date of first registration: 20/07/2015https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02503254.

Study protocolStudy protocol published at:https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ProvidedDocs/54/NCT02503254/Prot_000.pdf.
A causal role for the right angular gyrus in self-location mediated perspective taking
Authors: de Boer D. M. L. , Johnston P. J. , Kerr G. , Meinzer M. , Cleeremans A.
Published: November 2020

Recent theories suggest that self-consciousness, in its most elementary form, is functionally disconnected from the phenomenal body. Patients with psychosis frequently misattribute their thoughts and actions to external sources; and in certain out-of-body experiences, lucid states, and dreams body-ownership is absent but self-identification is preserved. To explain these unusual experiences, we hypothesized that self-identification depends on inferring self-location at the right angular gyrus (i.e., perspective-taking). This process relates to the discrimination of self-produced signals (endogenous attention) from environmental stimulation (exogenous attention). Therefore, when this mechanism fails, this causes altered sensations and perceptions. We combined a Full-body Illusion paradigm with brain stimulation (HD-tDCS) and found a clear causal association between right angular gyrus activation and alterations in self-location (perspective-taking). Anodal versus sham HD-tDCS resulted in: a more profound out-of-body shift (with reduced sense of agency); and a weakened ability to discriminate self from other perspectives. We conclude that self-identification is mediated in the brain by inferring self-location (i.e., perspective-taking). Self-identification can be decoupled from the bodily self, explaining phenomena associated with disembodiment. These findings present novel insights into the relationship between mind and body, and may offer important future directions for treating psychosis symptoms and rehabilitation programs to aid in the recovery from a nervous system injury. The brain’s ability to locate itself might be the key mechanism for self-identification and distinguishing self from other signals (i.e., perspective-taking).
Use of Vanadium Catalysts in Epoxidation and Sulphoxidation Reactions with Green Chemistry Criteria
Authors: Galindo Agustín , Pastor Antonio , Montilla Francisco , del Mar Conejo María
Published: November 2020

The catalytic applications of vanadium complexes in the oxidation of olefin and sulphide substrates, employing green chemistry criteria, are reviewed in this chapter. Particular emphasis is devoted to the use of non-conventional solvents as reaction media and to the immobilisation of vanadium species onto several supports.
Molecularly Dispersed Vanadium Oxide: Structure–Reactivity Relationships for Reducibility and Hydrocarbon Oxidation
Authors: Guerrero-Pérez M. Olga , Martínez-Huerta María V. , Bañares Miguel A.
Published: November 2020

The structures of vanadium oxide molecularly dispersed on oxide supports are unlike bulk phases, vanadium or its organometallic compounds. The dispersion of vanadium oxide triggers its exposure, which is the driving force for its applications in catalysis and surface science. The presence of an oxide support modifies the properties of the supported oxide, which in combination with coverage effect and the presence of additives helps creating a plethora of properties, with high relevance in catalysis, sensors and many other applications. This chapter presents a perspective essentially from the experience of the authors over the past 25 years. It addresses the nature of supported oxides and how these are affected by environmental conditions, loading and the presence of additives. Since environmental conditions may range from ambient hydrated to extreme pressure and atmospheres, the use of in-situ techniques is of paramount relevance to know the actual structure that supported vanadia species possess at given conditions. For catalyst materials, and functional materials in general, there is no point in knowing the structure at work if we do not know its performance. Among in-situ studies, operando methodology addresses this by providing simultaneous determination of material performance at genuine operation conditions and knowledge of its structure while working (“operando” in Latin). These aspects are considered from the perspective of catalytic application of supported vanadium oxides.
Vanadium Compounds as Indirect Activators of a G Protein-coupled Receptor
Authors: Althumairy Duaa , Murakami Heide A. , Colclough Rachel , Barisas B. George , Roess Deborah A. , Crans Debbie C.
Published: November 2020

A new mechanism for activation of luteinizing hormone receptors (LHR), a G-protein-coupled receptor, demonstrates that vanadium compounds can initiate receptor-mediated intracellular signaling via indirect effects on membrane lipids. BMOV and VOSO4 decrease lipid packing, increase aggregation of LHR and initiation of LHR signaling. To determine whether LHR aggregation requires the continued presence of either BMOV or VOSO4 in the cell membrane, we pretreated CHO cells with 10 µM BMOV or VOSO4, washed cells to remove V-compounds and monitored lipid packing and receptor aggregation for 24 h. For cells with 10 000 LHR, pretreatment of cells with either BMOV or VOSO4 decreased lipid packing and increased aggregation of LHR. The extent of receptor aggregation and lipid packing returned to baseline values over 24 h upon removal of V-compounds. When cells expressed 560 000 LHR per cell, receptors were already extensively aggregated and neither BMOV or VOSO4 had a further effect on receptor aggregation despite reduced lipid packing. Thus, recovery from decreased lipid packing and, in cells where LHR density is low, increased receptor aggregation is slow. The effects of on membrane lipid order and the implications of this work for BMOV or VOSO4 internalization are also discussed.
Vanadium Chloroperoxidases as Versatile Biocatalysts
Authors: Wever Ron , Renirie Rokus , Hollmann Frank
Published: November 2020

In this chapter the catalytic and structural properties of the vanadium chloroperoxidases will be discussed with an emphasis on their superb activity and stability under operational conditions. These properties make these enzymes attractive catalysts in organic synthesis and allow a number of applications. Some of the more recent findings are highlighted, e.g., the use of vanadium chloroperoxidase (VCPO) in the formation of singlet oxygen, halogenation of phenols, alkenes, halocyclisation of ε,γ-unsaturated alcohols and the aza-Achmatowicz reaction.
Structural modulation of the photophysical and electronic properties of pyrene-based 3D metal–organic frameworks derived from s-block metals
Authors: Coleman Christopher N. , Tapping Patrick C. , Huxley Michael T. , Kee Tak W. , Huang David M. , Doonan Christian J. , Sumby Christopher J.
Published: November 2020

Materials in which charge delocalization and migration can be tuned are critical for electronic applications.
Investigation of enhanced oxidation stability of microencapsulated enzymatically produced tuna oil concentrates using complex coacervation
Authors: Xia Qiuyu , Akanbi Taiwo O. , Wang Bo , Li Rui , Liu Shucheng , Barrow Colin J.
Published: November 2020

Tuna oil was selectively hydrolysed using Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase followed by stabilisation in gelatin–sodium hexametaphosphate complex coacervates to prepare microcapsules with enhanced oxidation stability.
Self-assembly of imidazolium/benzimidazolium cationic receptors: their environmental and biological applications
Authors: Singh Amanpreet , Sharma Shilpa , Kaur Navneet , Singh Narinder
Published: November 2020

This review highlights the applications of imidazolium based cationic receptors for sensing of biomolecules and catalysis.
Self-templated formation of (NiCo)9S8yolk–shelled spheres for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Yi-Lin , Yan Cheng , Wang Gui-Gen , Li Fei , Shang Yang , Zhang Hua-Yu , Han Jie-Cai , Yang Hui Ying
Published: November 2020

Rational materials design for the synthesis of desirable hollow micro- and nanostructures has recently revealed the remarkable potential for high-performance energy storage and conversion devices.
Dynamic spatial and structural organization in artificial cells regulates signal processing by protein scaffolding
Authors: Buddingh' Bastiaan C. , Llopis-Lorente Antoni , Abdelmohsen Loai K. E. A. , van Hest Jan C. M.
Published: November 2020

Engineered artificial cells respond to environmental cues through a pre-programmed enzymatic machinery that induces spatio-structural organization and activation of effector proteins at the lipid membrane.
Differential Diagnosis of Childhood Apraxia of Speech Compared to Other Speech Sound Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Murray Elizabeth , Iuzzini-Seigel Jenya , Maas Edwin , Terband Hayo , Ballard Kirrie J.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the discriminative features that might contribute to differentiation of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) from other speech sound disorders (SSDs).

Method

A comprehensive literature search was conducted for articles or doctoral dissertations that included ≥ 1 child with CAS and ≥ 1 child with SSD. Of 2,071 publications screened, 53 met the criteria. Articles were assessed for (a) study design and risk of bias; (b) participant characteristics and confidence in diagnosis; and (c) discriminative perceptual, acoustic, or kinematic measures. A criterion was used to identify promising studies: American Academy of Neurology study design (Class III+), replicable participant descriptions and adequate confidence in diagnosis (≥ 3), and ≥ 1 discriminative and reliable measure.

Results

Over 75% of studies were retrospective, case–control designs and/or assessed English-speaking children. Many studies did not fully describe study design and quality. No studies met the Class I (highest) quality rating according to American Academy of Neurology guidelines. CAS was mostly compared to speech delay/phonological disorder. Only six studies had diagnostic confidence ratings of 1 (best). Twenty-six studies reported discriminative perceptual measures, 14 reported discriminative acoustic markers, and four reported discriminative kinematic markers. Measures were diverse, and only two studies directly replicated previous findings. Overall, seven studies met the quality criteria, and another eight nearly met the study criteria to warrant further investigation.

Conclusions

There are no studies of the highest diagnostic quality. There are 15 studies that can contribute to further diagnostic efforts discriminating CAS from other SSDs. Future research should utilize careful diagnostic design, support replication, and adhere to standard reporting guidelines.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.13158149
Human Auditory-Frequency Tuning Is Sensitive to Tonal Language Experience
Authors: Liu Yin , Xu Runyi , Gong Qin
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate whether human auditory frequency tuning can be influenced by tonal language experience.

Method

Perceptual tuning measured via psychophysical tuning curves and cochlear tuning derived via stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emission suppression tuning curves in 14 native speakers of a tonal language (Mandarin) were compared to those of 14 native speakers of a nontonal language (English) at 1 and 4 kHz.

Results

Group comparisons of both psychophysical tuning curves (
p
= .046) and stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emission suppression tuning curves (
p
= .007) in the 4-kHz region indicated sharper frequency tuning in the Mandarin-speaking group relative to the English-speaking group. The auditory tuning was better at the higher (4 kHz) than the lower (1 kHz) probe frequencies (
p
< .001).

Conclusions

The sharper auditory tuning in the 4-kHz cochlear region is associated with long-term tonal language (i.e., Mandarin) experience. Experience-dependent plasticity of tonal language may occur before the sound signal reaches central neural stages, as peripheral as the cochlea.
The Clear-Speech Benefit for School-Age Children: Speech-in-Noise and Speech-in-Speech Recognition
Authors: Calandruccio Lauren , Porter Heather L. , Leibold Lori J. , Buss Emily
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Talkers often modify their speech when communicating with individuals who struggle to understand speech, such as listeners with hearing loss. This study evaluated the benefit of clear speech in school-age children and adults with normal hearing for speech-in-noise and speech-in-speech recognition.

Method

Masked sentence recognition thresholds were estimated for school-age children and adults using an adaptive procedure. In Experiment 1, the target and masker were summed and presented over a loudspeaker located directly in front of the listener. The masker was either speech-shaped noise or two-talker speech, and target sentences were produced using a clear or conversational speaking style. In Experiment 2, stimuli were presented over headphones. The two-talker speech masker was diotic (M
0
). Clear and conversational target sentences were presented either in-phase (T
0
) or out-of-phase (T
π
) between the two ears. The M
0
T
π
condition introduces a segregation cue that was expected to improve performance.

Results

For speech presented over a single loudspeaker (Experiment 1), the clear-speech benefit was independent of age for the noise masker, but it increased with age for the two-talker masker. Similar age effects for the two-talker speech masker were seen under headphones with diotic presentation (M
0
T
0
), but comparable clear-speech benefit as a function of age was observed with a binaural cue to facilitate segregation (M
0
T
π
).

Conclusions

Consistent with prior research, children showed a robust clear-speech benefit for speech-in-noise recognition. Immaturity in the ability to segregate target from masker speech may limit young children's ability to benefit from clear-speech modifications for speech-in-speech recognition under some conditions. When provided with a cue that facilitates segregation, children as young as 4–7 years of age derived a clear-speech benefit in a two-talker masker that was similar to the benefit experienced by adults.
Tensor total variation regularised low‐rank approximation framework for video deraining
Authors: P.S. Baiju , P. Deepak Jayan , George Sudhish N.
Published: November 2020

Outdoor monitoring systems are known to exhibit better performance under normal weather conditions, while it lacks effectiveness under inclement conditions. Often video footage captured by the camera under rainy conditions comprises several visual distortions. It eventually leads to flaws when handled with succeeding computer vision algorithms, namely the object identification and tracking. Additionally, eliminating such unpleasant rainy effects is essential prior to the processing of video footage by suitable algorithms. The present work attempts to formulate a new low‐rank tensor recovery based deraining algorithm that enables to remove the rain streaks from video footage. The proposed method detects the rain streaks by adopting optical flow estimation along with the brightness features inherent with the rain streaks. A unified framework comprised of tensor singular value decomposition (t‐SVD) based weighted nuclear norm minimisation and tensor total variation (TTV) regularisation effectively removes rain streaks and recovers the original rain‐free data from the available rainy data. The use of t‐SVD enforces the concept of low rankness and also exploits the temporal redundancy among the video frames. Furthermore, TTV regularisation facilitates to promote the temporal continuity for discriminating most of the natural image contents from sparse rain streaks by preserving piece‐wise smoothness of video frames. Comprehensive experimental findings based on real and synthetic data with dynamic background show that the rain streaks are more efficaciously eliminated by adopting the proposed method without much loss in the information.
The State of Litter of Pigs in the Conditions of the Complex
Authors: Siraziev Romazan , Gruzdova Olesia
Published: November 2020

The state of litter of large white pigs in industrial conditions was studied. Embryonic mortality is higher during the first 30 days of littering (21.6%) – in the period of histotrophic feeding of fetuses – before the beginning of placental connection formation. whereas during the whole period of pregnancy it is 38.4%. In a number of sows at different periods of littering. the number of corpus luteum and the number of fetuses from the side of the corresponding fertile horn do not coincide. that which indicates the migration of embryos into contralateral horn in the early timing of pregnancy. Fetuses growth rate is higher by the 45-days pregnancy. In the litter of pigs there are normotrophic (full-fledged. large-fetused). hypotrophic (small-weight) and stillborn pigs. There is close inverse relationship (r = -0.98 between fertility and full-fledgeness of piglets в гнездеin the nest. wherein the number of hypotrophic and stillborn ones as the number of newborns in the litter increases has direct positive correlation (r = + 0.98). The more piglets in the litter. the fewer full-fledged ones. and on the contrary. the number of hypotrophic and stillborns is increasing.
Morphological abnormalities in the testes and epididymides of roe deer that affect spermatogenesis
Authors: Sosnovsky Ilya , Kukharenko Natalia , Senchik Alexander , Gogulov Vyacheslav
Published: November 2020

In the wild fauna of the Amur region there has been a decrease in the population of Siberian roe deer in recent years. Abnormalities associated with loss of reproductive quality affect the number of animals. When analyzing pathological abnormalities in the reproductive organs, it is important to take into account not only the morphology in the structure of the genitals, but also the defective development of spermatozoa. The aim of this research is to study the influence of morphological deviations in the testes and epididymides in male Siberian roe deer on the development of spermatozoa.The object of the study was 24 males of Siberian roe deer aged from 1 to 6 years old; they were divided into 2 groups of 12 individuals each, from which the testes with epididymides were selected, and visual morphometric and histological studies were performed using generally accepted methods. Morphological abnormalities in roe deer were observed at the age of up to 1 year old. The greatest number of pathologies was found in male roe deer aged from 2 to 3 years old and older than 6 years old. Histological analysis of the testes and epididymides showed violations in the composition of the structural elements of this organ; they contribute to the further development of deviations. The main reason for the violation of spermatogenesis in roe deer is oligospermia, deformation of the convoluted seminal tubules, which leads to a violation of the development of gonadocytes.
The Impact of Quail Breeding Conditions at Private Farmsteads on Meat Quality
Authors: Gartovannaya Elena , Ivanova Klavdia , Denisovich Yuliya
Published: November 2020

In Russia, different quail breeds are widely grown and bred at specialized poultry farms and private farmsteads. In the Amur Region, only private farmsteads engage in this type of aviculture. The most common breeds are Pharaoh quail, Japanese quail, and Estonian quail. 100 eggs of the Estonian quail have been prepared for hatching in a specialized room at a private enterprise. The incubation has been carried out in the Rcom 20 MAX (RMX-20) machine at a temperature of + 37.2–380C and 55–60% humidity over 17–18 days. The egg hatchability amounted to 75%. In Russia, the birds receive balanced complete feeds of the following grades: P-K-5, P-K-2-1, P-K-6, Start, Super Start, RusQuail, Multigain and others. These feeds include different percentage mixtures of corn, oats, wheat, barley, meals and various types of flour (soy, fish, rice, etc.), yeast, chalk, phosphates, sodium chloride and other minerals. In the Amur Region, the balanced feed ration for poultry is produced by local companies “Amuragrocenter” and “Grinodir". These products have been used for feeding the chicks. The study of the Estonian quail bred at a private farmstead using the Amur feeds revealed some changes. According to the literary sources, the average weight of the Estonian breed is 180–200 g. The weight of the quails grown under the specified conditions was significantly higher — up to 200–260 g. In many regions, consumers prefer local products that they trust.
Pathomorphological features of some organs in dirofilariasis of dogs
Authors: Alymova Tatiana , Krasnoslobodtsev Nikolay , Shapiro Evgeniy
Published: November 2020

Dirofilariasis (from Lat. “diro, filum” meaning “evil thread”) is a parasitic disease caused by helminths of Dirofilaria. Filamentous helminths are of the white color and belong to the class of nematodes. On the territory of the Far East, there are 2 types of dirofilarias: D. immitis and D. repens. This parasitic infection is characterized by a very long course; a worm-infested individual can be a carrier of worms for up to three years. At the same time, they poison the body with dangerous products of metabolism and cause numerous pathological changes. Dirofilarias (most of them) are located in the heart and lungs. Microfilarias regularly circulate in the blood of animals. Examining the organs of dogs which have suffered from dirofilariasis, it can be concluded that the presence of helminths in the blood of animals causes damage to the entire body of the dog, injuring every organ.
Diagnosis and pathology of stress in newborn calves
Authors: Shulga Nikolay , Trush Natalia , Sayapina Irina , Bugaeva Lyudmila
Published: November 2020

The study of stress sensitivity in newborn animals is an urgent problem. According to the type of neurohumoral activity, animals differ from each other. The body’s response to the effects of stress can manifest itself in the form of adaptation or exhaustion. One of the most recognized definitions of the term “disease” is damage to the structure and function of the body under the influence of external factors during the reactive mobilization of its compensatory and adaptive mechanisms. As well as a set of non-specific changes in the body that are the result of its neurohumoral response to external stimuli that are stress. Based on the above, we set the following tasks: to develop a method for detecting stress-dependent animals; to study the effect of stress on the immune system of newborn calves; to study the influence of the Central nervous system on the manifestation of regrouping stress and its correction using sedatives. Experiments to study stress sensitivity were performed on newborn calves. A method was developed for detecting stress sensitivity in newborn calves, according to the formulated formula (know-how). Animals that have u.e according to the formula below 1.35 refers to stress-resistant, and with a value above 1.35-to stress-sensitive. When studying the effect of stress on the immune system, differences in indicators were found depending on stress sensitivity.
Effect of probiotic and asparaginate on the growth of calves and chickens
Authors: Tyukavkina Olga , Plavinsky Stanislav , Tatarenko Igor , Perepelkina Lyubov , Samuylo Viktor
Published: November 2020

The main task for the agro-industrial complex of the country and the Amur region in particular is to grow healthy livestock and obtain environmentally friendly products from it. In order to achieve these goals, special attention must be paid to the proper balanced feeding of animals, starting from the birth of the animal. In the Amur region, when harvesting their own feed, there is a shortage of normalized nutrients, which leads to a decrease in animal productivity, digestive disorders, which in turn leads to various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and a decrease in the immune status of animals. In veterinary practice, antibiotic therapy is used to treat diseases, which along with pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic destroys useful microflora. Accumulating in the body, antibiotics cause harm not only to animals, but also carries a danger to humans. From the use of antibiotic therapy, dysbacteriosis develops, which directly affects the development of the animal as a whole. Application of probiotics to calves from the first days of life promotes early scar formation, better absorption of nutrients, which in turn leads to intensive growth and development of the young animal body. When using probiotics in animals, the intestinal microflora is normalized, thereby reducing the risk of dysbacteriosis and diarrhea, thereby improving growth, development and metabolic processes. In farms of the Amur region, the use of probiotics in feeding calves of the dairy period has not been sufficiently studied.
Protection from emergencies, use of natural resources and system of economic loss evaluation in Russia
Authors: Rodionov Alexander , Ovsianik Alexander , Danilina Marina , Shahramanyan Mikhail , Godlevskij Peter
Published: November 2020

In recent years, the world has experienced large-scale pollution and poisoning of environmental objects and the disappearance of certain parts of natural resources. The current research uses statistical data and methods in order to analyze the situation in the sphere of ecological and biological development on the basis of the main indicators. Among these indicators was chosen the current (operating) costs of environmental protection. The natural resource base of the Russian economy, the problems of which require immediate solutions, must be protected by the state. The country’s environmental policy is aimed at creating appropriate conditions for reducing the anthropogenic impact on the environment to an acceptable level and restructuring this impact. Maintaining the life-supporting systems of the biosphere, protecting and reproducing reserves are the primary actions that the natural resource base of the Russian economy requires. The problems facing today can be solved as follows: improving the regulatory system, developing the institution of state property, taking into account the division of competence between the state and the subjects, reforming and improving the system of economic assessment and accounting of natural resources, environmental restrictions, licensing the use of reserves, gradual changes in tax legislation, aimed at increasing the share of environmental payments while reducing rates for other fees, improving economic and financial mechanisms for the reproduction of reserves, developing the market for services and work in the field of environmental management.
Spatial analysis of salinity distribution patterns in upper layers of the Black Sea
Authors: Krivoguz Denis , Mal’ko Sergei , Semenova Anna
Published: November 2020

Salinity is one of the most important factors that primarily determines the level of seawater’s density and, consequently, the movement of water masses in the World Ocean. Spatial distribution of the salinity in different layers of the Black Sea are associated with varying levels of water balance seasonal variability and, general circulation of Black Seas waters and in the surface layer has a seasonal structure. To study spatial distribution of salinity in upper layers of the Black Sea we’ve used data from Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service, that were processed and aggregate by seasons and depth. We found that the most fluctuated layer is a top layer (up to 2.8 m) and the highest values Black Sea salinity reaches near the Bosporus Strait, where more saline water from the Sea of Marmara connected with fresher water of the Black Sea. Also we found that the impact of the river flows, mixing of the water, water regime of the sea decreasing with depth, so in the bottom of the upper layer the spatial fluctuation of the salinity is minimal and reaches about ±3‰, while in the depth of 2.8 m its reaches ±12-15‰.The lowest level of salinity through all of the upper layer (0-50 m) lays around the seashore and north-western part of the sea.
Automatic processing of Sentinel-2 image for Kerch peninsula lake areas extraction using QGIS and Python
Authors: Krivoguz Denis , Mal’ko Sergei , Borovskaya Raisa , Semenova Anna
Published: November 2020

Climatic changes that have occurred over the past decades, with an acceleration of urbanization of territories and technological development, leads to the significant changes not only in the atmosphere, but also in the Earth’s surface. Surface water bodies are one of these components. Today there are 3 main methods of monitoring water bodies -field, remote and combined. In this paper, we show the possibility of automating remote monitoring of water bodies using QGIS, Python and Sentinel-2 data of the main and largest lakes of the Kerch Peninsula. Having analysed both the available satellite data and the features of the study area, we came to the conclusion that it is advisable to use the NDWI index instead of the mNDWI. After processing and analysing the Sentinel-2 data for 2018 using the data processing model presented in the work, we obtained time series of changes in the areas of the studied lakes of the Kerch Peninsula.
Development of farming in Russia aspiring to solve rural environmental issues
Authors: Aleksandrov Igor , Fedorova Marina , Parshukov Aleksey
Published: November 2020

The objective of the article is to analyze the share and the amount of farm households in the regions of the North Western Federal District of Russia. The period chosen for the analysis makes from 2005 to 2019, excluding to year 2020 due to particular circumstances connected with COVID-19. We assume, that development of farm households, in case it takes place, should be supplemented by the creating different kinds of non-importables connected with agricultural industry. Those non-importables can be promoted and sold with the help of Internet and to diversify the main product farms, so to raise their incomes. All those suggestions are the main goal to contribute in rural poverty eradication which leads to outmigration, dying of the countryside and serios ecological problems. Those ecological problems cannot be solved by poor people, but we assume that farmers getting profit from their territory are interested in preserving the environment, and we find the confirmation of this statement on our field research.
Innovation as a factor in increasing the efficiency of soybean production in the Amur Region
Authors: Shchegorets Olga , Tikhonchuk Pavel , Bumbar Ivan , Yakimenko Andrey
Published: November 2020

Soybean is a diversification culture of the agricultural industry of the Russian Federation. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the production of this crop has increased 12 times, a ‘soy belt’ is being created, experience in the crop cultivation is being accumulated in the regions. The increase in the gross yield of soybeans is caused by the expansion of sown areas, the yield remains below the world average. The task of the Russian soybean community is to bring the level of production to 7 million tons by increasing the yield of soybeans, while introducing modern innovations: highly productive varieties, progressive technologies, agricultural practices, compliance with the farming system. The paper considers soybeans as a backbone culture of the agricultural industry of the Amur Region. This region is the main producer of soybeans in the country. The paper presents an analysis of the production of this crop over a hundred-year period. At present, the volume of soybean production has reached 1 million tons, with a yield of 1.3 t/ha. The reasons for low productivity are revealed and real possibilities of obtaining resource yields of 3 and more tons per hectare are presented, which is confirmed by the indicators of scientific research and the results of advanced agricultural enterprises.
Grain boundary segregation and precipitation in an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy
Authors: Zhao Huan , Gault Baptiste , De Geuser Frédéric , Ponge Dirk , Raabe Dierk
Published: November 2020

High strength Al-alloys are highly susceptible to intergranular embrittlement, which severely limits their lifetime. This article summarizes our recent work on the effect of solute segregation in the precipitation behavior at grain boundaries (GBs) compared to the grain interiors. Solute segregation could accelerate the precipitation behavior at GBs, which causes the formation of coarse precipitates and precipitate free zones along GBs. Furthermore, the interplay of solute segregation and the local structure at GBs has been considered. We show that the distinct segregation and precipitation behavior occurs within the same GB, which makes the GB excess of solutes at one facet significantly higher than the other facet. This paper enriches the current understanding on the role of chemistry and structure at GBs related to intergranular fracture and corrosion resistance in high strength Al-alloys.
Quench Sensitivity and Phase Transformation Kinetics of AlSi7MnMg High Pressure Vacuum Die Casting
Authors: Liu Mengyun , Zhang Zhan , Breton Francis , Chen X.-Grant
Published: November 2020

The quench sensitivity of an AlSi7MnMg alloy in high-pressure vacuum die (HPVD) casting was investigated by time-temperature-transformation and time-temperature-property diagrams with an interrupted quench technique. The quench sensitive temperature range of the alloy is from 260 to 430 °C and its nose temperature is 350 °C. The mechanical strength versus cooling rates of the HPVD casting was predicted using quench factor analysis method and veriﬁed by experimental results. The critical cooling rate is 6 °C/s to remain 95% of the maximal mechanical strength. The coefﬁcientsk2-k5, related to the nucleation and precipitation kinetics of TTP curves, and phase transformation diagrams were determined. The precipitation of Mg2Si phase in the castings was observed during isothermal treatment using transmission electron microscope. Moreover, the quench sensitivity and kinetics of the phase transformation of AlSi7MnMg alloy and AlSi10MnMg alloys were compared. It reveals that the quench sensitivity and phase transformation rate of the former are lower than that of the latter.
Effect of Cu and Mg on the corrosion behavior of 4004/Al-Mn-Cu-Mg-Si/4004 aluminum alloy brazing sheet
Authors: Jin Xiaojie , Zhao Pizhi , Guo Shijie , Zhang Wenjing , Han Nianmei , Zhang Yunlong , Wang Guojun
Published: November 2020

Higher strength and better corrosion resistance are necessary to enable the thickness reduction of the aluminum alloy brazing sheets. In this work, an age-hardenable Al-Mn-Cu-Mg-Si core alloy was developed by the addition of Mg, Si and Cu. The corrosion behavior of 4004/Al-Mn-Cu-Mg-Si/4004 aluminum alloy brazing sheet in sea water acidified accelerated test (SWAAT) was investigated and compared with the traditional 4004/3003/4004 aluminum alloy brazing sheet. The microstructure was characterized by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). After brazing, it was found that the microstructures of two aluminum alloy brazing sheets from outer to the center were precipitate-free zone (PFZ), the band of dense precipitates (BDP) and core material, respectively. In particular, both Cu and Mg concentration gradients were formed in the BDP region of 4004/Al-Mn-Cu-Mg-Si/4004. Moreover, the SWAAT results showed exfoliation corrosion in 4004/Al-Mn-Cu-Mg-Si/4004, while in 4004/3003/4004, severe inter-granular corrosion in core material was observed after corrosion for 584 h. The theoretical electric potential distribution showed that the presence of Cu and Mg concentration gradient promoted the formation of the electric potential trough in the BDP region, which may be the reason for the occurrence of exfoliation corrosion in 4004/Al-Mn-Cu-Mg-Si/4004.
Temper rolling to control texture and earing in aluminium alloy AA 5050A
Authors: Engler Olaf , Knarbakk Kristian
Published: November 2020

The development of crystallographic texture during the thermo-mechanical processing of aluminium sheet is known to result in the formation of pronounced plastic anisotropy, including the well-known earing phenomenon. In the present study we track the evolution of texture, microstructure and earing profiles in sheets of Al alloy AA 5050A during down-stream processing according to a process route resulting in temper H16 after cold rolling and temper H44 after lacquering. This process, which includes interannealing followed by a mild final pass of temper rolling, was designed for producing medium-strength sheet with low earing properties. Besides the experimental characterization of the evolution of microstructure, texture and resulting earing profiles along the process chain, means to optimize the processing by adapting the intermediate thickness are addressed.
Interfacial microstructure formation in A356/steel compound castings using metal coating
Authors: Opsal Bakke Aina , Nordmark Arne , Arnberg Lars , Li Yanjun
Published: November 2020

Compound castings between aluminum and steel have great potential for applications in the automotive industry. However, due to large differences in thermal and mechanical properties between steel and aluminum, and the formation of stable aluminum oxides at the interface, it is difficult to form high strength metallic bonding between the two metals. In this work, A356/steel compound castings were produced through a gravity casting process. Various metal coatings, including galvanizing, aluminizing and brass-coating, were applied on the steel inserts to ensure that the A356 aluminum melt could react sufficiently with an oxide-free steel surface, resulting in a high-quality metallurgical bond. The reaction layer formed between the alloys was investigated using Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). In addition, Vickers Micro-hardness was measured across the aluminum-steel interface. Results showed that metallurgical bonding could be achieved with all three coatings. However, for the brass-coated components only local bonding areas were found. In the aluminized and galvanized components, thick reaction layers consisting of binary Al-Fe and ternary Al-Fe-Si phases formed in the aluminum-steel interface. Between the A356 aluminum and aluminized layer, nearly no reaction layer formed. The mechanism for the formation of the various intermetallic phases at the reaction layers are discussed.