bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Модели и алгоритмы адаптивной интерпретации результатов комбинированных газогидродинамических исследований интеллектуальных скважин
Authors: Сергеев Виктор Леонидович , Нгуен Тхак Хоай Фыонг  
Published: October 2019

Актуальность работы обусловлена необходимостью создания моделей и алгоритмов обработки результатов газогидродинамических исследований интеллектуальных скважин, оснащенных стационарными информационно измерительными системами, позволяющими определять параметры пластов и скважин в процессе проведения испытаний в режиме реального времени. Цель исследования: повышение эффективности и качества интегрированных систем моделей (дебитов, забойных давлений, дополнительных априорных данных и экспертных оценок параметров газовых пластов) и алгоритмов адаптивной идентификации и интерпретации результатов комбинированных газогидродинамических исследований скважин на стационарных, по индикаторной кривой, и нестационарных, по кривой восстановления давления, режимах испытаний. Методы. Использованы теоретические и практические разработки в области газогидродинамических исследований скважин, системного анализа, идентификации систем, оптимизации функций и линейной алгебры. Для анализа точности и устойчивости моделей и алгоритмов идентификации и интерпретации использовались промысловые данные газодинамических исследований скважин месторождения Тюменской области по индикаторной кривой и кривой восстановления давления, экспертные оценки пластового давления и фильтрационных параметров пласта. Результаты. Проведен анализ эффективности и качества моделей и алгоритмов идентификации и интерпретации на примерах обработки результатов испытаний нефтяных и газовых скважин по индикаторной кривой и кривой восстановления давления. Показано, что интегрированные системы моделей и алгоритмы адаптивной идентификации и интерпретации позволяют: определять фильтрационные параметры и энергетическое состояние пластов и скважин, число режимов и время завершения исследований в процессе их проведения в режиме реального времени; обеспечить устойчивость и повысить точность оценок проницаемости, пъезопроводности пласта, пластового давления, скин-фактора скважины за счет использования и корректировки дополнительных априорных данных и экспертных оценок пластового давления и фильтрационных параметров пластов; обрабатывать короткие недовосстановленные кривые забойного давления скважины после ее остановки.
Перспективы комплексного освоения Бакчарского железорудного месторождения (Западная Сибирь, Россия)
Authors: Рудмин Максим Андреевич , Мазуров Алексей Карпович , Рева Игорь Витальевич , Стеблецов Максим Дмитриевич
Published: October 2019

Актуальность исследования. Приводится анализ и оценка комплексных ресурсов Бакчарского месторождения, которое до настоящего времени считалось исключительно железорудным месторождением морских оолитовых железняков. Изученные второстепенные минеральные продукты могут быть предметом добычи для первоочередной окупаемости объекта. Основная цель работы заключалась в качественной и количественной оценке потенциальных попутных минеральных компонентов Бакчарского месторождения. Использовались следующие аналитические методы: оптическая микроскопия и петрографический анализ, сканирующая электронная микроскопия, рентгенодифракционный анализ, рентгенофлуоресцентный анализ. В результате проведенных исследований получены следующие основные выводы. Ресурсы глауконита на месторождении составляют около 800 млн т. В пределах западного детально разведанного участка площадью 5 км2 ресурсы глауконита оцениваются в 34 млн т при среднем содержании 27,8 %, из которых 4,6 млн т составляют глауконитолиты, 18,1 млн т - глауконитовые песчаники и 11,3 млн т - глауконит-шамозит-гетитовые ооидовые железняки. Туронские песчанистые алевролиты ипатовской свиты обогащены магнетитом и ильменитом при их суммарном среднем содержании в породе 15,2 %. Наличие этих минералов обеспечивает высокий магнитный сигнал (магнитная восприимчивость) отложений: 113,4…295,7·10-5 ед. Си. (первый и второй квартиль, соответственно). Ресурсы магнетита и ильменита по 13 пересечениям в пределах западного участка месторождения составляют около 2,75 млн т. Из этих ресурсов на долю TiO 2 приходится около 815 тыс. т (при среднем содержании TiO 2 29,6 %), а на долю Fe 2 O 3 - 934,9 тыс. т (при среднем содержании Fe 2 O 3 34 %). Текстурные особенности описанных пород (слабая цементация) позволяют рекомендовать скважинную гидродобычу как метод первоочередной разработки как глауконитовых залежей, так и магнетит-ильменитового пласта.
ВЛИЯНИЕ СМЕЩЕНИЯ СТАЦИОНАРНОГО ПОТЕНЦИАЛА АЛЮМИНИЕВОЙ ПОВЕРХНОСТИ НА СВОЙСТВА НИКЕЛЬ-ФОСФОРНЫХ ПОКРЫТИЙ
Authors: Рогова Инна Андреевна , Ильин Александр Петрович , Налесник Олег Иванович , Матренин Сергей Вениаминович
Published: October 2019

Актуальность исследования обусловлена необходимостью совершенствования уже известных методов нанесения химических покрытий. К настоящему времени, несмотря на многочисленные исследования и практическое применение, процесс химического никелирования остается неидеальным. Небольшая скорость осаждения никеля, высокий расход компонентов раствора, а также сложность проведения процесса нанесения не способствуют повсеместному применению химического никелирования. В то же время получаемые химическим способом покрытия значительно отличаются от тех, что получают электрохимическим способом: обладают ценными свойствами. Предложенный способ интенсификации за счет совмещения процессов нанесения никеля химическим и электрохимическим способами способен увеличить скорость осаждения покрытий, а также позволяет влиять на их состав и механические свойства. Цель: повышение скорости химического никелирования путем наложения при осаждении отрицательного электрического потенциала на алюминиевую подложку, с предварительно нанесенным тонким слоем химически осажденного никеля, для сокращения времени проведения процесса. Объект: никелевые покрытия на алюминиевой подложке из сплава марки Д16Т. Методы: потенциодинамический, сканирующая электронная микроскопия, энергодисперсионный анализ, микротвердость, скретч-тест, профилометрия. Результаты. Осуществлено совместное соосаждение химического и электрохимического никеля на алюминиевую подложку наложением на нее отрицательного электрического потенциала. Определено содержание фосфора в покрытиях в зависимости от смещения стационарного потенциала поверхности. Изучены физико-химические характеристики полученных покрытий: шероховатость, адгезия, твердость. Установлено, что небольшое смещение стационарного потенциала поверхности в катодную область позволяет получать никель-фосфорные покрытия, содержащие меньшее количество фосфора, но превосходящие по свойствам химическое покрытие.
Physiological, Proteomic, and Biochemical analysis Reveal Possible Cross-Tolerance in metabolism and heat response proteins in response to Heat and Water Stress in Soybean
Authors: Katam Ramesh , Murthy Nitya , Shokri Sedigheh , Lokhande Suresh , Suravajhala Prashanth , Khan Mudassar Nawaz , Bahamani Mahya , Sakata Katsumi , Isaragumpot Vanamrung , Reddy Kambham Raja
Published: October 2019

Water stress (WS) and heat stress (HS) have a negative effect on soybean plant growth and crop productivity. During WS, soybean plants opt for survival through ion homeostasis and the conformations of proteins are disconcerted as plant cells lose water while HS leads to difficulties in flowering and fruiting. Some of these changes include oxidative stress leading to the destruction of photosynthetic apparatus, macromolecules within cells and the onset of complex signaling cascades. Changes in the physiological characteristics, proteome, and certain metabolites investigated on molecular and cellular functions were studied in two soybean cultivars exposed to different heat and water stress conditions independently and in combination. Leaf protein composition was studied using 2-DE and complemented with MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. While two cultivars displayed genetic variation in response to water and heat stress, thirty-nine proteins were significantly altered in their relative abundance in response to WS, HS and combined WS+HS in both cultivars; a majority of them involved in metabolism, response to heat and photosynthesis showing significant cross-tolerance mechanisms. Functional analysis revealing a majority of heat responsive-proteins were more abundant during HS and combined stress (WS+HS) whereas these proteins were low to WS in cultivar PI 471938 and heat shock proteins were in low abundance to water, heat and combined stresses in cultivar R95-1705. Most protein abundances were not correlated with their expression at mRNA levels in PI cultivar, however, in cultivar R 95, the expression levels of transcript follow their relative abundance in proteins. Our systems bioinformatics analyses revealed that MED37C, a probable mediator of RNA polymerase transcription II protein showed potential interacting partners in Arabidopsis and our studies signifies the marked impact of this protein in PI cultivar. Elevated activities in antioxidant enzymes indicate that the PI-371938 cultivar has the ability to restore the oxidation levels and sustain the plant during the stress. Our study hypothesizes the plant’s development of cross-stress tolerance which will help foster the ongoing ventures in genetic modifications in stress tolerance.
Dynamics of a Second-Order System of Nonlinear Difference Equations
Authors: Taşdemir Erkan
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we investigate the equilibrium points, stability of two equilibrium points, convergences of negative equilibrium point, periodic solutions, and existence of bounded or unbounded solutions of a system of nonlinear difference equations xn+1 =xn-1yn - 1, yn+1 = yn-1xn - 1 n = 0,1,..., where the initial values are real numbers. Additionally we present some numerical examples to verify our theoretical results.
Potensi Ekstrak Terpurifikasi Daun Sirih Merah (Piper crocatum Ruiz &Pav) Sebagai Antioksidan Dan Antibakteri
Authors: Januarti Ika Buana , Wijayanti Rina , Wahyuningsih Sri , Nisa Zahrotun
Published: October 2019

Salah satu tanaman asli Indonesia yang sudah dimanfaatkan secara empiris sebagai antiseptik, antikanker dan menyembuhkan infeksi adalah sirih merah. Aktivitas ini berasal dari senyawa metabolit sekunder alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, dan minyak atsiri. Sirih merah diekstraksi purifikasi untuk menghilangkan zat-zat ballast yang dapat mempengaruhi kemampuan metabolit sekunder dalam menghasilkan aktivitas biologis. Tujuan penelitian yaitu mengetahui potensi antioksidan dan antibakteri ekstrak terpurifikasi daun sirih merah. Potensi antioksidan diuji dengan metode DPPH (1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) yang menghasilkan nilai IC50. Potensi antibakteri diuji melalui metode difusi sumuran. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah ekstrak menunjukkan nilai IC50 53,91 ppm. Hasil uji potensi antibakteri menunjukkan bahwa adanya hambatan pertumbuhan bakteri Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 pada konsentrasi ekstrak 50% dan 100%. Kesimpulan dari studi penelitian ini adalah ekstrak memiliki potensi antioksidan yang kuat dan antibakteri.
Pengaruh Kombinasi Polimer Hidroksipropilmetilselulosa dan Natrium Karboksimetilselulosa terhadap Sifat Fisik Sediaan Matrix-based Patch Ibuprofen
Authors: Ermawati Dian Eka , Prilantari Heni Utami
Published: October 2019

Ibuprofen merupakan obat non-steroidal anti inflamantory derivat asam propionat yang mempunyai aktivitas antiinflamasi, analgesik dan antipiretik. Ibuprofen dibuat dalam bentuk sediaan transdermal patch untuk menghindari efek samping iritasi gastrointestinal dan first pass effect di hati pada penggunaan peroral. Komponen utama pada sediaan patch adalah polimer. Polimer menetukan dan mengontrol release zat aktif dari sediaan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kombinasi polimer hidroksi propil metil selulosa (HPMC) dan carboxymethyl cellulose natrium (CMC-Na) terhadap sifat fisik sediaan matriks patch ibuprofen. Sediaan matriks patch ibuprofen dibuat dalam tiga formula dengan perbandingan polimer HPMC: CMC-Na yaitu 3:1, 1:1, dan 1:3. Analisa data dilakukan menggunakan uji One Way ANOVA untuk mengetahui perbedaan sifat fisik dari ketiga formula selama 4 minggu, dilanjutkan dengan uji post hoc untuk mengetahui formula yang memberikan perbedaan signifikan. Hasil analisa menunjukkan bahwa perbedaan konsentrasi polimer HPMC dan CMC-Na dalam sediaan matriks patch ibuprofen memberikan pengaruh signifikan terhadap sifat fisik sediaan patch meliputi ketebalan, bobot patch dan kandungan lembab (p<0,05). Konsentrasi optimum kombinasi HPMC dan CMC-Na sebagai polimer dalam sediaan matriks patch ibuprofen adalah dengan perbandingan (3:1) karena memiliki kelenturan, ketebalan, nilai pH dan kandungan lembab yang sesuai dengan persyaratan matriks patch yang baik.
Over-expression of poplar NAC15 gene enhances wood formation in transgenic tobacco
Authors: Yao Wenjing , Zhang Dawei , Zhou Boru , Wang Jianping , Li Renhua , Jiang Tingbo
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background
NAC (NAM/ATAF/CUC) family is one of the largest plant-specific transcription factor (TF) families known to play significant roles in wood formation. Acting as master gene regulators, a few NAC genes can activate secondary wall biosynthesis during wood formation in woody plants.
Results
In the present study, firstly, we screened 110 differentially expressed NAC genes in the leaves, stems, and roots of di-haploid Populus simonii×P. nigra by RNA-Seq. Then we identified a nucleus-targeted gene, NAC15 gene, which was one of the highly expressed genes in the stem among 110 NAC family members. Thirdly, we conducted expression pattern analysis of NAC15 gene, and observed NAC15 gene was most highly expressed in the xylem by RT-qPCR. Moreover, we transferred NAC15 gene into tobacco and obtained 12 transgenic lines overexpressing NAC15 gene (TLs). And the relative higher content of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin was observed in the TLs compared to the control lines containing empty vector (CLs). It also showed darker staining in the culms of the TLs with phloroglucinol staining, compared to the CLs. Furthermore, the relative expression level of a few lignin- and cellulose-related genes was significantly higher in the TLs than that in the CLs.
Conclusions
The overall results indicated that NAC15 gene is highly expressed in the xylem of poplar and may be a potential candidate gene playing an important role in wood formation in transgenic tobacco.
GC-PROM: Validation of a patient-reported outcomes measure for Chinese patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Hu Xiaojuan , Zhao Fen , Yu Hongmei , Luo Yanhong , Liu Jinchun , Zhang Yanbo
Published: October 2019

Background: There is increasing recognition that PROs are important in the estimation of the burden of long-term survival among patients with gastric cancer. The study aimed to develop a disease-specific instrument to assess patient-reported outcomes for Chinese patients with gastric cancer.
Method: Following the FDA's draft guidance for patient-reported outcome, conceptual framework and item pool were defined based on relevant existing work. A draft scale was formed after revising some items based on feedback from experts and Chinese patients with gastric cancer. The pre-survey and formal survey were conducted in eight different hospitals in Shanxi Province, and two item-selection process based on classical test theory and item response theory. Finally, the patient-reported outcomes measure for Chinese patients with gastric cancer (GC-PROM) was validated in terms of reliability, validity, and feasibility. The minimal clinically important difference was determined by distribution-based method.
Results: The final GC-PROM consisted of 38 items, 13 subdomains, and 4 domains. Reliability was verified by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for four domains and 13 subdomains respectively. The validity results showed that the multidimensional scale fulfilled expectations. In the formal survey, the completion rate was 96.16%, and the average filling time was less than half an hour. The values of the minimal clinically important difference were 4.14, 3.41, 3.37, and 3.28 in the four domains.
Conclusions: The GC-PROM had good reliability, validity, and feasibility and thus can be considered an effective clinical evaluation instrument for Chinese patients with gastric cancer.
Low red/far-red ratio as a signal promotes carbon assimilation of soybean seedlings by increasing the photosynthetic capacity
Authors: Yang Feng , Liu Qinlin , Cheng Yajiao , Feng Lingyang , Wu Xiaoling , Fan Yuanfang , Raza Muhammad Ali , Wang Xiaochun , Yong Taiwen , Liu Weiguo , Liu Jiang , Du Junbo , Shu Kai , Yang Wenyu
Published: October 2019

Background: Shading includes low light intensity and varying quality. However, a low red/far-red (R/Fr) ratio of light is a signal that affects plant growth in intercropping and close- planting systems. Thus, the low R/Fr ratio uncoupling from shading conditions was assessed to identify the effect of light quality on photosynthesis and CO 2 assimilation. Soybean plants were grown in a growth chamber with natural solar radiation under four treatments, that is, normal (N, sunlight), N+Fr, Low (L) +Fr, and L light.
Results: Results showed that low R/Fr ratio significantly increased the total biomass, leaf area, starch and sucrose contents, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, and quantum efficiency of the photosystem II compared with normal R/Fr ratio under the same light intensity condition (P < 0.05). Proteomic analysis of soybean leaves under different treatments was performed to quantify the changes in photosynthesis and CO 2 assimilation in the chloroplast. Among the 7834 proteins quantified, 12 showed a > 1.3-fold change in abundance, of which 1 was related to porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, 2 were involved in photosystem I (PS I), 4 were associated with PS II, 3 proteins participated in photosynthetic electron transport, and 2 were involved in starch and sucrose metabolism. The dynamic change in these proteins indicates that photosynthesis and CO 2 assimilation were maintained in the L treatment by up-regulating the component protein levels compared with those in N treatment. Although low R/Fr ratio increased the photosynthetic CO 2 assimilation parameters, the differences in most protein expression levels in N+Fr and L+Fr treatments compared with those in N treatment were insignificant. Similar trends were found in gene expression through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction excluding the gene expression of sucrose synthase possible because light environment is one of the factors affecting carbon assimilation.
Conclusions: These results implied that low R/Fr ratio (high Fr light) increased the photosynthetic CO 2 assimilation in the same light intensity by improving the photosynthetic efficiency of the photosystems.
The mmu_circ_0000335 inhibits M1 microglial-induced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis via the miR-19b-3p/SOCS1 axis in a mouse epilepsy model
Authors: Zhu Yong , Li Qiong , Kuang Weiping , Lu Jun , Wang Qin , Xia Shuaishuai , Peng Wei , Li Liang , Yang Ping
Published: October 2019

Background : Increasing evidence has demonstrated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in epileptogenesis, but the expression profile and role of circRNAs in epilepsy remain unknown. A circRNA microarray was performed to examine epilepsy-related circRNAs. Bioinformatics analyses, luciferin reporter experiments and real-time quantitative PCR (Rt-qPCR) in vitro experiments were performed to demonstrate the mechanism of circRNA-mediated gene regulation of the microglial phenotype under epileptic conditions. Then, to further confirm the effect of circRNAs on nerve damage in the hippocampus, a mouse model of epilepsy was established by intraperitoneal injection of lithium chloride and pilocarpine. Results: The data indicated that 364 circRNAs were differentially expressed comparing epilepsy and control tissues. In particular, mmu_circ_0000335 expression was significantly downregulated in epileptic mice which was confirmed by Rt-qPCR. Overexpression of mmu_circ_0000335 promoted BV2 cell transformation into the M2 macrophage phenotype by increasing expression of CD206, Arg1, Ym1 and IL-10 while decreasing M1 macrophage markers IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ expressions under epileptic conditions. mmu_circ_0000335 expression triggered upregulation of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 (SOCS1) by decreasing miR-19b-3p levels, as determined by luciferase reporter assay. In vivo studies found that mmu_circ_0000335 overexpression decreased epilepsy-induced neural cell apoptosis in the hippocampus by reducing inflammatory cytokine expression. Immunofluorescence detection showed that mmu_circ_0000335 overexpression promoted microglial transformation into the M2 phenotype which had an anti-inflammatory effect. Conclusions: These results collectively indicated that mmu_circ_0000335 was involved in epilepsy progression by functioning as a miR-19b-3p sponge to enhance SOCS1 expression. Thus, mmu_circ_0000335 may be a candidate therapeutic target for epilepsy patients.
Trans-lateral Decubitus Radiograph of the Hip: A New View to Measure the Version of the Femoral Stem
Authors: Ha Yong-Chan , Yoo Jun-Il , Ahn Joong-Mo , Lee Young-Kyun , Kang Yusuhn , Koo Kyung-Hoi
Published: October 2019

Background We developed a radiological method, trans-lateral decubitus view, to measure stem version and assessed its reliability as well as the validity.Methods Trans-lateral decubitus view of the hip was a lateral radiograph, which was taken with the patient in lateral decubitus position, hip extension, 90° knee flexion and patella facing forward. In 40 patients, who underwent total hip replacement (THR), a trans-lateral decubitus view and CT scan of the hip were taken. Three observers measured stem neck-shaft angle (α) on hip AP view, and the stem anteversion (β), which was the angle between the axis of stem neck and axis of the femur, on the trans-lateral decubitus view. The stem version (θ) was calculated using the formula; θ = arc ((tan (180°-β) /tan (180°-α)). The intra and inter-observer reliabilities of each measurement were examined. The radiological measurements were compared with those on the CT scan to evaluate their validity.Results The mean stem anteversion on radiological measurement was 23.72° (SD 8.17) and the mean CT measurement was 23.91° (SD 10.25) (p = 0.929). The intra- and interobserver reliabilities of the radiological measurements were 0.934 and 0.931, respectively. Those of CT measurements were 0.941 and 0.942, respectively. When the radiological anteversion was between -30° and 30°, the correlation coefficient between radiological measurements and CT measurements was 0.729 (p = 0.001).Conclusion The trans-lateral decubitus method appears reliable and valid for the measurement of femoral stem version. Trial Registration: NCT02554149 (29 March 2016).
Identification of cholesterol-assimilating actinomycetes strain and application of statistical modeling approaches for improvement of cholesterol oxidase production by Streptomyces anulatus strain NEAE-94
Authors: El-Naggar Noura El-Ahmady , El-Shweihy Nancy M.
Published: October 2019

Background Cholesterol oxidase biosensors have been applied to detect cholesterol level in different in serum and foods samples. Due to a wide range of industrial and clinical applications of microbial cholesterol oxidase, isolation and detection of new microbial source (s) of cholesterol oxidase are very important.Results Among the potential strains, Streptomyces sp. strain NEAE-94 was chosen and identified based on cultural, morphological and physiological characteristics; in addition to the 16S rRNA sequence which had been deposited in the GenBank database under the accession number KC354803. Cholesterol oxidase production in shake flask by Streptomyces anulatus strain NEAE-94 was optimized using response surface methodology. The production parameters were first screened using a Plackett-Burman design and the parameters with significant effects on the production of cholesterol oxidase were identified. Out of the fifteen factors screened, agitation speed, cholesterol and yeast extract concentration were selected due to significant positive effects on the production of cholesterol oxidase. The optimal levels of these variables and the effects of their mutual interactions on cholesterol oxidase production were determined using Box-Behnken design. The maximum cholesterol oxidase activity (27.31 U/mL) was achieved at cholesterol concentration (4 g/L), the agitation speed (150 rpm/min) and yeast extract concentration (5 g/L). In comparison with cholesterol oxidase production by Streptomyces anulatus strain NEAE-94 before the application of Plackett-Burman design, the statistical optimization resulted in an increased production by 4.66 times.Conclusions The maximal cholesterol oxidase activity is obtained at the following fermentation conditions: g/L (cholesterol 4, yeast extract 5, NaCl 0.5, K 2 HPO 4 1, FeSO 4 .7H 2 O 0.01, MgSO 4 .7H 2 O 0.5), pH 7, inoculum size 4% (v/v), temperature 37°C, agitation speed 150 rpm/min, medium volume 100 mL and incubation time 5 days.
Evaluation of tumor immunity after administration of conditionally replicative adenoviral vector in canine osteosarcoma patients
Authors: Agarwal Payal , Gammon Elizabeth A , Sandey Maninder , Lindley Stephanie S , Koehler Jey W , Matz Brad M , Smith Annette N , Kashentseva Elena A , Dmitriev Igor , Curiel David T , Smith Bruce F
Published: October 2019

Background: Osteosarcoma is one among the most common neoplasms in dogs. Current treatments include leg-amputation or limb-sparing techniques along with chemotherapy that show limited efficacy and fail to prevent metastasis. Conditionally replicative adenoviruses (CRAd) are gene therapy tools that replicate exclusively in targeted tumor cells, causing a cytopathic effect and in turn release of new virus particles to infect additional cells. We proposed that OC-CAVE1 (CAV2 with the E1A promoter replaced with the osteocalcin promotor) may also enhance existing immunity against tumors by overcoming immune tolerance via exposure of new epitopes and cytokine signaling. A previous study indicated administration of OC-CAVE1 was safe and showed specific replication in osteosarcoma cells. Results: We enrolled eleven client-owned dogs with spontaneously occurring osteosarcomas in a pilot clinical-trial. All dogs were injected with OC-CAVE1 following amputation of the affected limb or limb-sparing surgery. Dogs were monitored for viremia and viral shedding. There was minimal virus shedding in urine and feces by the 6th day and no virus was present in blood after 4 weeks. CAV-2 antibody-titers increased in all of the patients, post-CRAd injection. OC-CAVE1 injections did not result in a statistically significant increase in life span, although 2 dogs in the study achieved survival times in excess of 1 year. Immunological assays were performed to monitor 1) humoral response against tumors, 2) levels of circulatory CD11c+ cells, 3) levels of regulatory T cells, and 4) cytotoxic activity of tumor specific T cells against autologous tumor cells between pre-CRAd administration and 4 weeks post-CRAd administration samples. Western blots indicated an increased humoral immune response against pre-existing antigens in some dogs, but flow cytometry did not support this apparent increase. Cytotoxic T-cell activity did not increase in a consistent pattern. Levels of circulatory regulatory T-cells did decrease statistically in all patients. Conclusions: Administration of the CRAd OC-CAVE1 resulted in alteration of some immune response parameters but did not appear to result in increased survival duration. Weak replication of OC-CAVE1 in metastatic cells and delay of chemotherapy following CRAd treatment may contribute to the lack of improvement in survival time of the clinical patients.
Medical termination for pregnancy in early first trimester (≤ 63 days): a systematic review
Authors: Abubeker Ferid Abbas , Lavelanet Antonella , Rodriguez Maria I. , Kim Caron
Published: October 2019

Background A wide range of drugs have been studied for first trimester medical abortion. Studies evaluating different regimens, including combination mifepristone and misoprostol and misoprostol alone regimens, show varying results related to safety, efficacy and other outcomes. Objectives To compare the safety, effectiveness and acceptability of medical abortion and to compare medical methods with surgical methods of abortion ≤ 63 days of gestation. Methods Pubmed and EMBASE were systematically searched from inception through January 2019 using a combination of MeSH, keywords and text words. Randomized controlled trials on induced abortion at ≤ 63 days that compared different regimens of medical abortion using mifepristone and/or misoprostol and trials that compared medical with surgical methods of abortion were included. We extracted data into a pre‐designed form, calculated effect estimates, and performed meta‐analyses where possible. The primary outcomes were ongoing pregnancy and successful abortion. Results Combined regimens using mifepristone and misoprostol had lower rates of ongoing pregnancy and higher rates of successful abortion compared to misoprostol only regimen. Conclusion In this systematic review, we establish medical methods of abortion utilizing combination mifepristone/misoprostol or misoprostol alone are effective, safe and acceptable. In combined regimen, misoprostol 800 μg given vaginally or sublingually had lower rates of ongoing pregnancy and higher rates of successful abortion with moderate certainty of evidence.
AsHSP26.8a, a creeping bentgrass small heat shock protein integrates different signaling pathways to modulate plant abiotic stress response
Authors: Sun Xinbo , Zhu Junfei , Li Xin , Li Zhigang , Han Liebao , Luo Hong
Published: October 2019

Background Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are critical for plant response to biotic and abiotic stresses, especially heat stress. They have also been implicated in various aspects of plant development. However, the acting mechanisms of the sHSPs in plants, especially in perennial grass species, remain largely elusive.Results In this study, AsHSP26.8a , a novel chloroplast-localized sHSP gene from creeping bentgrass ( Agrostis stolonifera ) was cloned and its role in plant response to environmental stress was studied. AsHSP26.8a encodes a protein of 26.8kDa. Its expression was strongly induced in both leaf and root tissues by heat stress. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants constitutively expressing AsHSP26.8a exhibited reduced tolerance to heat stress. Furthermore, overexpression of AsHSP26.8a led to hypersensitivity to exogenous ABA and salinity during germination and post-germinative growth. Global gene expression analysis indicated that AsHSP26.8a modulates the expression of heat-shock transcription factors, ABA-dependent and -independent as well as other stress signaling pathways.Conclusion Our results suggest that AsHSP26.8a may play a negative role in plant response to various abiotic stresses through modulating ABA and other stress signaling pathways.
Structure and surgical dissection layers of the bare area of the liver
Authors: Ishii Takamichi , Seo Satoru , Ito Takashi , Ogiso Satoshi , Fukumitsu Ken , Taura Kojiro , Kaido Toshimi , Uemoto Shinji
Published: October 2019

Background : The bare area, which lies between the right liver and diaphragm, should be dissected to mobilize the right liver. The bare area was reportedly formed by direct adhesion between the liver and diaphragm, meaning that the bare area lacked serosal components. This study aimed to analyze the structure of the bare area by an integrated study of surgical and laparoscopic images and pathological studies and describe surgical procedures focusing on the multilayered structure. Methods : Surgical specimens of hepatectomy were analyzed histologically to evaluate the macroscopic structure of the bare area. Laparoscopic images and cadaver anatomy of the bare area were also examined, changing the dissection layers of the bare area. Results : The bare area comprised a multilayered structure that resulted in fusions in the hepatic development among the parietal peritoneum (peritoneum of the diaphragm part) and the visceral peritoneum (liver serosa). The multilayered structure of the bare area comprised the liver, sub-serosal connective tissue, liver serosa, parietal peritoneum, retroperitoneal connective tissue, epimysium of the diaphragm, and diaphragm, in order from the liver to the diaphragm. Laparoscopic images sometimes enabled us to recognize the multilayered structure of the bare area. Conclusions : Histopathological findings showed the bare area to be a multilayered structure. In cases where tumors are located underneath the bare area, it could be important to dissect the bare area, with careful attention to its multilayered structure. Surgical dissection of the bare area in the outer layer of the fused peritoneum could allow a sufficient safety margin.
Applying the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) to assess geriatric patients in home care settings: A qualitative study of nurses’ and general practitioners’ experiences
Authors: Jeppestøl Kristin , Bragstad Line Kildal , Kirkevold Marit Kirkevold
Published: October 2019

Background : Acute functional decline is a common clinical syndrome in geriatric health care and is typically characterised by nonspecific symptoms and presentations with a mix of physical, psychological, social and functional manifestations. Early warning score (EWS) systems are widely implemented in nursing homes and home care to detect clinical deterioration. The effects of EWS systems have been thoroughly evaluated in hospital care settings, but few studies have evaluated EWS systems in community healthcare. The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of registered nurses and general practitioners experiences when using the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) to support clinical reasoning and decision-making with geriatric home care patients who suffer from acute functional decline. Method: A qualitative methodology was used with a descriptive exploratory design. Data were collected from seven focus group interviews. General practitioners (GPs), and registered nurses (RNs) were purposively sampled from large, medium and small municipalities in Norway. Data were analysed using an inductive content analysis method. Results: MEWS was used as an additional decision-making tool with elderly home care patients when acute functional decline was detected. RNs and GPs highlighted that MEWS supported the clinical reasoning and decision-making process. Additionally , comprehensive reasoning skills and specific knowledge of the patients were needed. RNs identified the need for contextual adjustments to the use of MEWS in home care settings. Implementing MEWS has improved the collaboration and clinical practice of RNs and GPs. The adherence to MEWS follow-up recommendations was adjusted to the home care setting, accounting for potentially limited medical availability. Conclusion : MEWS supported RNs and GPs in conducting comprehensive clinical assessments and reasoning when acute functional decline was detected. Interdisciplinary communication and collaboration appeared to be strengthened, and the GP's work was streamlined. Several limitations were identified with the use of MEWS reference values with geriatric patients, which could lead to ambiguity and misjudgements . MEWS trigger recommendations were experienced as inappropriate to comply within home care. This study identifies the need for a modified evidence-based EWS adjusted for geriatric patients in home care.
Medical education challenges in mainland China: the attractiveness of Problem-based learning
Authors: Guo Kexin , Li Jingwen , Peng Yixiang , Ghoorah Devina , Ma Jianhui , Xiong Nian , Huang Yaling
Published: October 2019

Background: In the recent years, the increasing health care needs and the stricter learning requirements for medical students have led to a mismatch between what is taught at medical school and the actual skills to provide health care service in China,which also have brought challenges to medical teachers and students.The Chinese medical educators, thus, are pursuing new teaching methods to overcome the mismatch and Problem-based learning(PBL) responds to the situation. The current model of medical education is urgently needed to change. Methods: In this paper, we count the number of published articles according to PBL from mainland China and summary the current adoption situations and the typical challenges of PBL in medical education in mainland China. Results:The number of published articles according to PBL from mainland China increases with time in this decade.There are still unresolved application issues from both tutors and students regarding the adjustment to this highly resource-intensive pedagogy Conclusions: The number of colleges adopting PBL has been gradually increasing. This new learning model places hopes on Chinese medical educators who would optimize the educational outcomes based on a clear understanding of the PBL process, principle and practice. We expect that PBL can resolve the medical educational challenges in mainland China.
Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy to treat congenital nasolacrimal canal dysplasia: A retrospective analysis in 40 children
Authors: Cui Yan-Hui , Zhang Cheng-Yue , Liu Wen , Wu Qian , Yu Gang , Li Li , Wei Wen-Bin
Published: October 2019

Background: To investigate the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) to treat congenital nasolacrimal canal dysplasia (CNCD). Methods: Forty children (50 eyes) with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) and lacrimal bony dysplasia, including 8 children with bony atresia (10 eyes) and 32 with bony stenosis (40 eyes), were recruited in this retrospective study. Standardized EN-DCR was performed in all cases. The postoperative observations included relief of symptoms, fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT), syringing of lacrimal passages and anastomotic patency under nasal endoscopy. Patients were followed up for 8-18 months. Results: Standardized EN-DCR surgery had a success (cure and improvement) rate of 100%, including a cure rate of 82% and an improvement rate of 18%. The cure rate among 40 cases of bony nasolacrimal duct stenosis was 82.5%, while that of 10 cases of bony nasolacrimal duct atresia was 80%. Statistical analysis showed that nether the receipt of other treatments before surgery nor the type of bony nasolacrimal duct dysplasia affected the cure rate. No significant complications were observed during postoperative follow-up except for four cases (4 eyes) that suffered middle turbinate and nasal mucosal adhesion and two cases with sinusitis. Conclusions: CNCD is a type of CNLDO that does not respond to conservative and conventional treatment. EN-DCR represents a safe and effective treatment for children with CNCD. In addition, the combination of EN-DCR with lacrimal CT scanning provides advantages over traditional lacrimal surgery in that it has a high success rate with a low incidence of complications.
Key words: nasal endoscopy; endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR); children; congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO); nasolacrimal canal dysplasia
Double‐Cropping with Forage Sorghum and Forage Triticale in New York
Authors: Lyons Sarah E. , Ketterings Quirine M. , Godwin Gregory S. , Cherney Jerome H. , Cherney Debbie J. , Meisinger John J. , Kilcer Thomas F.
Published: October 2019

A rotation trial with forage triticale (xTriticosecaleWittmack) and forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor[L.] Moench) was conducted in central New York from 2016 to 2018. Treatments included four timings of sorghum harvest followed by next‐day triticale planting, five triticale spring N rates (0, 34, 67, 101, 135 kg N ha−1), and two N treatments applied at sorghum planting (fertilized, +N, and unfertilized, –N) using a randomized complete block split‐split‐plot design in four replications. The most economic rate of N (MERN) for triticale in spring 2016 was 86 kg N ha−1with a yield at the MERN of 4.0 Mg dry matter (DM) ha−1. In fall 2016 and spring 2017, total forage yield (triticale plus sorghum) did not increase after the mid‐September harvest for the +N and 135 kg spring N ha−1plots (23.8 Mg DM ha−1average). In fall 2017 and spring 2018, there was no difference in total forage yield across harvest timings (13.4 Mg DM ha−1average), likely due to fewer growing degree days (GDD) that year. We recommend harvesting sorghum ∼1150 GDD after planting or at the soft‐dough stage. Earlier harvests resulted in lower yield but greater digestibility and crude protein. Spring‐applied N did not affect forage sorghum yield or nutritive value. Sorghum fertilized with N resulted in MERNs of 0 kg N ha−1for the following triticale crop. Fertilizing sorghum according to N needs and timely harvest can support both sorghum and triticale yields without having to fertilize triticale in the spring.

Core Ideas

Forage sorghum requires N at planting in non‐manured systems.

Forage sorghum can be harvested after 1150 growing degree‐days without a yield reduction.

Triticale following fertilized sorghum may not need additional N in the spring.

Spring N applied to triticale may not affect forage sorghum yield.
Quantification of Groundwater Nitrate Loading after Raspberry Field Renovation Using High‐Resolution Passive Diffusion Sampling
Authors: Loo Shawn E. , Zebarth Bernie J. , Ryan M. Cathryn , Malekani Farzin , Cey Edwin E. , Suchy Martin , Forge Tom A.
Published: October 2019

The Abbotsford‐Sumas Aquifer is a permeable, unconfined aquifer in British Columbia, Canada, where raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) production is an important source of groundwater NO3 contamination. Renovation of raspberry fields (i.e., canes chopped, soil tilled and fumigated, and spring manure application prior to replanting), which typically occurs every 6 to 10 yr in response to decreased crop vigor, has been suggested as a possible cause of significant interannual variation in groundwater NO3 concentrations. This study used high‐resolution passive diffusion sampling to quantify the magnitude and timing of NO3 loading to shallow groundwater from a commercial raspberry field during a 6‐yr (2009–2015) monitoring period after crop renovation. After renovation, the annual NO3 loading increased from ∼95 kg N ha−1 in Year 1 to ∼245 kg N ha−1 in Year 2 and decreased to ∼85 kg N ha−1 in Year 3. The average annual NO3 loading from Years 4 to 6 (72 kg N ha−1) was assumed to reflect annual loading without a renovation effect, and the increased loading during Years 1 to 3 was attributed to renovation. Renovation contributed an estimated 33 to 23% of total groundwater NO3 from this field for a 6‐ to 10‐yr renovation cycle. Most of the NO3 loading associated with renovation occurred in Year 2 and was attributed to the manure application. The increased NO3 loading after renovation likely contributes to the spatial and temporally varying NO3 patterns observed in the aquifer. Reducing manure applications during renovation and decreasing renovation frequency have the potential to decrease the groundwater NO3 concentration.

Core Ideas

We estimated NO3 flux using vertically high‐resolution groundwater sampling and Darcy flux.

Loading was estimated under raspberry field for 6 yr after stand renovation.

Renovation frequency is an important control on long‐term NO3 concentration.

An estimated one‐third to one‐quarter of groundwater NO3 was from renovation in a 6‐ to 10‐yr cycle.

Manure was potentially the primary source of additional NO3 loading during renovation.
Current Understanding of the Use of Alkaline Extractions of Soils to Investigate Soil Organic Matter and Environmental Processes
Authors: Ohno Tsutomu , Hess Nancy J. , Qafoku Nikolla P.
Published: October 2019

A better understanding of soil organic matter (SOM) biogeochemistry is critical to meeting the environmental challenges that we face currently with the changing climate. Humic substances obtained from alkaline extractions of soils have played a predominant role in developing our knowledge of SOM chemistry and behavior during the 20th century. Recently, there have been new important developments that, according to some researchers, may be used to argue against the existence of the humic substances in soils as they are presently defined. A debate on the definition and continued use of the term “humic substances” has been taking place at conferences and in the scientific literature. However, because a consensus has not been reached on this important topic, the use of the term “humic substances” in this special issue conforms to the current existing definition of this term. This special issue of the Journal of Environmental Quality includes 10 papers on the subject of “Alkaline Extraction of Soils and Natural Waters to Understand Environmental Processes” and contributes to the ongoing assessment of the role of humic substances in current and future soil, environmental, and ecological studies. The contributed papers are grouped into three broad subject headings: (i) chemistry of humic substances, (ii) humic substances in environmental processes, and (iii) case studies and reviews of humic substances. Continued progress in understanding SOM and C biogeochemistry is essential to achieve long‐term ecological, environmental, and agricultural sustainability through the development of management strategies that conserve soil C and reduce the reliance on chemical inputs for meeting crop nutrient needs.

Core Ideas

This section aims to provide a wide‐ranging view of current humic substances research.

Are humic substances appropriate proxies for soil organic matter?

Better understanding of soil organic matter will enable future environmental sustainability.
Water Retention, Air Exchange and Pore Structure Characteristics after Three Years of Rice Straw Biochar Application to an Acrisol
Authors: Obour Peter Bilson , Danso Eric Oppong , Yakubu Adam , Abenney‐Mickson Stephen , Sabi Edward Benjamin , Darrah Yvonne Kugblenu , Arthur Emmanuel
Published: October 2019

Biochar has been suggested as soil amendment for improving soil structure and associated functions for agricultural production. We investigated the impact of rice straw biochar application on soil water retention (SWR), air movement through soil, and soil pore characteristics of a tropical sandy clay loam field. A field experiment was conducted at the University of Ghana's Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre, Kade, Ghana, which comprised three treatments: soil without biochar (B0), and soil amended with 15 and 30 Mg ha−1 of biochar (B15 and B30, respectively). Three years after biochar application, we sampled intact 100 cm3 soil cores and measured SWR, air permeability (ka) and gas diffusivity (Dp/D0), and quantified pore characteristics: tortuosity (τ), effective pore diameter (dB) and the number of air‐filled pores in a given soil cross‐section (nB) at selected matric potentials. At all matric potentials (−10 to −15000 hPa), B30 considerably reduced SWR compared to B0, whereas the B15 had similar SWR as B0. Biochar did not significantly affect the plant available water (PAW). The B30 significantly increased ka at −30 hPa relative to B15. At a given air‐filled porosity, the B30 tended to have larger Dp/D0 values compared to B0. Despite these improvements in soil air transport, the effect of the biochar treatment was marginal on soil τ, dB and nB. We suggest that, probably higher biochar application rates and longer time are needed to significantly improve PAW and soil pore structure characteristics, which control air and gas transport through the soil.