bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Patients With Metastatic Cancer Using a Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II–Restricted T-Cell Receptor Targeting the Cancer Germline Antigen MAGE-A3
Authors: Lu Yong-Chen , Parker Linda L. , Lu Tangying , Zheng Zhili , Toomey Mary Ann , White Donald E. , Yao Xin , Li Yong F. , Robbins Paul F. , Feldman Steven A. , van der Bruggen Pierre , Klebanoff Christopher A. , Goff Stephanie L. , Sherry Richard M. , Kammula Udai S. , Yang James C. , Rosenberg Steven A.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Adoptive transfer of genetically modified T cells is being explored as a treatment for patients with metastatic cancer. Most current strategies use genes that encode major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I–restricted T-cell receptors (TCRs) or chimeric antigen receptors to genetically modify CD8+ T cells or bulk T cells for treatment. Here, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of an adoptive CD4+ T-cell therapy using an MHC class II–restricted, HLA-DPB1*0401–restricted TCR that recognized the cancer germline antigen, MAGE-A3 (melanoma-associated antigen-A3).

Patients and Methods

Patients received a lymphodepleting preparative regimen, followed by adoptive transfer of purified CD4+ T cells, retrovirally transduced with MAGE-A3 TCR plus systemic high-dose IL-2. A cell dose escalation was conducted, starting at 107 total cells and escalating at half-log increments to approximately 1011 cells. Nine patients were treated at the highest dose level (0.78 to 1.23 × 1011 cells).

Results

Seventeen patients were treated. During the cell dose-escalation phase, an objective complete response was observed in a patient with metastatic cervical cancer who received 2.7 × 109 cells (ongoing at ≥ 29 months). Among nine patients who were treated at the highest dose level, objective partial responses were observed in a patient with esophageal cancer (duration, 4 months), a patient with urothelial cancer (ongoing at ≥ 19 months), and a patient with osteosarcoma (duration, 4 months). Most patients experienced transient fevers and the expected hematologic toxicities from lymphodepletion pretreatment. Two patients experienced transient grade 3 and 4 transaminase elevations. There were no treatment-related deaths.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate the safety and efficacy of administering autologous CD4+ T cells that are genetically engineered to express an MHC class II–restricted antitumor TCR that targets MAGE-A3. This clinical trial extends the reach of TCR gene therapy for patients with metastatic cancer.
Duodenal-Jejunal Flexure GI Stromal Tumor Frequently Heralds Somatic NF1 and Notch Pathway Mutations
Authors: Burgoyne Adam M. , De Siena Martina , Alkhuziem Maha , Tang Chih-Min , Medina Benjamin , Fanta Paul T. , Belinsky Martin G. , von Mehren Margaret , Thorson John A. , Madlensky Lisa , Bowler Timothy , D’Angelo Francesco , Stupack Dwayne G. , Harismendy Olivier , DeMatteo Ronald P. , Sicklick Jason K.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

GI stromal tumors (GISTs) are commonly associated with somatic mutations in KIT and PDGFRA. However, a subset arises from mutations in NF1, most commonly associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. We define the anatomic distribution of NF1 alterations in GIST.

Methods

We describe the demographic/clinicopathologic features of 177 patients from two institutions whose GISTs underwent next-generation sequencing of ≥ 315 cancer-related genes.

Results

We initially identified six (9.7%) of 62 GISTs with NF1 genomic alterations from the first cohort. Of these six patients, five (83.3%) had unifocal tumors at the duodenal-jejunal flexure (DJF). Two additional patients with DJF GISTs had non- NF1 ( KIT and BRAF) genomic alterations. After excluding one DJF GIST with an NF1 single nucleotide polymorphism, four (57.1%) of seven sequenced DJF tumors demonstrated deleterious NF1 alterations, whereas only one (1.8%) of 55 sequenced non-DJF GISTs had a deleterious NF1 somatic mutation ( P < .001). One patient with DJF GIST had a germline NF1 variant that was associated with incomplete penetrance of clinical neurofibromatosis type 1 features along with a somatic NF1 mutation. Of the five DJF GISTs with any NF1 alteration, three (60%) had KIT mutations, and three (60%) had Notch pathway mutations ( NOTCH2, MAML2, CDC73). We validated these findings in a second cohort of 115 GISTs, where two (40%) of five unifocal NF1-mutated GISTs arose at the DJF, and one of these also had a Notch pathway mutation ( EP300).

Conclusion

Broad genomic profiling of adult GISTs has revealed that NF1 alterations are enriched in DJF GISTs. These tumors also may harbor concurrent activating KIT and/or inactivating Notch pathway mutations. In some cases, germline NF1 genetic testing may be appropriate for patients with DJF GISTs.
Black Protest / White Grievance: On the Problem of White Political Imaginations Not Shaped by Loss
Authors: Hooker Juliet
Published: August 2017

After Ferguson in 2014, the visibility of protests against police violence resulted in much analysis of black protest, while the phenomenon of white rage was left largely unexamined until Donald Trump's surprising 2016 presidential victory. This essay reframes the problem of contemporary racial politics as the politicization of white grievance. I draw on the notion that the political imagination of white citizens has not been shaped by loss to argue that in moments when white privilege is in crisis because white dominance is threatened, white grievance is mobilized politically in order to counter perceived “gains”—both material and symbolic—by people of color. It is thus necessary to theorize the kinds of political practices and imaginations wrought by the absence of political loss.
Black Lives Matter and the Limits of Formal Black Politics
Authors: Makalani Minkah
Published: August 2017

For nearly two weeks, residents of Ferguson, MO, led a series of nightly protests over the killing of eighteen-year-old Michael Brown by a white police officer. The protests emerged outside the auspices of any mainstream organizations, lacked identifiable leadership, and never made clearly articulated demands of the state. This contrasted sharply with much of the black political commentary on Ferguson, which thought about these events in the still intelligible language of liberal-democratic redress: increased black electoral participation, more black elected officials in local government, more black police officers, and white recognition of black humanity. Such proposals never asked whether the Ferguson protests articulated, on a certain frequency, a refusal of the possibility of the normal processes of redress available in a liberal democratic state. I argue that Ferguson lays bare the limitations of a normative black politics, and taken together with the ontological claim underlying the Black Lives Matter (BLM), calls into question whether it is possible for black lives to matter within the colonial assemblage that is the United States. I frame this discussion through the lens of the politically unimaginable to suggest the possibilities available in viewing Ferguson through the lens of coloniality and decolonial thought.
White Sovereignty (…), Black Life Politics: “The N****r They Couldn't Kill”
Authors: Hesse Barnor
Published: August 2017

The subtitle of this article comes from an interview with Denzel Washington in which he recalls rejecting the lead role in a movie about a man convicted of raping a white woman and facing a death sentence that could not be carried out because the executioners had trouble killing him. The N-phrase can be read as reinscribing a post–civil rights archive of repetition in the police killings of black civilians and the racial policing of black populations in a “white citizenship democracy” as previously suggested by Fredrick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, and W. E. B. DuBois. It argues that the racial policing of black populations underlines a democratic-racial social order constituted by and accountable to a white citizenship. Its logic of white sovereignty is increasingly revealed by black protests attached to the signifier BlackLivesMatter, which can be read in part as black life politics.
Effects of temperature and UVR on organic matter fluxes and the metabolic activity ofAcropora muricata
Authors: Courtial Lucile , Ferrier-Pagès Christine , Jacquet Stéphan , Rodolfo-Metalpa Riccardo , Reynaud Stéphanie , Rottier Cécile , Houlbrèque Fanny
Published: August 2017

Coral bleaching events are predicted to occur more frequently in the coming decades with global warming. The susceptibility of corals to bleaching during thermal stress episodes depends on many factors, including the magnitude of thermal stress and irradiance. The interactions among these two factors, and in particular with ultra-violet radiation (UVR), the most harmful component of light, are more complex than assumed, and are not yet well understood. This paper explores the individual and combined effects of temperature and UVR on the metabolism of Acropora muricata, one of the most abundant coral species worldwide. Particulate and dissolved organic matter (POM/DOM) fluxes and organic matter (OM) degradation by the mucus-associated bacteria were also monitored in all conditions. The results show that UVR exposure exacerbated the temperature-induced bleaching, but did not affect OM fluxes, which were only altered by seawater warming. Temperature increase induced a shift from POM release and DOM uptake in healthy corals to POM uptake and DOM release in stressed ones. POM uptake was linked to a significant grazing of pico- and nanoplankton particles during the incubation, to fulfil the energetic requirements of A. muricata in the absence of autotrophy. Finally, OM degradation by mucus-associated bacterial activity was unaffected by UVR exposure, but significantly increased under high temperature. Altogether, our results demonstrate that seawater warming and UVR not only affect coral physiology, but also the way corals interact with the surrounding seawater, with potential consequences for coral reef biogeochemical cycles and food webs.
The miR-124 family of microRNAs is crucial for regeneration of the brain and visual system in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea
Authors: Sasidharan Vidyanand , Marepally Srujan , Elliott Sarah A. , Baid Srishti , Lakshmanan Vairavan , Nayyar Nishtha , Bansal Dhiru , Sánchez Alvarado Alejandro , Vemula Praveen Kumar , Palakodeti Dasaradhi
Published: August 2017

Brain regeneration in planarians is mediated by precise spatiotemporal control of gene expression and is crucial for multiple aspects of neurogenesis. However, the mechanisms underpinning the gene regulation essential for brain regeneration are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of the miR-124 family of microRNAs in planarian brain regeneration. The miR-124 family (miR-124) is highly conserved in animals and regulates neurogenesis by facilitating neural differentiation, yet its role in neural wiring and brain organization is not known. We developed a novel method for delivering anti-miRs using liposomes for the functional knockdown of microRNAs. Smed-miR-124 knockdown revealed a key role for these microRNAs in neuronal organization during planarian brain regeneration. Our results also demonstrated an essential role for miR-124 in the generation of eye progenitors. Additionally, miR-124 regulates Smed-slit-1, which encodes an axon guidance protein, either by targeting slit-1 mRNA or, potentially, by modulating the canonical Notch pathway. Together, our results reveal a role for miR-124 in regulating the regeneration of a functional brain and visual system.
Myosin II is not required for Drosophila tracheal branch elongation and cell intercalation
Authors: Ochoa-Espinosa Amanda , Harmansa Stefan , Caussinus Emmanuel , Affolter Markus
Published: August 2017

The Drosophila tracheal system consists of an interconnected network of monolayered epithelial tubes that ensures oxygen transport in the larval and adult body. During tracheal dorsal branch (DB) development, individual DBs elongate as a cluster of cells, led by tip cells at the front and trailing cells in the rear. Branch elongation is accompanied by extensive cell intercalation and cell lengthening of the trailing stalk cells. Although cell intercalation is governed by Myosin II (MyoII)-dependent forces during tissue elongation in the Drosophila embryo that lead to germ-band extension, it remained unclear whether MyoII plays a similar active role during tracheal branch elongation and intercalation. Here, we have used a nanobody-based approach to selectively knock down MyoII in tracheal cells. Our data show that, despite the depletion of MyoII function, tip cell migration and stalk cell intercalation (SCI) proceed at a normal rate. This confirms a model in which DB elongation and SCI in the trachea occur as a consequence of tip cell migration, which produces the necessary forces for the branching process.
Differing contributions of the first and second pharyngeal arches to tympanic membrane formation in the mouse and chick
Authors: Furutera Toshiko , Takechi Masaki , Kitazawa Taro , Takei Junko , Yamada Takahiko , Vu Hoang Tri , Rijli Filippo M. , Kurihara Hiroki , Kuratani Shigeru , Iseki Sachiko
Published: August 2017

We have proposed that independent origins of the tympanic membrane (TM), consisting of the external auditory meatus (EAM) and first pharyngeal pouch, are linked with distinctive middle ear structures in terms of dorsal-ventral patterning of the pharyngeal arches during amniote evolution. However, previous studies have suggested that the first pharyngeal arch (PA1) is crucial for TM formation in both mouse and chick. In this study, we compare TM formation along the anterior-posterior axis in these animals using Hoxa2 expression as a marker of the second pharyngeal arch (PA2). In chick, the EAM begins to invaginate at the surface ectoderm of PA2, not at the first pharyngeal cleft, and the entire TM forms in PA2. Chick-quail chimera that have lost PA2 and duplicated PA1 suggest that TM formation is achieved by developmental interaction between a portion of the EAM and the columella auris in PA2, and that PA1 also contributes to formation of the remaining part of the EAM. By contrast, in mouse, TM formation is highly associated with an interdependent relationship between the EAM and tympanic ring in PA1.
Hypothalamic sonic hedgehog is required for cell specification and proliferation of LHX3/LHX4 pituitary embryonic precursors
Authors: Carreno Gabriela , Apps John R. , Lodge Emily J. , Panousopoulos Leonidas , Haston Scott , Gonzalez-Meljem Jose Mario , Hahn Heidi , Andoniadou Cynthia L. , Martinez-Barbera Juan Pedro
Published: August 2017

Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is an essential morphogenetic signal that dictates cell fate decisions in several developing organs in mammals. In vitro data suggest that SHH is required to specify LHX3+/LHX4+ Rathke's pouch (RP) progenitor identity. However, in vivo studies have failed to reveal such a function, supporting instead a crucial role for SHH in promoting proliferation of these RP progenitors and for differentiation of pituitary cell types. Here, we have used a genetic approach to demonstrate that activation of the SHH pathway is necessary to induce LHX3+/LHX4+ RP identity in mouse embryos. First, we show that conditional deletion of Shh in the anterior hypothalamus results in a fully penetrant phenotype characterised by a complete arrest of RP development, with lack of Lhx3/Lhx4 expression in RP epithelium at 9.0 days post coitum (dpc) and total loss of pituitary tissue by 12.5 dpc. Conversely, overactivation of the SHH pathway by conditional deletion of Ptch1 in RP progenitors leads to severe hyperplasia and enlargement of the Sox2+ stem cell compartment by the end of gestation.
Heart morphogenesis gene regulatory networks revealed by temporal expression analysis
Authors: Hill Jonathon T. , Demarest Bradley , Smith Megan , Gorsi Bushra , Yost H. Joseph
Published: August 2017

During embryogenesis, the heart forms as a linear tube that then undergoes multiple simultaneous morphogenetic events to obtain its mature shape. To understand the gene regulatory networks (GRNs) driving this phase of heart development, during which many congenital heart disease malformations likely arise, we conducted an RNA-seq time course in zebrafish from 30 hpf to 72 hpf and identified 5,861 genes with altered expression. We then clustered the genes by temporal expression pattern, identified transcription factor binding motifs enriched in each cluster, and generated a model GRN for the major gene batteries in heart morphogenesis. This approach predicted hundreds of regulatory interactions and found batteries enriched in specific cell and tissue types, indicating that the approach can be used to narrow the search for novel genetic markers and regulatory interactions. Subsequent analyses confirmed the GRN using two mutants, Tbx5 and Nkx2-5, and identified sets of duplicated zebrafish genes that do not show temporal subfunctionalization. This dataset provides an essential resource for future studies on the genetic/epigenetic pathways implicated in congenital heart defects and the mechanisms of cardiac transcriptional regulation.
The wisdom of crowds: regulating cell function through condensed states of living matter
Authors: Alberti Simon
Published: August 2017

Our understanding of cells has progressed rapidly in recent years, mainly because of technological advances. Modern technology now allows us to observe molecular processes in living cells with high spatial and temporal resolution. At the same time, we are beginning to compile the molecular parts list of cells. However, how all these parts work together to yield complex cellular behavior is still unclear. In addition, the established paradigm of molecular biology, which sees proteins as well-folded enzymes that undergo specific lock-and-key type interactions, is increasingly being challenged. In fact, it is now becoming clear that many proteins do not fold into three-dimensional structures and additionally show highly promiscuous binding behavior. Furthermore, proteins function in collectives and form condensed phases with different material properties, such as liquids, gels, glasses or filaments. Here, I examine emerging evidence that the formation of macromolecular condensates is a fundamental principle in cell biology. I further discuss how different condensed states of living matter regulate cellular functions and decision-making and ensure adaptive behavior and survival in times of cellular crisis.
BAG3-mediated proteostasis at a glance
Authors: Klimek Christina , Kathage Barbara , Wördehoff Judith , Höhfeld Jörg
Published: August 2017

Cellular and organismal survival depend on the ability to maintain the proteome, even under conditions that threaten protein integrity. BCL2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) is essential for protein homeostasis (proteostasis) in stressed cells. Owing to its multi-domain structure, it engages in diverse processes that are crucial for proteome maintenance. BAG3 promotes the activity of molecular chaperones, sequesters and concentrates misfolded proteins, initiates autophagic disposal, and balances transcription, translation and degradation. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we discuss the functions of this multi-functional proteostasis tool with a focus on mechanical stress protection and describe the importance of BAG3 for human physiology and pathophysiology.
A pharmacological study of Arabidopsis cell fusion between the persistent synergid and endosperm
Authors: Motomura Kazuki , Kawashima Tomokazu , Berger Frédéric , Kinoshita Tetsu , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Maruyama Daisuke
Published: August 2017

Cell fusion is a pivotal process in fertilization and multinucleate cell formation. A plant cell is ubiquitously surrounded by a hard cell wall, and very few cell fusions have been observed except for gamete fusions. We recently reported that the fertilized central cell (the endosperm) absorbs the persistent synergid, a highly differentiated cell necessary for pollen tube attraction. The synergid–endosperm fusion (SE fusion) appears to eliminate the persistent synergid from fertilized ovule in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we analyzed the effects of various inhibitors on SE fusion in an in vitro culture system. Different from other cell fusions, neither disruption of actin polymerization nor protein secretion impaired SE fusion. However, transcriptional and translational inhibitors decreased the SE fusion success rate and also inhibited endosperm division. Failures of SE fusion and endosperm nuclear proliferation were also induced by roscovitine, an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK). These data indicate unique aspects of SE fusion such as independence of filamentous actin support and the importance of CDK-mediated mitotic control.
Function of the hypobranchial muscles and hyoidiomandibular ligament during suction capture and bite processing in white-spotted bamboo sharks, Chiloscyllium plagiosum
Authors: Ramsay Jason B. , Wilga Cheryl D.
Published: August 2017

Suction feeding in teleost fish is a power dependant behavior, requiring rapid and forceful expansion of the orobranchial cavity by the hypobranchial and trunk muscles. To increase power production for expansion, many species employ in-series tendons and catch mechanisms to store and release elastic strain energy. Suction feeding sharks such as Chiloscyllium plagiosum lack large in-series tendons on the hypobranchials, yet two of the hypobranchials, the coracohyoideus and coracoarcualis (CH, CA; hyoid depressors), are arranged in-series, and run deep and parallel to a third muscle, the coracomandibularis (CM, jaw depressor). The arrangement of the CH and CA suggests that C. plagiosum is using the CH muscle rather than a tendon to store and release elastic strain energy. Here we describe the anatomy of the feeding apparatus, and present data on hyoid and jaw kinematics and fascicle shortening in the CM, CH and CA quantified using sonomicrometry, with muscle activity and buccal pressure recorded simultaneously. Results from prey capture show that prior to jaw and hyoid depression the CH is actively lengthened by shortening of the in-series CA. The active lengthening of the CH and preactivation of the CH and CA suggest that the CH is functioning to store and release elastic energy during prey capture. Catch mechanisms are proposed involving a dynamic moment arm and four-bar linkage between the hyoidiomandibular ligament (LHML), jaws and ceratohyals that is influenced by the CM. Furthermore, the LHML may be temporarily disengaged during behaviors such as bite processing to release linkage constraints.
Recent advances in understanding basophil functions in vivo
Authors: Voehringer David
Published: August 2017

Basophils are mainly known as pro-inflammatory effector cells associated with allergy and helminth infections. Although they were identified over 130 years ago, their in vivo functions are still poorly understood. New insights into basophil development and function have been gained by the development of various transgenic mouse lines and staining techniques to detect and purify these cells from different organs. Several studies over the past few years have identified unexpected functions for basophils, including immunomodulatory properties and interactions with other immune cells. Here, I summarize and discuss the main findings.
THE LONGEVITY OF OAK TREES AND OAK FOREST
Authors: Царалунга  , Tsaralunga Vladimir , Царалунга  , Tsaralunga Anna
Published: August 2017

Practically nothing from scientific research is dedicated to definition of the maximum age of individual trees of oak and oak stands in conditions of the Central forest-steppe , although it is crucial to know these parameters for selecting genetic reserves, design of protected areas and natural monuments. The analysis of literary sources shows that individual trees of English oak, under certain conditions, can live up to 1500-2000 years old, and plantations - up to 500 years. Stelmuze Oak and Oak of Mamre, oak of Vardan Mamikomyan and Zaporozhian oak on Khortytsya Island are cited as example of such old-growth oaks, which crossed the millennial threshold. However, authors did not find such examples in the Voronezh, Kursk and Belgorod regions. On the example of survey of 38 old-growth oak trees and several oak stands, the authors show that the age limit for individual oak trees in the Central forest-steppe is 350-400 years, and for arrays of the oak forest stand - 250-300 years. And this applies not only to plantings of seed origin in rich forest conditions. Most of the examined old-growth oak trees (71 %) are in severely weakened or decaying condition. And if to consider only trees whose age is about 350 years or more, they all (100 %) belong to the category of drying. Old-growth oak plantings are not in better condition. Their weighted average condition category is 3.07±0.13, which is defined as a strong degree of weakness. This suggests that the surveyed old-growth trees of oak and old growth oak forest stands are located in the extreme age, and require special attention. There is an urgent need to conduct an objective inventory of not only all individual old-growth oak trees, but especially those areas in which they are placed, to give them a status that will allow them to survive.
FOREST PATHOLOGY CONDITION OF FOREST STAND GEOGRAPHICAL PARK OF PROF. B. M. KOZO-POLYANSKY BOTANICAL GARDEN, VORONEZH STATE UNIVERSITY
Authors: Царалунга  , Tsaralunga Vladimir , Прохорова  , Prokhorova Nadezhda , Воронин  , VORONIN ANDREY
Published: August 2017

For the ecology of the big city it is very important to have such a significant woodland, as, for example, natural and artificial plantings of Prof. BM Kozo-Polyansky Botanical Garden, Voronezh State University. The article briefly characterizes the botanical garden, its origins and the present conditions. The main goal of the definition of forest pathology and health status of all the stand has been put on one of the key areas of the botanical garden referred to as "Northern ravine oak wood." In conducting research we use standard methods of forest inventory and forest pathology examination with appropriate post-processing. The detailed data on the composition, taxation rates and conditions of the studied plants are given. Complete loss of the composition of exotic species planted in 30-x – 70-ies of the last century is revealed and we determine an accelerated death of English oak and European white birch, which is actively being replaced by Norway maple and Scotch elm. Comparative analyzes of forestpathological characteristics of the main forest-forming species of this area is made, and conclusions about the lack of competitiveness of such artificially planted exotic species as the horse chestnut, bitternut walnut and European larch in natural groves stands is drawn. A list of found external characteristics of each species diseases in the surveyed forest stand is given. On English oak leading pathological features are: shrinkage of the skeletal branches and inboard hollows. On the Norway maple there are also a lot of dead skeletal branches, and a lot of trees with pathological forms of the barrel. The main conclusion of the work lies in the fact that the stock data on shrunken and especially drying trees testify to the strong weakening of the stand. Conducting sanitary measures in the form of selective sanitary cutting is required for its recovery.
THE IMPACT OF SHARE PARTICIPATION OF PINE AND SPRUCE ON INVENTORY INDICES OF MIXED FOREST STANDS
Authors: Данилов  , Danilov Dmitriy , Беляева  , Beliaeva Nataliia , Мартынов  , Martynov Aleksey , Зайцев  , Zaytsev Dmitriy
Published: August 2017

The influence of composition on the dynamics of inventory indices of the mixed modal forest stands is considered: ridges with the groups of forest types of middle subzone of taiga in the territory of the Leningrad region, for 60 year period. The course of growth of pine and spruce in the mixed stand is due to the composition of the stand, which affects the entire life cycle of its development. Analysis of forest inventory data at the test plots has shown that the median line for the average height and diameter has the distinction of growth from tabular reference data. Differences in the dynamics of growth in valuation metrics over the study period is due to the initial density of pine, then spruce, and the degree of difference in the age of trees. The variability of average heights and diameters on the experimental plots is influenced by the share of particular species in the composition of the stand. The stand composition significantly affects average diameter and height of tiers, composing the mixed coniferous forest that was confirmed by single-factor analysis of variance. The sum of the areas of the cross sections at the pine tier of the virtually at all experienced objects increases up to the age of 100-120 years, and in spruce this dependence is shown only up to the age of 80-85 years. Pine tier depending on the initial density has a greater impact on the composition of the mixed stands than spruce. This can be considered as a fact of environmental compliance of the conditions of the types: ridges with groups of forest types, for successful growth of pine. In mixed stands, untouched by commercial logging, the spruce element, quantitatively not exceeding the pine one, are stunted and produce less stock
INFLUENCE OF PHYTONCIDE PROPERTIES OF OAK PLANTATIONS ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF OAK GALLFLIES IN COPPICE OAK FOREST IN URBAN GREEN BELT OF VORONEZH
Authors: Казбанова  , Kazbanova Irina
Published: August 2017

The article is devoted to research on the effect of phytoncide properties of oak grown in plantations of forest and park area of Voronezh on the growth and development of oak gallflies. The aim is to study the oak pests - oak gallflies - small flying insects. The female of gall wasps makes injection on an oak leaf using the ovipositor and lays eggs in the wound, which is beginning to develop, and the next underlying cells and tissues begin to form sheet "nut" or plant gall. Soon the larva hatches from the egg and begins to work its jaws. All larval development occurs in the gall. It turns out that from the time of laying the egg and then the larva during all the time of its development are in close proximity to the plant tissues and phytoncides. So, oak leaf tissue is not toxic to the larvae of gallflies. Meanwhile, it is well known that volatile phytoncides of oak leaves are poisonous to many microorganisms including the very resistant, for example, for the dysentery bacillus. When laying eggs in the leaf tissue insects necessarily hurt it. Namely wound leaf increases the "production" of phytoncides, but it remains without consequences for the insect to adapt to phytoncides of oak leaves. This adaptation of some insects to poisonous phytoncides affects equally scientists. One of the major reasons of sanitary and hygienic influence of the forest is the antimicrobial effect of the volatile, which secrete plant organizations as they play an important role in chemical interaction of plants in phytocenoses, that was proved by the works of N. G. Kholodny, A. L.Kholodny, A. L. Chesovennaya (1987) – the number of phytoncides and their activity in one and the same species varies with conditions of oak forest location
ANALYSIS OF SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USING GIS-TECHNOLOGIES ON THE EXAMPLE OF LISINSKY SCIENTIFIC-EXPERIMENTAL FORESTRY
Authors: Никифоров  , Nikiforov Aleksandr , Никифорова  , Nikiforova Antonina
Published: August 2017

Harvesting of medicinal-plant raw materials is one of the most promising areas for Russian producers, the market of which is characterized as developing one. Research on spatial analysis and definition of biological stock of medicinal-plant raw materials is made on the example of Lisinsky scientific-experimental forestry. The following medicinal plants: lily of the valley (Convallária majalis L.), St. John's wort (Hypéricum perforátum L.), valerian (Valeriána officinális L.), wood sorrel (Óxalis acetosella L.), Labrador tea (Ledum palustre L.), stinging nettle (Urtíca dióica L.) are widespread on the territory of the forestry and have potential commercial value. Data on stocks and territorial location of the medicinal plants were obtained with the use of geoinformation technologies. Biological stocks of medicinal raw materials is defined by the regional table for average long-term yield based on the types of growing conditions, forest types and taxonomic characteristics of plants. If we consider the maximum yield of one specific type of forest, we can say that Labrador tea and stinging nettle has the greatest mass. In the result, it was determined that harvesting of medicinal plants in the territory of forestry is possible for all the considered types of medicinal plants, which will increase the volumes of harvesting and storage of valuable raw materials. Inventory information and location of medicinal plants will enable to optimize the choice of the routes for the priority procurement of raw materials. Using GIS technology the total biological stock of the types of medicinal plants in Lisinsky scientific-experimental forestry was determined. Spatial analysis allowed determining the areas with the highest yield of medicinal plants. Geographic information systems can be used as a tool for monitoring, inventory, protection and organization of the industrial harvesting of medicinal raw materials. The developed technology can be used to determine the yield of mushrooms and wild berries.
ESTATE OF SEMILUKI MUNICIPAL DISTRINCT AND THEIR RECREATIONAL VALUE
Authors: Якименко  , Yakimenko Olga , Полунина  , Polunina Irina , Рудницких  , Rudnitskikh Alina
Published: August 2017

The article describes the features of the landscape and floral estate complexes Semiluki municipal district of the Voronezh region. Field studies were carried out in June 2014 and April 2016. 10 estate complexes were studied. Estate complexes play an important role and environment-forming portions can serve ecological framework nuclei. It is also important recreational value of estates. It was analyzed landscape structure Semiluki area and is made up of estates map of location within the types of terrain. Morphological and aesthetic features estate complexes largely depend on what type within the area it is located. Estates of Semiluki distrinct tend to slope type of terrain. Turning estate complexes in the register of protected areas (RoPA) Russia will benefit the recreational potential of the area, improve the stability of the environment and will promote environmental education. On the territory of Semiluki district area of RoPA is not sufficient, it is appropriate to extend it to make the environmental status of the estates. Currently 2 of the estate area have the status of existing natural monuments (Cottage Bashkirtseva and Semidubravnoe tract), but even in their territory conservation mode is not guaranteed. One reason for this is that the locals do not know what the estate are protected areas. In field studies, it was noted that the majority of estates are in poor condition is not respected conservation mode, the composition of flora no different variety, many estates have poor transport availability and information security. The paper offers recommendations for improving estates and their involvement in environmental and recreational nature
THE TECHNIQUE OF FORMATION OF SYSTEM OF FORESTRY MACHINES
Authors: Мамматов  , Mammatov Vladimir , Мохирев  , Mokhirev Aleksandr
Published: August 2017

A variety of natural-production conditions, which is necessary to conduct logging activities largely complicates the choice of forest machines for each individual company in the industry having logging sites in its composition. Depending on many natural and production conditions such as: slope, bearing capacity of soils, ambient temperature, maximum investments, etc., and the wide range of forestry equipment on the market, engineering divisions of the company solving a problem about the purchase of new or replacement of lost its performance machines are more and more difficult to make the right choice. This work presents a methodology for forming the system of forest machines with the natural and production conditions in a convenient form, not requiring special expert knowledge from the field of mathematical modeling or other areas of science. According to the methodology the first step is selection of basic machine and performing the first major operation in felling trees, then switch to the auxiliary machines which are linked to the underlying performance, to reduce the number of in-process stock. Selection of basic and auxiliary machines is provided that candidates and excludes important indicators. If in the process of selecting the logging machine does not meet the screening criteria for excluding indicators then it does not participate in the selection. Significant index can be neglected in case of discrepancy of candidates to stated requirements. The performance of the model was tested on the example of harvesting sites of the enterprises of the Krasnoyarsk region in spring 2016. In the course of the experiment the system of forest machines, meeting the required selection criteria, was obtained.
EXPERIMENTAL COMPARISON OF TWO DESIGNS OF ROAD CLOTHES WITH APPLICATION OF GEOGRID ARRANGED ON THE SLOPES OF LOGGING ROADS WITH WATER-SATURATED CLAY SOIL
Authors: Сушков  , Sushkov Sergey , Сергеев  , Sergeev Andrey
Published: August 2017

The article describes the practical experimental study of two road structures, which used geosynthetic grid “Slavros GR” and in the form of honeycomb. Used materials and equipment for experimental research are described in details and graphically shown. A patent search of various designs of geosynthetic grids, used in road construction, is conducted. Materials used for the manufacture of polymer tapes are described in details. Positive and negative sides of geosynthetic gridsused in the experimental study are shown. There is an interesting offer for the location of the geosynthetic grids at a depth of 30 cm from the surface of the subgrade and geotextile material. Due to its location in the depth of 30 cm from the base surface of subgrade of geosynthetic grids and geotextile material the accumulation of moisture and water-saturated clay soil at the junction with the sand reduces, thereby eliminating the influence of frost penetration into the road structure. The authors have developed and proposed a new geosynthetic grid with honeycomb structure, containing seven nodes, with polymeric tapes and with the formation of six triangles which are in its turn are formed by a hexagon with six corner nodes and one central node. In an extended working position grid, stowed in place, represents the structure of a honeycomb with internal triangular cells directed to the center, which is filled with soil or stone bulk materials. The implementation of tapes in this way will increase the overall bearing surface of cell structure that will allow increasing its carrying capacity. The cellular structure of the honeycomb increases the resistance of pavement structures to the processes of cryotolerance soil on the slope by 30-40 %, and presence of the polymeric material of the rubber tape in the composition increases resistance to water erosion by 35-55 %.
EVALUATION OF RELEVANCE AND JUSTIFICATION OF CHOICE OF TIMBER TRUCK SCHEME WITH REMOTE CONTROL
Authors: Посметьев  , Posmetev Valeriy , Никонов  , Nikonov Vadim , Посметьев  , Posmetev Viktor
Published: August 2017

Currently in Russia there is a wide range of hauling vehicles of domestic and foreign production for hauling forest. Despite the perfection of modern hauling cars constructions, they have several disadvantages, unnecessarily reducing their effectiveness. In recent years in our country and abroad, the intensive research is held on the development of promising technologies for the transport of forest based on the use of logging vehicles operated automatically, remotely and using combination of these methods. The developers, based on accumulated experience of the creation of "autopilot" to work in the quarries, roads, and tractor units in agricultural production and in other industries, are faced with the difficulties of adapting such machines for the conditions of their movement on forest roads. The main problem of the implementation and effective use of "autopilot" hauling vehicles is the absence or underdevelopment of the technical means of ensuring information and communication technologies of transport network in the vast territories of the forest fund within the scope of activities of logging companies and their remoteness from the end consumer. With the aim of studying the possibility of using remote control for logging vehicles, the authors propose a concept design of a timber truck with remote control, mounted on the chassis of serial trucks 63501-996 with the wheel formula 8 × 8 and equipped with manipulator SF-85C.For a full justification of working and design parameters of the proposed design of the timber truck with remote control, tasks for a comprehensive study of the machine are set, taking into account domestic and foreign experience and specific features of operation in terms of timber production.
TO THE MATTER OF USING THE CLUSTER MECHANISM OF INDUSTRIAL POLICY INTO THE REGIONAL SECTORS OF INDUSTRY (USING THE FORMATION OF THE KHANTY-MANSIYSK AUTONOMOUS OKRUG – UGRA TIMBER CLUSTER AS AN EXAMPLE)
Authors: Стариков  , Starikov Evgeniy , Прядилина  , Pryadilina Natalya , Долженко  , Dolzhenko Lidiya
Published: August 2017

In the world and national scientific literature, industrial policy is recognized as one of the key elements of economic policy. In the practice of the government, an active industrial policy is seen as an important factor to increase the competitiveness of the industry, its branches and individual businesses. Sectoral aspect of industrial policy is significant in terms of the diversification of the industrial potential of the territories, the development of small and medium-sized businesses, as well as providing employment. In practice and in theory it offers a variety of mechanisms for the implementation of industrial policy, including cluster mechanism, which has shown to be highly effective in the past two decades, especially at the regional level. The Russian timber industry is not structure-forming sector of the economy. At the same time, this industry has a significant impact on the prospects of economic development of number of regions, and is practically non-alternative basis for the economic development of many municipalities, remote settlements, towns and villages, being the only employer in such territories. In addition, timber industry can play a significant role in the diversification of the regional economies of monospecialized areas to which it relates and the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Ugra. In this regard, given the relevance and importance the problem of efficiency increase of the sectoral industrial policy as a whole, and in the context of timber industry in particular, the authors analyze objectively established prerequisites for the formation of the territorial timber industry cluster in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Ugra. Next, the developed regional industrial policy tools for creation and development of a sectoral cluster in the timber industry are considered and conclusions about the expected positive economic effects are made.
Contraceptive Sterilization: Introducing A Couple Perspective to Examine Sociodemographic Differences in Use
Authors: Eeckhaut Mieke C.W.
Published: August 2017

CONTEXT

Most studies of contraceptive use have relied solely on the woman's perspective, but because men's attitudes and preferences are also important, analytic approaches based on couples should also be explored.

METHODS

Data from the 2006–2010 and 2011–2013 rounds of the National Survey of Family Growth yielded a sample of 4,591 men and women who were married or cohabiting with an opposite‐sex partner and who had completed their intended childbearing. Respondents’ reports of both their own and their partners’ characteristics and behaviors were employed in two sets of analyses examining educational and racial and ethnic differences in contraceptive use: an individualistic approach (using multinomial logistic regression) and a couple approach (using multinomial logistic diagonal reference models).

RESULTS

In the full model using the individualistic approach, respondents with less than a high school education were less likely than those with at least a college degree to rely on male sterilization (odds ratios, 0.1–0.2) or a reversible method (0.4–0.5), as opposed to female sterilization. Parallel analyses limited to couples in which partners had the same educational levels (i.e., educationally homogamous couples) showed an even greater difference between those with the least and those with the most schooling (0.03 for male sterilization and 0.2 for a reversible method). When race and ethnicity, which had a much higher level of homogamy, were examined, the approaches yielded more similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

Research on contraceptive use can benefit from a couple approach, particularly when focusing on partners’ characteristics for which homogamy is relatively low.
CHARGE Syndrome: An Indonesian Case Report
Authors: Pramudita Jessica Juan , Utari Agustini , Winarni Tri Indah , Faradz Sultana MH
Published: August 2017

Background: CHARGE syndrome is an autosomal dominant congenital and rare genetic disease.The prevalence of CHARGE syndrome approximately 1:12,000 births.In the previous study, the CHD7 gene mutation is responsible in about 2/3 cases of CHARGE syndrome.  The syn­drome associations consist of C-coloboma of the eyes, H-heart disease, A-atresia of the choanae, R-retarded growth and development, G-genital hypoplasia/genitourinary anomalies and E-ear anomalies and/or hearing loss. All defects are not seen in every case and a different spectrum of associations is seen in most of the cases.Method: Case was undergone physical examination by experience pediatricians, pedigree construction, and other diagnostic procedure (X-ray, echo­cardiography, and multi slice computer tomography (MSCT) scan).Results: A boy aged 2 years 9 months with clinical features with match major and minor criterias of CHARGE syndrome.