bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Underground Logistics System Planning in the Jinan Prior Zone
Authors: Lu B , Zhang MX
Published: November 2020

In recent years, logistics demands in Jinan have shown clear growth trends. By 2020, Jinan city has proposed that the volume of express deliveries will reach 800 million packages, with revenue reaching 7 billion CNY. As an innovative logistics system, an underground logistics system (ULS) can provide new developmental ideas for urban logistics in Jinan. Although there are no actual cases of ULS construction projects in the world at present, as a first demonstration area driven by innovation in Jinan City, the Jinan Prior Zone for Replacing Old Growth Drivers with New Ones (Jinan Prior Zone) will be the first to attempt its implementation, thus providing an advanced model for sustainable development of urban logistics around the world. Based on the urban master plan of the Jinan Prior Zone, the logistics plan of Jinan city and other urban subject plans, this study proposes ULS planning for the Jinan Prior Zone, including demand forecasting, logistics architecture, planning principles, construction forms, and short/long term construction plan. The ULS planning will provide small batch, high frequency, and high timeliness for express delivery services in the central area of the Daqiao Group in the Jinan Prior Zone. In the long term, it will serve 500,000 people, with an average daily logistics volume of 1300 tons. This study views the introduction of ULS into the Jinan Prior Zone will both improve the efficiency of logistics and reduce the pressure of ground traffic and improve the level of green logistics, which is of great significance for the promotion of high-quality development of urban logistics.
Deformation-strain field characteristics and fault activities in central Yunnan water diversion project area
Authors: Fu Ping , Yin Jianmin , Ding Xiuli , Liu Yuankun
Published: November 2020

The movement and deformation characteristics of an active fault zone are an important prerequisite for the stability analysis of cross-fault project sites and breaking resistance design research. Based on the global positioning system (GPS) data of the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China, a GPS velocity clustering algorithm to avoid the uncertainties of block division results from geological data is proposed and applied for velocity field analysis of Yunnan province. Using the data of active faults in the central Yunnan water diversion project area and the clustering results along with a block rotation and uniform strain model, the current slip rates of the main fault were obtained by using the difference between the speeds of the same point at the boundary of neighboring blocks. Furthermore, using the 1999–2007, 2009–2013, and 2013–2015 GPS velocity field data as the constraints, the relation between the spatial points and velocities was established based on the least squares collocation theory. The distribution of strain rates in the central Yunnan water diversion project area were resolved by the spherical strain calculation method, and the dynamic variation characteristics were analyzed using regional historical earthquakes and fault properties. The results of this study show that Xiaojinhe–Lijiang and Xiaojiang faults currently have noticeable strike–slip motion. The southern Xiaojinhe–Lijiang and Xiaojiang faults have always been two strong deformation zones, and the extensional deformations in Longpan–Qiaohou, Lijiang–Jianchuan, and Chenghai–Binchuan regions are being enhanced. Xiaojiang fault is the zone with the maximum shear strain rate. These results indicate that the deformation distribution characteristics are closely related to the characteristics of the activity features of the major faults in the region.
Monitoring and Early Warning Technology of Hydrate-induced Submarine Disasters
Authors: Sun Zhiwen , Jia Yonggang , Shan Hongxian , Fan Zhihan , Song Xiaoshuai , Xue Liang , Li Kai
Published: November 2020

With the depletion of fossil energy sources, such as coal and petroleum, natural gas hydrate has been proposed as an alternative energy source. However, the synthesis of natural gas hydrate may cause marine engineering disasters, such as submarine cable breaks and the collapse of sub-sea oil rigs, and even submarine earthquakes, triggering tsunamis and seriously endangering human safety. Hydrate test production monitoring in various countries focuses on the temperature, pressure, and methane concentration near test production wells. Effective observation equipment and methods for the monitoring and early warning of submarine geological hazards are lacking. This paper reviewed the possible geological hazards caused by deep seawater hydrate mining and the monitoring and early warning technologies for deep seawater hydrate mining in various countries and introduced the in-situ Surveying Equipment of Engineering Geology in Complex Deep Sea (SEEGeo). The equipment uses 3D resistivity measurement and data inversion technology, seabed sediment acoustic measurement and data inversion technology, seabed sediment pore water pressure measurement and data inversion technology, and renewable energy seawater-dissolved oxygen battery power supply technology. SEEGeo can realize the in situ, real-time, long-term, effective monitoring and early warning of geological disasters induced by hydrate development. At present, the equipment has conducted two sea trial experiments on the continental slope of the South China Sea, equipped with the “Marine Geology No. 6” scientific research vessel of the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey and the “Dongfanghong No.3” scientific research vessel of the Ocean University of China, and obtained in situ engineering geological data of the South China Sea.
Rock surface porosity measurement and pore distribution analysis based on hole wall images
Authors: Wang C , Wang C Y , Han Z Q , Wang Y T , Huang Y Q
Published: November 2020

This study proposes a method that uses image processing technology to identify, calculate, and analyze the pore structure in hole wall images. First, the R, B, and G components of a hole wall image are adjusted on the basis of an appropriate threshold to eliminate the effects of drilling fluid attached to the hole wall. Second, the hole wall image is converted into an S component image in the HSV color space to distinguish the pores and dark gray texture of the rock. Third, the best segmentation threshold of the S component image is obtained by the maximum interclass variance method, and the threshold is used to binarize the S component image. Finally, mathematical morphological operations are performed on the binary image to eliminate defects. On the basis of the identified pore structure in the hole wall image, the surface porosity of the rock can be calculated, and the pore distribution characteristics can be further analyzed. The results of this work provide ideas for measuring the porosity of deep rocks and analyzing their pore distribution.
Comparison and Selection of Thermal Insulation Materials for RCC Dam Construction in Dry and Cold Valleys at High Altitudes in Tibet
Authors: Xiang Qian , Xiong Tao
Published: November 2020

Effective temperature preservation and moisture retention measures are key techniques in ensuring concrete quality and preventing cracks formation in RCC dams and the concrete surface in the middle reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in dry and cold river valleys. Insulation and moisture retention effect, construction technology, and cost of pasting polystyrene board, spraying foam polyurethane, and rubber plastic sponge insulation membrane on the dam concrete surface were compared and analyzed to determine the thermal insulation material with the best temperature preservation, best moisture retention effect, and high applicability. Finally, the rubber plastic sponge, which matched the trim strip process, was determined as the best insulation material. It features temperature preservation, moisture preservation, no secondary cleaning after removal, good appearance, and high secondary utilization rate. The results of dam overwintering monitoring and uncovering inspection in 2019 showed that the internal and external temperature differences and surface humidity indexes of concrete were within the design index value, and cracks were absent. The purpose of temperature control and crack prevention of dam concrete was achieved, and the material has high application value.
Sustainable Water Demand Management: A Case Study of Singapore’s Accommodation Sector
Authors: Hu Xiao
Published: November 2020

A wide variety of tourist activities rely on natural r10220, esources. One such prominent resource is water, which is not only fundamental for scenic beauty of a landscape, but is also required for promoting and sustaining accommodation environments and water is fast-becoming a scarce natural resource. This study focused sustainable water management and tourism development in the context of accommodation sector, with special attention to the water demand management (WDM) strategies and practices of Singapore - a water-stressed country and a prime tourist destination in the Asia Pacific region. This study found that there exists a water conflict between greater demand for water resource and sustainable tourism development. Singapore’s demand for water far exceeds its naturally occurring supply as the densely populated city-state has no freshwater lakes or aquifers. Management of water demand is necessary to ease this problem. Both pricing and non-pricing mechanisms to control water demand in the accommodation sector were found based on the content analysis, which reflect sustainability principles at tourist destinations. The price mechanisms refer to the potable water pricing structure. Non-pricing mechanisms, such as regulatory mechanisms, engineering instruments and alternate sources of water, as well as public education and community involvement, also play critical roles in the accommodation sector. This holistic approach to managing water resource from a demand perspective requires the support and participation from policy stakeholders from the public, private, and third sectors.
Ventilation Control for the Concentration of Fine Suspended Particulate (PM2.5) by Worship Incense
Authors: Chen Colin W.K. , Chen Yu-Ting
Published: November 2020

This study analyzed indoor fine particles generated by incense burning. The case study was conducted in a small family chapel. Three different designs of the exhaust system were proposed, including the non-control, the overall ventilation, and the local exhaust scenario. We also took into account the actual human behavior to simulate the concentration changes for various situations. The results showed that the scenario with no fine suspended particles (PM2.5) control had the maximum PM2.5 concentration, exceeding the indoor air quality standards in Taiwan. Although the overall ventilation strategy may reduce the concentration, it may also agitate the environment and disperse the pollutants to the entire room, resulting in a hazy smog condition. This might pose additional threat to people spending time indoor. Finally, using local exhaust plan showed the best PM2.5 controlling efficiency among the three scenarios, while its energy consumption was also the most economical. Nevertheless, different forms of the smoke require different designs of ventilation strategy to obtain the highest efficiency, which was also compared and analyzed in this paper.
Investing a Better Future: Education for Sustainable Development as a Means to Strengthen the Environmental Education
Authors: Xu Ping , Luo Faxiang
Published: November 2020

Since the outbreak of the epidemic, the environment education and the education of sustainable development became the mainfocus once again. It is because some citizens lack consciousness of ecological civilization and sustainable development, caused environmental pollution, indiscriminate killing of wild animals, destruction of social public health, injury and sacrifice of people’s physical and mental health, disturbance of urban and rural social life order, etc. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia undoubtedly confirmed the urgency of strengthening the global citizens’ education for sustainable development. This serious epidemic related to the sale and consumption of wild animals is a wake-up call again. It is necessary to reexamine the relationship between man and nature and the way of human behavior. Education is the key factor for the implementation of sustainable development. Good health and well-being, and quality education are the third and fourth goal for sustainable development proposed by the United Nations. Through content analysis and case analysis, this paper indicated that teachers’ educational ability for sustainable development is a professional ability that higher education institutes should apply education for sustainable development as a means to strengthen the environmental education. Teachers identify with the concept of sustainable development education and are willing to practice the values of sustainable development in life and educational activities.
An Experimental Study on the Influence of Tibetan Antelope Conservation Documentary on Audience
Authors: Li Yuwei , Yang Bai
Published: November 2020

From the perspective of human activities, survival and development, the documentary on the protection of Tibetan antelope reveals the current situation of the survival crisis of rare and wild Tibetan antelope, and shows the panoramic ecology of the competition between hunters and guardians. This paper uses text analysis, narrative analysis and experimental research methods to explore the ecological view of Tibetan Buddhism reflected in the Tibetan antelope conservation documentary, presents the image creation techniques used by the ecological view and the environmental action force generated by the audience. Through text analysis and research, recorded images show the natural and environmental protection concepts of “all living creatures have spirits” in Tibetan Buddhism, such as worship of nature, protection of life extension, equality of all living beings, prevention of killing and protecting living creatures. It is not difficult to draw the conclusion that the documentary image is based on the premise of non-fiction, and the image theme containing the ecological ethics of Tibetan Buddhism is expressed by means of symbolic narration and detailed narration. Through the experimental research method, combined with the questionnaire survey contents of the experimental subjects, some readers and listeners will increase the awareness of ecological protection and generate the power of environmental action.
Strengthen the Effectiveness of Environnemental Protection through Community Empowerment for Building Corruption-Free Society
Authors: Kulsudjarit Amornrat , Pattaranukrom Phenprapha , Samukkethum Sujitra
Published: November 2020

Environmental protection in the community is an important part of sustainable development. However, the effectiveness of community environmental protection is often affected by corruption, which has compromised the effectiveness. Corruption is a major social problem widely affecting all humanity around the world today. Thailand has also been confronted with the mentioned issue for a long time. Thailand’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) ranking shows no improvement. As a result, Thailand gives priority to a campaign to become corruption-free society. Particularly, it focuses on the community level as historic grassroots society with the cultural landscape differences in order to strengthen the community’s ability to manage itself in a sustainable manner and to play a major role in the nation’s development. This research study aimed at developing and implementing a system and mechanism including enhancing community participation in the community’s corruption prevention and solution. It focused on creating the community’s practice culture by applying good governance principles in participation, transparency, rule of law and accountability. In this regard, the community committee applied a counterbalance system, particularly in transparency, accurate accounting records of the community’s income and expense including the rule for the disbursement. In addition, the community members were informed about a variety of community activities and encouraged to participate in the mentioned activities. Importantly, to ensure a positive outcome, the relevant government agencies allocating the budget to support the community must closely supervise, monitor and strictly abide by the rule for budget spending so that a system and mechanism can be applied for driving the community to become sustainable and efficient “Corruption Free Community”.1
Green Supply Chain for Electromechanical Engineering of Rail Transit
Authors: Wang Jing
Published: November 2020

Greening of ventilation and air conditioning systems, water supply and drainage systems, and electrical system supply chains in rail transit electrical and mechanical engineering, it can effectively reduce energy consumption and save resources to provide guarantee for the sustainable development of rail transit. This paper studies the long-term construction practice experience of Chengdu Metro in Sichuan Province, Collected and sorted out information and information on key points of energy loss and environmental protection and energy conservation. Apply case studies and survey studies for typical sites, it is concluded that there are still a lot of green space in the supply chain links of the three major systems in the rail transit mechanical and electrical engineering. Develop an optimization plan for reducing consumption in each stage of the ventilation and air conditioning system, Ways to reuse water resources in water supply and drainage systems, Methods and measures for energy saving and environmental protection in electrical systems. The viewpoint of this thesis starts from practice and has practical guiding significance for the green supply chain of rail transit electromechanical engineering. But green environmental protection is an eternal topic for human beings, with the continuous advancement of social economy and science and technology, there will be more in-depth research.
A Research on the Influence of Enterprise Sustainable Development Concept Information Communication Strategy on Consumers’ Purchasing Intention
Authors: Wu Wei , Chen Colin W. K.
Published: November 2020

With the continuous consumption of global resources, the concept of sustainable development has been paid more and more attention by enterprises.There’s been a lot of academic research on this topic, however, there are not many quantitative studies that taking sustainable development conception as an information communication strategy analyzes its impact on consumers’ purchasing intentions. From this new perspective, this article firstly establishes a conceptual model and divides the information communication strategies of enterprise sustainable development concept into four types, according to the goal and scale of framing effects. By the scenario simulation experimental method, this paper studies the influence of information communication strategy of enterprise sustainable development concept on consumers’ purchasing intention and the moderating effect of consumer knowledge, applying T test and regression analysis. The results show that:compared with the loss framework, the gaining framework for information communication strategy of sustainable development concept has a significant positive impact on consumers’ purchasing intention;and the lower the consumer knowledge is, the greater the influence of information communication strategy has effect on consumers’ purchasing intention.
Interspecific correlations toward climatic factors in migratory raptor species across Mt. Sega, Karangasem, Bali
Authors: Yuni L P E K , Tyas S A , Sudaryanto
Published: November 2020

It has been known that climate change can affect organisms in various ways. For example, studies found that climate change affect phenology i.e. migratory arrival of migratory species. This study was aimed to find out whether the migratory arrival of five species of bird of prey flying across Mt. Sega Karangasem – Bali correlates with climate factors in the region. This study took place from 1 October to 30 November 2018 by using look up method, and found that air temperature, cloud cover, humidity, and air pressure had a stronger correlation toward the migratory bird of prey species that crossed over the Mt. Sega compared to wind speed and precipitation. The air temperature, cloud cover and wind speed had a positive correlation toward the migratory bird of prey arrival, whereas the negative correlation was demonstrated by humidity, air pressure, and precipitation. The presence of the Chinese Sparrow-hawk and the Short-toed Snake Eagle were correlated with the humidity. Whereas the presence of the Peregrine falcon was correlated with the cloud cover. The presence of the Oriental Honey Buzzard was correlated with the wind speed, while the precipitation and air pressure were correlated with the presence of the Japanese Sparrow-hawk. The Japanese Sparrow-hawk arrived earlier at 10.00 whereas the other four species arrived later at around 12.00.
From household-based sanitation facilities to urban-scale infrastructure
Authors: Susmono
Published: November 2020

Around the world, urban sanitation continues to pose a significant challenge to achieve Sustainable Development Goals number 6. In a particular comparison with neighboring countries, Indonesia is known to lag behind in coverage and quality of urban sanitation infrastructures. Based on our experiences, we take closer look what type of technical solution, implementation, and approaches have been applied and their evaluation over time. For the future, we are looking for new, more flexible and comprehensive approaches to address significant development gaps after implementation our historical sanitation technologies approaches as: (1) Low cost urban sanitation facilities of Water and Sanitation Decade, 1980-1990; (2) Decentralization of urban sanitation infrastructures of Millennium Development Goals, 1990-2015; (3) The development of citywide versus medium sized communal sanitation infrastructures, 2015-today. By taking a longer historical view as we have done from 1980 until now, we identify that City Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) approach will be the one of the development approaches of urban sanitation infrastructures and facilities that can accelerate development of safely-managed urban sanitation in Indonesia. CWIS is a comprehensive planning and implementation approach for improving and developing the whole urban sanitation development including its service chain.
Implementation of smart city for building disaster resilience in West Java Province
Authors: Janitra M R
Published: November 2020

Developments of technology and digitization encourage more efficient and integrated regional and city management through the smart city concept. The concept covers various aspects, such as environmental, economic, and social, including disaster management. West Java is known as a province with high disaster risk in Indonesia. There are various types of hazards and the average annual frequency is approaching 1,200 disasters. Comprehensive management is required to minimize losses also to build disaster resiliency. West Java Province has begun moving towards digitization of disaster management, integrated with the West Java Command Center, within the scope of the West Java Resilience Culture Province concept. This research will focus on reviewing the component of disaster management digitization in the context of a smart city, and its influence on building provinces with a resilient culture. In establishing a smart and resilient province, a development strategy covering all phases of disaster is vital, not only for emergency response but also for mitigation and rehabilitation. Further development is required, covering infrastructure, technology, and collaboration to achieve a higher level of resilience in West Java.
The need and rise of secondary smart cities: a case of Bhuj
Authors: Doshi S , Roy P , Iyer M , Mishra G
Published: November 2020

With the Fourth Industrial Revolution, cities are being acknowledged by various city leaders, urbaniste, and urban enthusiasts as the employing giants of the world. Urbanization has led to people migrating to urban nodes, not only from rural to urban but from urban to urban areas as well, thereby, leading to a significant influx of migrants. This is more evident in the fast-growing secondary cities that are becoming the new job centres. However, while incorporating a Master Planning and Development Planning approach, there is a consequential crisis of resource and infrastructure while accommodating the new residents. Coupled with the rise of health emergencies such as cholera and now, recently, COVID-19, the cities are calling for better management and administration of resources, especially water resources in the cities of the global south. As envisioned in various debates, 2/3rd of the world’s population shall reside in urban areas. Self-sufficiency and resource management are going to be prime concerns soon. In Bhuj, the district headquarters of Kutch in Gujarat, India, a water crisis is already evident, and the city will need to cope up with this increasing demand for the better. This provides a potential for the development of a framework that can lay out a more efficient system for resource provision and administration. The Smart Cities initiative can act as a tool for bridging the gaps between technology and sociology. This study, therefore, acknowledges the potential by understanding the concept of smart cities, the application, and nuances of the concept in India, where the concept has started to hold ground as a notion in the form of Government-led Smart City Competitions. This research aims to study the various frameworks and mechanisms related to smart cities and Smart Cities Mission, and how the different verticals of the framework, i.e. physical, social, economic, and governance points of view, are co-dependent on each other. The study also acknowledges the existing arguments surrounding the potential of secondary cities like Bhuj, and how the efficiency in terms of water sensitivity can be improved optimally by bringing all stakeholders to the table and trigger discussions to provide a better quality of life to the citizens. The paper aims at urban enthusiasts, academicians, citizen groups, and decision-makers to dive into the potentials of the water-sensitive aspects of the Smart Cities Mission and how secondary fast-growing cities can gain some headway with this.
Towards the innovative planning for child-friendly neighbourhood in Jakarta
Authors: Zerlina D , Sulaiman C C
Published: November 2020

Child-friendly City is a global movement that aims to value the rights of children as citizens of urban society. The awareness of this movement is considered essential for the city. There is an urgency to provide not only a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment for child development but also the inclusion of children to be valued, treated, and accepted in the urban community without discriminations. As the smallest unit of the spatial environment, the neighbourhood is the first place where children are exposed to the social world. Children’s experiences in valuing their surroundings and positioning themselves in the urban context start from this unit. However, the efforts are not easy to be implemented evenly in many aspects, especially in the context of developing countries. In Jakarta, Child-friendly City initiatives focus more on fulfilling children’s social rights since the city is also fragmented in many ways. The spatial aspects of developing an appropriate living environment for children in Jakarta are limited to certain indicators, such as creating playgrounds and free smoking areas on the neighbourhood scale. Another encountered problem is the issue of inclusivity in Jakarta’s urban spaces, which is heavily attached to the social status of citizens. This reality has raised the issue of discrepancy on how a child-friendly city ideally should be done in this urban segregated environment. This study aims to revisit Jakarta’s Child-Friendly City movement in the context of neighbourhood spatial planning and explore the possibilities of its improvement. Our study adopts critical thinking regarding the spatial fabric to set a clear recommendation on planning innovations and directly responding to the spatial challenges.
Comprehensive Sovereign Agency? China’s Model of International Recognition
Authors: Wilde Jarrett T , Xing Yue
Published: November 2020

This article investigates the confluence of China’s rise and International Recognition Theory through a quantitative content analysis of 166 joint statements on state visits between China’s heads of state and the representatives of 80 partners. China’s partnership diplomacy is a continuous, comprehensive, and dynamic diplomatic strategy for the 21st century. Yet, extraordinarily little research has explored the substance of China’s partnerships and the international experience that they offer. To investigate these dimensions, this article develops a typology of international recognition within which to situate China’s partnership diplomacy. We find that partnership documents exhibit a gradation of sovereign recognition that is transformed into “Comprehensive Sovereign Agency”: a type of sovereignty with Chinese characteristics that establishes the agency of the Chinese government over the comprehensive spectrum of China’s foreign relations. In contrast to earlier international experiences that ground sovereign agency in the functions of security, China’s partnership diplomacy yields a network that emphasizes the productive (economic, scientific, and cultural) functions of state capacity and international interaction. China’s partnership diplomacy reproduces the bilateral relations of preference and solidarity that ground China’s regime legitimacy in economic development. Its partnerships operate outside of the liberal multilateral security communities that generate international affinity through a difference-blind multilateral framework, constituting instead a difference-sensitive bilateral framework that provides a source of international recognition and sovereign agency that circumvent the liberal international experience.
Second pulmonary resection for a second primary lung cancer: analysis of morbidity and survival
Authors: Abid Walid , Seguin-Givelet Agathe , Brian Emmanuel , Grigoroiu Madalina , Girard Philippe , Girard Nicolas , Gossot Dominique
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVES

Evaluating morbidity and survival of patients operated on for a second primary non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Retrospective collection of data from patients operated on for a second NSCLC between 2009 and 2018.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. At the time of second pulmonary resection, the median time between the 2 surgeries was 25 months (5–44.5 months). Patients’ median age was 65 years (61–68 years). Median tumour size was 16 mm (10–22 mm). Thoracoscopy was used in 75% of cases. The resection was a pneumonectomy (n = 1), bilobectomy (n = 1), lobectomy (n = 15), segmentectomy (n = 32) or wedge resection (n = 3). The length of stay was 7 days (5–9 days). Mortality was null and morbidity was 36.5%, mainly from grade I–II complications according to the Clavien–Dindo classification. The median follow-up was 28 months (13–50 months). The median overall survival was 67 months (95% confidence interval 60.8–73.1 months). Survival at 5 years and specific survival were 71.1% and 67.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A second surgical resection of either synchronous or metachronous NSCLC has a morbidity that is not superior to the morbidity of the first operation. The new tumour is usually diagnosed at an early stage. An anatomical sublobar resection is most likely the best compromise. It might also be considered for the first operation when there is a suspicious synchronous lesion that may require surgery at a later stage.
Increased cerebral mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species with cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Volk Lindsay E , Mavroudis Constantine D , Ko Tiffany , Hallowell Thomas , Delso Nile , Roberts Anna L , Starr Jonathan , Landis William , Lin Yuxi , Hefti Marco , Morgan Ryan W , Melchior Richard W , Rosenthal Tami M , Chappell Alexander , Fisher Douglas , Dreher Molly , Licht Daniel J , Chen Jonathan , Gaynor J. William , Mascio Christopher E , Kilbaugh Todd J
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVES

Neurodevelopmental injury after cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for congenital heart defects is common, but the mechanism behind this injury is unclear. This study examines the impact of CPB on cerebral mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial bioenergetics.

METHODS

Twenty-three piglets (mean weight 4.2 ± 0.5 kg) were placed on CPB for either 1, 2, 3 or 4 h (n = 5 per group) or underwent anaesthesia without CPB (sham, n = 3). Microdialysis was used to measure metabolic markers of ischaemia. At the conclusion of CPB or 4 h of sham, brain tissue was harvested. Utilizing high-resolution respirometry, with simultaneous fluorometric analysis, mitochondrial respiration and ROS were measured.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in markers of ischaemia between sham and experimental groups. Sham animals had significantly higher mitochondrial respiration than experimental animals, including maximal oxidative phosphorylation capacity of complex I (OXPHOSCI) (3.25 ± 0.18 vs 4-h CPB: 1.68 ± 0.10, P < 0.001) and maximal phosphorylating respiration capacity via convergent input through complexes I and II (OXPHOSCI+CII) (7.40 ± 0.24 vs 4-h CPB: 3.91 ± 0.20, P < 0.0001). At 4-h, experimental animals had significantly higher ROS related to non-phosphorylating respiration through complexes I and II (ETSCI+CII) than shams (1.08 ± 0.13 vs 0.64 ± 0.04, P = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Even in the absence of local markers of ischaemia, CPB is associated with decreased mitochondrial respiration relative to shams irrespective of duration. Exposure to 4 h of CPB resulted in a significant increase in cerebral mitochondrial ROS formation compared to shorter durations. Further study is needed to improve the understanding of cerebral mitochondrial health and its effects on the pathophysiology of neurological injury following exposure to CPB.
3-D and 5-D reconstruction ofPreceiver functions via multichannel singular spectrum analysis
Authors: Rubio Gonzalo , Chen Yunfeng , Sacchi Mauricio D , Gu Yu Jeffrey
Published: November 2020

The receiver function (RF) method is fundamental in assessing mantle seismic discontinuity depths and reflectivities. Most of the current approaches rely on phase equalization, though in many applications, high levels of incoherent noise, incomplete and irregular sampling customarily interfere with the analysis of weak secondary phases. In recent years, advancements in the field of multidimensional seismic data processing have triggered a shift in interest towards its application to RFs, specifically to single station gathers that depend on a single spatial dimension. Our work generalizes the application of singular spectrum analysis to RFs that rely on two and four spatial dimensions recorded by dense seismic arrays. We adopt a multidimensional signal processing approach known as multichannel singular spectrum analysis. We develop a strategy to assemble and enhance 3-D and 5-D seismic volumes via matrix rank reduction and a reinsertion algorithm to simultaneously suppress random noise, retrieve absent observations and boost identifiability of secondary conversions. We provide informative synthetic examples to gain insight into the effectiveness and limitations of our approach. In the real data example, we improve weak conversions from the mantle transition zone (MTZ) recorded by the USArray in the Yellowstone area. The reconstruction algorithm accurately recovers the timing and polarity of conversions associated with the 410-, 520- and 660-km seismic discontinuities. Our investigation shows that the simultaneous processing of several spatial variables expedites signal restoration, particularly in directions where large recording gaps exist due to a lack of earthquakes, which aids the mapping and identification of the MTZ interfaces. This study presents a theoretical/practical framework for the reconstruction of multidimensional RF data, and its full potential can be exploited with dense acquisition available from the emerging seismic nodal arrays to improve passive seismic imaging.
Strengthening the global network for sharing of marine biological collections: recommendations for a new agreement for biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction
Authors: Collins Jane Eva , Rabone Muriel , Vanagt Thomas , Amon Diva J , Gobin Judith , Huys Isabelle
Published: November 2020

Biological collections are fundamental to marine scientific research and understanding of biodiversity at various scales. Despite their key importance, sample collections and the institutes that house them are often underfunded and receive comparatively little attention in the discussions associated with global biodiversity agreements. Furthermore, access to collections can be limited by inadequate systems, infrastructure, and networks. With negotiations underway for a new implementing agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, marine genetic resources (MGR), including questions on the sharing of benefits, remains the most debated and contentious element. Disparities remain between States regarding access to and utilization of marine biological samples (including MGR) from areas beyond national jurisdiction. Addressing capacity gaps related to collections could provide a point of agreement during negotiations and enhance global inclusivity in access to and utilization of MGR. Here, we examine both existing capacity and regional gaps in marine collections. We propose the strengthening of a distributed network of marine biological collections, building on existing initiatives and emphasizing best practices to bridge regional gaps. Our recommendations include: promoting scientific best practice for the curation of collections; alignment with ocean observing, and sampling initiatives; a potential pairing scheme for collections in developing and developed States; raising awareness of collections and benefits to marine science including through a global registry/directory; and promoting sustainable funding mechanisms to support collections and sustain global generation of contributors and users.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected Immunological Nonresponders Have Colon-Restricted Gut Mucosal Immune Dysfunction
Authors: Meyer-Myklestad Malin Holm , Medhus Asle Wilhelm , Lorvik Kristina Berg , Seljeflot Ingebjørg , Hansen Simen Hyll , Holm Kristian , Stiksrud Birgitte , Trøseid Marius , Hov Johannes Roksund , Kvale Dag , Dyrhol-Riise Anne Margarita , Kummen Martin , Reikvam Dag Henrik
Published: November 2020

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected immunological nonresponders (INRs) fail to reconstitute their CD4+ T-cell pool after initiation of antiretroviral therapy, and their prognosis is inferior to that of immunological responders (IRs). A prevailing hypothesis is that the INR phenotype is caused by a persistently disrupted mucosal barrier, but assessments of gut mucosal immunology in different anatomical compartments are scarce.

Methods

We investigated circulating markers of mucosal dysfunction, immune activation, mucosal Th17 and Th22 cells, and mucosa-adherent microbiota signatures in gut mucosal specimens from sigmoid colon and terminal ileum of 19 INRs and 20 IRs in addition to 20 HIV-negative individuals.

Results

INRs had higher blood levels of the enterocyte damage marker intestinal fatty acid–binding protein than IRs. In gut mucosal biopsies, INRs had lower fractions of CD4+ T cells, higher fractions of interleukin 22, and a tendency to higher fractions of interleukin 17–producing CD4+ T cells. These findings were all restricted to the colon and correlated to circulating markers of enterocyte damage. There were no observed differences in gut microbial composition between INRs and IRs.

Conclusions

Restricted to the colon, enterocyte damage and mucosal immune dysfunction play a role for insufficient immune reconstitution in HIV infection independent of the gut microbiota.
Embodied Interaction and Spatial Skills: A Systematic Review of Empirical Studies
Authors: Lee-Cultura Serena , Giannakos Michail
Published: November 2020

Embodied interaction describes the interplay between the brain and the body and its influence on the sharing, creation and manipulation of meaningful interactions with technology. Spatial skills entail the acquisition, organization, utilization and revision of knowledge about spatial environments. Embodied interaction is a rapidly growing topic in human–computer interaction with the potential to amplify human interaction and communication capacities, while spatial skills are regarded as key enablers for the successful management of cognitive tasks. This work provides a systematic review of empirical studies focused on embodied interaction and spatial skills. Thirty-six peer-reviewed articles were systematically collected and analysed according to their main elements. The results summarize and distil the developments concerning embodied interaction and spatial skills over the past decade. We identify embodied interaction capacities found in the literature review that help us to enhance and develop spatial skills. Lastly, we discuss implications for research and practice and highlight directions for future work.
Runs of homozygosity and analysis of inbreeding depression
Authors: Sumreddee Pattarapol , Toghiani Sajjad , Hay El Hamidi , Roberts Andrew , Aggrey Samuel E , Rekaya Romdhane
Published: November 2020

Pedigree information was traditionally used to assess inbreeding. The availability of high-density marker panels provides an alternative to assess inbreeding, particularly in the presence of incomplete and error-prone pedigrees. Assessment of autozygosity across chromosomal segments using runs of homozygosity (ROH) has emerged as a valuable tool to estimate inbreeding due to its general flexibility and ability to quantify the chromosomal contribution to genome-wide inbreeding. Unfortunately, the identification of ROH segments is sensitive to the parameters used during the search process. These parameters are heuristically set, leading to significant variation in the results. The minimum length required to identify an ROH segment has major effects on the estimation of inbreeding and inbreeding depression, yet it is arbitrarily set. To overcome this limitation, a search algorithm to approximate mutation enrichment was developed to determine the minimum length of ROH segments. It consists of finding genome segments with significant effect differences in trait means between animals with high and low burdens of autozygous intervals with a specific length. The minimum length could be determined heuristically as the smallest interval at which a significant signal is detected. The proposed method was tested in an inbred Hereford cattle population genotyped for 30,220 SNPs. Phenotypes recorded for six traits were used for the approximation of mutation loads. The estimated minimum length was around 1 Mb for yearling weight (YW) and average daily gain (ADG) and 4 Mb for birth weight and weaning weight. These trait-specific thresholds estimated using the proposed method could be attributed to a trait-dependent effect of homozygosity. The detection of significant inbreeding effects was well aligned with the estimated thresholds, especially for YW and ADG. Although highly deleterious alleles are expected to be more frequent in recent inbreeding (long ROH), short ROH segments (<5 Mb) could contain a large number of less deleterious mutations with substantial joint effects on some traits (YW and ADG). Our results highlight the importance of accurate estimation of the ROH-based inbreeding and the necessity to consider a trait-specific minimum length threshold for the identification of ROH segments in inbreeding depression analyses. These thresholds could be determined using the proposed method provided the availability of phenotypic information.
Racial Disparities in Recurrence and Overall Survival in Patients With Locoregional Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Snyder Rebecca A , Hu Chung-Yuan , Zafar Syed Nabeel , Francescatti Amanda , Chang George J
Published: November 2020

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between race and long-term cancer outcomes (recurrence and overall survival) within a population of US patients with locoregional colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

A cohort study of primary patient data merged with the National Cancer Database as part of a Commission on Cancer Special Study was performed. The study population was a random sample of patients undergoing surgery for stage I to III CRC between years 2006 and 2007 with 5 years of follow-up. Propensity-weighted multivariable Cox regression was performed with pooled results to yield statistical inferences. Prespecified sensitivity analysis was performed only for patients who received guideline concordant care (GCC) of primary CRC. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results

The study population included 8176 patients, 9.9% (n = 811) Black and 90.1% (n = 7365) White. Black patients were more likely to be uninsured or underinsured, have lower household income, and lower educational status (all P < .001). Rates of GCC were higher among Black vs White patients with colon cancer (76.9% vs 72.6%, P = .02), and Black and White patients with rectal cancer were treated with radiation at similar rates (69.1% vs 66.6%, P = .64). Black race was independently associated with increased risk of recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.26 to 1.73) and mortality (HR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.18 to 1.59). In sensitivity analysis of only patients who received GCC, observed effects for recurrence (HR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.27 to 1.79) and overall survival (HR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.18 to 1.66) persisted.

Conclusions

Despite higher rates of GCC for CRC, Black patients experience a higher risk of recurrence and mortality compared with White patients.
A systemic approach to the quantification of the phenotypic plasticity of plant physiological traits: the multivariate plasticity index
Authors: Pennacchi João Paulo , Lira Jean Marcel Sousa , Rodrigues Marcelo , Garcia Fernando Henrique Silva , Mendonça Ane Marcela das Chagas , Barbosa João Paulo Rodrigues Alves Delfino
Published: November 2020

The phenotype of an individual emerges from the interaction of its genotype with the environment in which it is located. Phenotypic plasticity (PP) is the ability of a specific genotype to present multiple phenotypes in response to the environment. Past and current methods for quantification of PP present limitations, mainly in what constitutes a systemic analysis of multiple traits. This research proposes an integrative index for quantifying and evaluating PP. The multivariate plasticity index (MVPi) was calculated based on the Euclidian distance between scores of a canonical variate analysis. It was evaluated for leaf physiological traits in two cases using Brazilian Cerrado species and sugarcane varieties, grown under diverse environmental conditions. The MVPi was sensitive to plant behaviour from simple to complex genotype–environment interactions and was able to inform coarse and fine changes in PP. It was correlated to biomass allocation, showing agreement between plant organizational levels. The new method proved to be elucidative of plant metabolic changes, mainly by explaining PP as an integrated process and emergent property. We recommend the MVPi method as a tool for analysis of phenotypic plasticity in the context of a systemic evaluation of plant phenotypic traits.