bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is de novo hepatocellular carcinoma after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt increased?
Authors: Hüsing-Kabar A , Meister T , Köhler M , Domschke W , Kabar I , Wilms C , Hild B , Schmidt HH , Heinzow HS
Published: September 2017

Background

Portal hypertension is a major complication of liver cirrhosis. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is effective in treatment of portal hypertension. However, decreased parenchymal portal venous flow after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt insertion favours ischaemic liver injury which has been discussed to induce hepatocarcinogenesis causing hepatocellular cancer.

Aim

This study aimed to explore the association between transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement and the development of hepatocellular cancer.

Methods

A total of 1338 consecutive liver cirrhosis patients were included in this retrospective study between January 2004–December 2015. Data were analysed with regard to development of hepatocellular cancer during follow-up. Binary logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were conducted for the assessment of risk factors for hepatocellular cancer development. In a second step, to rule out confounders of group heterogeneity, case-control matching was performed based on gender, age, model of end-stage liver disease score and underlying cause of cirrhosis (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease and viral hepatitis).

Results

Besides established risk factors such as older age, male gender and underlying viral hepatitis, statistical analysis revealed the absence of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt insertion as a risk factor for hepatocellular cancer development. Furthermore, matched-pair analysis of 432 patients showed a significant difference ( p = 0.003) in the emergence of hepatocellular cancer regarding transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement versus the non-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt cohort.

Conclusion

In patients with end-stage liver disease, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt insertion is significantly associated with reduced rates of hepatocellular cancer development.
Marked paraneoplastic basophilia accompanying eosinophilia in a cat with alimentary T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Balan Maria , Hope Aimee , Cassidy Joseph , McCullough Maureen , O’Brien Peter J
Published: September 2017

Case summary

A 5-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was referred with a history of persistent pyrexia, pica, soft faeces, inappetence, intermittent vomiting, mild-to-moderate granulocytosis and mild hypercalcaemia. No significant improvement was noted after antibiotic and corticosteroid treatment, except that the hypercalcaemia resolved. Physical examination, including thoracic auscultation, and abdominal and peripheral lymph node palpation, were unremarkable. On admission, haematology revealed moderate leukocytosis (36.8 × 109/l) with moderate-to-marked eosinophilia (21.3 × 109/l) and marked basophilia (4.04 × 109/l), the latter identified microscopically. Lymphocytes were markedly decreased (0.37 × 109/l). Blood smear examination revealed 58% eosinophils, 28% neutrophils, 11% basophils, 2% monocytes, 1% lymphocytes and marked, diffuse platelet clumping. Biochemistry abnormalities indicated mild pancreatitis, dehydration and anorexia with mildly increased pancreatic lipase, mild hypernatraemia (157 mmol/l), a moderate decrease in urea (3.1 mmol/l) and a slight decrease in phosphate (1.32 mmol/l). Ultrasound and radiographic imaging revealed enlargement of the mesenteric lymph nodes. Fine-needle aspiration, a Tru-cut biopsy and immunohistochemistry were performed. Cytological examination revealed ~65–75% lymphocytes (~80% were larger than a neutrophil), ~25–35% eosinophils and occasional basophils. Lymphocytes had single, small (<1/3 red blood cells), prominent nucleoli and increased pale, mildly vacuolated cytoplasm. On histopathology, cells were monomorphic, large, with prominent nucleoli, and mild, multifocal, staining for T-cell marker CD3. Smaller cells were strongly CD3-positive. Cells were negative for B-cell marker CD45R.

Relevance and novel information

This is the most severe case of paraneoplastic basophilia reported with feline alimentary T-cell lymphoma with accompanying eosinophilia and lymph node infiltration. Feline basophil prevalence is reported for the first time.
Swiss institute for translational and entrepreneurial medicine (sitem-insel)
Authors: Frey Felix J
Published: September 2017

sitem-insel – the Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine in Bern – was created to establish, operate and develop a National Center of Excellence for Translational Medicine. sitem-insel is organized as a non-profit oriented public private partnership. Translational medicine is a new, process-oriented discipline that aims to translate new findings and products emerging from private-sector development and basic research into clinical application. The discipline seeks to professionalize the essential interaction between scientists conducting basic research in the private sector and universities, clinicians, regulatory bodies and investors. The mission of sitem-insel is to create and foster an enhanced environment for translational medicine in Switzerland. The sitem-insel strategy rests on three pillars: 1) The sitem-insel School offers university-level continuing professional development courses taught by university and private-sector lecturers. 2) The sitem-insel Enabling Facilities provide infrastructure to foster cooperation between industrial partners, basic scientists and clinicians on the campus of the University Hospital of Bern (Inselspital) with the ultimate goal to bring novel diagnostic and therapeutic products towards clinical application. 3) The sitem-insel Promoting Services aim to optimize the administrative-regulatory effort along the route from laboratory bench to commercial products.
Values in medicine
Authors: Kesselring Jürg
Published: September 2017

Medical doctors should be studying in the future not only about the “alleviation of physical and mental pain and suffering” but also about the “restoration of social functioning of their patients. Medical professionals are urged to carry their culture of helping and caring as contributions to society. They also assume responsibility for the careful use of available resources and their equitable distribution. Central values of medicine are respect for human dignity, respect for self-determination and autonomy, the primacy of patient welfare, the principle of noninjury, and solidarity. Questions of values deal with particularly complex areas of personal identity, because values are causes and reasons for decisions and actions. The potential damage of medical interventions is not automatically justified by the desire to help. The ratio between benefit and risks of medical measures must always be critically appreciated. The professional medical ethic is the basis for the contract between medicine and society with three basic principles: primacy of patient welfare, respect for the rights of self-determination (autonomy) of patients (informed consent), and promoting social justice in health care (solidarity). From these principles, normative values are derived, indispensably connected with medical responsibilities and obligations. Development of these values is discussed in the light of the philosophical background of the dignity of the individual person and the process of decision-making.
Prevalence and severity of syndrome Z in women with metabolic syndrome on waiting list for bariatric surgery: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Perez Eduardo Araujo , Oliveira Luis Vicente Franco , Freitas Wilson Rodrigues , Malheiros Carlos Alberto , Ilias Elias Jirjoss , Silva Anderson Soares , Urbano Jessica Julioti , Oliveira Patricia Clemente , Cepeda Felipe X. , Sampaio Luciana M. M. , Trombetta Ivani C. , Delle Humberto , Neto Daniel Gianella , Nacif Sergio Roberto , Stirbulov Roberto
Published: September 2017

Background

In recent years, obesity has become one of the most important public health problems in the world, with a growing prevalence in both developed and developing countries. Recent studies show that sleep disturbances, especially obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) may be a manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Although the association of OSA with the MetS is largely attributed to obesity, the exact pathophysiological mechanisms and their individual characteristics still need to be identified. This study investigated the prevalence and severity of syndrome Z in obese women with MetS on waiting list for bariatric surgery.

Methods

In this double-center cross-sectional study, female patients aged ≥18 years, stage III severe obesity with MetS, on waiting list for bariatric surgery were recruited. The diagnosis for MetS was made according to the criteria of the national cholesterol education program, adult treatment panel III. Clinical, anthropometric, demographic, biochemistry, and sleep measurements were collected. Correlations between continuous variables with sleep parameters were performed using the Pearson correlation test or Spearman correlation test.

Results

The mean age of 83 patients was 44.8 ± 11.2 years and mean BMI was 42.6 ± 8.1 kg/m2. There was a significant correlation between OSA and metabolic score (r = 0.336; P = 0.002), neck circumference (r = 0.218; P = 0.048), basal systolic blood pressure (r = 0.280; P = 0.01), total cholesterol (r = 0.277; P = 0.011) and abdomen circumference (r = 0.284; P = 0.009). The mean values of excessive daytime sleepiness were 10.5 ± 7 demonstrating a value considered normal for its presence. However, a high risk for OSA was observed in practically the entire population. It was observed that the prevalence of Syndrome Z (75.9%) increased significantly according to apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) (P for trend <0.0000). A prevalence of 27.71% for mild OSA, 20.48% for moderate OSA, and 27.71% for severe OSA was observed. An association of AHI severity with all components of MetS was also observed.

Conclusions

We can conclude that syndrome Z presents a high prevalence in a female population with MetS and a considerable severity according to the presence of OSA. Therefore, patients with MetS should be investigated for the presence of sleep disorders.

Trial registration The study has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02409160 and followed the standards of The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Statement: guidelines for reporting observational studies
Acute reverse annular remodeling during MitraClip® therapy predicts improved clinical outcome in heart failure patients: a 3D echocardiography study
Authors: Herbrand Theresa , Eschenhagen Silke , Zeus Tobias , Kehmeier Eva , Hellhammer Katharina , Veulemans Verena , Kelm Malte , Balzer Jan
Published: September 2017

Background

Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) has been shown to have acute effects on mitral valve geometry in patients with functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). This study investigates the impact of MitraClip® therapy-induced annular remodeling on clinical outcome and mitral regurgitation in heart failure patients.

Methods

TMVR was performed successfully in 45 patients with FMR. In this study, mitral valve datasets were obtained before and directly after MitraClip® implantation using three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography, and were analyzed offline retrospectively using dedicated 3D reconstruction software. Patients underwent clinical and echocardiographic evaluation at baseline and after 6 months. At follow-up, the patients were allocated into two groups according to their improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class: a Low Responder group with ΔNYHA <1.5 (n = 25); and a High Responder group with ΔNYHA ≥1.5 (n = 20).

Results

At 6-month follow-up, data analysis revealed that while mitral regurgitation was reduced significantly in both groups, only the High Responder group had experienced significant downsizing of the 3D circumference (137 ± 14 mm to 126 ± 13 mm; p < 0.01) and the anterior-to-posterior diameter (33 ± 5 mm to 29 ± 4 mm; p < 0.01) of the mitral annulus during the intervention. Furthermore, only the High Responder group with reverse annular remodeling as shown had substantial advances in quality of life (Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire: 55 ± 10 to 34 ± 14 points; p < 0.01) and functional status (6-min walk distance: 290 ± 104 m to 462 ± 111 m; p = 0.07).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that instantaneous left ventricular annular remodeling during MitraClip® implantation is associated with improved clinical outcome of heart failure patients with functional mitral regurgitation.

Trial registration The study was approved by the local ethics committee (Study Number 4497R, Registration ID: 2013121585). Trial registration: NCT02033811 Retrospectively registered January 9, 2014.
Determining the construction sequence of the Preah Vihear monument in Cambodia from its sandstone block characteristics
Authors: Uchida Etsuo , Mizoguchi Akinori , Sato Hiroya , Shimoda Ichita , Watanabe Ryota
Published: September 2017

The Preah Vihear monument in Cambodia, located close to the border with Thailand, was one of the Khmer temples registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a Cultural Property in 2008. It consists of masonry buildings constructed of siliceous sandstone blocks. In this study, the construction sequence of its buildings was inferred from the chemical composition, magnetic susceptibility, and size of the sandstone blocks, along with pediment end style, and the presence or absence of reliefs on the tympana of adjacent buildings. Five construction stages were identified. We revealed that the Western Annex Hall (N2) is the oldest edifice in the Preah Vihear monument. We also reconfirmed that the Preah Vihear monument was constructed over a range of years, spanning the Bakheng style period to the Angkor Wat style period (the end of the 9th century to the end of 12th century). It was clarified that during the construction of Preah Vihear, the style of pediment ends changed from pediments ending in scrolls made from one block, to pediments ending in scrolls made from two blocks, and finally to pediments ending in five-headed nagas. Over the same time span, the size of the sandstone blocks used in construction increased markedly.
Perturbed CD8+ T cell immunity across universal influenza epitopes in the elderly
Authors: Nguyen Thi H O , Sant Sneha , Bird Nicola L , Grant Emma J , Clemens E Bridie , Koutsakos Marios , Valkenburg Sophie A , Gras Stephanie , Lappas Martha , Jaworowski Anthony , Crowe Jane , Loh Liyen , Kedzierska Katherine
Published: September 2017

Influenza epidemics lead to severe illness, life-threatening complications, and deaths, especially in the elderly. As CD8+ T cells are associated with rapid recovery from influenza, we investigated the effects of aging on antigen-specific CD8+ T cells across the universal influenza epitopes in humans. We show that aging is characterized by altered frequencies in T cell subsets, with naive T cells being partially replaced by activated effector/memory populations. Although we observed no striking differences in TCR signaling capacity, T cells in the elderly had increased expression of transcription factors Eomes and T-bet, and such changes were most apparent in CD8+ T cells. Strikingly, the numbers of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells across universal influenza epitopes were reduced in the elderly, although their effector/memory phenotypes remained stable. To understand whether diminished numbers of influenza-specific CD8+ T cells in the elderly resulted from alteration in TCR clonotypes, we dissected the TCRαβ repertoire specific for the prominent HLA-A*02:01-restricted-M158–66 (A2/M158) influenza epitope. We provide the first ex vivo data on paired antigen-specific TCRαβ clonotypes in the elderly, showing that influenza-specific A2/M158+ TCRαβ repertoires in the elderly adults varied from those in younger adults, with the main features being a reduction in the frequency of the public TRAV27–TRBV19 TCRαβ clonotype, increased proportion of private TCRαβ signatures, broader use of TRAV and TRBV gene segments, and large clonal expansion of private TCRαβ clonotypes with longer CDR3 loops. Our study supports the development of T cell-targeted influenza vaccines that would boost the T cell compartment during life and maintain the numbers and optimal TCRαβ signatures in the elderly.
Multidirectional-vector-based elastic reverse time migration and angle-domain common-image gathers with approximate wavefield decomposition of P- and S-waves
Authors: Tang Chen , McMechan George A.
Published: September 2017

Elastic reverse time migration (E-RTM) has limitations when the migration velocities contain strong contrasts. First, the traditional scheme of P/S-wave mode separation is based on Helmholtz’s equations, which ignore the conversion between P- and S-waves at the current separation time. Thus, it contains an implicit assumption of the constant shear modulus and requires smoothing the heterogeneous model to approximately satisfy a locally constant condition. Second, the vector-based imaging condition needs to use the reflection-image normal, and it also cannot give the correct polarity of the PP image in all possible conditions. Third, the angle-domain common-image gathers (ADCIGs) calculated using the Poynting vectors (PVs) do not consider the wave interferences that happen at each reflector. Therefore, smooth models are often used for E-RTM. We relax this condition by proposing an improved data flow that involves three new contributions. The first contribution is an improved system of P/S-wave mode separation that considers the converted wave generated at the current time, and thus it does not require the constant-shear-modulus assumption. The second contribution is the new elastic imaging conditions based on multidirectional vectors; they can give the correct image polarity in all possible conditions without knowledge of the reflection-image normal. The third contribution is two methods to calculate multidirectional propagation vectors (PRVs) for RTM images and ADCIGs: One is the elastic multidirectional PV, and the other uses the sign of wavenumber-over-frequency ([Formula: see text]) ratio obtained from an amplitude-preserved approximate-propagation-angle-based wavefield decomposition to convert the particle velocities into multidirectional PRVs. The robustness of the improved data flow is determined by several 2D numerical examples. Extension of the schemes into 3D and amplitude-preserved imaging conditions is also possible.
Tomographic velocity analysis and wave-equation depth migration in an overthrust terrain: A case study from the Tuha Basin, China
Authors: Lyu Bin , Su Qin , Marfurt Kurt J.
Published: September 2017

Although the structures associated with overthrust terrains form important targets in many basins, accurately imaging remains challenging. Steep dips and strong lateral velocity variations associated with these complex structures require prestack depth migration instead of simpler time migration. The associated rough topography, coupled with older, more indurated, and thus high-velocity rocks near or outcropping at the surface often lead to seismic data that suffer from severe statics problems, strong head waves, and backscattered energy from the shallow section, giving rise to a low signal-to-noise ratio that increases the difficulties in building an accurate velocity model for subsequent depth migration. We applied a multidomain cascaded noise attenuation workflow to suppress much of the linear noise. Strong lateral velocity variations occur not only at depth but near the surface as well, distorting the reflections and degrading all deeper images. Conventional elevation corrections followed by refraction statics methods fail in these areas due to poor data quality and the absence of a continuous refracting surface. Although a seismically derived tomographic solution provides an improved image, constraining the solution to the near-surface depth-domain interval velocities measured along the surface outcrop data provides further improvement. Although a one-way wave-equation migration algorithm accounts for the strong lateral velocity variations and complicated structures at depth, modifying the algorithm to account for lateral variation in illumination caused by the irregular topography significantly improves the image, preserving the subsurface amplitude variations. We believe that our step-by-step workflow of addressing the data quality, velocity model building, and seismic imaging developed for the Tuha Basin of China can be applied to other overthrust plays in other parts of the world.
SIMPLIFY-1: A Phase III Randomized Trial of Momelotinib Versus Ruxolitinib in Janus Kinase Inhibitor–Naïve Patients With Myelofibrosis
Authors: Mesa Ruben A. , Kiladjian Jean-Jacques , Catalano John V. , Devos Timothy , Egyed Miklos , Hellmann Andrzei , McLornan Donal , Shimoda Kazuya , Winton Elliott F. , Deng Wei , Dubowy Ronald L. , Maltzman Julia D. , Cervantes Francisco , Gotlib Jason
Published: September 2017

Purpose

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of momelotinib, a potent and selective Janus kinase 1 and 2 inhibitor (JAKi), compared with ruxolitinib, in JAKi-naïve patients with myelofibrosis.

Patients and Methods

Patients (N = 432) with high risk or intermediate-2 risk or symptomatic intermediate-1 risk myelofibrosis were randomly assigned to receive 24 weeks of treatment with momelotinib 200 mg once daily or ruxolitinib 20 mg twice a day (or per label), after which all patients could receive open-label momelotinib. The primary end point was a ≥ 35% reduction in spleen volume at 24 weeks of therapy. Secondary end points were rates of symptom response and effects on RBC transfusion requirements.

Results

A ≥ 35% reduction in spleen volume at week 24 was achieved by a similar proportion of patients in both treatment arms: 26.5% of the momelotinib group and 29% of the ruxolitinib group (noninferior; P = .011). A ≥ 50% reduction in the total symptom score was observed in 28.4% and 42.2% of patients who received momelotinib and ruxolitinib, respectively, indicating that noninferiority was not met ( P = .98). Transfusion rate, transfusion independence, and transfusion dependence were improved with momelotinib (all with nominal P ≤ .019). The most common grade ≥ 3 hematologic abnormalities in either group were thrombocytopenia and anemia. Grade ≥ 3 infections occurred in 7% of patients who received momelotinib and 3% of patients who received ruxolitinib. Treatment-emergent peripheral neuropathy occurred in 10% of patients who received momelotinib (all grade ≤ 2) and 5% of patients who received ruxolitinib (all grade ≤ 3).

Conclusion

In JAKi-naïve patients with myelofibrosis, 24 weeks of momelotinib treatment was noninferior to ruxolitinib for spleen response but not for symptom response. Momelotinib treatment was associated with a reduced transfusion requirement.
Neuropeptidergic integration of behavior in Trichoplax adhaerens, an animal without synapses
Authors: Senatore Adriano , Reese Thomas S. , Smith Carolyn L.
Published: September 2017

Trichoplax adhaerens is a flat, millimeter-sized marine animal that adheres to surfaces and grazes on algae. Trichoplax displays a repertoire of different feeding behaviors despite the apparent absence of a true nervous system with electrical or chemical synapses. It glides along surfaces to find food, propelled by beating cilia on cells at its ventral surface, and pauses during feeding by arresting ciliary beating. We found that when endomorphin-like peptides are applied to an animal, ciliary beating is arrested, mimicking natural feeding pauses. Antibodies against these neuropeptides label cells that express the neurosecretory proteins and voltage-gated calcium channels implicated in regulated secretion. These cells are embedded in the ventral epithelium, where they comprise only 4% of the total, and are concentrated around the edge of the animal. Each bears a cilium likely to be chemosensory and used to detect algae. Trichoplax pausing during feeding or spontaneously in the absence of food often induce their neighbors to pause as well, even neighbors not in direct contact. Pausing behavior propagates from animal to animal across distances much greater than the signal that diffuses from just one animal, so we presume that the peptides secreted from one animal elicit secretion from nearby animals. Signal amplification by peptide-induced peptide secretion explains how a small number of sensory secretory cells lacking processes and synapses can evoke a wave of peptide secretion across the entire animal to globally arrest ciliary beating and allow pausing during feeding.
From where to what: a neuroanatomically based evolutionary model of the emergence of speech in humans
Authors: Poliva Oren
Published: September 2017

In the brain of primates, the auditory cortex connects with the frontal lobe via the temporal pole (auditory ventral stream; AVS) and via the inferior parietal lobe (auditory dorsal stream; ADS). The AVS is responsible for sound recognition, and the ADS for sound-localization, voice detection and integration of calls with faces. I propose that the primary role of the ADS in non-human primates is the detection and response to contact calls. These calls are exchanged between tribe members (e.g., mother-offspring) and are used for monitoring location. Detection of contact calls occurs by the ADS identifying a voice, localizing it, and verifying that the corresponding face is out of sight. Once a contact call is detected, the primate produces a contact call in return via descending connections from the frontal lobe to a network of limbic and brainstem regions.

Because the ADS of present day humans also performs speech production, I further propose an evolutionary course for the transition from contact call exchange to an early form of speech. In accordance with this model, structural changes to the ADS endowed early members of the genusHomowith partial vocal control. This development was beneficial as it enabled offspring to modify their contact calls with intonations for signaling high or low levels of distress to their mother. Eventually, individuals were capable of participating in yes-no question-answer conversations. In these conversations the offspring emitted a low-level distress call for inquiring about the safety of objects (e.g., food), and his/her mother responded with a high- or low-level distress call to signal approval or disapproval of the interaction. Gradually, the ADS and its connections with brainstem motor regions became more robust and vocal control became more volitional. Speech emerged once vocal control was sufficient for inventing novel calls.
Sverdlovsk Region Cluster Mechanism As an Effective Instrument of Transformation of the Economic and Technological Reality in the Forest Sector of Region Economy
Authors: Стариков Евгений , Starikov Evgeniy , Прядилина Наталья , Pryadilina Natalya , Раменская Людмила , Ramenskaya Lyudmila , Вукович Наталья , Vukovich Natal'ya
Published: September 2017

In current business environment we need to search new tools of state industrial policy. World and domestic experience, as well as theoretical studies confirm that the use of cluster approach to promoting the development of integrated economic systems contributes to improving the competitiveness of industries, regions and country as a whole. The aim of this study is to analyze the conceptual foundations of cluster creation in the forest sector of economy of Sverdlovsk region taking into account of the essential features of economic and technological reality, and the current state of the state of cluster policy. The analysis of the legal framework helped to identify the forms of state support for cluster formations and their requirements and their specialized institutions to obtain official status. The study identified six currently existing regional forestry clusters. Formed clusters will contribute to the development of the industry, but their number is insufficient to improve the competitiveness and innovative development of forest sector economy as a whole. Timber industry complex of Sverdlovsk region has significant potential to increase its contribution to economic development of the region. Development opportunities of the forestry sector are explained by the presence of established infrastructure, logging and timber processing, and significant resource base of the industry. There are enterprises of forestry, pulp and paper, wood processing, wood chemical industry in the region. Sverdlovsk region has a number of problems that would be mitigated and partially solved through the establishment of timber industry cluster. In this work, the structure of the regional wood industry cluster is suggested, the assumptions and risks of its creation are analyzed, the composition of the participants of the "core" of the cluster is substantiated. The most appropriate mechanisms of state support and quantitative performance indicators of the cluster are offered to ensure the efficient operation and further development of the cluster.
Conceptual Approach to Building a Database of Information System "Monitoring Of Concentration of Pollutants Substances by Automobile Transport"
Authors: Юдина Надежда , Yudina Nadezhda , Лапшин Дмитрий , Lapshin Dmitriy , Хальзев Никита , Khalzev Nikita
Published: September 2017

The article discusses aspects of building a database of information system "Modeling of the influence of traffic flow on the emissions of polluting substances in atmospheric air of Voronezh". The database is realized with the help of technical means of dynamic information model of the territory, reflecting spatial and temporal structure, condition, and relationship between the individual elements of the simulated ecosystem. The presence of baseline information on the environmental parameters characterizing the components included in the atmospheric air, allows to provide ecologists with the results of processing of experimental data and give recommendations for elimination of emissions of polluting substances by motor automobile transport into atmosphere. The reporting database is a set of relational tables in MySQL database format, where each individual observation (measurement or setting of abundance of the pollutant in a particular sample of atmospheric air) is informationally associated with specification of location coordinates and characteristics of sampling sites (geographical aspect), as well as the date of expedition (time aspect). A generalized information model of the database consists of the following tables: information about the streets and districts of the city; the original data on the different types of transport and intensity of their movement in different parts of the city; output of pollutants: substance, mass, and concentration on certain streets and districts of the city; constant data about automotive pollutants (CH,SO,Pb, and others); other constant data, which are necessary for correct operation of the information system. The relevance of this topic is explained by increasing number of motor vehicles in the city of Voronezh and the solution to the problem of its impact on the quality of urban environment and public health.
Simulation of the Production Process of Timber Harvesting With the Help of Petri Nets
Authors: Соколов Антон , Sokolov Anton , Осипов Евгений , Osipov Evgeniy
Published: September 2017

The article describes the approach to a substantiation of a choice of machines systems for wood harvesting, based on simulation modeling of manufacturing processes using Petri nets. Selection of groups of sites with relatively similar conditions from the point of view of technological process of timber harvesting is justified. The results of performed field investigations, modeling and improvement of processes on the example of one model cutting area are given. Simulation results showed that under the conditions of considered cutting area average productivity of forwarder is slightly higher than possible performance of the harvester under given conditions, which leads to forced outages of forwarder, which account for about 12% of time. When modeling, distribution of forwarder' down time and allocation of its working time on the transaction is given. As a result of performed study it was recommended to replace forwarder Komatsu 890.3 by more light and economical forwarder Komatsu 860.4. Simulation performed after making the model changes, showed that in this case forwarder's down time is reduced from 12% to 8%. Taking into account lower costs of buying and maintenance of this forwarder, as well as lower fuel consumption, it was determined that in the case of proposed option, it will possible to reduce the specific costs for procurement of one cubic meter of wood 274.7 to 266.7 RUB, i.e. by 3.1%. Thus, in solution of real industrial problem, the effectiveness of the proposed approach to the assessment of options for the acquisition of systems of machines for wood harvesting has been proven.
Mechanisms of Diversification in Forest Sector
Authors: Морковина Светлана , Morkovina Svetlana , Торжков Иван , Torzhkov Ivan
Published: September 2017

In the article substantiates that development of forest complex of the Russian economy is not possible without the implementation of structural reforms and emphasis on diversification of forestry as an important industry segment. Reasons for diversification of forest complex are shown, including: disparities in development of technological chain - forestry-logging-woodworking; technological, territorial and economic fragmentation of forest, harvesting and processing enterprises and industries; infrastructural and economic barriers; low level of Research and Advanced Development and industrial innovation at all stages of technologically related industries. It is proved that diversification of forestry should be carried out at the level of the most significant sub-systems: reforestation and afforestation in order to transfer to the technologies allowing reducing the period of growing of wood and target assortments. Diversification of forestry is possible during the transition from forest crops to plantation afforestation through the establishment of industrial forest plantations on the lands of forest fund. To reduce the risk component in the diversification of forest production, creation of industrial forest plantations must be carried out not far from industrial consumers of wood, which will ensure the economic feasibility of growing, harvesting and delivery of wood raw material. The proposed mechanism of diversification in combination with biotechnology will provide increasing demand for timber, with significant reduction of the environmental load on natural forest stands, allowing you to preserve natural ecosystems for purposes of recreation. Introduction of biotechnology in forestry will reduce the gap in development segments of the forest complex and increase wood supply for diversified industries. Diversification of forestry and development of industrial plantation afforestation is constrained by legal framework and absence of measures of financial support of enterprises of forest complex.
Conceptual Approaches to Formation of Wood Industry Cluster in Russia
Authors: Кожухов Николай , Kozhukhov Nikolay , Кожемяко Николай , Kozhemyako Nikolay , Фитчин Андрей , Fitchin Andrey
Published: September 2017

World experience shows the effectiveness of the creation of clusters in various industries. A lot of work and research domestic and foreign scholars and practitioners are dedicated to study and development of mechanisms of realization of industrial policy. The article analyzes the main indicators of the forest industry and forestry in Tomsk region in recent years, the basic provisions are revealed, Factors determining the development trends of the industry are analyzed. The authors identified the major systemic problems hindering the progressive development of forest sector in Tomsk region, including low level of development of periodic yield, the lack of transport and economically available forest resources, inadequate production structure and export of forest products, financial situation of enterprises of the sector, insufficient staffing, weak territorial cooperation of the enterprises and organizations. The article defines the objective conditions for creation of timber industry cluster in Tomsk region, goals, objectives and directions of sustainable development of the forest sector in Tomsk region on the basis of cluster approach are identified. Among the main areas that determine competitiveness of products and possibility of increasing the efficiency of forest management, the following issues are highlighted: development of deep processing of wood through the use of low-grade wood and wood waste, development of transport infrastructure in forests, improving human potential, expanding the range of manufactured timber enterprises in the cluster of products and implementation of joint projects. The conclusions can provide theoretical basis for further research in the field of economic security and development of timber processing complex and forestry. Obtained results can be used both by researchers in further research work to explore issues of cluster development of timber industry and regional authorities and business structures functioning in the sphere of forest industry.
The Influence of the Composition of the Forest on Spruce Drying
Authors: Иванчина Людмила , Ivanchina Lyudmila , Залесов Сергей , Zalesov Sergey , Залесова Евгения , Zalesova Evgeniya
Published: September 2017

Plantions of pleurocarpous moss spruce forest type are dominant in the area of coniferous-deciduous (mixed) forests of the European part of the Russian Federation in Perm region. The problem of drying of spruce forests has aggravated dramatically in recent years. However, among scientists there is no consensus on the causes of the drying of spruce forests, which hinders the development of recommendations on improvement of forest management in spruce forests. In this regard spruce plantations in Perm region are not exceptions. On the basis of acts of forest pathology survey, drying of pleurocarpous moss spruce forest with different composition of forest stands is analyzed. The drying area for the period from 2010 to 2016 at Ocherskoe forestry in Perm region (forest area of coniferous-deciduous (mixed) forests of the European part of the Russian Federation) is mapped to a planted area of pleurocarpous moss spruce forest of different species composition. It was found that there was no drying out spots for the analyzed period in plantings of pleurocarpous moss spruce forest with a mixture of softwood species. As well as stands with admixture of fir and birch are characterized by high resistance. Among the identified drying out spots of spruce the most represented are plantations which contain of spruce, fir and pine (28.1 % of the total area of drying out spots), as well as spruce, fir, pine and birch (22.56 % of the total area of drying out spots). Data on the influence of the composition of the forest on mortality of spruce in the conditions of pleurocarpous moss spruce forest can be used in forming thinnings, as well as creation of forest crops.
Features of Reforestation on Clearings and Burnt-Out Areas in Somovskoe Forestry of the Voronezh Region
Authors: Тырченкова Ирина , Tyrchenkova Irina
Published: September 2017

Reforestation provides conservation of biological diversity and beneficial functions of forests. Every year more and more significant share in forest landscapes is taken by artificial plants. On the basis of the technical specification, types of work on reproduction of forests in the forest plots of Somovskoe forestry for the year of 2016 are represented. Categories of silvicultural areas are represented by felling of 2011-2015 years and dry burned areas of 2010. Type of wood – herbal pine with oak, type of forest growing conditions – fresh soubor. Based on "Reforestation Project" detailed features of plantations creation at clearings and burned areas are given. For greater productivity of plantations and resistance to fire and pine fungus plantations were created by intermingled mixture of 10 rows of Scots pine with 10 rows of European white birch. Data of technical acceptance of plantations are given. To prevent overgrowing of the surface of the soil with weedy herbaceous and shrub vegetation, promote moisture accumulation in the soil, cares for woodlands within 5 years are planned. Ploughing of plot with mineralized strips is implemented as fire prevention measures. Addition of forest cultures was made in spring at the area of 2.3 hectares by oak with closed root system, as well as in autumn at the area of 24.9 hectares by pine with closed root system and birch. Preparation of soils under forest cultures for the next year was made at the area of 72.0 hectares. Agrotechnical tending for forest cultures is made on the area of 250 ha. Combined reforestation and assistance to natural regeneration have not been conducted. Recommendations on timely recovery of economically valuable forests in the felling and burnt areas are given.
The Use of Robinia Pseudoacacia for Afforestation of Post-Mining Lands
Authors: Трещевская Элла , Treshchevskaya Ella , Тихонова Елена , Tikhonova Elena , Малинина Татьяна , Malinina Tat'yana , Навалихин Сергей , Navalihin Sergey
Published: September 2017

The main causes of post-mining lands is the development of mineral deposits in the open way. Forest reclamation is the most available and cheap method of recovery of post-mining lands. To improve forest conditions, sandy and sandy-chalky embankements are formed from a two-component tehnoshem. Fertile or potentially fertile layer of different power is applied on the surface of the embankement. Robinia pseudoacacia is one of the most common tree species for forest reclamation in the extreme conditions of post-mining lands in many regions. The survival rate and growth of Robinia on the gidrootval of the Birch log of the Kursk magnetic anomaly depends on many factors like weather conditions during the vegetation period, the absolute height at various parts of gidrootval, exposition of slopes, etc. Even in unfavorable years, heavy rainfalls in May contribute to better survival of Robinia pseudoacacia. It reaches 90 % on top. The increase is 13.0-22.0 cm. More intensive growth is typical for Robinia on the slope of gidrootval. The given data indicates a higher survival rate of Robonia in the eluvial (upper) part of gidrootval. The condition of plantations is better in the eluvial and transit (middle) and in the transit-accumulative (bottom) part of the slope. Analysis of the materials reveal rather clear regularity of growth in reclamation plantations, depending on the environmental conditions. By the age of 40, plantations in extreme conditions of post-mining lands start to age, their productivity reduces .To accelerate the recovery of post-mining lands it is recommended to apply two-stage system of reclamation. In the first stage a protective forest plantations with Robinia pseudoacacia should be created. In the second phase of reclamation such spaces are subject to reconstruction to create forest plantations consisting of more valuable coniferous species, including coniferous.
About the Effects of Fires in Forests Because of Fire Reduction
Authors: Зайцев А. , Zaycev A. , Губский Сергей , Gubskiy Sergey
Published: September 2017

Fires in forests cause great environmental damage to our country due to loss of wood, destruction and damage to residential and industrial buildings and structures. Often fires in forests are accompanied by death of people. Large fires affect the pollution of the atmosphere, climate change in a certain area, generally have a negative impact on the environment of the affected regions, increase incidence and mortality rates of the population, create social tension in society. The paper analyzes the causes of anthropogenic and natural origin of fires. The main attention is paid to the conditions of spontaneous combustion of forest litter (litter) in coniferous forests, which can occur under certain conditions, even in winter, after snowfall. A physicochemical justification for the process of spontaneous combustion of forest litter is presented, and corresponding thermophysical calculations are made. It is shown that in the layer of litter of a certain thickness, a process of self-heating takes place and an increase in temperature due to an exothermic reaction, because of which the temperature rises in the litter - up to the temperature of spontaneous combustion. Such a picture will be observed until a certain self-heating temperature is reached at which the exothermic transformations in the material (decomposition, oxidation) begin, leading to self-heating of the material. When a certain temperature is reached, selfignition of the forest litter may occur. Specific examples of spontaneous combustion of forest litter in coniferous forests of the Voronezh region in the beginning of winter under a layer of snow and possible causes of spontaneous combustion of coniferous litter in forests during the summer are considered. It is shown that the process of spontaneous combustion can occur when certain climatic conditions are combined, as well as factors such as thickness, humidity and dispersed state, and the thermophysical characteristics of the litter, temperature and mobility of the atmosphere. Based on the solution of the equation of non-stationary Fourier thermal conductivity with an internal heat source, it is planned to determine the conditions for heat exchange on the surface and the thickness of the fallen layer of litter, in which a selfignition process may occur.
Color Change of Birch Wood During Thermal Exposure
Authors: Ермоченков Михаил , Ermochenkov Mihail , Хроменко Андрей , Khromenko Andrey
Published: September 2017

Heat treatment is widely used to improve the properties of wood. Such processes include drying and thermal modification. Thermal modification is heating wood without oxygen, accompanied by heat destruction. Thermally modified wood can be used as structural and finishing materials. This puts the task of determining its thermal and physical, physical and chemical, biological, and ornamental properties and their change during heat treatment. The article presents the results of experimental and computational studies of color characteristics of the wood of birch, their change in the process of thermal modification. Thermal decomposition is a complicated multi-stage physical and chemical process. Thermal decomposition of material causes changes in its composition, structure, accompanied by alterations of its properties. Wood can be considered as a multicomponent composite material, consisting of hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin and other components. Each component decomposes in the temperature range that causes the multistage process of thermal degradation. The degree of thermal degradation of the material is determined by the kinetics of occurrence of each stage and the degree of its perfection. Thermal decomposition kinetics of wood can be determined by the results of thermal and gravimetric experiments. In the article the model of determining the color characteristics of wood as a function of the degree of completion of individual stages of thermal degradation is suggested. Model of decomposition of color for RGB components is used for identifying. Color identification of the samples of original birch wood in RGB coordinates was performed. The parameters of thermal effects, allowing to obtain wood with given degree of thermal decomposition are defined. Heat treatment of samples and identification of their color is made. The dependence of RGB parameters from time and intensity of heat treatment is studied. Empirical relations to determine the identifying characteristics of color, as a function of the degree of completion of stages of thermal destruction, in RGB and LAB systems are obtained in explicit form.