bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking human male vocal parameters to perceptions, body morphology, strength and hormonal profiles in contexts of sexual selection
Authors: Schild Christoph , Aung Toe , Kordsmeyer Tobias L. , Cardenas Rodrigo A. , Puts David A. , Penke Lars
Published: December 2020

Sexual selection appears to have shaped the acoustic signals of diverse species, including humans. Deep, resonant vocalizations in particular may function in attracting mates and/or intimidating same-sex competitors. Evidence for these adaptive functions in human males derives predominantly from perception studies in which vocal acoustic parameters were manipulated using specialist software. This approach affords tight experimental control but provides little ecological validity, especially when the target acoustic parameters vary naturally with other parameters. Furthermore, such experimental studies provide no information about what acoustic variables indicate about the speaker—that is, why attention to vocal cues may be favored in intrasexual and intersexual contexts. Using voice recordings with high ecological validity from 160 male speakers and biomarkers of condition, including baseline cortisol and testosterone levels, body morphology and strength, we tested a series of pre-registered hypotheses relating to both perceptions and underlying condition of the speaker. We found negative curvilinear and negative linear relationships between male fundamental frequency (fo) and female perceptions of attractiveness and male perceptions of dominance. In addition, cortisol and testosterone negatively interacted in predicting fo, and strength and measures of body size negatively predicted formant frequencies (Pf). Meta-analyses of the present results and those from two previous samples confirmed that fonegatively predicted testosterone only among men with lower cortisol levels. This research offers empirical evidence of possible evolutionary functions for attention to men’s vocal characteristics in contexts of sexual selection.
Differential clusterization of soluble and extracellular vesicle-associated cytokines in myocardial infarction
Authors: Lebedeva Anna , Fitzgerald Wendy , Molodtsov Ivan , Shpektor Alexander , Vasilieva Elena , Margolis Leonid
Published: December 2020

A proinflammatory dysregulation of cytokine release is associated with various diseases, in particular with those of infectious etiology, as well as with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). We showed earlier that cytokines are released in two forms, soluble and in association with extracellular vesicles (EVs). Here, we investigated the patterns of expression and clustering of soluble and EV-associated cytokines in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We collected plasma samples from 48 volunteers without CVD and 62 patients with STEMI, separated soluble and EV fractions, and analyzed them for 33 cytokines using a multiplexed bead-based assay. We identified soluble and EV-associated cytokines that are upregulated in STEMI and form correlative clusters. Several clustered soluble cytokines were expressed almost exclusively in patients with STEMI. EV-associated cytokines were largely not affected by STEMI, except for pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-18, and MIG, as well as anti-inflammatory IL-2 that were upregulated in a correlated fashion. Our results demonstrated that soluble cytokines in patients with STEMI are upregulated in a coordinated fashion in contrast to the mainly unaffected system of EV-associated cytokines. Identification of cytokine clusters affected differently by STEMI now permits investigation of their differential contributions to this pathology.
Viral clearance after early corticosteroid treatment in patients with moderate or severe covid-19
Authors: Spagnuolo V. , Guffanti M. , Galli L. , Poli A. , Querini P. Rovere , Ripa M. , Clementi M. , Scarpellini P. , Lazzarin A. , Tresoldi M. , Dagna L. , Zangrillo A. , Ciceri F. , Castagna A. ,   COVID-BioB study group, Andolina A. , Redaelli M. Baiardo , Baldissera E. , Bigai G. , Bigoloni A. , Boffini N. , Borio G. , Bossolasco S. , Bruzzesi E. , Calabrò M. G. , Calvisi S. , Campochiaro C. , Canetti D. , Canti V. , Castellani J. , Castiglioni B. , Cavalli G. , Cavallo L. , Cernuschi M. , Chiurlo M. , Cilla M. , Cinel E. , Cinque P. , Conte C. , Da Prat V. , Danise A. , De Lorenzo R. , De Luca G. , Dell’Acqua A. , Dell’Acqua R. , Della-Torre E. , Torre L. Della , Di Terlizzi G. , Dumea I. , Farolfi F. , Ferrante M. , Frangi C. , Fumagalli L. , Gallina G. , Germinario B. , Gianotti N. , Hasson H. , Lalla F. , Landoni G. , Lanzillotta M. , Voti R. Li , Mastrangelo A. , Messina E. , Moizo E. , Montagna M. , Monti G. , Morsica G. , Muccini C. , Nozza S. , Oltolini C. , Pascali M. , Patrizi A. , Pieri M. , Prestifilippo D. , Ramirez G. , Ranzenigo M. , Sapienza J. , Sartorelli S. , Seghi F. , Tambussi G. , Din C. Tassan , Tomelleri A. , Turi S. , Uberti-Foppa C. , Vinci C.
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of early treatment with corticosteroids on SARS-CoV-2 clearance in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Retrospective analysis on patients admitted to the San Raffaele Hospital (Milan, Italy) with moderate/severe COVID-19 and availability of at least two nasopharyngeal swabs. The primary outcome was the time to nasopharyngeal swab negativization. A multivariable Cox model was fitted to determine factors associated with nasopharyngeal swab negativization. Of 280 patients included, 59 (21.1%) patients were treated with steroids. Differences observed between steroid users and non-users included the proportion of patients with a baseline PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 200 mmHg (45.8% vs 34.4% in steroids and non-steroids users, respectively; p = 0.023) or ≤ 100 mmHg (16.9% vs 12.7%; p = 0.027), and length of hospitalization (20 vs 14 days; p < 0.001). Time to negativization of nasopharyngeal swabs was similar in steroid and non-steroid users (p = 0.985). According to multivariate analysis, SARS-CoV-2 clearance was associated with age ≤ 70 years, a shorter duration of symptoms at admission, a baseline PaO2/FiO2 > 200 mmHg, and a lymphocyte count at admission > 1.0 × 109/L. SARS-CoV-2 clearance was not associated with corticosteroid use. Our study shows that delayed SARS-CoV-2 clearance in moderate/severe COVID-19 is associated with older age and a more severe disease, but not with an early use of corticosteroids.
Abnormal cortical thickening and thinning in idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Kang Kyunghun , Han Jaehwan , Lee Sang-Woo , Jeong Shin Young , Lim Yong-Hyun , Lee Jong-Min , Yoon Uicheul
Published: December 2020

We investigated differences in cortical thickness between idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) patients and healthy controls. We also explored whether a relationship exists between cortical thinning and gait disturbance in INPH patients. Forty-nine INPH patients and 26 healthy controls were imaged with MRI, including 3-dimensional volumetric images, for automated surface-based cortical thickness analysis across the entire brain. Compared with age- and gender-matched healthy controls, unexpectedly, INPH patients showed statistically significant cortical thickening mainly in areas located in the high convexity of the frontal, parietal, and occipital regions. Additionally, cortical thinning mainly in temporal and orbitofrontal regions was observed in the INPH group relative to the control group. The Gait Status Scale (GSS) scores were negatively correlated with cortical thickness in the medial orbital part of the superior frontal gyrus, gyrus rectus, superior temporal gyrus, temporal pole, and insula. A distinctive pattern of cortical thickness changes was found in INPH patients. We cautiously suggest that cortical thickening in INPH can result from reactive gliosis. Further, our results support the hypothesis that cortical thinning in INPH can result from neuronal degeneration. In addition, cortical thinning can play an important role in gait disturbances in INPH patients.
Advanced co-culture 3D breast cancer model for investigation of fibrosis induced by external stimuli: optimization study
Authors: Yakavets Ilya , Francois Aurelie , Benoit Alice , Merlin Jean-Louis , Bezdetnaya Lina , Vogin Guillaume
Published: December 2020

Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) is the main late radiation toxicity in breast cancer patients. Most of the current 3D in vitro breast cancer models are composed by cancer cells only and are unable to reproduce the complex cellular homeostasis within the tumor microenvironment to study RIF mechanisms. In order to account complex cellular interactions within the tumor microenvironment, an advanced 3D spheroid model, consisting of the luminal breast cancer MCF-7 cells and MRC-5 fibroblasts, was developed. The spheroids were generated using the liquid overlay technique in culture media into 96-well plates previously coated with 1% agarose (m/v, in water). In total, 21 experimental setups were tested during the optimization of the model. The generated spheroids were characterized using fluorescence imaging, immunohistology and immunohistochemistry. The expression of ECM components was confirmed in co-culture spheroids. Using α-SMA staining, we confirmed the differentiation of healthy fibroblasts into myofibroblasts upon the co-culturing with cancer cells. The induction of fibrosis was studied in spheroids treated 24 h with 10 ng/mL TGF-β and/or 2 Gy irradiation. Overall, the developed advanced 3D stroma-rich in vitro model of breast cancer provides a possibility to study fibrosis mechanisms taking into account 3D arrangement of the complex tumor microenvironment.
Controlled and cellulose eco-friendly synthesis and characterization of Bi2O2CO3 quantum dot nanostructures (QDNSs) and drug delivery study
Authors: Samarehfekri Hojat , Rahimi Hamid Reza , Ranjbar Mehdi
Published: December 2020

This work aimed to prepare solvent-free or green Bi2O2CO3 for quantum dot nanostructures (QDNSs) based on cellulose as a stabilizer and green capping agent to sorafenib delivery for liver targeting. Because the walnut tree is one of the most abundant trees in Iran, it was tried to synthesize Bi2O2CO3 QDNSs using a walnut skin extract. The saturation magnetization for Bi2O2CO3 QDNSs was calculated to be 68.1. Also, the size of products was measured at around 60–80 nm with the Debye–Scherrer equation. Moreover, the morphology, functional groups, and crystallography of the Bi2O2CO3 nanoparticles were investigated using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, vibrating-sample magnetometer, and Uv–vis spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that Bi2O2CO3 QDNSs have opto-magnetic properties and they can be suggested as the candidate materials for the sorafenib delivery on the liver tissue. The optical band gap estimated for Bi2O2CO3 QDNSs was found to be red-shift from 3.22 eV. This study suggests the preparation of the Bi2O2CO3 QDNSs based on cellulose as new opto-magnetic materials at different temperatures of 180 °C, 200 °C, 220 °C, and 240 °C for sorafenib delivery as a type of biological therapy drug.
Radiomic features based on Hessian index for prediction of prognosis in head-and-neck cancer patients
Authors: Le Quoc Cuong , Arimura Hidetaka , Ninomiya Kenta , Kabata Yutaro
Published: December 2020

This study demonstrated the usefulness of radiomic features based on the Hessian index of differential topology for the prediction of prognosis prior to treatment in head-and-neck (HN) cancer patients. The Hessian index, which can indicate tumor heterogeneity with convex, concave, and other points (saddle points), was calculated as the number of negative eigenvalues of the Hessian matrix at each voxel on computed tomography (CT) images. Three types of signatures were constructed in a training cohort (n = 126), one type each from CT conventional features, Hessian index features, and combined features from the conventional and index feature sets. The prognostic value of the signatures were evaluated using statistically significant difference (pvalue, log-rank test) to compare the survival curves of low- and high-risk groups. In a test cohort (n = 68), thepvalues of the models built with conventional, index, combined features, and clinical variables were 2.95$$\times$$×10–2, 1.85$$\times$$×10–2, 3.17$$\times$$×10–2, and 1.87$$\times$$×10–3, respectively. When the features were integrated with clinical variables, thepvalues of conventional, index, and combined features were 3.53$$\times$$×10–3, 1.28$$\times$$×10–3, and 1.45$$\times$$×10–3, respectively. This result indicates that index features could provide more prognostic information than conventional features and further increase the prognostic value of clinical variables in HN cancer patients.
The matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor marimastat inhibits seizures in a model of kainic acid-induced status epilepticus
Authors: Pijet Barbara , Konopka Anna , Rejmak Emilia , Stefaniuk Marzena , Khomiak Danylo , Bulska Ewa , Pikul Stanisław , Kaczmarek Leszek
Published: December 2020

An intra-hippocampus injection of kainic acid serves as a model of status epilepticus and the subsequent development of temporal lobe epilepsy. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is an enzyme that controls remodeling of the extracellular milieu under physiological and pathological conditions. In response to brain insult, MMP-9 contributes to pathological synaptic plasticity that may play a role in the progression of an epileptic condition. Marimastat is a metalloproteinase inhibitor that was tested in clinical trials of cancer. The present study assessed whether marimastat can impair the development of epilepsy. The inhibitory efficacy of marimastat was initially tested in neuronal cultures in vitro. As a marker substrate, we used nectin-3. Next, we investigated the blood–brain barrier penetration of marimastat using mass spectrometry and evaluated the therapeutic potential of marimastat against seizure outcomes. We found that marimastat inhibited the cleavage of nectin-3 in hippocampal neuronal cell cultures. Marimastat penetrated the blood–brain barrier and exerted an inhibitory effect on metalloproteinase activity in the brain. Finally, marimastat decreased some seizure parameters, such as seizure score and number, but did not directly affect status epilepticus. The long-term effects of marimastat were evident up to 6 weeks after kainic acid administration, in which marimastat still inhibited seizure duration.
Neural changes in early visual processing after 6 months of mindfulness training in older adults
Authors: Isbel Ben , Weber Jan , Lagopoulos Jim , Stefanidis Kayla , Anderson Hannah , Summers Mathew J.
Published: December 2020

Mindfulness has been shown to improve attentional performance, which is known to decline in aging. Long-latency electroencephalographic (EEG) event-related potential (ERP) changes have been reported immediately after mindfulness training, however the enduring stability of these effects is unknown. Furthermore, the ability of mindfulness to impact earlier stages of information processing is unclear. We examined neural activation using high density EEG in older adults engaged in mindfulness training to examine the long-term stability of training effects. After 6 months of training, mindfulness practitioners displayed enhanced neural activation during sensory encoding and perceptual processing of a visual cue. Enhanced perceptual processing of a visual cue was associated with increased neural activation during post-perceptual processing of a subsequent target. Similar changes were not observed in a control group engaged in computer-based attention training over the same period. Neural changes following mindfulness training were accompanied by behavioural improvements in attentional performance. Our results are suggestive of increased efficiency of the neural pathways subserving bottom-up visual processing together with an enhanced ability to mobilise top-down attentional processes during perceptual and post-perceptual processing following mindfulness training. These results indicate that mindfulness may enhance neural processes known to deteriorate in normal aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Interactions between snow cover and evaporation lead to higher sensitivity of streamflow to temperature
Authors: Meira Neto Antônio Alves , Niu Guo-Yue , Roy Tirthankar , Tyler Scott , Troch Peter A.
Published: December 2020

Estimates of potential evaporation often neglect the effects of snow cover on evaporation process. Here, we present a definition of potential evaporation that explicitly accounts for landscapes that are partially covered by snow. We show that, in the presence of snowpack, our evaporation estimates differ from conventional methods that assume evaporation from a free water surface. Specifically, we find that conventional methods overestimate potential evaporation as well as aridity, taken as the ratio of atmospheric water demand to supply, in landscapes where snowfall is significant. With dwindling snow-cover, actual aridity increases, which could explain the reduction in streamflow with decreasing snowfall. We suggest that streamflow, and hence water availability, is more sensitive to temperature changes in colder than in warmer regions.
Search for radio jets from massive young stellar objects
Authors: Kavak Ü. , Sánchez-Monge Á. , López-Sepulcre A. , Cesaroni R. , van der Tak F. F. S. , Moscadelli L. , Beltrán M. T. , Schilke P.
Published: December 2020

Context.Recent theoretical and observational studies debate the similarities of the formation process of high- (>8M⊙) and low-mass stars. The formation of low-mass stars is directly associated with the presence of disks and jets. Theoretical models predict that stars with masses up to 140M⊙can be formed through disk-mediated accretion in disk-jet systems. According to this scenario, radio jets are expected to be common in high-mass star-forming regions.

Aims.We aim to increase the number of known radio jets in high-mass star-forming regions by searching for radio-jet candidates at radio continuum wavelengths.

Methods.We used theKarl G. JanskyVery Large Array (VLA) to observe 18 high-mass star-forming regions in theCband (6 cm, ≈1′′.0 resolution) andKband (1.3 cm, ≈0′′.3 resolution). We searched for radio-jet candidates by studying the association of radio continuum sources with shock activity signs (e.g., molecular outflows, extended green objects, and maser emission). Our VLA observations also targeted the 22 GHz H2O and 6.7 GHz CH3OH maser lines.

Results.We have identified 146 radio continuum sources, 40 of which are located within the field of view of both images (CandKband maps). We derived the spectral index, which is consistent with thermal emission (between − 0.1 and + 2.0) for 73% of these sources. Based on the association with shock-activity signs, we identified 28 radio-jet candidates. Out of these, we identified 7 as the most probable radio jets. The radio luminosity of the radio-jet candidates is correlated with the bolometric luminosity and the outflow momentum rate. About 7–36% of the radio-jet candidates are associated with nonthermal emission. The radio-jet candidates associated with 6.7 GHz CH3OH maser emission are preferentially thermal winds and jets, while a considerable fraction of radio-jet candidates associated with H2O masers show nonthermal emission that is likely due to strong shocks.

Conclusions.About 60% of the radio continuum sources detected within the field of view of our VLA images are potential radio jets. The remaining sources could be compact H IIregions in their early stages of development, or radio jets for which we currently lack further evidence of shock activity. Our sample of 18 regions is divided into 8 less evolved infrared-dark regions and 10 more evolved infrared-bright regions. We found that ≈71% of the identified radio-jet candidates are located in the more evolved regions. Similarly, 25% of the less evolved regions harbor one of the most probable radio jets, while up to 50% of the more evolved regions contain one of these radio-jet candidates. This suggests that the detection of radio jets in high-mass star-forming regions is more likely in slightly more evolved regions.
The star cluster age function in the Galactic disc with Gaia DR2
Authors: Anders Friedrich , Cantat-Gaudin Tristan , Quadrino-Lodoso Irene , Gieles Mark , Jordi Carme , Castro-Ginard Alfred , Balaguer-Núñez Lola
Published: December 2020

We perform a systematic reanalysis of the age distribution of Galactic open star clusters. Using a catalogue of homogeneously determined ages for 834 open clusters contained in a 2 kpc cylinder around the Sun and characterised with astrometric and photometric data from the Gaia satellite, we find that it is necessary to revise earlier works that relied on data from the Milky Way Star Cluster survey. After establishing age-dependent completeness limits for our sample, we find that the cluster age function in the range 6.5 <  log t <  10 is compatible with Schechter-type or broken power-law functions. Our best-fit values indicate an earlier drop of the age function (by a factor of 2−3) with respect to the results obtained in the last five years, and are instead more compatible with results obtained in the early 2000s along with radio observations of inner-disc clusters. Furthermore, we find a typical destruction timescale of ∼1.5 Gyr for a 104 M⊙ cluster and a present-day cluster formation rate of 0.55−0.15+0.19 Myr−1 kpc−2, suggesting that only 16−8+11% of all stars born in the solar neighbourhood form in bound clusters. Accurate cluster-mass measurements are now needed to place more precise constraints on open-cluster formation and evolution models.
Testing abundance-age relations beyond solar analogues withKeplerLEGACY stars
Authors: Morel Thierry , Creevey Orlagh L. , Montalbán Josefina , Miglio Andrea , Willett Emma
Published: December 2020

The prospects of using abundance ratios as stellar age indicators appear promising for solar analogues, but the usefulness of this technique for stars spanning a much wider parameter space remains to be established. We present abundances of 21 elements in a sample of 13 bright FG dwarfs drawn from theKeplerLEGACY sample to examine the applicability of the abundance-age relations to stars with properties strongly departing from solar. These stars have precise asteroseismic ages that can be compared to the abundance-based estimates. We analyse the well-known binary16 Cyg ABfor validation purposes and confirm the existence of a slight metal enhancement (∼0.02 dex) in the primary, which might arise from planetary formation and/or ingestion. We draw attention to systematic errors in some widely used catalogues of non-seismic parameters that may significantly bias asteroseismic inferences. In particular, we find evidence that the ASPCAPTeffscale used for the APOKASC catalogue is too cool for dwarfs and that the [Fe/H] values are underestimated by ∼0.1 dex. In addition, a new seismic analysis of the early F-type starKIC 9965715relying on our spectroscopic constraints shows that the star is more massive and younger than previously thought. We compare seismic ages to those inferred from empirical abundance-age relations based on ages from PARSEC isochrones and abundances obtained in the framework of the HARPS-GTO programme. These calibrations depend on the stellar effective temperature, metallicity, and/or mass. We find that the seismic and abundance-based ages differ on average by 1.5–2 Gyr, while taking into account a dependency on one or two stellar parameters in the calibrations leads to a global improvement of up to ∼0.5 Gyr. However, even in that case we find that seismic ages are systematically larger by ∼0.7 Gyr. We argue that it may be ascribed to a variety of causes including the presence of small zero-point offsets between our abundances and those used to construct the calibrations or to the choice of the set of theoretical isochrones. The conclusions above are supported by the analysis of literature data for a larger number ofKeplertargets. For this extended sample, we find that incorporating aTeffdependency largely corrects for the fact that the abundance-based ages are lower/larger with respect to the seismic estimates for the cooler/hotter stars. Although investigating age dating methods relying on abundance data is worth pursuing, we conclude that further work is needed to improve both their precision and accuracy for stars that are not solar analogues.
Neutron star parameter constraints for accretion-powered millisecond pulsars from the simulated IXPE data
Authors: Salmi Tuomo , Loktev Vladislav , Korsman Karri , Baldini Luca , Tsygankov Sergey S. , Poutanen Juri
Published: December 2020

We have simulated the X-ray polarization data that can be obtained with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer, when observing accretion-powered millisecond pulsars. We estimated the necessary exposure times for SAX J1808.4−3658 in order to obtain different accuracy in the measured time-dependent Stokes profiles integrated over all energy channels. We found that the measured relative errors strongly depend on the relative configuration of the observer and the emitting hotspot. The improvement in the minimum relative error in Stokes Q and U parameters as a function of observing time t scales as 1/√t, and it spans the range from 30–90% with a 200 ks exposure time to 20–60% with a 500 ks exposure time (in the case of data binned in 19 phase bins). The simulated data were also used to predict how accurate measurements of the geometrical parameters of the neutron star can be made when modelling only Q and U parameters, but not the flux. We found that the observer inclination and the hotspot co-latitude could be determined with better than 10° accuracy for most of the cases we considered. In addition, we show that the position of a secondary hotspot can also be constrained when the spot is not obscured by an accretion disc. These measurements can be used to further constrain the neutron star mass and radius when combined with modelling of the X-ray pulse profile.
Weighing the Galactic disk in sub-regions of the solar neighbourhood using Gaia DR2
Authors: Widmark A. , de Salas P. F. , Monari G.
Published: December 2020

Aims. We infer the gravitational potential of the Galactic disk by analysing the phase-space densities of 120 stellar samples in 40 spatially separate sub-regions of the solar neighbourhood, using Gaia’s second data release (DR2), in order to quantify spatially dependent systematic effects that bias this type of measurement.

Methods. The gravitational potential was inferred under the assumption of a steady state in the framework of a Bayesian hierarchical model. We performed a joint fit of our stellar tracers’ three-dimensional velocity distribution, while fully accounting for the astrometric uncertainties of all stars as well as dust extinction, and we also masked angular areas of known open clusters. The inferred gravitational potential is compared, post-inference, to a model for the baryonic matter and halo dark matter components.

Results. We see an unexpected but clear trend for all 40 spatially separate sub-regions: Compared to the potential derived from the baryonic model, the inferred gravitational potential is significantly steeper close to the Galactic mid-plane (≲60 pc), but flattens such that the two agree well at greater distances (∼400 pc). The inferred potential implies a total matter density distribution that is highly concentrated to the Galactic mid-plane and decays quickly with height. We see a dependence on the Galactic radius that is consistent with a disk scale length of a few kiloparsecs. Apart from this, there are discrepancies between stellar samples, implying spatially dependent systematic effects which are, at least in part, explained by substructures in the phase-space distributions.

Conclusions. In terms of the inferred matter density distribution, the very low matter density that is inferred at greater heights (≳300 pc) is inconsistent with the observed scale height and matter distribution of the stellar disk, which cannot be explained by a misunderstood density of cold gas or other hidden mass. Our interpretation is that these results must be biased by a time-varying phase-space structure, possibly a breathing mode, that is large enough to affect all stellar samples in the same manner.
Population structure, reproduction and exploitation of the greater forkbeardPhycis blennoides(Brünnich, 1768) from the Algerian basin
Authors: Alioua Zakia , Amira Soumia , Khames Ghollame Ellah Yacine , Fernandez-Arcaya Ulla , Guijarro Beatriz , Ordines Francesc , Massutí Enric , Zerouali-Khodja Fatiha
Published: December 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the population distribution and some biological aspects for fish stock assessment of the greater forkbeardPhycis blennoidesalong the Algerian basin. The distribution ofP. blennoides(3418 individuals) was studied using data collected between 170–779 m depth during two bottom trawl surveys developed on 2003 and 2004. Additionally, some biological parameters were obtained from 1050 individuals sampled from commercial fisheries in Algerian ports (i.e. Annaba, Azeffoun, Dellys, Cap Djinet, Zemmouri, Bouharoun, Algiers, La Madrague, Cherchell, Tenes and Mostaganem) during the period 2013–2017.P. blennoidessampled from bottom trawl surveys showed a depth related distribution with the largest individuals being found at 600–800 m depth and the smallest at shallower depths. Density and biomass varied with depth and density also with longitude, while biomass showed no pattern with longitude. Recruitment was recorded in the eastern sector of Algeria during winter, for individuals sampled by bottom trawl surveys. YoungP. blennoidesentered commercial fisheries in summer, with an overall sex ratio skewed towards males (1F:2.18M). The size at first maturity (L50) was 24.30 cm and 30.39 cm for males and females, respectively. The age at 50% maturity was 2–3 years for specimens collected by a bottom trawl survey in 2003 and commercial fisheries, but 3–4 years for the bottom trawl survey in 2004.
Co-culture ofUlvasp. andDicentrarchus labraxin Recirculating Aquaculture System: effects on growth, retention of nutrients and fatty acid profile
Authors: Chatzoglou Evanthia , Kechagia Panorea , Tsopelakos Aristeidis , Miliou Helen
Published: December 2020

European sea bass andUlvasp. were co-cultured in different tanks of an indoor Recirculating Aquaculture System (Ulva-RAS) with bacterial biofilter, in an effort to optimize the efficiency of the system and to further decrease the waste effluent. A system with similar culture conditions, withoutUlva,was used as a control-RAS to elucidate integration effects on growth performance and chemical composition of sea bass. The role ofUlvaon N and P concentrations, gas (O2, CO2) and pH in water was also investigated. Fish were fed a diet of fish oil replacement (55%) with a mixture of rapeseed oil and palm oil (1:1). Our data showed thatUlvacould uptake N and P nutrients, but could also enrich sea water with phosphates. Sea bass reared inUlva-RAS exhibited isometric growth, while fish in control-RAS showed a positive allometric growth and an increased variance of body weight and length. In addition, sea bass inUlva-RAS demonstrated significantly higher levels of condition factor (K), feed intake, protein, lipid, P, EPA and DHA content (% wet weight of total body) and lipid productive value, compared to fish in control-RAS.Ulva,after bi-weekly culture, showed increased protein content (60%) compared to wild seaweed collected nearshore. CultivatedUlvaobtained dark green color, doubled chlorophyll concentrations, and exhibited lower levels of saturated and higher levels of certain monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, indicating increased photosynthetic activity. Present results revealed the beneficial effects ofUlvaon sea bass growth and quality, which led to an improved response to the nutritional stress imposed by the fish oil replacement with vegetable oils, thus contributing to a sustainable aquaculture. Moreover, it was concluded thatUlvacould improve water quality by increasing pH and O2, reducing CO2and contribute to bioremediation of ammonia and nitrates from water in integrated aquaculture.
Boundary null-controllability of two coupled parabolic equations: simultaneous condensation of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions
Authors: Samb El Hadji
Published: December 2020

Let the matrix operator L = D∂xx + q (x) A0, with D = diag (1, ν), ν ≠ 1, q ∈ L∞ (0, π), and A0 is a Jordan block of order 1. We analyze the boundary null controllability for the system yt − Ly = 0. When [see formula in PDF] and q is constant, q = 1 for instance, there exists a family of root vectors of [see formula in PDF] forming a Riesz basis of L2(0,π;ℝ2). Moreover F. Ammar Khodja et al. [J. Funct. Anal. 267 (2014) 2077–2151] shows the existence of a minimal time of control depending on condensation of eigenvalues of [see formula in PDF], that is to say the existence of T0 (ν) such that the system is null controllable at time T > T0 (ν) and not null controllable at time T < T0 (ν). In the same paper, the authors prove that for all τ ∈ [0, + ∞], there exists ν ∈] 0, + ∞ [ such that T0 (ν) = τ. When q depends on x, the property of Riesz basis is no more guaranteed. This leads to a new phenomena: simultaneous condensation of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. This condensation affects the time of null controllability.
The condition for the maximum of the generalized power function in the problem of forming a multi-mode control law with limitation
Authors: Kostoglotov Andrey , Lazarenko Sergey , Agapov Alexander , Lyashchenko Zoya
Published: December 2020

A quasi-optimal control law is developed based on the condition for the maxi-mum of the generalized power function taking into account the stationarity of the Hamiltonian on the switching line for control objects that can be represented by the Lagrange equations of the second kind. The comparative analysis is carried out based on the mathematical simulation using the optimal nonlinear control laws with respect to several criteria. We found that the modes of the proposed control law provide high accuracy of approximation to the optimal performance laws and the Fuller laws, reducing energy costs for control by eliminating more frequent switching. The choice of the parameters of the developed control law makes it possible to implement a wide range of both nonlinear and linear operating modes, which allows to classify the obtained control law as multimode law.
Biogeosystem engineering is the basis for the practice of eco-oriented diversification of water supply enterprises
Authors: Skryabin Aleksandr
Published: December 2020

In the article, in relation to the water supply sector, a biogeosystem technical approach is considered as integration of innovative water treatment technologies into the natural environment, based on preventive measures to affect the water environment, approaches, methods, technical solutions and technologies that do not reflect natural processes. The article considers theoretical and methodological issues of eco-oriented diversification of water supply enterprises based on a biogeosystem technical approach, environmental and economic efficiency of this diversification, taking into account environmental factors. A comparative analysis of the options for biocidal technologies used for drinking water disinfection is presented. It is demonstrated that the biogeosystem technical approach provides an increase in the socio-ecological and economic efficiency of technological activity in different natural environments.
Digitalization of management: collective behavior modeling on the base of cellular emotional automate
Authors: Meshkov Vladimir , Kochkovaya Natalia , Usova Irina , Stolyar Liudmila
Published: December 2020

The paper considers the author's approach to digitalization of management of the emotional state of collectives of individuals. Collective models are built on the basis of the «cellular emotional automate» proposed by the authors. The possibility of using the standard rules for cellular automate in modeling the emotional behavior of collectives is shown. The proposed approach can be attributed to artificial intelligence technologies.
Innovations during COVID-19 pandemic: trends, technologies, prospects
Authors: Serbulova Natalia , Morgunova Tatyana , Persiyanova Galina
Published: December 2020

The paper presents the mechanisms for adapting innovation processes in corporations in the context of COVID-19 and demonstrates technologies and solutions that can be applied to meet current challenges. Innovation can become the link in the company that will help to survive the crisis and open up opportunities for identification, analysis and testing new products and processes. The use of new technologies and openness to innovations can be a decisive factor for staying ahead of the competition in the future. The paper performs examples of successful startups/companies that were able to competently and timely rebuild their business, and provides examples of government initiatives that share their approaches and valuable tips on how to continue innovating even in the current unprecedented times. The research was based on the coronavirus’ impact analysis on various industries using leading industry data sources, analytical reports, international indexes and indicators.
Formation of meat productivity, nutritional value and suitability of beef for baby food
Authors: Zabashta Nikolay , Golovko Elena , Sinelshchikova Irina , Androsova Anastasia
Published: December 2020

The research was carried out on the farms of the raw material zone of the Branch "Tikhoretsky Canned Meat Plant" of DANON RUSSIA JSC in two districts of the Krasnodar Territory. Experimental data on the productivity of bull-calves of dairy-meat black-and-white breed and its cross-breed with bulls of Kalmyk beef breed. In the "Rubin" farm of the Goryacheklyuchevsky district, the productivity of beef cattle of the Charolais breed was studied. In the study of raw meat for baby food, a comparative assessment of the quality and food safety of beef from black-and-white bulls; cross between black-and-white and Kalmyk breeds; Charolais breed was carried out. In terms of protein quality indicator (6.5), beef from Charolais bulls exceeded the rest (6.16 and 5.8). The Charolais breed has the best protein composition (19.8 g / kg of lysine, the limiting amino acid for the child's body). In terms of safety indicators, taking into account the maximum permissible levels of residual amounts of pesticides, toxic elements, antibiotics, meat raw materials from black-and-white bulls and a cross with the Kalmyk breed met the requirements of the interstate standard for raw materials for baby food.
The use of natural sorbents in the technology of obtaining a source of trace element additives in the soil
Authors: Bardamova Irina , Doroshkevich Svetlana , Khiterkheeva Nadezhda , Petrova Sofya , Kocheva Tatiana
Published: December 2020

Molybdenum-containing non-traditional fertilizers based on zeolite tuff of the Kholinsky deposit were obtained by sorption method. The main stages of the production technology: granulation-screening with a grain diameter of 1÷2 mm; modification with molybdenum (VI) ions. Molybdenum-containing zeolite tuffs of the Kholinsky Deposit increase the yield of peas by a green mass.
Studying soil-reclamation state of rice agricultural landscapes
Authors: Malysheva Nadezhda , Kizinek Sergey , Khadzhidi Anna , Kravchenko Lyudmila , Chegge Valeriia , Sarkisian Dzhuletta , Saakian Sirun
Published: December 2020

The article presents studies of the soil-reclamation state of rice agricultural landscapes of Krasnodar Territory using the example of the Chernoyerovskaya irrigation system. The direction of changes in soil salinity over a long-term period was revealed. In the framework of monitoring the state of rice soils, salt survey was carried out. The degree, type and causes of their salinization have been determined, the relationship between the salt regime of soils and the regime of the level and chemical composition of groundwater has been established. Recommendations for managing the fertility of rice agricultural landscapes are given.
Innovative study on pneumatic separation of grain heap and economic feasibility of design versions
Authors: Muratov Denis , Muratova Еvgenia , Kravchenko Elena , Sukhoveeva Anna , Andreeva Olga
Published: December 2020

The paper is dedicated to the innovative analytical research in the field of pneumatic separation concerning the issues of grain heap feed for harvester-thresher cleaning, composition of tailings and the amount of grain. The problem of improving the separation of air-sieve cleaning of modern combines is of great current interest. The cleaning design with the use of pneumatic and inertia separator of small grain heaps for high-producing harvester-thresher is developed. The engineering study is conducted for the installation of the 8-bladed rotor above the chaffer sieve for experimental cleaning taking into account dimensional limitations and minimal alteration of the current air-sieve cleaning. The results of the study show the opportunity of better operation of the design of small grain heap cleaning with the application of pneumatic and inertia separator. The developed solutions make it possible to reduce grain losses and increase the harvester-thresher productivity level, as a result of which it is expected to achieve the economic effect assessed in the study.
Improvement of the copy-book of nutrient medium for input of meristems of grapes in the culture of in vitro
Authors: Rebrov Anton
Published: December 2020

Results of researches on development of substrate for input of meristems of grapes are provided to the culture of in vitro for the purpose of increase in their regenerative ability at improvement from chronic diseases. In the advanced environment in comparison with analogs the general content of macrosalts was reduced and their ratio taking into account consumption and features of their absorption from nutrient solution is optimized by grape plant. During tests of new substrate its efficiency for grapes grades from various environmental-geographical groups was established. Higher and stable percent of survival and regeneration of extremely small meristems, against the background of various modifications of copy-book of traditionally applied substrate of Murasige and Skuga is established.
Portable spectral device for monitoring plant stress conditions
Authors: Smirnov Alexander , Proshkin Yuri , Sokolov Alexander , Dorokhov Alexey
Published: December 2020

The non-destructive monitoring systems use for plant stress conditions detecting and evaluating can improve the performed research and working procedures quality significantly. Such systems concepts are based on obtaining of the leaves’ reflective characteristics, the spectrum, and the chlorophyll fluorescence induction. By several methods combining for plant stress states detection within a single device, for different crops, it is possible to increase the evaluation accuracy and extend the device functionality. The laboratory prototype of the device for plants’ stress states determining was developed and tested on plants of basil garden variety. It was shown that the impact of the stress factor in the form of the UV-C radiation was expressed in the shape change of the fluorescence spectrum, namely, in the fluorescence intensity fall in the long-wave part of the spectrum. Also it was shown that the reflectivity decreased in the green and far red regions of the spectrum. At the spectra registration in the red and IR sections of the spectrum, some noises and interference distortions were detected, which can be filtered out by ways of demodulation and calculation of the trigonometric component of the interference distortion functions.
Specific immunological areactivity formation during gestation period in pregnant sows
Authors: Agarkov Alexander , Dmitriev Anatoly , Kvochko Andrey , Grudeva Elena , Agarkov Nikolay , Onishchenko Artem
Published: December 2020

Changes in immunological reactivity to viral and bacterial antigens may cause increased susceptibility to infectious diseases. Different levels of this condition in newborn and adult animal organisms should be based on the fact that the fetus and newborn after birth first comes into contact with the antigen, while the adult body already has partial sensitization. Chronic carrier of pathogens in animals and their influence on the spread of the infectious process is an urgent problem of modern veterinary medicine. The possibility of vaccination in newborns is limited by the presence of maternal antibodies that have an immunosuppressive effect. A high level of functional reserves of the pregnant body is important in the prevention of intrauterine infection. On the one hand, infection in the prenatal period of development affects the processes of growth and development of the fetus, on the other hand, during this period, the mother's body is isoimmunized by fetal antigens, accompanied by increased sensitivity of the body with the predominant manifestation of cellular phenomena in the absence of enhanced antibody synthesis.
Blood Morphology in Dogs with Dirofilariasis
Authors: Slobodyanik Roman , Zykova Svetlana , Belova Larisa , Kryazhev Andrey
Published: December 2020

The article addresses the results of a study of blood morphology parameters in healthy dogs vs. dogs diagnosed with dirofilariasis. In the group of infected animals, the most significant difference was 4.9 higher granulocytes. Another significant contribution is eosinophils and, to a lesser extent, neutrophils and monocytes. In blood of infected and healthy animals, no difference was found in terms of the count of red blood cells, haemoglobin, and haematocrit. Anisocytosis value in red blood cells is probably related to the compensated processes, and differs insignificantly between healthy and infected animal groups. Blood morphology of infected animals is characterized by mild reticulocytosis, not exceeding 20% of physiological norm. In the group of infected dogs, platelet count corresponds to the lower boundary of physiological norm. In healthy animals’ group, platelets and platelet crit is physiologically normal. Leukopenia, lymphocytopenia are detected. Apparently, the reason behind the findings is age of the animals and degree of their adaptation to the progress of the invasive process.
Russian agriculture: regional specialization is increasing (case study: meat poultry sector)
Authors: Kostenko Olga
Published: December 2020

This paper presents the results of studies of regional specialization and territorial concentration in agriculture. The poultry meat branch was chosen as the object of research. This is one of the most dynamically developing sectors of agriculture in Russia. Modified localization coefficients were used as a method for detecting the territorial concentration of the sector. The analysis showed that more than half of the output of poultry meat products was concentrated in the territory of 12 regions of Russia. The largest localization of poultry farming is in the center of the European part of the country, near large cities. The level of territorial concentration of the poultry meat sector increased significantly over the period of 2004–2017. The localization coefficients of the regions that specialize in poultry meat production have more than doubled. There is an increase in “polarity” in the specialization of regions. Some regions continue to increase the production of poultry meat, the level of regional specialization is growing. In other regions, poultry production is declining. Taking the poultry meat sector as a case study, it has been shown that the processes of regional specialization and territorial localization are increasing in Russian agriculture.