bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the impact of destabilizing factors on implementation of investment and construction projects
Authors: Lapidus A A , Abramov I L , Al-Zaidi Z A K
Published: November 2020

Among the distinctive features of construction projects, it should be noted the complexity and specificity of the final product in the form of buildings and structures for various purposes. Investment construction projects are affected by a large number of destabilizing factors at all stages of implementation. These factors negatively affect the final indicators of the construction investment project: failure to meet deadlines, the likelihood of construction in progress, increased cost, low quality. In this regard, conducting research on the study of destabilizing factors affecting the production activities of construction company during the implementation of investment projects is relevant in difficult times for the construction industry. Construction industry, as a complex, dynamically changing system, susceptibility to various destabilizing factors, requires a constant readiness to achieve the set goals and the final result at each stage of their life cycle. This article discusses the destabilizing factors that arise during the implementation phase of an investment construction project. In order to identify and classify the negative factors that may be encountered participants construction activity, it was prepared a questionnaire for the experts who have the necessary experience in the construction industry. Based on the polls conducted, destabilizing factors were identified and ranked. Statistical methods were used to evaluate the factors studied and determine their significance and impact on the project activities. The results of the study showed that financial, technical and labor factors have a significant impact on the construction process, therefore, special attention should be paid to the development of organizational and technological measures to prevent them. This will eliminate or minimize the influence of these factors on the production activities of construction company.
Construction contracts expenses and revenues reporting
Authors: Stefanov Sv
Published: November 2020

According to the Conceptual Framework of the International Accounting Standards, expenses are recognized when a decrease in future economic benefits related to a decrease in an asset or an increase of a liability has arisen that can be measured reliably. Under the matching principle between revenue and expenses, the latter are recognized based on the direct relation between the actually paid expenses and the earned revenue during the reporting period. In this context, expenses forming the value of finished goods are recognized when the revenue received from the sale of such goods is earned. In cases when the economic benefits are expected to be acquired during several reporting periods, expenses should be deferred and recognized during different reporting periods within which the acquisition of economic benefits is converted to cash. To defer them, a certain allocation base which is an item of the accounting policy followed by the entity should be applied. The key issue in the accounting of expenses and revenues under construction contracts is related to the allocation of the contract revenues and expenses between the reporting periods during which such works have been executed. Accounting standards outline the criteria for when to recognize expenses and revenue so that to identify the correct time when they should be recognized in the financial statements of the entity carrying out the works. The main concept underlying the accounting standards is that contract revenues and expenses associated with a construction contract are to be recognized as revenues and expenses by reference to the stage of completion of the contract activity at the end of the reporting period. Construction contracts applied in practice are classified as fixed-price contracts and cost-plus contracts. A fixed-price contract is a construction contract in which the contractor agrees to a fixed contract price, or a fixed rate per unit of output, which in some cases is subject to cost escalation clauses. A cost-plus contract is a construction contract in which the contractor is reimbursed for allowable or otherwise defined costs, plus a percentage of these costs or a fixed fee.
Institutional risks impact on the growth potential of construction entrepreneurship organizations
Authors: Chaparov B , Gospodinova A , Fedoseev I , Yudenko M
Published: November 2020

Theoretical approaches to the concept of “growth potential” of entrepreneurial organizations were researched. A hypothesis is put forward about the objective presence of institutional risks in the organizations activities in the form of ineffective norms and rules that reduce the growth potential of organizations in the construction industry. The institutional norm of “contribution to the infrastructure development” in construction entrepreneurship and its impact on the activities of developers in Russia and Bulgaria are studied. The conclusion is made about the instability of this norm and the lack of unification of its application in the regions, which creates institutional risks for the construction business and consumers of construction facilities. Institutional risks are directly related to administrative barriers in the entrepreneurs’ activities, and their interaction reduces the investment attractiveness of facilities, increases transaction costs and reduces the growth potential of organizations.
Colors for optimal thermal comfort in university study hall - interdisciplinary theoretical and practical studies
Authors: Marinova I , Ivanova A
Published: November 2020

Improving thermal comfort trough interior color design is a contemporary energy efficiency and healthy living environment tendency. The article considers scientific-applied task of choosing a color design for a specific university seminar hall. The concept integrates areas of architecture and design, color science, physics, chemistry, material science, psychology, ect., in the context of aesthetics, light-reflecting qualities and physical and emotional impact of colors upon inhabitants. Optimal color design considers general principles applied to a specific environment and requires integrated approach and interdisciplinary theoretical and practical studies in order to improve the process of creating such an optimal solution. The report examines contemporary interior color design scope. Characteristics of university hall and the requirements they raise are studied. An overview of colors’ features as a means of improving thermal comfort is included. Stages of the design process and the involved specialists are listed. The advantages of nonlinear design process are applied. As result the succession and the degree of participation of different science fields specialists in the interdisciplinary theoretical and practical studies and in the choice of the final design are set.
Catalytic filter for the removal of dust and NOx at low temperature
Authors: Zhao Lei , Li Kun , Wu Ruian , Zhang Hua , Jin Jiang
Published: November 2020

The catalytic filter was fabricated by supporting selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst on the low-density ceramic (LDC) for the removal of dust and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the flue gases at relative low temperature. MnOx–ZrO2/TiO2 catalyst was selected as SCR catalyst. The NOx and dust removal efficiency, filter resistance, regeneration performance and anti-sulfur performance were investigated. The result showed that the NOx removal efficiency at 180°C reached 98.4% (1 m/min filtration velocity) for 6 wt% MnOx–ZrO2/TiO2 catalytic filter with Mn/Zr molar ratio of 2. Furthermore, MnOx–ZrO2/TiO2 catalytic filter performed good anti-sulfur performance. In the presence of 10 vol% water vapor and 100 ppm SO2 at 180 °C, the NOx removal efficiency for MnOx–ZrO2/TiO2 catalytic filter could retain up to 83.2% and it could recover to 91.8% when the water vapor and SO2 were cut off. MnOx–ZrO2/TiO2 catalytic filter showed the high dust removal efficiency of 99.99% and the low filter resistance of less than 200 Pa. The filter resistance of MnOx–ZrO2 /TiO2 catalytic filter could maintain 235.7 Pa after 200 times pulse blowback. The result illustrated that MnOx–ZrO2/TiO2 catalytic filter showed good regeneration performance.
Effect of different casting techniques on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AE44-2 magnesium alloy
Authors: Le Taihe , Wei Qi , Wang Jinhui , Jin Peipeng , Chen Mengru , Ma Jiaxuan
Published: November 2020

AE44-2 magnesium (Mg) alloys were fabricated by gravity casting (GC), high pressure die casting (HPDC), and high vacuum assisted high pressure die casting (HVHPDC). The effect of these three different casting techniques on the microstructure evolution, texture, and mechanical properties of the AE44-2 alloy was investigated. The results showed that the different cooling rates in these three different casting techniques led to the different distribution and morphology of the precipitated phases, and rapid cooling contributed to a dense network distribution of the phases as well as grain refinement. In addition, the faster cooling rate resulted in a decrease of the dislocation accumulation. The addition of vacuum assistance in the HPDC process increased texture strength. The average grain size of the HPDC alloy was reduced by 90.4% compared to the GC alloy and the yield strength increased by 85.7 MPa due to rapid cooling. The elongation of the HVHPDC alloy increased by 2.3% compared to the HPDC alloy due to vacuum assistance. Moreover, the mechanical properties improved for the alloys in the order of GC < HPDC < HVHPDC because of gran refinement caused by the faster cooling rate. Based on the analysis of the strengthening mechanisms, the rapid cooling process of the HPDC alloy led to better strengthening compared to the GC alloy. In addition, grain refinement contributed to 82.1% of the strengthening mechanism.
Low-Frequency Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (LF-TMS) in Treating Depression in Patients With Impaired Cognitive Functioning
Authors: Schaffer Daniel R , Okhravi Hamid R , Neumann Serina A
Published: November 2020

Objective

Common methodologies for treating depressive symptoms have demonstrated decreased efficacy among individuals with impaired cognitive functioning. While transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been approved to treat major depressive disorder, few studies have analyzed the ability of TMS to treat depressive symptoms among individuals with cognitive impairments. The present study had two objectives: to determine whether low-frequency TMS (LF-TMS) might demonstrate efficacy in treating depressive symptoms among individuals with impaired cognitive functioning; and to determine whether LF-TMS might improve neurocognitive functioning above and beyond depressive symptom improvements.

Methods

Data were derived from a pre-existing database at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Fifty-three (N=53) participants completed LF-TMS treatment. The Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) and CNS Vital Signs (CNS-VS) neurocognitive assessment were administered at multiple time points throughout treatment. Participants were classified as impaired cognitive functioning or average cognitive functioning based on baseline CNS-VS scores. Data were analyzed using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) measures-within-persons longitudinal hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) with time-varying covariates.

Results

LF-TMS produced significant reductions in depressive symptoms for individuals in both cognitive functioning groups; however, a significant group-by-time interaction indicates differential effects between these two groups. Low-frequency TMS produced significant improvements in three neurocognitive domains above and beyond improvements in depressive symptoms; however, the reliability of these changes may be questionable.

Conclusions

This study adds to the growing body of empirical findings for LF-TMS treatment in improving neurocognitive functioning above and beyond other treatment-related effects.
Oxytocin-like signal regulates Lh cells directly but not Fsh cells in the ricefield eel Monopterus albus†
Authors: Yang Wei , Zhang Ning , Wu Yangsheng , Zhang Lanxin , Zhang Lihong , Zhang Weimin
Published: November 2020

The synthesis and release of LH and FSH in the pituitary of vertebrates are differentially regulated during gonadal development and maturation. However, the underlying neuroendocrine mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. The present study examined the possible involvement of isotocin (Ist), an oxytocin-like neuropeptide, in the regulation of Lh and Fsh in a teleost, the ricefield eel Monopterus albus. The immunoreactive isotocin receptor 2 (Istr2) was shown to be localized to Lh but not Fsh cells. In contrast, immunoreactive isotocin receptor 1 (Istr1) was not observed in either Lh or Fsh cells in the pituitary. Interestingly, Lh cells in female ricefield eels expressed Istr2 and secreted Lh in response to Ist challenge stage-dependently and in correlation with ovarian vitellogenesis. Moreover, Ist decreased Lh contents in the pituitary of female fish, indicating its stimulatory roles on Lh release in vivo. The induction of Lh release by Ist in dispersed pituitary cells was blocked by a PLC or IP3R inhibitor but not by a PKA or PKC inhibitor, indicating the involvement of the IP3/Ca2+ pathway. Collectively, the above results indicate that isotocin may bind to Istr2 to stimulate Lh release via the IP3/Ca2+ pathway, and play important roles in the ovarian maturation in ricefield eels. Furthermore, the present study suggests a novel neuroendocrine mechanism underlying the differential regulation of Lh and Fsh in vertebrates.
CXCR4 signaling at the fetal–maternal interface may drive inflammation and syncytia formation during ovine pregnancy†
Authors: McIntosh Stacia Z , Maestas Marlie M , Dobson Jordyn R , Quinn Kelsey E , Runyan Cheyenne L , Ashley Ryan L
Published: November 2020

Early pregnancy features complex signaling between fetal trophoblast cells and maternal endometrium directing major peri-implantation events including localized inflammation and remodeling to establish proper placental development. Proinflammatory mediators are important for conceptus attachment, but a more precise understanding of molecular pathways regulating this process is needed to understand how the endometrium becomes receptive to implantation. Both chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and its receptor CXCR4 are expressed by fetal and maternal tissues. We identified this pair as a critical driver of placental angiogenesis, but their additional importance to inflammation and trophoblast cell survival, proliferation, and invasion imply a role in syncytia formation at the fetal–maternal microenvironment. We hypothesized that CXCL12 encourages both endometrial inflammation and conceptus attachment during implantation. We employed separate ovine studies to (1) characterize endometrial inflammation during early gestation in the ewe, and (2) establish functional implications of CXCL12 at the fetal–maternal interface through targeted intrauterine infusion of the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100. Endometrial tissues were evaluated for inflammatory mediators, intracellular signaling events, endometrial modifications, and trophoblast syncytialization using western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Endometrial tissue from ewes receiving CXCR4 inhibitor demonstrated dysregulated inflammation and reduced AKT and NFKB, paired with elevated autophagic activity compared to control. Immunohistochemical observation revealed an impairment in endometrial surface remodeling and diminished trophoblast syncytialization following localized CXCR4 inhibition. These data suggest CXCL12–CXCR4 regulates endometrial inflammation and remodeling for embryonic implantation, and provide insight regarding mechanisms that, when dysregulated, lead to pregnancy pathologies such as intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia.
Wildlife Trade and COVID-19: Towards a Criminology of Anthropogenic Pathogen Spillover
Authors: Beirne Piers
Published: November 2020

The general remit of this paper is the role of wildlife trade in pathogen spillover. Its underlying assumption is that, so far from being the exclusive domain of the life sciences, the study of pathogen spillover will be greatly enhanced by multi-perspectival approaches, including One Health and those employed here, namely, non-speciesist green criminology and critical animal studies. The paper moves from discussions of zoonosis, anthroponosis and wildlife trade to the emergence of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China. The paper recommends the abolition of all wildlife trade and the reclamation of wildlife habitat and broaches discussion of the extension of legal personhood to wild animals.
Benzoxazine Porous Organic Polymer as an Efficient Solid-Phase Extraction Adsorbent for the Enrichment of Chlorophenols from Water and Honey Samples
Authors: Liu Weihua , Song Shuangju , Hao Lin , Wang Chun , Wu Qiuhua , Wang Zhi
Published: November 2020

Porous organic polymers have gained great research interest in the field of adsorption. A benzoxazine porous organic polymer (BoxPOP) constructed from p-phenylenediamine, 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene and paraformaldehyde was fabricated and explored as an adsorbent for solid-phase extraction (SPE) of four chlorophenols from water and honey samples. Under the optimized SPE conditions, the response linearity for the analysis of the SPE extract of the chlorophenols by high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector was observed in the range of 0.2–40.0 ng mL−1 for water samples and 5.0–400.0 ng g−1 for honey samples. The method detection limits of the analytes were 0.06–0.08 ng mL−1 for water samples and 1.5–2.0 ng g−1 for honey samples. The recoveries of the analytes from fortified water and honey samples ranged from 84.8 to 119.0% with the relative standard deviations below 8.4%. The results indicate that the prepared BoxPOP is an effective adsorbent for the chlorophenols. The established method provides an alternative approach for the determination of chlorophenols in real samples.
NPBS database: a chemical data resource with relational data between natural products and biological sources
Authors: Xu Tingjun , Chen Weiming , Zhou Junhong , Dai Jingfang , Li Yingyong , Zhao Yingli
Published: November 2020

NPBS (Natural Products & Biological Sources) database is a chemical data resource with relational data between natural products and biological sources, manually curated from literatures of natural product researches. The relational data link a specific species and all the natural products derived from it and contrarily link a specific natural product and all the biological sources. The biological sources cover diverse species of plant, bacterial, fungal and marine organisms; the natural molecules have proper chemical structure data and computable molecular properties and all the relational data have corresponding references. NPBS database provides a wider choice of biological sources and can be used for dereplication to prevent re-isolation and re-characterization of already known natural products.

Database URL: http://www.organchem.csdb.cn/scdb/NPBS
Imaging the adult with simple shunt lesions: position paper from the EACVI and the ESC WG on ACHD. Endorsed by AEPC (Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology)
Authors: Budts Werner , Miller Owen , Babu-Narayan Sonya V , Li Wei , Valsangiacomo Buechel Emanuela , Frigiola Alessandra , van den Bosch Annemien , Bonello Beatrice , Mertens Luc , Hussain Tarique , Parish Victoria , Habib Gilbert , Edvardsen Thor , Geva Tal , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W , Hanseus Katarina , Dos Subira Laura , Baumgartner Helmut , Gatzoulis Michael , Di Salvo Giovanni
Published: November 2020

In 2018, the position paper ‘Imaging the adult with congenital heart disease: a multimodality imaging approach’ was published. The paper highlights, in the first part, the different imaging modalities applied in adult congenital heart disease patients. In the second part, these modalities are discussed more detailed for moderate to complex anatomical defects. Because of the length of the paper, simple lesions were not touched on. However, imaging modalities to use for simple shunt lesions are still poorly known. One is looking for structured recommendations on which they can rely when dealing with an (undiscovered) shunt lesion. This information is lacking for the initial diagnostic process, during repair and at follow-up. Therefore, this paper will focus on atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and persistent arterial duct. Pre-, intra-, and post-procedural imaging techniques will be systematically discussed. This position paper will offer algorithms that might help at a glance. The document is prepared for general cardiologists, trainees, medical students, imagers/technicians to select the most appropriate imaging modality and to detect the requested information for each specific lesion. It might serve as reference to which researchers could refer when setting up a (imaging) study.
Policing Practices and Risk of HIV Infection Among People Who Inject Drugs
Authors: Baker Pieter , Beletsky Leo , Avalos Liliana , Venegas Christopher , Rivera Carlos , Strathdee Steffanie A , Cepeda Javier
Published: November 2020

Drug-law enforcement constitutes a structural determinant of health among people who inject drugs (PWID). Street encounters between police and PWID (e.g., syringe confiscation, physical assault) have been associated with health harms, but these relationships have not been systematically assessed. We conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate the contribution of policing to risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among PWID. We screened MEDLINE, sociological databases, and gray literature for studies published from 1981 to November 2018 that included estimates of HIV infection/risk behaviors and street policing encounters. We extracted and summarized quantitative findings from all eligible studies. We screened 8,201 abstracts, reviewed 175 full-text articles, and included 27 eligible analyses from 9 countries (Canada, China, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Thailand, Ukraine, and the United States). Heterogeneity in variable and endpoint selection precluded meta-analyses. In 5 (19%) studies, HIV infection among PWID was significantly associated with syringe confiscation, reluctance to buy/carry syringes for fear of police, rushed injection due to a police presence, fear of arrest, being arrested for planted drugs, and physical abuse. Twenty-one (78%) studies identified policing practices to be associated with HIV risk behaviors related to injection drug use (e.g., syringe-sharing, using a “shooting gallery”). In 9 (33%) studies, policing was associated with PWID avoidance of harm reduction services, including syringe exchange, methadone maintenance, and safe consumption facilities. Evidence suggests that policing shapes HIV risk among PWID, but lower-income settings are underrepresented. Curbing injection-related HIV risk necessitates additional structural interventions. Methodological harmonization could facilitate knowledge generation on the role of police as a determinant of population health.
Exploring the abundance, metabolic potential and gene expression of subseafloor Chloroflexi in million-year-old oxic and anoxic abyssal clay
Authors: Vuillemin Aurèle , Kerrigan Zak , D'Hondt Steven , Orsi William D
Published: November 2020

Chloroflexi are widespread in subsurface environments, and recent studies indicate that they represent a major fraction of the communities in subseafloor sediment. Here, we compare the abundance, diversity, metabolic potential and gene expression of Chloroflexi from three abyssal sediment cores from the western North Atlantic Gyre (water depth >5400 m) covering up to 15 million years of sediment deposition, where Chloroflexi were found to represent major components of the community at all sites. Chloroflexi communities die off in oxic red clay over 10–15 million years, and gene expression was below detection. In contrast, Chloroflexi abundance and gene expression at the anoxic abyssal clay site increase below the seafloor and peak in 2–3 million-year-old sediment, indicating a comparably higher activity. Metatranscriptomes from the anoxic site reveal increased expression of Chloroflexi genes involved in cell wall biogenesis, protein turnover, inorganic ion transport, defense mechanisms and prophages. Phylogenetic analysis shows that these Chloroflexi are closely related to homoacetogenic subseafloor clades and actively transcribe genes involved in sugar fermentations, gluconeogenesis and Wood–Ljungdahl pathway in the subseafloor. Concomitant expression of cell division genes indicates that these putative homoacetogenic Chloroflexi are actively growing in these million-year-old anoxic abyssal sediments.
Restoring degraded microbiome function with self-assembled communities
Authors: Gutierrez Carlos Fernando , Sanabria Janeth , Raaijmakers Jos M , Oyserman Ben O
Published: November 2020

The natural microbial functions of many soils are severely degraded. Current state-of-the-art technology to restore these functions is through the isolation, screening, formulation and application of microbial inoculants and synthetic consortia. These approaches have inconsistent success, in part due to the incompatibility between the biofertilizer, crop, climate, existing soil microbiome and physicochemical characteristics of the soils. Here, we review the current state of the art in biofertilization and identify two key deficiencies in current strategies: the difficulty in designing complex multispecies biofertilizers and the bottleneck in scaling the production of complex multispecies biofertilizers. To address the challenge of producing scalable, multispecies biofertilizers, we propose to merge ecological theory with bioprocess engineering to produce ‘self-assembled communities’ enriched for particular functional guilds and adapted to a target soil and host plant. Using the nitrogen problem as an anchor, we review relevant ecology (microbial, plant and environmental), as well as reactor design strategies and operational parameters for the production of functionally enriched self-assembled communities. The use of self-assembled communities for biofertilization addresses two major hurdles in microbiome engineering: the importance of enriching microbes indigenous to (and targeted for) a specific environment and the recognized potential benefits of microbial consortia over isolates (e.g. functional redundancy). The proposed community enrichment model could also be instrumental for other microbial functions such as phosphorus solubilization, plant growth promotion or disease suppression.
A New Dinoflagellate Genome Illuminates a Conserved Gene Cluster Involved in Sunscreen Biosynthesis
Authors: Shoguchi Eiichi , Beedessee Girish , Hisata Kanako , Tada Ipputa , Narisoko Haruhi , Satoh Noriyuki , Kawachi Masanobu , Shinzato Chuya
Published: November 2020

Photosynthetic dinoflagellates of the Family Symbiodiniaceae live symbiotically with many organisms that inhabit coral reefs and are currently classified into fifteen groups, including seven genera. Draft genomes from four genera, Symbiodinium, Breviolum, Fugacium, and Cladocopium, which have been isolated from corals, have been reported. However, no genome is available from the genus Durusdinium, which occupies an intermediate phylogenetic position in the Family Symbiodiniaceae and is well known for thermal tolerance (resistance to bleaching). We sequenced, assembled, and annotated the genome of Durusdinium trenchii, isolated from the coral, Favia speciosa, in Okinawa, Japan. Assembled short reads amounted to 670 Mb with ∼47% GC content. This GC content was intermediate among taxa belonging to the Symbiodiniaceae. Approximately 30,000 protein-coding genes were predicted in the D. trenchii genome, fewer than in other genomes from the Symbiodiniaceae. However, annotations revealed that the D. trenchii genome encodes a cluster of genes for synthesis of mycosporine-like amino acids, which absorb UV radiation. Interestingly, a neighboring gene in the cluster encodes a glucose–methanol–choline oxidoreductase with a flavin adenine dinucleotide domain that is also found in Symbiodinium tridacnidorum. This conservation seems to partially clarify an ancestral genomic structure in the Symbiodiniaceae and its loss in late-branching lineages, including Breviolum and Cladocopium, after splitting from the Durusdinium lineage. Our analysis suggests that approximately half of the taxa in the Symbiodiniaceae may maintain the ability to synthesize mycosporine-like amino acids. Thus, this work provides a significant genomic resource for understanding the genomic diversity of Symbiodiniaceae in corals.
MSY needs no epitaph—but it was abused
Authors: Pauly Daniel , Froese Rainer
Published: November 2020

The maximum sustainable yield (MSY) concept is widely considered to be outdated and misleading. In response, fisheries scientists have developed models that often diverge radically from the first operational version of the concept. We show that the original MSY concept was deeply rooted in ecology and that going back to that version would be beneficial for fisheries, not least because the various substitutes have not served us well.
Mid-term assessment of structural valve deterioration of perceval S sutureless prosthesis using the last European consensus definition
Authors: Martínez-Comendador José Manuel , Estevez-Cid Francisco , González Barbeito Miguel , Velasco García De Sierra Carlos , Bouzas Mosquera Alberto , Barbeito Cayetana , Cuenca Castillo José , Herrera-Noreña José
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVES

Durability of sutureless aortic bioprosthetic valves remains a major issue. The aim of this study was to assess structural valve deterioration (SVD) and bioprosthetic valve failure (BVF) of the Perceval bioprosthesis using the new proposed standardized definitions.

METHODS

All patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with sutureless Perceval S prostheses up to September 2016 were included. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was performed. New standardized definitions were used to assess the durability of sutureless bioprosthetic valves. From 2013 to 2016, 214 patients were included.

RESULTS

The mean age and EuroSCORE II were 79 years and 2.74. Thirty-day mortality was 0.47%. The survival rate was 96.8%, 88.1% and 85.7% at 1, 3 and 4 years, respectively. The median echocardiographic follow-up was 3.28 years. The mean pressure gradient was 11.3 mmHg. No cases showed evidence of severe SVD, 17 patients had moderate SVD with a mean pressure gradient of 24 mmHg and 8 patients had definite late BVF. The incidence of moderate SVD and BVF at 4 years was 8.8% and 2.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Mid-term follow-up to 6.3 years after aortic valve replacement with the Perceval bioprosthesis documents favourable haemodynamic and clinical outcomes and low rates of SVD and BVF.
Sustainable green campus in NEPAL: 3E analysis
Authors: Yadav Bharosh Kumar , Rauniyar Pankaj Kumar , Sudhakar K , Bajracharya Tri Ratna , Priya S Shanmuga
Published: November 2020

In today’s world, where global warming is one of the greatest human challenges, sustainable energy generation is becoming increasingly relevant. The use of green and clean energy sources is the best way to minimize CO2, CO, NOX and other emissions of conventional energy usage. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are more beneficial and an exciting application to set up an eco-friendly green educational campus. In this regard, the potential sites within Tribhuvan University, Institute of Engineering, Purwanchal Campus, Dharan city, Nepal are analysed for grid-tied solar PV power plant installation to meet the 100% energy demand of the campus using energy, economic and environment-friendly analysis. The daily, monthly and annual load and solar irradiance data of past years of the campus have been analysed to estimate the solar PV plant’s capacity and system performance using PVSYST V7.0 software analysis tools .The simulation results show that 110 kWp of solar PV power plant will be sufficient for the entire campus to qualify for the first fully green-powered campus in Nepal, which corresponds to fulfill 66.4 MWh/year daytime energy demand out of total 161 MWh/year energy consumption of the campus with a capacity to generate a total of 181.5 MWh/year energy from the designed solar PV system. The result also shows that 115.1 MWh/year of surplus energy produced from the PV power plant can be injected into the utility grid to yield considerable savings in utility cost. On the basis of these results, campus authorities and stakeholders may commit to investing and implementing of this project to ensure that the campus is completely green.
The apelin/APJ system in the regulation of vascular tone: friend or foe?
Authors: Rikitake Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2020

The apelin (APJ) receptor was originally cloned as a gene encoding a putative G protein-coupled receptor related to angiotensin receptor type I. To date, two endogenous peptide ligands for APJ have been identified: apelin and elabela/Toddler. The apelin/APJ system regulates blood pressure and vascular tone. The endothelial and smooth muscle apelin/APJ systems exert opposite actions in the regulation of vascular tone. Binding of apelin to endothelial APJ promotes the release of vasodilators, such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin, leading to vasodilation. Alternatively, binding of apelin to smooth muscle APJ induces vasoconstriction, although the molecular mechanisms of the apelin-induced vasoconstriction are poorly understood. Recently, a critical role for interaction of APJ with α1-adrenergic receptor in the apelin-induced vasoconstriction was reported. The action of apelin on vascular tone may depend upon blood vessel type or pathological condition. Although the apelin/APJ system could serve as a potential therapeutic target for hypertension and cardiovascular disease, the role of this system in various cell types appears to be complicated.
Modulating dynamics and function of nuclear actin with synthetic bicyclic peptides
Authors: Machida Nanako , Takahashi Daisuke , Ueno Yuya , Nakama Yoshihiro , Gubeli Raphael J , Bertoldo Davide , Harata Masahiko
Published: November 2020

Actin exists in monomeric globular (G-) and polymerized filamentous (F-) forms and the dynamics of its polymerization/depolymerization are tightly regulated in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Various essential functions of nuclear actin have been identified including regulation of gene expression and involvement in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB). Small G-actin-binding molecules affect F-actin formation and can be utilized for analysis and manipulation of actin in living cells. However, these G-actin-binding molecules are obtained by extraction from natural sources or through complex chemical synthesis procedures, and therefore, the generation of their derivatives for analytical tools is underdeveloped. In addition, their effects on nuclear actin cannot be separately evaluated from those on cytoplasmic actin. Previously, we have generated synthetic bicyclic peptides, consisting of two macrocyclic rings, which bind to G-actin but not to F-actin. Here, we describe the introduction of these bicyclic peptides into living cells. Furthermore, by conjugation to a nuclear localization signal (NLS), the bicyclic peptides accumulated in the nucleus. The NLS-bicyclic peptides repress the formation of nuclear F-actin, and impair transcriptional regulation and DSB repair. These observations highlight a potential role for NLS-linked bicyclic peptides in the manipulation of dynamics and functions of nuclear actin.
Salinity acclimation alters acid and alkaline phosphatase expression and histological changes in the hepatopancreas of the oriental river prawnMacrobrachium nipponense(De Haan, 1849) (Decapoda: Caridea: Palaemonidae)
Authors: Sun Shengming , Wang Ning , Zhu Mengru
Published: November 2020

The oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense (De Haan, 1849), an economically important species, can live in freshwater and brackish water environments, but molecular mechanism of adaptation to varying salinity levels is still poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the effects of four different salinities (0, 6, 12, and 18‰) on metabolic responses, histological structure, and expression patterns of acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in the hepatopancreas. The full-length cDNAs of ACP and AKP of M. nipponense (designated MnACP and MnAKP, respectively) were obtained by rapid-amplification of cDNA ends (RACE)-PCR. Immunofluorescence experiments confirmed that MnAKP is located in the cell membrane of the hepatopancreas. Both genes were expressed in all seven studied tissues, with highest expression in the hepatopancreas by quantitative real-time PCR. The mRNA expression levels and enzyme activities of MnACP and MnAKP in the hepatopancreas significantly increased in 18‰ salinity group compared to other groups. Measurements of glycogen, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels suggested that prawns can adjust the energy metabolism in a way to provide additional energy under unsuitable salinity. Besides, prawns at high salinity produced higher B-cells and lower number of R-cells in hepatopancreatic tubules, also suggesting enhance the metabolic function of the hepatopancreas under high salinity. Our results provide a better understanding for the mechanism regulating salinity acclimation in the oriental river prawn.
Effect of Pheromone Blend Components, Sex Ratio, and Population Size on the Mating ofCadra cautella(Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Sammani Abeysinghe Mudiyanselage Prabodha , Dissanayaka Dissanayaka Mudiyanselage Saman Kumara , Wijayaratne Leanage Kanaka Wolly , Morrison William Robert
Published: November 2020

The almond moth Cadra cautella (Walker), a key pest of storage facilities, is difficult to manage using synthetic chemicals. Pheromone-based management methods remain a high priority due to advantages over conventional management practices, which typically use insecticides. Cadra cautella females release a blend of pheromone including (Z, E)-9,12-tetradecadienyl acetate (ZETA) and (Z)-9-tetradecadien-1-yl acetate (ZTA). The effect of these components on mating of C. cautella and how response varies with the population density and sex ratio remain unknown. In this study, the mating status of C. cautella was studied inside mating cages under different ratios of ZETA and ZTA diluted in hexane and at different population sizes either with equal or unequal sex ratio. The lowest percentage of mated females (highest mating disruption [MD] effects), corresponding to roughly 12.5%, was produced by a 5:1 and 3.3:1 ratio of ZETA:ZTA. Populations with equal sex ratio showed the lowest percentage of mated females, at 20% and 12.5% under lower and higher density, respectively. The next lowest percentage of mated females was produced when the sex ratio was set to 1: 2 and 2:1 male:female, with just 25% and 22.5% of moths mated, respectively. This study shows that mating status of C. cautella is influenced by ZETA:ZTA ratio, sex ratio, and population size. This current knowledge would have useful implications for mating disruption programs.
Cardiovascular Care of the Oncology Patient During COVID-19: An Expert Consensus Document From the ACC Cardio-Oncology and Imaging Councils
Authors: Baldassarre Lauren A , Yang Eric H , Cheng Richard K , DeCara Jeanne M , Dent Susan , Liu Jennifer E , Rudski Lawrence G , Strom Jordan B , Thavendiranathan Paaladinesh , Barac Ana , Zaha Vlad G , Bucciarelli-Ducci Chiara , Ellahham Samer , Deswal Anita , Lenneman Carrie , Villarraga Hector R , Blaes Anne H , Ismail-Khan Roohi , Ky Bonnie , Leja Monika J , Scherrer-Crosbie Marielle
Published: November 2020

In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Cardio-Oncology and Imaging Councils of the American College of Cardiology offers recommendations to clinicians regarding the cardiovascular care of cardio-oncology patients in this expert consensus statement. Cardio-oncology patients—individuals with an active or prior cancer history and with or at risk of cardiovascular disease—are a rapidly growing population who are at increased risk of infection, and experiencing severe and/or lethal complications by COVID-19. Recommendations for optimizing screening and monitoring visits to detect cardiac dysfunction are discussed. In addition, judicious use of multimodality imaging and biomarkers are proposed to identify myocardial, valvular, vascular, and pericardial involvement in cancer patients. The difficulties of diagnosing the etiology of cardiovascular complications in patients with cancer and COVID-19 are outlined, along with weighing the advantages against risks of exposure, with the modification of existing cardiovascular treatments and cardiotoxicity surveillance in patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Everything Is Relative: How Citizens Form and Use Expectations in Evaluating Services
Authors: Favero Nathan , Kim Minjung
Published: November 2020

In recent years, studies of citizen satisfaction have increasingly relied on the expectancy–disconfirmation model, which highlights the role that expectations play in driving citizen evaluations of government services. But most empirical studies within public administration of the relationship between expectations and satisfaction indicate that expectations have little-to-no net effect on satisfaction. We argue that these results may be largely driven by the weaknesses of existing measurement approaches and inattention in many studies to the distinction between two types of expectations: those about what should happen (normative expectations) versus those about what will happen (predictive expectations). Distinguishing between these two types of expectations is important because they are likely to have different—and perhaps even opposite—effects on satisfaction. We recruited 972 US residents via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk to complete a survey vignette experiment and found that normative expectations are strongly (and negatively) related to satisfaction levels, whereas predictive expectations are barely related to satisfaction at all. We also find that comparative performance information generally has a much stronger effect on predictive expectations than on normative expectations. These findings suggest that theories of satisfaction should more consistently distinguish between different types of expectations. Our results also leave us somewhat optimistic about the ability of ordinary residents to follow a reasonable process when assigning normative meaning to performance information.
Interactive effect of climate warming and nitrogen deposition may shift the dynamics of native and invasive species
Authors: Ren Guang-Qian , Zou Chris B , Wan Ling-Yun , Johnson Jacob H , Li Jian , Zhu Lan , Qi Shan-Shan , Dai Zhi-Cong , Zhang Hai-Yan , Du Dao-Lin
Published: November 2020

Aims

Projections of invasive species expansion under a warmer world often do not explicitly consider the concurring nitrogen (N) deposition. It remains largely unknown how the convoluted effect of climate warming and N deposition will shift the native and invasive species dynamics. Here, we hypothesize that the concurring increases in N and temperature would promote growth of invasive species greater than that of native species.

Methods

A controlled greenhouse experiment was conducted to quantify the growth response of an invasive species (Solidago canadensis L.) and a co-existing native species (Artemisia argyi Levl. et Van) under the effects of climate warming, N deposition and their interactions.

Important Findings

Due to the strong positive effect of N addition, the interactive effect of temperature increase and N addition resulted in an overall significant increase in growth of both invasive and native species, demonstrating that these manipulations may make microhabitats more favorable to plant growth. However, the relative increases in biomass, height and diameter of invasive S. canadensis were significantly lower than those of native A. argyi. This suggests that the vegetative growth superiority of invasive S. canadensis over the native species A. argyi is reduced by the enhanced N availability in the warmer world. Therefore, the inclusion of N deposition may mitigate the projection of invasive species S. canadensis expansion under climate warming.
Nature and Scope of Obligations
Authors: Correa Carlos Maria
Published: November 2020

This chapter examines the nature and scope of obligations in the Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. The first sentence of Article 1.1 of the TRIPS Agreement re-states a basic principle of international law: pacta sunt servanda. It makes clear that the obligations imposed by the Agreement are to be given effect by Members within their respective jurisdictions. Neither this article nor any other provision of the Agreement specifies how such obligations are to be implemented. In countries that follow a ‘dualist’ approach to international law, implementing regulations would be needed, as the Agreement would not be recognized as self-executing. In those adopting a ‘monist’ approach, the Agreement may be directly applied by judicial and administrative authorities, at least to the extent that the provisions are clear enough and self-contained. The way in which the Agreement is implemented may have important implications on the conditions for the access to and use of technology, particularly in developing countries, and on their economic and social development. It is crucial, therefore, to clearly identify the options left by the Agreement to implement its provisions in a manner that is as consistent as possible with Members’ interests and strategies.
Industrial Designs
Authors: Correa Carlos Maria
Published: November 2020

This chapter focuses on industrial designs, which are generally defined as features of ornamentation applied to an article. They consist of the shape, configuration, pattern, or ornament—or a combination thereof—of a product that gives it eye-appeal. Industrial designs normally exclude those designs determined solely by their utilitarian function on an article. The protection of industrial designs is addressed in the Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement by only two Articles. Article 25 defines the requirements for protection, and Article 26 the extent of exclusive rights and the admissible exceptions. This scant treatment reflects the fact that the protection of industrial designs had a low priority in the TRIPS negotiations for the US and other countries, except perhaps the European Communities (EC), which aimed at enhancing such protection, of particular value, for instance, for fashion industries.
Control of Restrictive Practices in Contractual Licences
Authors: Correa Carlos Maria
Published: November 2020

This chapter discusses Article 40 of the Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, which is the outcome of a proposal originally made by developing countries, which were concerned about the impact of strengthened intellectual property rights (IPRs) on the conditions of voluntary licenses. Article 40.1 recognizes that some licensing practices pertaining to intellectual property rights which restrain competition ‘may have adverse effects on trade and impede the transfer and dissemination of technology’. Meanwhile, unlike most provisions of the TRIPS Agreement, Article 40.2 does not contain specific obligations. It expressly allows countries to adopt measures to control or prevent certain practices or conditions relating to licensing agreements. Judgement of whether they should be controlled or prevented is based on three elements. Contractual practices or conditions should: be examined in each particular case; constitute an ‘abuse’ of intellectual property rights; and have an ‘adverse effect on competition in the relevant market’.