bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The distribution and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) during follicular development and atresia in the pig
Authors: Gao Xiaomeng , Zhang Jinbi , Pan Zengxiang , Li Qifa , Liu Honglin
Published: September 2019

The involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in ovarian physiological processes has been widely reported, but the location and role of VEGFA during follicular atresia remain unknown. This study investigated the distribution and expression of VEGFA during porcine follicular development and atresia. Pig ovaries were obtained, individual medium-sized (3–5mm in diameter) antral follicles were separated and classified into healthy, early atretic or progressively atretic groups. Immunobiology and quantitative techniques were used to investigate the varied follicular distribution of VEGFA at both the morphological and molecular level. The results indicated that VEGFA protein expression peaked in tertiary follicles, mostly distributed in the thecal and inner granulosa layers, during follicular development while VEGFA mRNA was mainly expressed in the inner granulosa layers. Additionally, healthy antral follicles showed a significantly higher expression of VEGFA than atretic follicles in both theca and granulosa cells. Knockdown of VEGFA using siRNA revealed an antiapoptosis effect of VEGFA in cultured pig granulosa cells. Our results increase the knowledge of VEGFA functions in follicles.
Nitrogen mineralisation in sugarcane soils in Queensland, Australia: II. From laboratory to field-based prediction
Authors: Orton T. G. , Allen D. E. , Bloesch P. M.
Published: September 2019

Using Australian sugarcane regions as a case study, we present an approach for prediction of in-field nitrogen (N) mineralisation over a crop season. The approach builds on the statistical modelling applied in Allen et al. 2019, which demonstrated good predictive ability on data from a laboratory incubation study (an external R2 of 0.84 in a cross-validation exercise), and adjusts those mineralisation rates according to soil moisture and temperature factors. The required field soil temperature and moisture conditions were simulated using a mechanistic model for the response of soil conditions to input climate data. We investigate drivers of variability in the predicted in-season mineralised N, and compare predictions with currently implemented N fertiliser discounts, which are based on a relationship with soil organic carbon content. The main purpose of this paper is to illustrate the potential use of the results in Allen et al. (2019) for calculating predictions of in-season mineralised N that could be applicable under field conditions in the Australian sugarcane regions. A thorough test to properly validate predictions has not yet been conducted, but collecting data to do so should be the focus of further work.
A proactive blueprint to demonstrate on-farm animal welfare.
Authors: Johnson A. K. , Colpoys J. D. , Garcia A. , Jass C. , Millman S. T. , Pairis-Garcia M. D. , Rademacher C. J. , Weimer S. L. , Azarpajouh S.
Published: September 2019

Farm animal welfare has become an increasing area of consumer and customer interest globally and this has resulted in dramatic changes related to on-farm accountability. Some markets are demanding an on-farm, transparent and accountable animal welfare programme. Knowing what key elements are required is critical. Key elements range from (a) caretaker qualities; (b) record keeping and standard operating procedures; (c) animal- and resource-based measures; (d) communication to (e) caretaker empowerment. The ultimate on-farm welfare programme goal is to provide the highest animal care. This review will provide context to these key elements that in turn can be used to create or improve on-farm animal welfare programmes.
Decentering constructs predict experience and tolerance of pain: evidence from a cold pressor study / Constructos relacionados con el descentramiento predicen la experiencia y la tolerancia al dolor: evidencia obtenida mediante la prueba del frío
Authors: DeMarree Kenneth G. , Naragon-Gainey Kristin , Giancola Abigail
Published: September 2019

Decentering is a detached, observer perspective on one’s current mental contents. Recent work has identified two potential aspects of decentering, Observer Perspective (OP) and Reduced Struggle (RS), that independently predict the effects of decentering. Specifically, both OP and RS predict reduced psychological distress in response to negative affect, with some variability in predictive utility across outcomes. In this study, we sought to extend previous work by examining OP and RS as predictors of responses to an external source of distress, a painful stimulus. Participants completed measures of decentering, followed by a cold pressor task for up to four minutes. We recorded time that participants were able to withstand the cold-water bath and the intensity of the pain experienced. We found that both OP and RS predicted partiacipants’ pain tolerance and pain intensity, but that only RS did so uniquely. Results are discussed with respect to theory on decentering.
Deformation behaviour of ultrafine grained Mg–7Gd–5Y–1.2Nd–0.5Zr alloy under high strain rates
Authors: Tang Wanru , Liu Zheng , Liu Shimeng , Zhang Feng , Mao Pingli , Wang Zhi
Published: September 2019

The mechanical behaviour of Mg–7Gd–5Y–1.2Nd–0.5Zr (wt. %) alloy with ultrafine grains was measured by split Hopkinson pressure bar method under the strain rates of 1000, 1500, and 2000 s−1 at room temperature. Dynamic tests were carried out along extrusion direction (ED), transverse direction (TD), and normal direction (ND). The results demonstrated that the flow stress increased with the increase of strain rate, showing a positive strain rate strengthening effect. There was no obvious anisotropy in dynamic compression along ED, TD, and ND, which was caused by rare earth elements and multi-pass deformation. This led to the adoption of plastic deformation mode dominated by non-basal slip and participated by tension twinning.
Health Care Engagement Behaviors of Men who use Performance- and Image-Enhancing Drugs in Australia
Authors: Jacka B. , Larance B. , Copeland J. , Burns L. , Farrell M. , Jackson E. , Degenhardt L.
Published: September 2019

Background

Although people who inject performance- and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs) report fewer unsafe injecting practices, stigma and discrimination may negatively impact their access to help and information. Engagement with health care services, compared with social networks (friends, relatives, and gym associates) and the Internet and media (steroid user forums, information sites, and magazines), may be important for harm minimization.

Methods

A cross-sectional Internet or in-person survey of men who use PIEDs in Australia in 2014–2015 examined differences in sources for PIEDs, injecting equipment, and anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) information and factors associated with having periodical medical checks related to PIEDs issues using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

In total, 267 men (mean age: 25 years, SD: 8.7 years; 246 of 267 [92%] reported recent AAS injection) were recruited. Most participants sourced injecting equipment from health professionals, PIEDs from their social networks, and AAS information from the Internet and media. Self-reported AAS knowledge was high and frequent. Higher income (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03, 4.00), ≥2 different PIEDs used in addition to AAS (AOR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.08, 3.49), and sourcing AAS information from health care professionals (AOR: 3.14, 95% CI: 1.81, 5.46) were independently associated with periodical medical checks. Participants nominated preference for improved health services through needle-syringe programs, primary care services, and peer educator support groups.

Conclusion

Men who use PIEDs in Australia consider themselves well informed but tend to use Internet and media sources, providing potentially misleading or inaccurate information. Increasing trust between men who use PIEDs and health care providers may enable delivery of PIEDs-specific information to those at greatest need.
Influence of neutral and stability athletic footwear on lower extremity coordination variability during a prolonged treadmill run in male rearfoot runners
Authors: Weir Gillian , Wyatt Hannah , Van Emmerik Richard , Trudeau Matthieu B. , Willwacher Steffen , Brüggemann Gert‐Peter , Hamill Joseph
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in coordination variability (CV) over the course of a prolonged treadmill run and the influence of stability and neutral footwear on CV. Fourteen male habitually rearfoot runners completed two 42 min prolonged running sessions while three‐dimensional kinematics and kinetics were recorded. During the first 21 min, participants ran in a neutral shoe (baseline run), then changed into either another neutral shoe of the same construction but another colour or a stability shoe and ran a further 21 min (intervention run). A modified vector coding technique was used to compute thigh‐leg, leg‐rearfoot and rearfoot‐forefoot segment CV. Following the baseline run, thigh flexion/extension‐leg flexion/extension, rearfoot inversion/eversion‐forefoot plantar flexion/dorsiflexion and rearfoot inversion/eversion‐forefoot adduction/abduction CV increased (p < .05). During the intervention run, CV was higher in the neutral shoe compared with the stability shoe for thigh flexion/extension‐leg flexion/extension and leg flexion/extension‐rearfoot inversion/eversion couplings (p < .05). Lower extremity CV increased or was maintained during a prolonged treadmill run in healthy male rearfoot runners, likely to distribute stresses among the tissues as muscles begin to fatigue. CV increased to a greater extent in neutral compared with stability footwear which may be a result of: (1) the stability shoe acting as a perturbation to the runner and their response is to regulate CV, or; (2) stability footwear provides greater support and consequently, runners do not need to explore additional degrees of freedom to reduce stresses applied to the tissues throughout a prolonged run.
Tailoring virtual environments of an exergame for physiotherapy: the role of positive distractions and sensation-seeking (Adaptando entornos virtuales para un exergame para la fisioterapia: el papel de las distracciones positivas y la búsqueda de sensaciones)
Authors: Reis Eduardo , Arriaga Patrícia , Lima Maria-Luísa , Teixeira Luís , Postolache Octavian , Postolache Gabriela
Published: September 2019

Recent findings have shown that exergames can facilitate physiotherapy. Environmental conditions, such as the inclusion of positive distractions, also seem to play a role in health recovery, but prior studies have never analysed their role in virtual environments. In this study we developed an exergame for the exercise of upper limbs by designing virtual environments with nature elements and testing the impact of including additional positive distractions. Participants ( n = 124, 81 females) were randomly assigned to one of two virtual environments: positive distractions vs. no distractions. To test whether these two environments matched the users’ characteristics, sensation-seeking was examined as a moderator. Measures of affect, sense of presence, intrinsic motivation and vitality were applied after the sessions, and game performance was assessed. Results showed that both environments were positively evaluated for all the dependent variables, regardless of the positive distractions and the sensation-seeking traits. However, game performance was affected by the environment and the participants’ sensation-seeking traits, suggesting that the additional distractions can reduce performance, and that individual differences also seem to impact performance.
Gasdermins and their role in immunity and inflammation
Authors: Orning Pontus , Lien Egil , Fitzgerald Katherine A.
Published: September 2019

The gasdermins are a family of pore-forming proteins recently implicated in the immune response. One of these proteins, gasdermin D (GSDMD), has been identified as the executioner of pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of lytic cell death that is induced upon formation of caspase-1–activating inflammasomes. The related proteins GSDME and GSDMA have also been implicated in autoimmune diseases and certain cancers. Most gasdermin proteins are believed to have pore-forming capabilities. The best-studied member, GSDMD, controls the release of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and IL-18 and pyroptotic cell death. Because of its potential as a driver of inflammation in septic shock and autoimmune diseases, GSDMD represents an attractive drug target. In this review, we discuss the gasdermin proteins with particular emphasis on GSDMD and its mechanism of action and biological significance.
Plasmon reflection reveals local electronic properties of natural graphene wrinkles*
Authors: Chen Runkun , Yang Cui , Jia Yuping , Guo Liwei , Chen Jianing
Published: September 2019

We systematically studied surface plasmons reflection by graphene wrinkles with different heights on SiC substrate. Combined with numerical simulation, we found that the geometry corrugation of a few nanometer height wrinkle alone does not causes a reflection of graphene plasmons. Instead, the separated wrinkle from substrate exhibits a nonlinear spatial Fermi energy distribution along the wrinkle, which acts as a heterojunction. Therefor a higher graphene wrinkle induces a stronger damped region when propagating graphene surface plasmons encounter the wrinkle and get reflected.
Symmetry properties of nonlocal quark bilinear operators on a Lattice (LP3 Collaboration) *
Authors: Chen Jiunn-Wei , Ishikawa Tomomi , Jin Luchang , Lin Huey-Wen , Zhang Jian-Hui , Zhao Yong
Published: September 2019

Using symmetry properties, we determine the mixing pattern of a class of nonlocal quark bilinear operators containing a straight Wilson line along a spatial direction. We confirm the previous study that mixing among the lowest dimensional operators, which have a mass dimension equal to three, can occur if chiral symmetry is broken in the lattice action. For higher dimensional operators, we find that the dimension-three operators will always mix with dimension-four operators, even if chiral symmetry is preserved. Also, the number of dimension-four operators involved in the mixing is large, and hence it is impractical to remove the mixing by the improvement procedure. Our result is important for determining the Bjorken-x dependence of the parton distribution functions using the quasi-distribution method on a Euclidean lattice. The requirement of using large hadron momentum in this approach makes the control of errors from dimension-four operators even more important.
Dark matter and LHC phenomenology of a scale-invariant scotogenic model *
Authors: Guo Chao , Guo Shu-Yuan , Liao Yi
Published: September 2019

We study the phenomenology of a model that addresses the neutrino mass, dark matter, and generation of the electroweak scale in a single framework. Electroweak symmetry breaking is realized via the Coleman-Weinberg mechanism in a classically scale invariant theory, while the neutrino mass is generated radiatively through interactions with dark matter in a typically scotogenic manner. The model introduces a scalar triplet and singlet and a vector-like fermion doublet that carry an odd parity of

, and an even parity scalar singlet that helps preserve classical scale invariance. We sample over the parameter space by taking into account various experimental constraints from the dark matter relic density and direct detection, direct scalar searches, neutrino mass, and charged lepton flavor violating decays. We then examine by detailed simulations possible signatures at the LHC to find some benchmark points of the free parameters. We find that the future high-luminosity LHC will have a significant potential in detecting new physics signals in the dilepton channel.
A note on scalar meson dominance *
Authors: Ünal Y. , Meißner Ulf-G.
Published: September 2019

We consider chiral perturbation theory with an explicit broad σ-meson and study its contribution to the scalar form factors of the pion and the nucleon. Our goal is to learn more about resonance saturation in the scalar sector.
Low-lying states of 92,93Nb excited in the reactions induced by the weakly-bound nucleus 6Li near the Coulomb barrier *
Authors: Lv Yi-Feng , Lu Jing-Bin , Zhang Gao-Long , Wu Yi-Heng , Yuan Cen-Xi , Fu Guan-Jian , Zhang Guang-Xin , Huang Zhen , Wang Ming-Li , Hu Shi-Peng , Sun Hui-Bin , Zhang Huan-Qiao , Li Cheng-Qian , Ma Ke-Yan , Ma Ying-Jun , Liu Yun-Zuo , Testov D. , John P. R. , Valiente-Dobon J. J. , Goasduff A. , Siciliano M. , Galtarossa F. , Recchia F. , Mengoni D. , Bazzacco D.
Published: September 2019

Excited states of odd-odd nucleus 92Nb and odd-A nucleus 93Nb were populated in the 6Li+ 89Y reaction with an incident energy of 34 MeV. The processes that produce 92,93Nb and can be measured by a combination of light charged particle and gamma ray measurements are discussed. Twenty new transitions are observed and eight new levels are constructed in 92Nb, and in addition two new transitions are added to the level scheme of 93Nb. Using shell model calculations, the low-lying structure of 92Nb is investigated and compared with the experimental results.
F(R) gravity in the early Universe: electroweak phase transition and chameleon mechanism *
Authors: Katsuragawa Taishi , Matsuzaki Shinya , Senaha Eibun
Published: September 2019

It is widely believed that the screening mechanism is an essential feature for the modified gravity theory. Although this mechanism has been examined thoroughly in the past decade, their analyses are based on a conventional fluid prescription for the matter-sector configuration. In this paper, we demonstrate a new formulation of the chameleon mechanism in F(R) gravity theory, to shed light on quantum-field theoretical effects on the chameleon mechanism as well as the related scalaron physics, induced by the matter sector. We show a possibility that the chameleon mechanism is absent in the early Universe based on a scale-invariant-extended scenario beyond the standard model of particle physics, in which a realistic electroweak phase transition, yielding the right amount of baryon asymmetry of Universe today, simultaneously breaks the scale invariance in the early Universe. We also briefly discuss the oscillation of the scalaron field and indirect generation of non-tensorial gravitational waves induced by the electroweak phase transition.
Matter effects and coherent effect of neutrinos produced from

-ray bursts *
Authors: Liu Kuan , An Chun-Sheng , Li Xin , Lin Hai-Nan
Published: September 2019

Neutrinos produced from

-ray bursts (GRBs) carry significant physical information. The electron density in the GRBs outflow is very large. In this study, we calculate the matter effect on neutrinos when they propagate through such a dense region. The average survival probability and the flavor ratio of neutrinos are determined. The ratio of resonant neutrino energy from different spherical shells provides the information of power index N for the power-law distribution of electrons in the hot fireball model. Electron density in the magnetic jet model is sufficiently lower than in the hot fireball model. The matter effect on neutrinos can be used to distinguish these two models. The coherent effect of strongly lensed PeV neutrinos is also discussed. The average survival probability of strongly-lensed electron neutrinos in the normal and inverted hierarchical cases are presented. The results show that this coherent effect can be used to determine the hierarchical mass of neutrinos.
The use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for inventory and assessment of the experimental plantation in Lisino training and experimental forest of Saint-Petersburg State Forest Technical University
Authors: Alekseev A , Danilov Yu , Nikiforov A , Guzuk M , Kireev D
Published: September 2019

In the article results of experimental plantation assessment and inventory made by UAV are presented. Plantation parameters such as the area, the length of the rows with planted trees, number of planted trees and trees heights was assessed both on ground and remotely. The aim of the research was to estimate systematic and random errors of estimations done by remote sensing method. The high resolution aerial photograph of the plantation established by 1997 was done by Geoscan 101 UAV. PhotoScan software was used for photogrammetric treatment of the obtained image. Multilevel special GIS was developed for plantation parameters calculations. As a result of the plantation parameters measurements made by remote sensing and ground method the following systematic and random errors was revealed: row length – systematic error as much as -6.9 meters, random 7.39 meter; trees height – systematic error as much as 0.4 meter, random 1.24 meter; number of trees – no any error. Taken into account the accuracy of used on UAV GPS positioning device which is as much as ±10 meter and also accuracy of ground measurements which was as much as ±5 meter we may conclude that remotely determined by using UAV plantation parameters are enough accurate and precise.
Potential reserves and development of non-wood forest resources
Authors: Gryazkin A , Bespalova V , Samsonova I , Belyaeva N , Belyaev V
Published: September 2019

In the face of the global economy, the issue of the rational and cost-effective use of the available natural resources is growing more and more relevant. The international community has every reason to be worried. In particular, there is the threat of a significant degradation of the world’s forests, alongside a loss of unique biological systems, biodiversity and ecological situations. Amid the existing economic crisis, much less attention is being paid to this issue due to the lack of financial opportunities for particular states. However, Russia should pay special attention to these issues, as the country’s forests occupy vast areas. Given this situation, there are unlimited possibilities for the industrial harvesting of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), which can additionally bring an additional and significant amount of money to the state budget. These funds can then be allocated for addressing the economic and environmental problems of our modern society.
Intraspecific variability of apple tree by indicators of vegetative and generative organs
Authors: Bratilova N P , Moksina N V , Gerasimova O A
Published: September 2019

The article describes the results of the analysis of morphometric parameters of a leaf plate (leaf plate area, the mass of one leaf in completely dry state, mass of 1 cm² of leaf in completely dry state) and the fruits of large-fruited apple cultivars in the V. Krutovskiy Botanical Garden. A significant positive correlation was found for winter apple cultivars between the number of leaves on the annual sprout and the mass of fruits. The obtained results can be used when conducting a preliminary determination of the expected yield of apple trees. It has been established that the varietal belonging of an apple tree influences the ecological efficiency and productivity of an apple orchard. The cultivars acknowledged perspective on the characteristics studied are recommended to use for creating apple orchards in the given and similar climatic conditions.
Seed germination of woody and shrubby introduced species
Authors: Khudonogova E , Zatsepina O , Polovinkina S , Rachenko M , Tyapaeva M
Published: September 2019

The article presents the research results of seed germination of woody and shrubby introduced species. Depending on the depth of dormancy, the studied plant species were divided into 3 groups. The first group includes plants with the absence of dormancy or with a short dormancy; the seeds of these species do not need stratification. The second group includes plants whose seeds are in a state of a rather long intermediate physiological dormancy; they need cold stratification. The organic dormancy period of plant seeds of the second group is different – from 25 to 160 days. As a rule, these are plants with a well-formed seed bud. The physiological dormancy of the seed bud and the inhibitory effect of its covers can be an obstacle to its formation. The third group includes plants whose seeds may not germinate for several years. As a rule, the seeds of these plants are in a state of a deep physiological or morphophysiological dormancy; multi-stage stratification is recommended for their germination. The introduced species of the third group are the most difficult to study since their seeds can belong to different variants of deep dormancy, which combines the physiological immaturity of different structures of the seed bud with the incomplete morphological maturity and exogenous dormancy.
On the structure of tree crown on the example of biennial shoot systems of Ulmus glabra Huds
Authors: Antonova I S , Televinova M S , Kremeneckaia M V , Bart V A
Published: September 2019

Using the example of crowns ofUlmus glabraHuds. individuals of the virginal age state, the structure of biennial shoots systems (BSS), the occurrence of different types of them in the crown as a whole and in its different parts are analyzed. Identified features of the structure of the maternal shoot for three functionally different types of BSS: Filling-up, Growth, Basic and Narrow-Outline and Super-growth. Comprehensive analysis of morphology of the maternal axis and lateral shoots revealed the characteristics and enabled us to construct a discriminant function significantly separating the three types of BSS. The predictive accuracy of its classification by sample values is 94 percent. Special zones are identified on the maternal shoots of Growth and Basic BSS, which determine their difference and similarity. The fact that such zonality of the maternal shoot is determined only in the second year of his life corresponds to the idea of BSS as a single module of space-time aggregation in tree crown.
Methodical approach to increase efficiency of use of wood resource potential of the region
Authors: Medvedev S , Mokhirev A , Rjabova T
Published: September 2019

The article deals with the problems of increasing the efficiency of wood resources processing. It shows the developed methodical approach to increase the processing efficiency. It consists of five stages, which all are disclosed in detail providing examples. Approbation of the proposed approach justifies the expediency of its use and substantial economic benefits for wood processing enterprises.
Ecological consequences of the playgrounds’ reconstruction of specialized “Park-stadium Khimmash”, in Yekaterinburg
Authors: Atkina L , Mezenina O , Zhukova M , Lukin D
Published: September 2019

In connection with the World Cup in 2018 in the Russian Federation, including the qualifying matches of the World Championship in Yekaterinburg, the Government of the Sverdlovsk Regiondecided to place a training ground on the territory of the “Park-stadium Khimmash”. For this purpose, a sports field reconstruction project was created and implemented. The article is devoted to the assessment of negative consequences for plantings of the “Park-stadium Khimmash” in Yekaterinburg as a result of the construction, which led to the destruction of 388 trees, 95 of them are pine trees. The park historically originated on the site of a natural pine plantation. Cutting down so many trees led to further disintegration of the stand. According to the project, the replacement of felled large park trees of pine and birch by willow and apple trees is recommended, which led to the destruction of natural landscapes that have survived in the urban environment. At the same time, not only the aesthetic perception is worsened, but the ecological criteria of the industrial area of the city are also reduced. First of all, the oxygen-producing possibilities of the plantation decreased, which is reflected in the economic assessment of the consequences.
Evaluation of artificial reforestation efforts in the ribbon forest zone of Altai Krai
Authors: Osipenko A E , Zalesov S V
Published: September 2019

The ribbon forest zone of Altai Krai is located in the Kulunda Steppe and on the Priobskoye Plateau. The climate of this region is characterized by extreme aridity. Due to the harsh climate and the importance of the ribbon forests for the environmental sustainability of the region, artificial reforestation is an integral part of the regional forest management. Forest stands of artificial origin currently occupy a large area within the ribbon forest zone, as evidenced by forest inventory data. However, due to the fact that surveys are not conducted simultaneously on the whole territory of Altai Krai, and that they miss some of the forest management units, forest inventory data do not provide an up-to-date assessment of artificial reforestation efforts. Our project attempted to update the existing data of forest resource assessments and evaluate the results of artificial reforestation efforts in the ribbon forest zone of Altai Krai. This article presents data on the distribution of the artificially reforested area by predominant species and type of growing conditions, and the distribution of the growing stock of the artificially established stands by age and type of forest growing conditions.
Introduction of woody plants in the Botanical Garden of St. Petersburg State Forest-Technical University from the moment of its foundation up to our days
Authors: Sakharova S G
Published: September 2019

The history of the Botanical Garden of St. Petersburg State Forest-Technical University is given. The specialists who participated in the introduction of woody plants since 1841 are listed. The names and quantitative composition of introduced plants are given. Attention is drawn to the individual introduction failures and the reasons for them. The total number of woody plants in the Botanical Garden today is more than 1200 taxa (including subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars). 39 species from the collection are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation. The role and place of the Botanical Garden of St Petersburg State Forest-Technical University among the botanical gardens of Russia is noted.
Bioresource potential of forest lands as the source of honey yield in steppe area of the river Don
Authors: Samsonova I , Gryazkin A , Smirnov A , Mannapov A , Beljaev V
Published: September 2019

Successful development of beekeeping, the increased number of beehives and apiaries, as well as high yields of honey and wax are possible only thanks to good and sustainable bee forage. The task of the study was to determine exactly species diversity of melliferous flora in different phytocenosis, to define honey productivity of plant formations in steppe zone of the river Don, bioresource potential and honey supply in different vegetative communities on forest fund lands, to develop the complex of measures, directed to rational and effective use of natural melliferous plants of forest lands. Species composition of nectar bearing vegetation on forest fund lands according to forest and non forest categories is determined. The northwestern part of the region is the richest one, there are more than 1200 plant species,and many of them are melliferous. The southeastern part is poorer in flora.As a result it is defined that there is a huge bioresource forest potential for honey yield in Rostov region. Approximate honey supply on forest fund lands is not less than 6468 tons and the number of beehives is about 54 thousand. One of the most perspective species for bee breeding is black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia).
Forest site types of the Saint-Petersburg area
Authors: Anh Tuyet Duong Thi , Yu Neshataev V , Yu Neshataeva V
Published: September 2019

The goal of the study was to classify the forest sites of St. Petersburg area. The urban forest typology based on a set of 630 sample plots of 20×20 m each, located in the parks, gardens, urban forests, and natural reserves was elaborated. The 25 forest site types were distinguished.
Additive model of Larix sp. forest stand biomass sensitive to temperature and precipitation variables in Eurasia
Authors: Usoltsev V , Kovyazin V , Osmirko A , Tsepordey I , Chasovskikh V
Published: September 2019

The first attempt of modeling changes in additive component composition of biomass of Larix sp. communities on the Trans-Eurasian hydrothermal gradients based on regional peculiarities of age and morphology of the forests is attempted. The increase of all biomass components of the tree layer with increasing temperature at the constant precipitation and its decrease with increasing precipitation at the constant temperature is established. The positive relationship of the understory biomass with the temperature in the areas of insufficient moisture as the transition to moisture-rich areas is replaced by the opposite one. The development of such models for basic forest-forming species in Eurasia will give possibility to predict any changes in the biological productivity of forest cover of Eurasia in relation to climate change.
Options for processing of aspen wood to carbon materials
Authors: Yevdokimova E , Panova T
Published: September 2019

Abstract.Thermochemical processing of aspen wood to produce carbon materials is of interest considering that it allows increasing the cost of its products several times and enhancing the sustainability of forest complex enterprises.Currently, the enterprises are confined to the manufacture of charcoal, although it is possible to produce other carbon materials, such as charcoal briquettes, activated carbon and oxidized coal.While processing aspen wood, it is feasible to arrange manufacturing charcoal briquettes. Increased mechanical strength and high bulk density of briquettes raises the range of economically viable transportation of manufactured products, i.e. logistics is being improved.To obtain stable quality activated carbon from aspen coal, water vapor activation is the least environmentally hazardous. For such activation implementation, we recommend using a rotary kiln equipped with a Z - shaped insert. For reasons of environmental safety, the oxidation of activated carbon is preferably carried out using hot, humid air. In this case, unlike liquid-phase oxidation, no wastewater is formed.
Increase sludge-ground and ash-ground mixtures crystal lattice strength by lowering the pH environment
Authors: Zubova O , Siletskiy V , Kukanov S , Kovalenko T
Published: September 2019

Studies have investigated the use of slaked lime in strengthening slurry of the sludge-ground and ash-ground mixtures in order to impart a higher strength to the crystal lattice, as well as to accelerate the hardening processes by reducing the acidity of the medium. The results of the exploratory study on the interaction of sandy soil with mineral binders, as well as the results of the study of the physico-mechanical characteristics of samples of ash-sand mixture with slaked lime and the study of the physico-mechanical characteristics of samples of nepheline sludge soil mixed with slaked lime are presented. The obtained results confirm that the use of localized soils reinforced by mineral binders, including industrial waste, is economically feasible, which will allow the development of forest roads infrastructure Recycling of industrial waste in significant volumes in forest road construction will reduce the area of storage sites, thus is a priority from the point of view of ecology.
TravellingWave Fault Location System based on IEC61850
Authors: Chen Yanzhou , Su Haohui , Cai Yanlei , Wang adn Qi
Published: September 2019

Travelling wave fault location (TWFL) system has been matured in recent years due primarily to the availability of high speed sampling techniques, fast communications technology and GPS time synchronization. However, it has not yet been fully integrated into the digital substation based on IEC61850 standard. Proposal for modeling the TWFL system by the IEC61850 standard has already been proposed in another paper. This paper focuses on the communication requirements of the TWFL system in a digital substation, both at the station level and the process level. The application of GOOSE messages and the need for high speed sampling merging unit are discussed. The paper also reports on the latest research into the electronic transformer technology which can satisfy the high speed sampling requirements of TWFL.
Identifying Flexible Pool Pumps Suitable for Distributed Demand Response Schemes
Authors: Andrew Lachlan L H , Pop Draga Doncila , Razzaghi Reza , Dowe David L
Published: September 2019

Demand response will be an important tool as non-dispatchable generation is added to the grid. Swimming pool filtration pumps are a promising appliance for the grid operator to control because, unlike air conditioners, their time of operation can be shifted by a day without affecting their primary role. Although many customers set and forget the timer settings, this paper studies smart meter data and demonstrates that many change the settings frequently. A “care index” is proposed that quantifies how much a customer appears to care about the precise timing of pump operation, which indicates how willing they are likely to be to relinquish control to the grid operator.
The founding of the RAS: astronomy in 1820
Authors: Edmunds Michael
Published: September 2019

Mike Edmunds explores what was understood as “astronomy” in the foundation year of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Keeping the history of astronomy alive
Authors: Raynor-Evans Katrin , Chapman Allan
Published: September 2019

Historian Allan Chapman is a familiar face on TV and at Burlington House. Katrin Raynor-Evans asked him about his passion for old science and scientists, his writing and his faith.
What's next for X-ray spectroscopy?
Authors: Bowler Sue
Published: September 2019

There's a revolution coming in high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy – but what will it take to make the most of this new wave of data? Sue Bowler reports from a discussion meeting in July.
Surviving a supernova: zombies and runaways
Authors: Raddi Roberto , Heber Ulrich , Hollands Mark
Published: September 2019

Roberto Raddi, Ulrich Heber and Mark A Hollands describe how thermonuclear supernova survivors embark on a whole new life as they run away from the Milky Way.
Exploring this year's noctilucent clouds
Authors: Kennedy Ken
Published: September 2019

Ken Kennedy examines this year's unusual displays of noctilucent clouds.
Does meiotic drive alter male mate preference?
Authors: Finnegan Sam Ronan , Nitsche Leslie , Mondani Matteo , Camus M Florencia , Fowler Kevin , Pomiankowski Andrew
Published: September 2019

Male mate preferences have been demonstrated across a range of species, including the Malaysian stalk-eyed fly, Teleopsis dalmanni. This species is subject to sex-ratio (SR), an X-linked male meiotic driver, which causes the dysfunction of Y-sperm and the production of all-female broods. While there has been work considering female avoidance of meiotic drive males, the mating decisions of drive-bearing males have not been considered previously. Drive males may be less able to bear the cost of choice as SR is associated with a low-frequency inversion that causes reduced organismal fitness. Drive males may also experience weaker selection for preference maintenance if they are avoided by females. Using binary choice trials, across two experiments, we confirmed male preference for large (fecund) females but found no evidence that the strength of male preference differs between drive and standard males. We showed that large eyespan males displayed strong preference for large females, whereas small eyespan males showed no preference. Taken together, these results suggest that, even though meiotic drive is associated with lower genetic quality, it does not directly interfere with male mate preference among available females. However, as drive males tend to have smaller eyespan (albeit only ~5% on average), this will to a minor extent weaken their strength of preference.
Are signals of aggressive intent less honest in urban habitats?
Authors: Akçay Çağlar , Beck Michelle L , Sewall Kendra B
Published: September 2019

How anthropogenic change affects animal social behavior, including communication is an important question. Urban noise often drives shifts in acoustic properties of signals but the consequences of noise for the honesty of signals—that is, how well they predict signaler behavior—is unclear. Here we examine whether honesty of aggressive signaling is compromised in male urban song sparrows (Melospiza melodia). Song sparrows have two honest close-range signals: the low amplitude soft songs (an acoustic signal) and wing waves (a visual signal), but whether the honesty of these signals is affected by urbanization has not been examined. If soft songs are less effective in urban noise, we predict that they should predict attacks less reliably in urban habitats compared to rural habitats. We confirmed earlier findings that urban birds were more aggressive than rural birds and found that acoustic noise was higher in urban habitats. Urban birds still sang more soft songs than rural birds. High rates of soft songs and low rates of loud songs predicted attacks in both habitats. Thus, while urbanization has a significant effect on aggressive behaviors, it might have a limited effect on the overall honesty of aggressive signals in song sparrows. We also found evidence for a multimodal shift: urban birds tended to give proportionally more wing waves than soft songs than rural birds, although whether that shift is due to noise-dependent plasticity is unclear. These findings encourage further experimental study of the specific variables that are responsible for behavioral change due to urbanization.

Soft song, the low amplitude songs given in close range interactions, is an honest threat signal in urban song sparrows. Given its low amplitude, soft songs may be a less effective signal in noisy urban habitats. However, we found that soft song remained an honest signal predicting attack in urban habitats. We also found that birds may use more visual signals (rapid fluttering of wings) in urban habitats to avoid masking from acoustic noise.
Temporal autocorrelation: a neglected factor in the study of behavioral repeatability and plasticity
Authors: Mitchell David J , Dujon Antoine M , Beckmann Christa , Biro Peter A
Published: September 2019

Quantifying individual variation in labile physiological or behavioral traits often involves repeated measures through time, so as to test for consistency of individual differences (often using repeatability, “R”) and/or individual differences in trendlines over time. Another form of temporal change in behavior is temporal autocorrelation, which predicts observations taken closely together in time to be correlated, leading to nonrandom residuals about individual temporal trendlines. Temporal autocorrelation may result from slowly changing internal states (e.g., hormone or energy levels), leading to slowly changing behavior. Autocorrelation is a well-known phenomenon, but has been largely neglected by those studying individual variation in behavior. Here, we provide two worked examples which show substantial temporal autocorrelation (r > 0.4) is present in spontaneous activity rates of guppies (Poecilia reticulata) and house mice (Mus domesticus) in stable laboratory conditions, even after accounting for temporal plasticity of individuals. Second, we show that ignoring autocorrelation does bias estimates of R and temporal reaction norm variances upwards, both in our worked examples and in separate simulations. This bias occurs due to the misestimation of individual-specific means and slopes. Given the increasing use of technologies that generate behavioral and physiological data at high sampling rates, we can now study among- and within-individual changes in behavior in more detailed ways, including autocorrelation, which we discuss from biological and methodological perspectives and provide recommendations and annotated R code to help researchers implement these models on their data.
Cognitive fluctuations in Lewy body dementia: towards a pathophysiological framework
Authors: Matar Elie , Shine James M , Halliday Glenda M , Lewis Simon J G
Published: September 2019

Fluctuating cognition is a complex and disabling symptom that is seen most frequently in the context of Lewy body dementias encompassing dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease dementia. In fact, since their description over three decades ago, cognitive fluctuations have remained a core diagnostic feature of dementia with Lewy bodies, the second most common dementia in the elderly. In the absence of reliable biomarkers for Lewy body pathology, the inclusion of such patients in therapeutic trials depends on the accurate identification of such core clinical features. Yet despite their diagnostic relevance, cognitive fluctuations remain poorly understood, in part due to the lack of a cohesive clinical and scientific explanation of the phenomenon itself. Motivated by this challenge, the present review examines the history, clinical phenomenology and assessment of cognitive fluctuations in the Lewy body dementias. Based on these data, the key neuropsychological, neurophysiological and neuroimaging correlates of cognitive fluctuations are described and integrated into a novel testable heuristic framework from which new insights may be gained.
CLIC4 abrogation promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Baolong , Zheng Jiqing , Chen Qiongyuan , Wu Chaofan , Li Yangxin , Yu Xi-Yong , Liu Bin , Liang Chun , Liu Song-Bai , Ding Hui , Wang Shuochen , Xue Ting , Song David , Lei Zhangni , Amin Hesham M , Song Yao-Hua , Zhou Jin
Published: September 2019

Chloride intracellular channel protein 4 (CLIC4) has been implicated in different types of cancers, but the role of CLIC4 in the development of gastric cancer (GC) remains unknown. We analyzed the expression of CLIC4 in 102 pairs of gastric adenocarcinomas by western blot and real-time PCR. Our data revealed that the expression of CLIC4 is reduced in GC tumor tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. The expression levels of CLIC4 correlate inversely with the clinical stage of GC. CLIC4 expression is lowest in MKN45 cells, which have the highest tumorigenic potential and express the highest levels of cancer stem cell markers CD44 and OCT4, compared with N87 and AGS cells. Exogenous overexpression of CLIC4 downregulated the expression of CD44 and OCT4, and inhibited migration, invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, anchorage-independent growth of GC cells was decreased and the cells became more sensitive to 5-fluorouracil and etoposide treatment when CLIC4 was overexpressed. The ability of N87 cells to form tumors in nude mice was enhanced when CLIC4 was silenced. We, for the first time, demonstrate that CLIC4 suppresses tumor growth by inhibiting cancer cell stemness and EMT.