bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ligand-Protein Interactions: A Hybrid ab initio/Molecular Mechanics Computational Study
Authors: Perez Yornei R. , Alvarez Dinais , Combariza Aldo
Published: February 2019

The enzymes Cyclooxygenase (COX) or prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS) are important in the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are the main mediating chemi- cals at inflammatory processes. The body produces two highly homologous COX isoforms, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-1 is involved in the pro- duction of prostaglandins which take part in physiological processes such as: protection of the gastric epithelium, maintenance of renal flow, platelet aggregation, neutrophil mi- gration and also expressed in the vascular endothelium; Meanwhile COX-2 is inducible by proinflammatory stimuli. To counteract the symptoms of inflammation, nowadays is very frequent the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); These drugs in addi- tion to other benefits, can also cause side effects on people’s health (cardiovascular and respiratory problems, in the nervous system, among others). Due to the above, it is neces- sary to accelerate the investigations that allow to know in more detail the mechanisms of action that involve the use of natural plant products as pharmacological agents. In the pre- sent research, computational techniques are used, especially those based on the Molecular Docking Method to know the proteinligand interaction in systems of biological interest. It was possible to determine the structure-activity relationship in inflammatory processes involving the participation of a number of secondary plant metabolites such as luteolin, galangin, kaempferol, apigenin, morine and quercetin on the inactivation of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX -2). In the COX-1 / ligand coupling it was found that apigenin was the ligand which showed the lowest coupling energy with a value of -8.88, whereas quercetin showed the highest value (-6.65); for the coupling COX-2 / ligand the apigenin also showed the lowest energy value (-8.93), while kaempferol showed the highest value (-7.51). This shows that apigenin is the ligand with the best stability within the active site of both enzymes. On the other hand, quercetin showed the highest relative selectivity with a protein-ligand selectivity index (PLSI) of 1.17, while kaempferol showed an PLSI of 0.91. Taking into account the parameters of stability and selectivity we can say that of all the ligands used, quercetin would be the ideal to block COX-2.
Prediction of Heart Disease using Artificial Neural Network
Authors:   Shahid Mehmood Awan,   Muhammad Usama Riaz,   Abdul Ghaffar Khan
Published: February 2019

Heart disease is increasing rapidly due to number of reasons. If we predict cardiac arrest (dangerous conditions of heart) in the early stages, it will be very helpful to cured this disease. Although doctors and health centres collect data daily, but mostly are not using machine learning and pattern matching techniques to extract the knowledge that can be very useful in prediction. Bioinformatics is the real world application of machine learning to extract patterns from the datasets using several data mining techniques. In this research paper, data and attributes are taken from the UCI repository. Attribute extraction is very effective in mining information for the prediction. By utilizing this, various patterns can be derived to predict the heart disease earlier. In this paper, we enlighten the number of techniques in Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The accuracy is calculated and visualized such as ANN gives 94.7% but with Principle Component Analysis (PCA) accuracy rate improve to 97.7%.
Health Policy Performance in 16 Caribbean States, 2010–2015
Authors: Verstraeten Soraya P. A. , van Oers Hans A. M. , Mackenbach Johan P.
Published: February 2019

Objectives. To determine whether Caribbean states vary in health policy performance in 11 different areas; to explore the association with sociodemographic, economical, and governance determinants; and to estimate the potential health gains of “best-practice” health policies.

Methods. We selected 50 indicators that included data on mortality (latest available, 2010–2015), intermediate outcomes, and policy implementation to calculate a state’s health policy performance score. We related this score to country characteristics and calculated the potential number of avoidable deaths if the age-specific mortality rates of best-performer Martinique applied in all states.

Results. We found large differences in health policy performance among Caribbean states. Martinique, Cuba, and Guadeloupe had the highest performance scores, and Guyana, Belize, and Suriname the lowest. Political affiliation, religious fractionalization, corruption, national income, and population density were associated with health policy performance. If the mortality rates of Martinique applied to all Caribbean states, an overall mortality reduction of 12% would be achieved.

Conclusions. Differences in health outcomes between Caribbean states are partly attributable to variations in health policy implementation. Our results suggest that many deaths can be prevented if Caribbean governments adopt best-practice policies.
City-Level Measures of Health, Health Determinants, and Equity to Foster Population Health Improvement: The City Health Dashboard
Authors: Gourevitch Marc N. , Athens Jessica K. , Levine Shoshanna E. , Kleiman Neil , Thorpe Lorna E.
Published: February 2019

Objectives. To support efforts to improve urban population health, we created a City Health Dashboard with area-specific data on health status, determinants of health, and equity at city and subcity (census tract) levels.

Methods. We developed a Web-based resource that includes 37 metrics across 5 domains: social and economic factors, physical environment, health behaviors, health outcomes, and clinical care. For the largest 500 US cities, the Dashboard presents metrics calculated to the city level and, where possible, subcity level from multiple data sources, including national health surveys, vital statistics, federal administrative data, and state education data sets.

Results. Iterative input from city partners shaped Dashboard development, ensuring that measures can be compared across user-selected cities and linked to evidence-based policies to spur action. Reports from early deployment indicate that the Dashboard fills an important need for city- and subcity-level data, fostering more granular understanding of health and its drivers and supporting associated priority-setting.

Conclusions. By providing accessible city-level data on health and its determinants, the City Health Dashboard complements local surveillance efforts and supports urban population health improvement on a national scale.
Tibial Shaft Fractures in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Raducha Jeremy E. , Swarup Ishaan , Schachne Jonathan M. , Cruz Aristides I. , Fabricant Peter D.
Published: February 2019

* Tibial shaft fractures are common in the pediatric population.

* Traditionally, the majority of pediatric tibial fractures have been managed nonoperatively, but surgical rates are increasing.

* Management includes closed reduction and casting, flexible nailing, plate osteosynthesis, external fixation, and rigid intramedullary nailing.

* Gustilo-Anderson grade-2 and 3 open pediatric tibial shaft fractures have higher complication rates than closed fractures.

* The majority of pediatric tibial shaft fractures have excellent outcomes with an expectation for return to full activities.
Techniques for Optimizing Acetabular Component Positioning in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Feng James E. , Anoushiravani Afshin A. , Eftekhary Nima , Wiznia Daniel , Schwarzkopf Ran , Vigdorchik Jonathan M.
Published: February 2019

* Proper acetabular component positioning is dependent on multiple factors.

* Proper preoperative templating is of utmost importance, and the surgeon must take care to determine acetabular position and location, orientation (anteversion and inclination), and size, while also focusing on limb length and offset.

* Patient positioning on the operative table, whether in the supine or lateral position, can affect final acetabular component position.

* Intraoperative execution with use of appropriate tools and techniques (e.g., anatomical landmarks, mechanical alignment guides, and computer-assisted or robotic navigation) allows for component positioning consistent with the preoperative plan.

* It is important to understand the benefits and limitations of each tool, recognizing how to identify and remove the possibility of error.
Multimodal imaging of torpedo maculopathy in a Chinese woman: a case report
Authors: Ding Yuhua , Yao Bangtao , Ye Hui , Yu Yan
Published: February 2019

Background: Torpedo maculopathy is a rare, benign, and congenital macular lesion that typically appears in ‘torpedo-shape’ and located at the temporal macula region. The purpose of this article is to describe in detailed regarding the torpedo maculopathy in a Chinese woman using multimodal imaging.
Case presentation: A 30-year-old Chinese woman occasionally had an yellowish-white macular lesion in her right eye during a routine examination. She had no symptoms, and the best-corrected visual acuity of both eyes was 6/6. Funduscopic examination revealed a torpedo-shaped and mild hyperpigmentation lesion in the temporal macular area of her right eye. Infrared fundal (IR) photograph showed that the lesion contour was visible, transverse elliptical, a tip pointed towards the central fovea of the macula. Microperimetry visual field appeared normal. The spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) showed a normal inner, mildly thinned retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and increased choroidal signal. OCT angiography (OCTA) choroid capillary segment revealed increased density of the choroidal vasculature. With fundus autofluorescence (FAF), the lesion showed slight hypoautofluorescence, and marginal mild hypoautofluorescence. Fundus fluorescence angiography (FFA) of the lesion showed variegated fluorescence and no leakage and change in the morphology during the whole imaging process.
Conclusions: This is the first report to put forward a thorough and detailed description of torpedo maculopathy simultaneously using fundal photograph, IR, microperimetry visual field, OCT, OCTA, FAF, and FFA. Multimodal imaging provides precious and detailed information to further clarify the characteristics and development of this rare disease.
Full A Call for Consensus in Defining Efficacy in Clinical Trials for Opioid Addiction: Combined Results from a Systematic Review and Qualitative Study in Patients Receiving Pharmacological Assisted Therapy for Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Dennis Brittany B. , Sanger Nitika , Bawor Monica , Naji Leen , Worster Andrew , Baptist-Mohseni Natasha , Hillmer Alannah , Rice Danielle , Corace Kim , Hutton Brian , Tugwell Peter , Thabane Lehana , Samaan Zainab
Published: February 2019

Background

Given the complex nature of opioid addiction treatment and the rising number of available opioid substitution and antagonist therapies (OSAT), there is no ‘gold standard’ measure of treatment effectiveness, and each successive trial measures a different set of outcomes which reflect success in arbitrary or opportune terms.We sought to describe the variation in current outcomes employed across clinical trials for opioid addiction, as well as determine whether a discrepancy exists between the treatment targets that patients consider important and how treatment effectiveness is measured in the literature.

Methods

We searched nine commonly used databases (e.g. EMBASE, MEDLINE) from inception to August 1, 2015. Outcomes used across trials were extracted and categorized according to previously established domains. To evaluate patient reported goals of treatment, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 adults undergoing methadone treatment.

Results

We identified 60 trials eligible for inclusion. Once outcomes were categorized into eight broad domains (e.g. abstinence/substance abuse), we identified 21 specific outcomes with furthermore 53 subdomains and 118 measurements. Continued opioid use and treatment retention were the most commonly reported measures (46%, n=28). The majority of patients agreed that abstinence from opioids was a primary goal in their treatment, however they also stressed goals under-reported in clinical trials.

Conclusion

There is inconsistency in the measures used to evaluate the effectiveness of OSATs. Individual and population level decision making is being guided by a standard of effect considered useful to researchers yet in direct conflict with what patients deem important.

PROSPERO ID

CRD42013006507
Dexmedetomidine added to ropivacaine for transversus abdominis plane block inhibits stress response in laparoscopic surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Qin Zhaojun , Xiang Chunyan , Li Hongbo , Liu Tingting , Zhan Leyun , Xia Zhengyuan , Zhang Min , Lai Jianpin
Published: February 2019

Background: Intravenous dexmedetomidine is known to attenuate stress response in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. We investigated whether the addition of the highly selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist dexmedetomidine into ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block could inhibit stress response during laparoscopic surgery, and determined the optimal dose of dexmedetomidine in it. Methods: One hundred and twenty-five patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery were included in this prospective and randomized double-blind study. Patients received general anesthesia with or without a total of 60 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine in combination with low (0.25 µg/kg), medium (0.50 µg/kg) or high dose (1.0 µg/kg) of dexmedetomidine for the four-quadrant transversus abdominis plane block( n = 25). The primary outcomes were stress marker levels during the operation. Results: One hundred and twenty patients completed the study protocol. Dexmedetomidine added to ropivacaine for transversus abdominis plane block significantly reduced serum levels of cortisol, norepinephrine, epinephrine, interleukin-6, blood glucose, mean arterial pressure and heart rate in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), accompanied with decreased anesthetic and opioid consumption during the operation (P < 0.05), but the high dose of dexmedetomidine induced higher incidences of bradycardia than low or medium dose of dexmedetomidine (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The addition of dexmedetomidine at the dose of 0.5 µg/kg into ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block is the optimal dose to inhibit stress response in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery.
Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy after transvenous coiling of dural arteriovenous fistulas: A case report
Authors: Majima Kazuyuki , Fujita Kyoko , Miyachi Shigeru , Kamei Motohiro
Published: February 2019

Background

A dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) is defined as an abnormal arteriovenous direct connection in the dura mater, with the cavernous sinus (CS) being one of the most common locations. Transarterial or transvenous embolization remains the first-line treatment for most dAVF, although these procedures are associated with rare sight-threatening ophthalmic complications. We report a case of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (nAION) following successful treatment of dAVF with a coil embolization.

Case presentation

A 76-year-old woman complained of conjunctival hyperemia in both eyes 1 month prior to visiting our hospital. She was diagnosed with bilateral dAVF based on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). On ophthalmic examination, her best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.8 in the right eye and 0.7 in the left. Intraocular pressure was 27 mmHg in the right and 24 mmHg in the left. Extraocular movements were limited in all directions. Slit lamp examination disclosed red eyes with dilated corkscrew vessels. Funduscopic examination revealed normal findings in both eyes except a partial chorioretinal atrophy in the left eye. Goldmann perimetry revealed an inferior nasal defect corresponding to the chorioretinal atrophy in the left eye and normal visual field in the right eye. Transvenous coil embolization of the right CS was performed. The dAVF was completely embolized and there was no intraoperative complication. Follow-up brain MRA showed no evidence of residual dural fistula. Ten days after embolization, she developed double vision and visual disturbance in the right eye. Her right BCVA was 0.8. Fundus examination revealed pallor papilledema and splinter hemorrhages at the optic disc edge in her right eye. Fluorescein angiography showed hypofluorescence around the optic disc and a nasal lesion in the early phase. Goldman perimetry revealed lower altitudinal hemianopsia in the right eye. From these findings, nAION was diagnosed. During hospitalization, her right BCVA decreased to 0.08. Ten months later, funduscopy revealed right temporal optic disc pallor without edema, and her right visual acuity remained at 0.08.

Conclusions

We report a case of nAION after embolization of dAVF located in CS. This complication should be considered after embolization for dAVF.
Improvements in Grain Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Summer Maize by Optimizing Tillage Practice and Nitrogen Application Rate
Authors: Zhai Lichao , Xu Ping , Zhang Zhengbin , Wei Benhui , Jia Xiuling , Zhang Lihua
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Compared with no tillage and subsoiling, deep vertical rotary tillage significantly increased grain yield of densely planted summer maize.

Compared with no tillage, subsoiling and deep vertical rotary tillage significantly increased N use efficiency of densely planted summer maize.

The T × N interaction showed that the grain yield of T3–N225 was the highest; however, T3–N150 or T2–N225 has better N use efficiency

In light of the economic benefits, the optimal cultivation practice was deep vertical rotary tillage with N rate of 225 kg ha–1.

Long periods of single tillage practice combined with excessive nitrogen (N) application are major factors restricting high yield and high efficiency production in the North China Plain. Field experiments were conducted by using a split‐plot design. Main plots included three different tillage practices: no tillage (T1), subsoiling tillage (T2), and deep vertical rotary tillage (T3). Subplots consisted of four different N application rates (N300: 300 kg ha−1; N225: 225 kg ha−1; N150: 150 kg ha−1; N0: 0 kg ha−1) with a plant density of 90,000 plants ha−1. Under the same N rate, T3 increased grain yield by 19.1 and 13.4% compared with that of T1 and T2. Under the same tillage practice, grain yield decreased with the reduced N rate, but the difference between N225 and N300 was not significant in most cases. Nitrogen agronomic efficiency (AEN), N recovery efficiency (REN), and partial factor productivity of applied N (PFPN) of T3 and T2 were higher than that of T1. Compared with T1, T2 increased AEN, REN, and PFPN by 6.5, 139.2, 6.1%, respectively, and T3 increased AEN, REN, and PFPN by 36.2, 82.1, and 20.1%, respectively. Levels of AEN, REN, and PFPN reduced with increasing N application rate in 2016, but N225 has the highest AEN and REN in 2017. The T × N interaction showed that the grain yield of T3–N225 was the highest; however, T3–N150 (2016) and T2–N225 (2017) had the highest AEN and REN. In light of the economic benefit, the optimal management strategy was 225 kg N ha−1 paired with deep vertical rotary tillage.
Assessing and Modeling Pasture Growth under Different Nitrogen Fertilizer and Defoliation Rates in Argentina and the United States
Authors: Insua Juan R. , Utsumi Santiago A. , Basso Bruno
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Model‐based approach identified sets of adaptive practices for pasture management across seasons.

Suitable combinations of N rate and residual heights can improve the use of N fertilizer and water.

The increment in residual pasture mass and N fertilizer may be crucial for more efficient use of water.

Pasture growth responses to residual leaf area increased with N fertilization.

The objectives of this research were to (i) evaluate the effects of N fertilizer, irrigation, and residual pasture heights on pasture growth, (ii) validate the ability of the SALUS model to predict dynamics of pasture growth, and (iii) evaluate during long‐term period the effects of using different N fertilizer levels and defoliation strategies on pasture growth, N fertilizer use, and water use efficiency (WUE). Eight single‐season experiments were performed at plot scale (8 m2) in Buenos Aires (Argentina, ARG) and Michigan. In ARG different N fertilizer rates (from 0–500 kg N ha−1) were imposed on both rainfed and irrigated tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.] pasture during autumn, spring, and summer. In the United States, three residual pasture height treatments (30, 60, and 120 mm) were imposed on both tall fescue and ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) pasture in the spring and summer. The SALUS was parameterized to simulate tall fescue and ryegrass growth using soil, weather, and different pasture treatments previously tested in ARG and the United States. Results showed that the SALUS accurately represented the response of herbage mass to irrigation and added N in the ARG site (RMSE < 650 kg DM ha−1) and to differences in residual pasture heights in the U.S. experiment (RMSE < 509 kg DM ha−1). Ten‐year simulations (2000–2010) demonstrated that suitable combinations of N fertilizer and residual pasture heights can significantly improve the use of N fertilizer by ∼300% and water by ∼230% through increases in herbage production.
Composted Cattle Manure as a Nitrogen Source for Sugar Beet Production
Authors: Maharjan Bijesh , Hergert Gary W.
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Composted cattle manure has no detrimental effect on sugar beet root yield or sugar quality.

Composted cattle manure is a potential nitrogen source for sugar beet production

Besides a proper N rate, crop stand, and previous crop are also important to maximize beet yield and quality.

Nitrogen management is key to achieving profitable sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) yield and quality. When commercial fertilizer prices increase significantly, producers often consider alternatives, including fresh or composted manure. A 3‐yr field trial was conducted in western Nebraska to evaluate the effects of different rates of composted beef (Bos taurus L.) manure (CManure), and urea on sugar beet yield, sucrose content, and quality. Sugar beet followed maize (Zea mays L.) in 2009 and 2010 and dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in 2011. Agronomic efficiency (AE) of N applied as CManure or urea was also evaluated in this study. There was a trend for reduced AE with increasing rate of N input. Beet yield response to composted manure rates plateaued at 23.0 Mg ha−1 (in 2009–2010) and 13.9 Mg ha−1 (in 2011) with corresponding fresh beet yields of 62.2 and 77.9 Mg ha−1. Composted manure treatments at application rates of 18 and 36 Mg ha−1 statistically matched what urea rates of 67 and 134 kg N ha−1 achieved in terms of beet yield. These findings found no adverse effect of composted manure in beet production and underscore the potential of solely depending on composted manure to meet N requirement in beet production.
Multienvironment and Multitrait Genomic Selection Models in Unbalanced Early‐Generation Wheat Yield Trials
Authors: Ward Brian P. , Brown-Guedira Gina , Tyagi Priyanka , Kolb Frederic L. , Van Sanford David A. , Sneller Clay H. , Griffey Carl A.
Published: February 2019

The majority of studies evaluating genomic selection (GS) for plant breeding have used single‐trait, single‐site models that ignore genotype × environment interaction (GEI) effects. However, such studies do not accurately reflect the complexities of many applied breeding programs, and previous papers have found that models that incorporate GEI effects and multiple traits can increase the accuracy of genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs). This study's goal was to test GS methods for prediction in scenarios that simulate early‐generation yield testing by correcting for field spatial variation, and fitting multienvironment and multitrait models on data for 14 traits of varying heritability evaluated in unbalanced designs across four environments. Corrections for spatial variation increased across‐environment trait heritability by 25%, on average, but had little effect on model predictive ability. Results between all models were generally equivalent when predicting the performance of newly introduced genotypes. However, models incorporating GEI information and multiple traits increased prediction accuracy by up to 9.6% for low‐heritability traits when phenotypic data were sparsely collected across environments. The results suggest that GS models using multiple traits and incorporating GEI effects may best be suited to predicting line performance in new environments when phenotypic data have already been collected across a subset of the total testing environments.
Grassland Management Affects Delivery of Regulating and Supporting Ecosystem Services
Authors: Sollenberger Lynn E. , Kohmann Marta M. , Dubeux Jose C. B. , Silveira Maria L.
Published: February 2019

Ecosystem services (ES) are the direct and indirect contributions of ecosystems to human well‐being. Grassland ecosystems cover >40% of Earth's ice‐free terrestrial surface, and grassland management affects the ES provided. Our objective was to synthesize the existing literature assessing management effects on regulating and supporting ES provided by grasslands, explore the related mechanisms, and determine which practices favor ES delivery. Current literature supports the following conclusions. Increasing management intensity of grasslands through planting more productive species or increasing fertilizer inputs generally increases soil organic C (SOC) accumulation. Increasing the number of plant species or functional groups, especially when legumes are added, often increases SOC accumulation. Grazed grasslands generally accumulate SOC more rapidly than undefoliated grasslands. Low or moderate stocking rates favor SOC accumulation relative to high stocking rates, especially in lower‐rainfall environments. Short‐term SOC accumulation rates observed after conversion of cropland to perennial grassland do not continue indefinitely. More digestible forages defoliated at optimal maturity may decrease CH4emitted per unit of feed consumed or per unit of animal product. Substituting legumes for N fertilizer and reducing livestock N excretion through diet manipulation reduce N2O emissions. Managing grazing to increase uniformity of excreta deposition increases efficiency of nutrient cycling. Species‐rich grasslands with flower‐rich legumes and forbs increase foraging opportunities for pollinators. Finally, to optimize delivery of grassland ES, management practices that sustain ecosystem function likely need to replace those that maximize short‐term resource utilization or economic return. To encourage adoption, such practices may need to be incentivized.
Density Effects on Soil‐Water Characteristics, Soil‐Gas Diffusivity, and Emissions of N2O and N2 from a Re‐packed Pasture Soil
Authors: Chamindu Deepagoda T. K. K. , Clough T. J. , Thomas S. M. , Balaine N. , Elberling B.
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

A predictive gas diffusivity model for undisturbed soils was modified for sieved‐repacked pasture soils.

Density‐induced changes in soil physical attributes along with gaseous fluxes help identify N2O mitigation.

Maintaining well‐aerated conditions and a soil‐gas diffusivity of >0.038 may be a mechanism for keeping N2O and N2 fluxes low.

Density‐induced soil structural changes may potentially alter both soil total porosity and soil pore size distribution, and thus change the soil's water retention characteristics, gas diffusion and transport properties, and subsequent greenhouse emissions. In this study, we characterized and parameterized water retention, pore size distribution, gas diffusivity and cumulative emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitrogen (N2) fluxes in a differently compacted silt‐loam sampled from a grazed pasture in Lincoln, New Zealand. The soils used for the simulations were subjected to five different density treatments (1.1, 1.2, 1.3. 1.4, 1.5 Mg m−3), subsequently saturated and successively drained to 11 matric potentials at which water retention, gas diffusivity and flux measurements were performed. Results show strong correlations between best‐fit soil‐water characteristic parameters and the density levels. A recent predictive gas diffusivity model developed for undisturbed soils was modified to better characterize the measured gas diffusivity data in sieved‐repacked pasture soils. Further, two exponential and linear parametric models were developed to adequately parameterize the observed fingerprints of cumulative (35‐d) N2O and N2 fluxes, respectively. Results clearly distinguished the density‐induced changes in pore structure, pore size distribution, gas diffusivity and emission of gas fluxes and hence provide useful implications for pasture management to reduce future emission of greenhouse gases. Results particularly highlighted the importance of ensuring a diffusivity ≥0.038 to limit extensive emission of N2O and N2 fluxes. The improved parametric models and parameter correlations provide valuable numerical insight to better characterize density‐dependent behavior in soil physical properties and functions.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from an Irrigated Crop Rotation Utilizing Dairy Manure
Authors: Leytem A. B. , Moore A. D. , Dungan R. S.
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Manure addition enhanced N2O losses.

0.13 to 0.24% of total N added was lost as N2O.

Overall, global warming potential was lower in manure treatments than in fertilizer treatments.

Information on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from manure application in cropping systems of the irrigated mountain west region is needed. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine the effect of manure application rate and frequency (annual vs. biennial) on GHG losses compared to synthetic fertilizer, (ii) determine the effect of irrigation on GHG losses and (iii) determine the overall global warming potential (GWP) of using manure vs. synthetic fertilizer. Treatments included dry manure rates of 18 or 52 Mg ha−1 applied annually or 36 Mg ha−1 applied biennially as well as synthetic fertilizer and control treatments. Cumulative losses of N2O‐N over the rotation ranged from 1.4 to 8.4 kg ha−1 with the 52 Mg ha−1 manure application losing the greatest amount of N2O‐N. Emission factors for the growing season indicated that 0.13 to 0.24% of total N applied was lost as N2O‐N. Cumulative CO2–C losses were greatest in the manure treatments, with approximately 7% of carbon added lost as CO2–C. Maximum N2O‐N fluxes occurred at soil moisture contents of 0.3 to 0.4 m3 m−3 and temperature near 25°C, while CO2–C emissions occurred over broader soil moisture and temperature conditions. The overall GWP associated with manure application indicated a net negative GWP for manure treatments while the synthetic fertilizer treatment was near neutral. Including manure in cropping system rotations can lead to enhanced GHG emission, however the benefits of enhanced SOC can outweigh these losses leading to lower GWP than use of synthetic fertilizer alone.
Carbon–Mercury Interactions in Spodosols Assessed through Density Fractionation, Radiocarbon Analysis, and Soil Survey Information
Authors: Nave L.E. , Covarrubias Ornelas A. , Drevnick P.E. , Gallo A. , Hatten J.A. , Heckman K.A. , Matosziuk L. , Sanclements M. , Strahm B.D. , Veverica T.J. , Weiglein T.L. , Swanston C.W.
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Bulk soils are mixtures of SOM pools that cycle C and Hg very differently.

Density separation and C‐14 analysis reveal differences between SOM pools.

Mineral interactions are an underappreciated mechanism for Hg and C stabilization.

C‐Hg interactions in Spodosols are consistent across the entire soil order.

Soil taxonomic orders differ in C‐Hg relationships in pedogenically predictable ways.

Soils comprise the largest terrestrial pool of C and Hg on Earth, and these elements have critical feedbacks to problems ranging from atmospheric pollution and climate change to public health. Empirical evidence suggests these elements cycle closely in a wide range of soils, but mechanistic studies of their interactions within distinct soil organic matter (SOM) pools and between different soil types are needed. Here, we report findings of a novel approach to investigate C–Hg interactions, primarily in Spodosols, in which we: (i) examined density separated topsoil and illuvial horizons of four contrasting Spodosols, and used radiocarbon to investigate interactions between Hg and C cycling in distinct SOM pools; (ii) assessed broader patterns across Spodosols and other soil orders using USDA soil survey laboratory data. Consistent with other studies, C and Hg concentrations of individual soil horizons were positively related across the four contrasting Spodosols. Carbon and Hg were also positively related in the density fractions comprising individual soil horizons, but radiocarbon analysis revealed fundamental differences in Hg retention in modern, C‐rich fractions vs. low‐C fractions containing less modern radiocarbon. The lack of significant site‐to‐site variation in C and Hg across these sites (and Spodosols more broadly), contrasted against significant differences between horizons and fractions, suggests processes controlling C–Hg interactions are consistent across the taxonomic order. Furthermore, significant differences between other soil orders indicate that processes controlling soil formation—as represented by soil taxonomy—can explain differences in C–Hg interactions and their distribution across soils.
Delineating Site‐Specific Management Zones and Evaluating Soil Water Temporal Dynamics in a Farmer's Field in Kentucky
Authors: Reyes Javier , Wendroth Ole , Matocha Christopher , Zhu Junfeng
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Clay content, soil organic matter, slope, NDVI, and topographic wetness index delineate management zones.

Hard and fuzzy clustering analysis resulted in divisions of two and three areas.

Wavelet analysis revealed variability in temporal soil water dynamics between zones.

Due to spatial variability of soil genesis, topography, and resulting soil properties in farmers' fields, soil and crop processes vary in space and time. Therefore, optimum rates and timing of resource applications, such as nutrients and irrigation water, may vary as well. It remains a challenge to quantify the spatial variability of a field and to identify effective ways to manage fields in a site‐specific manner. The objective of this study was to delineate management zones within a farmer's field based on relatively easily obtainable information that is statistically integrated. Moreover, soil water temporal dynamics should be evaluated regarding their spatial differences in different zones. The set of direct and indirect observations included clay and silt content, apparent electrical conductivity, soil chemical properties (pH; organic matter; and total N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Zn), satellite‐based normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and lidar‐based topographic variables in a western Kentucky field. Several key variables and their capability to describe spatial crop yield variability were identified by using principal component analysis: soil clay content, slope, soil organic matter content, topographic wetness index, and NDVI. Two types of cluster analysis were applied to delineate management zones. The cluster analyses revealed that two to three zones was the optimal number of classes based on different criteria. Delineated zones were evaluated and revealed significant differences in corn (Zea maysL.) yield and temporally different soil moisture dynamics. The results demonstrate the ability of the proposed procedure to delineate a farmer's field into zones based on spatially varying soil and crop properties that should be considered for irrigation management.
The strong coupling from $e^+e^-\to$~hadrons
Authors: Boito Diogo , Golterman Maarten , Keshavarzi Alex , Maltman Kim , Nomura Daiskuke , Peris Santiago , Teubner Thomas
Published: February 2019

We use a new compilation of the hadronic
RR-ratio
from available data for the process e^+e^-\toe+e−→
hadrons below the charm mass to determine the strong coupling
\alpha_sαs,
using finite-energy sum rules. Quoting our results at the
\tauτ
mass to facilitate comparison to the results obtained from similar
analyses of hadronic \tauτ-decay
data, we find \alpha_s(m_\tau^2)=0.298\pm 0.016\pm 0.006αs(mτ2)=0.298±0.016±0.006
in fixed-order perturbation theory, and \alpha_s(m_\tau^2)=0.304\pm 0.018\pm 0.006αs(mτ2)=0.304±0.018±0.006
in contour-improved perturbation theory, where the first error is
statistical, and the second error combines various systematic effects.
These values are in good agreement with a recent determination from the
OPAL and ALEPH data for hadronic \tauτ
decays. We briefly compare the R(s)R(s)-based
analysis with the \tauτ-based
analysis.
The Mu3e experiment at PSI
Authors: Bravar Alessandro
Published: February 2019

Mu3e will search for charged Lepton Flavor Violation in the
neutrinoless muon decay \mu^+ \rightarrow e^+ e^- e^+μ+→e+e−e+
with a sensitivity down to 10^{-16}10−16
(90% C.L.) using the world most intense continuous muon beam at PSI.
This search requires a large acceptance detector capable of coping with
rates of up to 2 \times 10^92×109
stopped muons per second with excellent momentum, spatial, and time
resolution. The Mu3e detector is based on thin monolithic active silicon
pixel sensors for tracking in conjunction with scintillating fibers and
tiles for timing measurements. The Mu3e apparatus is under constructions
and first data is expected in 2020.
$μ$-$e$ conversion experiments at J-PARC
Authors: Teshima Natsuki
Published: February 2019

There are two plans of experiments to search for muon to electron
(\muμ-ee)
conversion at J-PARC, which are called DeeMe and COMET.
\muμ-ee
conversion is one of the charged lepton flavor violation processes,
which are forbidden in the Standard Model, but some theories beyond the
Standard Model predict relatively large branching ratios at orders of
10^{-12}10−12
to 10^{-17}10−17.
DeeMe will be conducted with a sensitivity of
1\times10^{-13}1×10−13
using a carbon target for 1 year, and COMET will be done with that of
3\times10^{-15}3×10−15
in Phase-I. In this article, the current status of these two experiments
will be presented.
GRAND: A Giant Radio Array for Neutrino Detection
Authors: Timmermans Charles
Published: February 2019

GRAND will be a distributed set of about 20 arrays of radio antennas,
totalling 200,000 km^22.
We aim to study the ultra high energy universe through the detection of
neutrinos, photons and cosmic rays at energies at the EeV scale. In
addition GRAND will be used to study astronomical objects like FRBs and
GRBs. We will describe the physics motivation, the detection strategy,
the first stages of GRAND and the path to creating the complete
setup.
Potable water supply among the physically challenged in selected homes for the disabled in Ibadan
Authors: Udofia Ifiok P. , Oloruntoba Elizabeth O.
Published: February 2019

There is paucity of information on accessibility to potable water in homes for the disabled in Nigeria. This study investigated access to potable water among physically challenged people in three homes for the disabled in Ibadan. Sixty-four physically challenged persons living at the Cheshire Home (CH), Sekinat Adekola (SAC) and Lawal Centre (LC) were surveyed. Quantity of Drinking Water (QDW) received daily was compared to the WHO minimum requirement of 2.5 litres/head/day. Drinking water samples were analysed for total coliform (TCC) and Escherichia coli counts (ECC). Respondents' ages were 22.4 ± 5.1 years in CH, 23.6 ± 7.4 years in SAC and 13.8 ± 5.6 years in LC. The QDW received was 5.3 ± 1.5 litres/head/day in CH, 4.5 ± 0.5 litres/head/day in SAC and 2.8 ± 0.8 litres/head/day in LC. Thirty-seven percent in CH, 55.0% in SAC and 22.0% in LC were very satisfied with QDW received. CH water had lower TCC (2.0 ± 0.6 cfu/100 mL) compared to SAC (378 ± 169.3 cfu/100 mL) and LC (357.3 ± 174.3 cfu/100 mL). Only LC water showed an ECC of 1.0 ± 0.4 cfu/100 mL. Not all individuals experienced adequate access within the homes. Water quality was poor across the homes and treatment was inadequate. Constant potable water is required for the well-being of disabled people in these homes.

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Study on the effect of chitosan conditioning on sludge dewatering
Authors: Zhang Jin , Hu Qing , Lu Jie , Lin Shuang
Published: February 2019

The difficulty of residual sludge dehydration is the major problem in sewage treatment. The reduction of moisture content in sludge can reduce the sludge volume significantly and is conducive to the subsequent disposal of sludge. As an organic polymer flocculant, chitosan (CTS) is widely used in water and waste water treatment. In this study, CTS was used in sludge treatment to improve the sedimentation and dehydration properties of sludge. When treated with CTS, the moisture content of sludge cake decreased from 85.9% to 83.0%, the SV30 decreased to about 1/2, and the sludge volume reduced to 82.9%. Further analysis showed that the zeta potential (ζ-potential) of the sludge changed from negative value to positive value, and the D50 of the sludge was larger than that of the raw sludge. In addition, when the moisture content of the sludge cake was reduced to the lowest, the concentration of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and SCOD was the largest and the |ζ| decreased to the lowest. CTS improved the dehydration and sedimentation performance of sludge mainly by factors of electrical neutralization, adsorption bridging and dissolution of EPS.
Determining the provision of wastewater management infrastructure in rural India from the local communities' perspectives
Authors: Rashid Mohammad , Pandit Debapratim
Published: February 2019

Management of wastewater in rural areas is important for improving the sanitation services which has remained relatively neglected in India and other developing countries. This study aims to analyse the service quality of attributes of wastewater management (WWM) infrastructure and to determine their service delivery levels from local communities' perspective which is required for the sustainability of the provided facilities. The study was conducted in a few villages of the Gaya district of Bihar, India with a sample size of 1,204. Twelve attributes are identified and selected after extensive literature review, focus group discussions and experts' opinion survey, and appropriate service delivery level for each attribute is determined using level of service (LOS) scale, zone of tolerance (ZOT) and through users' satisfaction level (USL) values for each attribute. The findings reveal that while service level of most of the attributes is perceived as LOS C, the expected service level for the attributes lies between LOS A and C. The proportion of households satisfied at the upper and lower ranges of ZOT also varies from one attribute to another. The framework developed in this research would help policy makers to determine appropriate service delivery level of WWM attribute and other infrastructure in rural areas.
The main provisions of obtaining coloring systems for transparent finishing of products made of softwood
Authors: Chizhova Marina Aleksandrovna
Published: February 2019

The article presents the main provisions of obtaining stable water-dispersion coloring systems for coniferous wood. The paint technology uses polymer dispersions, which differ not only in the nature of the film-forming agent, but also in stabilization systems, lyophilicity, film-forming ability. For the choice of film-forming substance, for the painting of coniferous wood, it is necessary to take into account the main technical characteristics of polymer dispersions and their properties. The main directions of development of the LCP technology are the improvement of decorative and operational properties of coatings through the development of new materials and methods of their application, reducing the use of harmful substances.
Protection of paints and coatings from biodeterioration
Authors: Novikova Svetlana Igorevna
Published: February 2019

Аbstract: the article discusses the issues related to the protection of paintwork materials from biological damage. Paint and varnish materials and coatings are exposed to damage caused by various microorganisms during operation, since many components of the materials are used by microbes as power sources. The greatest destruction is caused by bacteria and microscopic fungi. At the moment there are practically no absolutely biostable paints and coatings. Depending on their chemical composition and structure, we can only talk about compositions that are more or less resistant to biological damage. One of the effective ways to protect materials from biological damage is the introduction of various biocidal additives into their composition.
Analysis of methodological approaches to management accounting in the enterprise
Authors: Egorushkina Tatiana Nikolaevna , Ksenofontova Oksana Viktorovna
Published: February 2019

The article deals with the stages of development of management accounting, the points of view of various authors, justified the need for quality management information, which has an impact on the development of cost accounting as its own economic information system of enterprises of various forms of ownership
Work on crushing soil cobles and lumber
Authors: Otahanov Bakhrom Sadirdinovich , Abdumannopov Nasimjon Abdulhakimovich , Juraev Jamshidbek Abduzhabbor ugli , Giyosov Kakhramonjon Akramzhon o’g’li
Published: February 2019

The article discusses the issue of the destructibility of soil lumps and lumps depending on the processing speed and the definition of rational values, proposed a method for evaluating the working bodies in terms of the energy intensity of the process.