Assessment of benthic environmental disturbance in the Ba Lai estuary using the nematode biomass spectra

The researchs on the biomass spectra - a functional characteristic of biotic communities is still limited. In this study, the nematode biomass spectra in the bottom of Ba Lai estuary was investigated at six subtidal stations from the sea toward the upstream. The result showed that nematode biomass spectra ranged between -8 and 1 being significantly different between stations, and the lowest biomass of those spectras was in station BL4 (< 2 µg) which is upwardly closed to the Ba Lai dam. BL4 was also characterized by the lowest nematode abundance in the studied area. In addition, station BL3 downwardly closed to the dam exhibited low number of individuals. The heterogeneity in the nematode biomass spectra of BL3 and BL4 might due to the disturbance in the sedimentary environment of Ba Lai estuary related to the dam impact. This research again supports the important role of biomass spectra as bioindicator tool for biomonitoring and environmental quality assessment. Therefore, applying nematode biomass spectra is recommended for environmental assessment due to their advantages such as timesaving, not taxonomical expertise-requirement.

Analysis and Research on the Node Space of Ancient Villages Based on Space Syntax

This research takes Cuiwei Village in Qianshan District of Zhuhai City as an example. Through field research, the village is investigated and analyzed, and the street scale, spatial structure, functional characteristic streets, internal commercial distribution forms, and functions of Cuiwei Historic District are studied. analysis. On this basis, based on the convex space method and the line-of-sight analysis method in the space syntax theory, with the help of Depthmap software, the complex street node, that is, the space of the two nodes A and B, is established through the establishment of a visual field model. It includes the analysis of the integration degree of the horizon, the concentration of the horizon, the connection value of the horizon and the spatial characteristics of the historical area, as well as the traditional buildings that are the most representative of the village, namely the Three Kings Temple and the Webster's Mansion. When R=N and radius R=3, observe the changes in the two parameters of the visual integration and visual depth of the two historical buildings. And with the help of Baidu Time Machine photos in different periods to observe and record the changes in the store and the characteristics of people's behavior, and draw conclusions.

The characteristics of the HIV-1 Env glycoprotein contribute to viral pathogenesis

The understanding of HIV-1 pathogenesis and clinical progression is incomplete because of the variable contribution of host, immune and viral factors. The involvement of viral factors has been investigated in extreme clinical phenotypes from rapid progressors to long-term non-progressors (LTNPs). Among HIV-1 proteins, the envelope glycoprotein complex (Env) has concentrated many studies for its important role in the immune response and in the first steps of viral replication. In this study, we analyzed the contribution of 41 Envs from 24 patients with different clinical progression rates and viral loads (VLs), LTNP-Elite Controllers (LTNP-ECs); Viremic LTNPs (vLTNPs), and non-controller’s individuals contemporary to LTNPs or recent, named Old and Modern progressors. We analyzed the Env expression, the fusion and cell-to-cell transfer capacities as well as viral infectivity. The sequence and phylogenetic analysis of Envs were also performed. In every functional characteristic, the Envs from subjects with viral control (LTNP-ECs and vLTNPs) showed significant lower performance compared to those from the progressor individuals (Old and Modern). Regarding sequence analysis, the variable loops of the gp120 subunit of the Env (i.e., V2, V4 and mainly V5) of the progressor individuals showed longer and more glycosylated sequences than controller subjects. Therefore, HIV-1 Envs presenting poor viral functions and shorter sequences were associated with viremic control and the non-progressor clinical phenotype, whereas functional Envs were associated with the lack of virological control and progressor clinical phenotypes. These correlations support the central role of Env genotypic and phenotypic characteristics in the in vivo HIV-1 infection and pathogenesis.

THE STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTIC OF MACROZOOBENTHOS OF LAKE ZAKITNE

For the first time, systematic studies of the structural and functional properties of macrozoobenthos of Lake Zakіtne were conducted. A taxonomic list of macroinvertebrates with their zoogeographical characteristics is given. According to the results of research, 3 types of benthic invertebrate groups were identified and described, of which Oligochaeta-Chironomidae type were the most widespread. Only two species were common to all found groups: Einfeldia longipes and Glyptotendipes glaucus of Chiromonidae family. The calculated biotic indices indicate a fairly high degree of use of existing biotopes by macroinvertebrates, as well as the predominance of species characteristic of the α-β-mesosaprobic zone.The variety of ways and mechanisms of feeding of benthic invertebrates is shown. Collectors, scraper collectors, sedimentators, filter feeders, shredders, predators, as well as macroinvertebrates with an indeterminate feeding type were identified in the trophic structure by the predominant type of feeding. The number of species, as well as their representation in trophic groups, varied in different years, yet 54-73% of them were nonpredatory forms.According to the obtained data, the components of the energy balance for macroinvertebrates were calculated. The active participation in the production of organic matter of Chironomidae larvae (from 29 to 62% of the total production of nonpredatory and predatory forms) is indicated. In some years, Ephemeroptera and Mollusca were actively involved in production. The largest flow of energy passed through insects (Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera) and leeches. Attention is drawn to the role of predators, which can significantly reduce the production of groups. High production and food ration of predators do not allow to ignore them when calculating the production of the entire zoocenosis.In average, during the vegetation season, the total production of nonpredatory and predatory benthic invertebrates was 77,89 kJ/m2, and the predator's food ration was 61,80 kJ/m2.Key words:macroinvertebrates, taxonomic structure, trophic structure, community, production, food ration, energy balance. Вперше проведено систематичні дослідження структурно-функціональних властивостей макрозообентосу озера Закітне. Наведено таксономічний список макробезхребетних з їх зоогеографічною характеристикою. За результатами досліджень виявлено та описано 3 типи угруповань донних безхребетних, з яких найбільшепоширення отримали олігохетно-хірономідні комплекси. Лише двавиди виявилися спільними для всіх знайдених угруповань: Einfeldia longipes і Glyptotendipes glaucus (родина Chironomidae).Розраховані біотичні індекси свідчать про достатньо високий ступень використання існуючих біотопів макробезхребетними, а також про переважання видів, що характерні для α-β-мезосапробної зони.Показанарізноманітність способів і механізмів живлення донних безхребетних. У трофічній структурі угруповань за переважаючим способомживлення було виділено збирачів, збирачів-шкребачів, седиментаторів, фільтраторів, подрібнювачів, хижаків, а також макробезхребетних із невизначеним типом живлення. Кількість видів, а також їх представленість утрофічних групах в різні роки була неоднакова, але на 54–73% це були мирні форми.За отриманими даними було розраховано складові енергетичного балансу за макробезхребетними. Вказано на активну участь упродукуванні органічної речовини личинок родини Chironomidae, яким належить від 29 до 62% від сумарної продукції мирних і хижих форм. В окремі роки в продукування активно включалися одноденки та молюски. Найбільший потік енергії проходив через комах (Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera) і п’явок. Звернуто увагу на роль хижаків, які можуть суттєво знижувати продукцію угруповань. Високапродукція і раціон хижаків не дозволяють нехтувати ними при розрахунку продукції всього ценозу.Підраховано, що в середньому за вегетаційний період сумарна продукція мирних і хижих донних безхребетних дорівнювала 77,89 кДж/м2, а раціон хижаків складав 61,80 кДж/м2.Ключові слова: макробезхребетні, таксономічна структура, трофічна структура, угруповання, продукція, раціон, енергетичний баланс.

Decomposability and Relative Invariance: the Structural Approach to Network Complexity and Resilience

Economic complexity highlights the relationship between interdependence (a positional characteristic of elements belonging to a given network or structure) and connectivity (a functional characteristic of elements belonging to a given field of interaction). Positional interdependence (as the one between pieces in a jigsaw puzzle) is central to studies investigating the architecture of a complex system (Simon) while connectivity is central to the analysis of responsiveness patterns in social networks and strategic action fields. This paper discusses the fundamentals of a structural approach to economic and spatial complexity by highlighting the hierarchical arrangement of network elements as a distinctive feature of system identity. The positional distribution of network elements is a fundamental characteristic of complex networks and a central condition constraining the dynamics of those networks through the principle of relative structural invariance. The paper investigates the role of this principle by connecting it with the aggregation criterion followed in assigning network elements to specific subsystems. The type of aggregation is essential in determining the resilience properties of the network with respect to specific dynamic impulses. The paper concludes highlighting the need to combine the investigation of positional interdependence with the analysis of connectivity since positional interdependence is fundamental in determining which patterns of connection are more likely to arise (and which ones are excluded), due to the role of alternative properties of relative invariance constraining the feasible transformations in the positions of network elements.

Grant as a legal form of innovation support: concept, content, difference from related categories

The author analyzes modern trends in state-legal construction in the Russian Federation, one of which is the focus on innovative activities. It is hypothesized that among the most effective forms of supporting innovation is a grant. The concept, essence, functional characteristic of a grant as a kind of privilege is studied. On the basis of the analysis of the legal doctrine, rules of law and law-enforcement practice the intrinsic lines of a grant allowing to carry out difference sides from adjacent categories of jurisprudence and institutes of the legislation, first of all, such as a subsidy, a grant and so forth stand out.

Trp-Trp acts as a multi-functional blocker for human bitter taste receptors, hTAS2R14, hTAS2R16, hTAS2R43, and hTAS2R46

Many functional food ingredients activate human bitter taste receptors (hTAS2Rs). In this study, A novel inhibitor, Trp-Trp, for hTAS2R14 was identified by searching for the agonist peptide's analogs. Trp-Trp also inhibited hTAS2R16, hTAS2R43, and hTAS2R46, which share the same agonists with hTAS2R14. The multi-functional characteristic of Trp-Trp is advantageous for use as bitterness-masking agents in functional foods.

Functional Characteristic and Significance of Aldosterone-Producing Cell Clusters in Primary Aldosteronism and Age-Related Hypertension

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is one of the most frequent curable forms of secondary hypertension. It can be caused by the overproduction of aldosterone in one or both adrenal glands. The most common subtypes of PA are unilateral aldosterone over-production due to aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) or bilateral aldosterone over-production due to bilateral hyperaldosteronism (BHA). Utilizing the immunohistochemical (IHC) detection of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) has allowed the identification of aldosterone-producing cell clusters (APCCs) with unique focal localization positive for CYP11B2 expression in the subcapsular portion of the human adult adrenal cortex. The presence of CYP11B2 supports that synthesis of aldosterone can occur in these cell clusters and therefore might contribute to hyperaldosteronism. However, the significance of the steroidogenic properties of APCCs especially in regards to PA remains unclear. Herein, we review the available evidence on the presence of APCCs in normal adrenals and adrenal tissues adjacent to APAs, their aldosterone-stimulating somatic gene mutations, and their accumulation during the ageing process; raising the possibility that APCCs may play a role in the development of PA and age-related hypertension.

Clinical and functional characteristic of adaptation of the cardiovascular system of seafarers during autonomous cruise

Purpose. Assessment of functional state of circulatory system in seafarers at different stages independent cruise.Materials and methods. Retrospective analysis of the results of the study of three groups of 180 seafarers on the third, fifth and sixth months of cruise was conducted. The obtained results were subjected to statistical processing according to the rules of variation statistics.Results and its discussion. Functional state of circulatory system in seafarers depends on the kind of military professional activity. Thus, among the staff officers, the number of prehypertensive states is increasing, and for the personnel of surface ships a slightly greater physical working capacity is noted in comparison with divers. At the same time, an increase in the temperature of the skin of the lower extremities was typical for divers, that is definitely important for the control and early prevention of overheating. At the same time, the most noticeable decrease in working capacity is observed in the command staff, while the indicator was quantitatively correlated with the results of daily monitoring of blood pressure and ECG. In addition, it was revealed that the process of adaptation of the body’s regulatory systems reaches its maximum by the end of the third month of cruise and is determined by an increase in endurance and a decrease in morbidity among seafarers.

Understanding consumption choices of innovative products: an outlook on the Italian functional food market

<abstract> <p>Nowadays, the interest towards functional food has increased; however, several factors jeopardize their diffusion on the market. In fact, functional foods do not have either a specific regulatory framework or a statutory definition in Europe. A functional food with any nutrition and health claim related to vitamins, minerals, or other substances in their labeling have to meet only the specific requirements established by the Regulation (EC) 1924/2006. Consequently, these products are not uniquely recognizable and the perception of consumers towards them remains a confusing concept. In this scenario, this paper investigates knowledge and factors affecting consumers' consumption intention towards functional food in Italy. For this purpose, a survey was designed, and a logit model was used to explain motivators for the consumption of functional products. The result indicates that consumers are still confused about the concept of functional foods. An important motive for the consumption of functional food is the maintenance of good nutrition, health conditions as well as well-being. An additional factor in the success of functional products is the familiarity and the knowledge of the effects of a particular product on health conditions. The probability of the consumption of a functional product increases when the consumer associates the knows of the functional characteristic and the healthful properties with the consequences of their consumption. Results are useful to verify the opportunities for further expansion of these products on the Italian market.</p> </abstract>