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Grape growing regions are facing constant warming of the growing season temperature as well as limitations on ground water pumping used for irrigating to overcome water deficits. Trellis systems are utilized to optimize grapevine production, physiology, and berry chemistry. This study aimed to compare 6 trellis systems with 3 levels of applied water amounts based on different replacements of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) in two consecutive seasons. The treatments included a vertical shoot position (VSP), two modified VSPs (VSP60 and VSP80), a single high wire (SH), a high quadrilateral (HQ), and a Guyot pruned VSP (GY) combined with 25%, 50%, and 100% ETc water replacement. The SH had greater yields, whereas HQ was slower to reach full production potential. At harvest in both years, the accumulation of anthocyanin derivatives was enhanced in SH, whereas VSPs decreased them. As crown porosity increased (mostly VSPs), berry flavonol concentration and likewise molar % of quercetin in berries increased. Conversely, as leaf area increased, total flavonol concentration and molar % of quercetin decreased, indicating a preferential arrangement of leaf area along the canopy for overexposure of grape berry with VSP types. The irrigation treatments revealed linear trends for components of yield, where greater applied water resulted in larger berry size and likewise greater yield. 25% ETc was able to increase berry anthocyanin and flavonol concentrations. Overall, this study evidenced the efficiency of trellis systems for optimizing production and berry composition in Californian climate, also, the feasibility of using flavonols as the indicator of canopy architecture.

FloodWise is a pilot project that proposes innovative new approaches for flood disaster resilience by applying nature-based solutions (NBS) in Eastern North Carolina to control water runoff for brief periods after major storm events. We collected production and cost data from primary or secondary sources and used discounted cash flow and capital budgeting procedures at a 6% discount rate for NBS practices to estimate the amounts of payments necessary for farmland owners to break even to adopt NBS practices. Conventional crop farming was profitable already on suitable lands and served as the business as usual (BAU) case to compare to selected NBS practices. Warm-season pasture, loblolly pine forests and agroforestry, and no-till farming exceeded the 6% hurdle rate. Other conventional farm practices of hardpan breakup, cool-season pastures and trees, and bottomland hardwoods would require total payments of up to $600/acre to break even at 6%. Modifications of existing conservation practices, such as stream buffers, cover crops, silvopasture, and tile outlet terraces and tiling, fell in the second tier of total costs of up to $1,512/acre. Major NBS projects that required substantial earthmoving and flood control structures were more expensive - $3,734/acre for water farming (i.e., retention) with berms, $13,252/acre for a forest wetland bank, and about $88,000/acre for a major flood control wetland - and would displace most of the existing area for farm and forest management. However, larger floodwater structure projects could store more water for more extended periods; these storage quantities and benefits need to be assessed in future research.

Grape growing regions are facing constant warming of the growing season temperature as well as limitations on ground water pumping used for irrigating to overcome water deficits. Trellis systems are utilized to optimize grapevine production, physiology, and berry chemistry. This study aimed to compare 6 trellis systems with 3 levels of applied water amounts based on different replacements of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) in two consecutive seasons. The treatments included a vertical shoot position (VSP), two modified VSPs (VSP60 and VSP80), a single high wire (SH), a high quadrilateral (HQ), and a Guyot pruned VSP (GY) combined with 25%, 50%, and 100% ETc water replacement. The SH had greater yields, whereas HQ was slower to reach full production potential. At harvest in both years, the accumulation of anthocyanin derivatives was enhanced in SH, whereas VSPs decreased them. As crown porosity increased (mostly VSPs), berry flavonol concentration and likewise molar % of quercetin in berries increased. Conversely, as leaf area increased, total flavonol concentration and molar % of quercetin decreased, indicating a preferential arrangement of leaf area along the canopy for overexposure of grape berry with VSP types. The irrigation treatments revealed linear trends for components of yield, where greater applied water resulted in larger berry size and likewise greater yield. 25% ETc was able to increase berry anthocyanin and flavonol concentrations. Overall, this study evidenced the efficiency of trellis systems for optimizing production and berry composition in Californian climate, also, the feasibility of using flavonols as the indicator of canopy architecture.

ObjectiveTo examine associations between lipohypertrophy and lipoatrophy and illicit drug use, smoking, and at-risk alcohol use among a large diverse cohort of persons living with HIV (PLWH) in clinical care.Methods7,931 PLWH at six sites across the United States completed 21,279 clinical assessments, including lipohypertrophy and lipoatrophy, drug/alcohol use, physical activity level, and smoking. Lipohypertrophy and lipoatrophy were measured using the FRAM body morphology instrument and associations were assessed with generalized estimating equations.ResultsLipohypertrophy (33% mild, 4% moderate-to-severe) and lipoatrophy (20% mild, 3% moderate-to-severe) were common. Older age, male sex, and higher current CD4 count were associated with more severe lipohypertrophy (p values

Blunt injury to the neck following high-impact trauma can be associated with airway injury. The anaesthesiologist should have a high index of suspicion for the same when the patient presents for any surgical intervention for trauma. A complete evaluation of the tracheobronchial tree using a flexible bronchoscope is essential before instrumenting the airway in a child with suspected laryngotracheal trauma because blind intubation can convert a lesser grade airway trauma into a significant one. We report the airway management in a child belonging to middle childhood, who presented with complete tracheal transection after a blunt laryngotracheal trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveWe develop a new diabetes CHD risk estimator using traditional risk factors plus coronary artery calcium (CAC), ankle-brachial index (ABI), high sensitivity C-reactive protein, family history of CHD, and carotid intima-media thickness and compared it with United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes study (UKPDS), Framingham risk and the NCEP/ATP III risk scores in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods and resultsWe combined data from T2DM without clinical CVD in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) and the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study (N = 1343). After a mean follow-up of 8.5 years, 85 (6.3%) participants had incident CHD. Among the novel risk markers, CAC best predicted CHD independent of the FRS [hazard ratio: HR (95% CI): log (CAC +25):1.69 (1.45-1.97), p 25 and ≤125:2.29 (0.87-5.95), >125 and ≤400: 3.87 (1.57-9.57), >400: 5.97 (2.57-13.84), respectively). The MESA-HNR diabetes CHD risk score has better accuracy for the main outcome versus the FRS or UKPDS [area under curve (AUC) of 0.76 vs. 0.70 and 0.69, respectively; all p

Background Obesity contributes significantly to risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and especially for heart failure (HF). An elevated body mass index (BMI) in older adults might not carry the same risk as in younger adults, but measured weights at other lifetime points are often not available. We determined the associations of self‐reported weights from early‐ and mid‐adulthood, after accounting for measured weight at older age, with incident HF/ASCVD risk. Methods and Results We studied 6437 MESA (Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) participants (aged 45–84, free of baseline HF/ASCVD) with self‐reported weights at ages 20 and 40 years (by questionnaire), measured weights at up to 5 in‐person examinations (2000–2012), and follow‐up for adjudicated HF/ASCVD events. Participant mean±SD age at the baseline examination was 62.2±10.2 years. Over median follow‐up of 13 years, 290 HF and 828 ASCVD events occurred. After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors and baseline BMI, higher self‐reported weights at ages 20 and 40 years were independently associated with increased risk of incident HF with hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of 1.27 (1.07–1.50) and 1.36 (1.18–1.57), respectively, per 5‐kg/m2 higher BMI. For incident ASCVD, only higher BMI at age 20 years was associated after accounting for current BMI (1.13 [1.01–1.26] per 5 kg/m2). Obesity during follow‐up examinations was also associated with incident HF (1.72 [1.21–2.45]) but not ASCVD. Conclusions Self‐reported lifetime weight is a low‐tech tool easily utilized in any clinical encounter. Although subject to recall bias, self‐reported weights may provide prognostic information about future HF risk, incremental to current BMI, in a multiethnic cohort of middle‐aged to older adults. Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00005487.

Cumulative effects assessment has been a longstanding challenge and is perhaps the most crucial component of project-level impact assessment. Alternative approaches to advance project-level cumulative effects assessment are developed based upon the findings of a literature review and key informant interviews. Alternative approaches are organized around key themes and cover: baselines; hybridization of sequential and integrated assessment; regional environmental assessment; the omnipresence of cumulative effects in project-level assessment; professional culture; and value-centrism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Chris. Joseph, Gaurav. Bhatia, Valsamma. Abraham, Tapasya. DharBackground and Aims: Obstetric admissions to the intensive care unit (ICU) are a subject of increasing interest, as it is an indirect [...]

Introduction: Mandibular condylar resorption (MCR) is a rare pathological entity, often affecting young females. Patient Concerns: It is accompanied by pain, malocclusion and compromised quality of life including aesthetic perception. Due to this multiplicity of features, the diagnosis, treatment and management of MCR are always a challenge. Diagnosis: This article reports a 25-year-old female suffering from progressive temporomandibular joint pain and compromised aesthetics. This article describes the clinical and radiological findings of this case. Treatment: The possible aetiopathogenesis and treatment are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the concept of total economic value and demonstrates the importance of using such a framework in marine planning through a case study of the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area, in British Columbia, Canada. After distinguishing between components of total economic value--including use values and non-use values--the paper reviews methods for estimating total economic value by estimating these components. Methods include marine dependency analysis, contingent valuation, discrete choice modeling, and benefit transfer. Their application to the case study provides monetary estimates of the total economic value for the case study region. The findings show that all three components of total economic value--market use value, non-market use value, and non-use value--are significant and should be taken into account in marine planning. The conclusions caution that failure to use a total economic value framework will bias decisions in favour of development over conservation and will lead to inefficient resource allocation. They also note the potential for designation of marine protected areas to enhance total economic value. Resume Dans cet article nous examinons le concept de valeur economique totale (VET) et demontrent ('importance d'utiliser un tel cadre de travail dans la planification marine par le biais d'une etude de cas de la Zone de gestion integree de la cote nord du Pacifique (Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area), en Colombie Britannique, au Canada. Apres avoir fait la distinction entre les elements de la valeur economique totale, notamment les valeurs d'usage et les valeurs de non-usage, nous passons en revue les methodes d'estimation de la valeur economique totale en estimant ces elements. Les methodes comprennent une analyse de la dependance a regard des oceans, les preferences exprimees, la modelisation des choix discrets et la transposition de valeurs. Par leur application a retude de cas, nous fournissons des evaluations chiffrees de la valeur economique totale pour la region faisant ('objet de retude de cas. Les conclusions indiquent que chacun des trois elements de la valeur economique totale--valeur d'usage marchande, valeur d'usage non marchande et valeur de non-usage--est important et devrait etre pris en consideration dans le cadre de la planification marine. Nous faisons une mise en garde voulant que le fait de ne pas utiliser le cadre de la valeur economique totale puisse avoir une influence sur les decisions qui favorisera le developpement plutot que la conservation et qui menera a une allocation inefficace des ressources. Nous relevons egalement le potentiel de designation d'aires marines protegees pour ameliorer la valeur economique totale. Key Words Marine planning and policy, total economic value, Canada's west coast, marine protected areas, ecosystem valuation, environmental valuation, Introduction A major challenge in integrated marine planning is conflict between competing objectives such as economic development and environmental protection. The purpose of this paper is to assess the role [...]

In C4 plants, the enzymatic machinery underpinning photosynthesis can vary, with, for example, three distinct C4 acid decarboxylases being used to release CO2 in the vicinity of RuBisCO. For decades, these decarboxylases have been used to classify C4 species into three biochemical sub‐types. However, more recently, the notion that C4 species mix and match C4 acid decarboxylases has increased in popularity, and as a consequence, the validity of specific biochemical sub‐types has been questioned. Using five species from the grass tribe Paniceae, we show that, although in some species transcripts and enzymes involved in multiple C4 acid decarboxylases accumulate, in others, transcript abundance and enzyme activity is almost entirely from one decarboxylase. In addition, the development of a bundle sheath isolation procedure for a close C3 species in the Paniceae enables the preliminary exploration of C4 sub‐type evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alberta’s history with coal development goes back to 1874, but 21st century social, economic and environmental factors demonstrate that it’s not in the public interest to pursue coal mining on the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains. This paper uses a multiple account benefit-cost analysis to compare the positives and negatives of a hypothetical coal mine in the eastern foothills of the Rockies. We provide estimates of the economic, social and environmental impacts, and evaluate how coal mining affects different stakeholders. The economic benefits — $440 million in undiscounted incremental tax revenues and $35 million in undiscounted incremental employment earnings — are overshadowed by the costs arising from the displacement of ranching, tourism and the negative environmental effects on water, vegetation, air and wildlife. Compounding these effects is the non-zero probability that the Alberta government will pick up the tab for reclamation costs, and the adverse social impacts on local communities and on Indigenous Peoples’ rights and interests. Therefore, any new coal mine development is unlikely to provide the province with a net benefit. Following on the heels of the federal government’s rejection of the Grassy Mountain coal project in southwestern Alberta, the provincial government should consider banning coal mining in the Eastern Slopes. Any future coal development policy should include a public-interest test that examines both monetary and non-monetary impacts. This paper finds an estimated undiscounted profit before taxes and royalties of $511 million to the mine developer. Discounting that value by a rate of eight per cent, which would approximate the opportunity cost of investors’ capital, shows coal mines are at best a break-even proposition from a private perspective. Only under optimistic price and activity assumptions does the mine earn a net profit. Tax revenues would be marginal and additional labour income would accrue to only a few individuals. These benefits would be vastly outweighed by the adverse effects on a much greater population, including Indigenous Peoples. Further, the Eastern Slopes already suffer the effects of current forestry, oil and gas, ranching, road development and recreational activities. Water quality and habitat for such wildlife as the Westslope cutthroat trout would be significantly compromised. With coal markets in a long-term decline due to coal’s impact on climate change and the focus on transitioning to alternative energy sources, new coal mine projects in Alberta would be counter-productive in many ways. The comparatively small economic benefits derived from a new coal mine could not possibly justify the large and possibly irreversible damage done to the environment, local communities and to the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The one‐step syntheses, X‐ray structures, and spectroscopic characterization of synthetic iron clusters, bearing either inorganic sulfides or thiolate with interstitial carbide motifs, are reported. Treatment of iron carbide carbonyl clusters [Fen(μn‐C)(CO)m]x (n=5,6; m=15,16; x=0,−2) with electrophilic sulfur sources (S2Cl2, S8) results in the formation of several μ4‐S dimers of clusters, and moreover, iron‐sulfide‐(sulfocarbide) clusters. The core sulfocarbide unit {C−S}4− serves as a structural model for a proposed intermediate in the radical S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine biogenesis of the M‐cluster. Furthermore, the electrophilic sulfur strategy has been extended to provide the first ever thiolato‐iron‐carbide complex: an analogous reaction with toluylsulfenyl chloride affords the cluster [Fe5(μ5‐C)(SC7H7)(CO)13]−. The strategy described herein provides a breakthrough towards developing syntheses of biomimetic iron‐sulfur‐carbide clusters like FeMoco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Projects' carbon footprints are now an important impact for assessment. The common approach of comparing a project's emissions with that of the host jurisdiction and interpreting the inevitably small emission volume of the project to be of no significance is faulty logic. This minimization argument approach would be unacceptable to proponents if it was applied to project benefits. The correct approach is to adopt internationally-recognized climate change significance thresholds which lead to a conclusion that most projects would cause significant impacts and thus the issue is one of justification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]