bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using clinical parameters to predict prostate cancer and reduce the unnecessary biopsy among patients with PSA in the gray zone
Authors: Liu Junxiao , Dong Biao , Qu Wugong , Wang Jiange , Xu Yue , Yu Shuanbao , Zhang Xuepei
Published: March 2020

The gold standard for prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis is prostate biopsy. However, it remines controversial as an invasive mean for patients with PSA levels in the gray zone (4–10 ng/mL). This study aimed to develop strategy to reduce the unnecessary prostate biopsy. We retrospectively identified 235 patients with serum total PSA testing in the gray zone before prostate biopsy between 2014 and 2018. Age, PSA derivates, prostate volume and multiparametric magnetic imaging (mpMRI) examination were assessed as predictors for PCa and clinically significant PCa with Gleason score ≥ 7 (CSPCa). Univariate analysis showed that prostate volume, PSAD, and mpMRI examination were significant predictors of PCa and CSPCa (P < 0.05). The differences of diagnostic accuracy between mpMRI examination (AUC = 0.69) and other clinical parameters in diagnostic accuracy for PCa were not statistically significant. However, mpMRI examination (AUC = 0.79) outperformed prostate volume and PSAD in diagnosis of CSPCa. The multivariate models (AUC = 0.79 and 0.84 for PCa and CSPCa) performed significantly better than mpMRI examination for detection of PCa (P = 0.003) and CSPCa (P = 0.036) among patients with PSA level in the gray zone. At the same level of sensitivity as the mpMRI examination to diagnose PCa, applying the multivariate models could reduce the number of biopsies by 5% compared with mpMRI examination. Overall, our results supported the view that the multivariate model could reduce unnecessary biopsies without compromising the ability to diagnose PCa and CSPCa. Further prospective validation is required.
Thermal Analysis of Infrared Irradiation-Assisted Nanosecond-Pulsed Tumor Ablation
Authors: Hornef James , Edelblute Chelsea M. , Schoenbach Karl H. , Heller Richard , Guo Siqi , Jiang Chunqi
Published: March 2020

Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields (nsPEF) have the potential to treat a variety of cancer types including melanoma, pancreatic and lung squamous cancers. Recent studies show that nsPEF-based cancer therapy may be improved further with the assistance of moderate heating of the target. A feedback-looped heating system, utilizing a 980-nm fiber optic laser, was integrated into nsPEF electrodes for tumor ablation. The laser beam profile was determined to be Gaussian using a knife-edge technique. Thermal properties of the biological target were evaluated based on the treatment area, penetration depth and thermal distribution due to laser irradiation with or without nsPEF. Synergistic effects between nsPEF and the moderately elevated temperature at the target was observed, resulting in enhanced overall survival tumor regression up to 50% in the treatment of lung squamous cell cancer in mice.
Examination of the neural basis of psychotic-like experiences in adolescence during processing of emotional faces
Authors: Papanastasiou Evangelos , Mouchlianitis Elias , Joyce Dan W. , McGuire Philip , Boussebaa Celia , Banaschewski Tobias , Bokde Arun L. W. , Büchel Christian , Quinlan Erin , Desrivières Sylvane , Flor Herta , Grigis Antoine , Garavan Hugh , Spechler Philip , Gowland Penny , Heinz Andreas , Ittermann Bernd , Martinot Marie-Laure Paillère , Artiges Eric , Nees Frauke , Orfanos Dimitri Papadopoulos , Paus Tomáš , Poustka Luise , Millenet Sabina , Fröhner Juliane H. , Smolka Michael N. , Walter Henrik , Whelan Robert , Schumann Gunter , Shergill Sukhwinder S.
Published: March 2020

Contemporary theories propose that dysregulation of emotional perception is involved in the aetiology of psychosis. 298 healthy adolescents were assessed at age 14- and 19-years using fMRI while performing a facial emotion task. Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) were assessed with the CAPE-42 questionnaire at age 19. The high PLEs group at age 19 years exhibited an enhanced response in right insular cortex and decreased response in right prefrontal, right parahippocampal and left striatal regions; also, a gradient of decreasing response to emotional faces with age, from 14 to 19 years, in the right parahippocampal region and left insular cortical area. The right insula demonstrated an increasing response to emotional faces with increasing age in the low PLEs group, and a decreasing response over time in the high PLEs group. The change in parahippocampal/amygdala and insula responses during the perception of emotional faces in adolescents with high PLEs between the ages of 14 and 19 suggests a potential ‘aberrant’ neurodevelopmental trajectory for critical limbic areas. Our findings emphasize the role of the frontal and limbic areas in the aetiology of psychotic symptoms, in subjects without the illness phenotype and the confounds introduced by antipsychotic medication.
Genome-Wide Association Mapping of Dark Green Color Index using a Diverse Panel of Soybean Accessions
Authors: Kaler Avjinder S. , Abdel-Haleem Hussein , Fritschi Felix B. , Gillman Jason D. , Ray Jeffery D. , Smith James R. , Purcell Larry C.
Published: March 2020

Nitrogen (N) plays a key role in plants because it is a major component of RuBisCO and chlorophyll. Hence, N is central to both the dark and light reactions of photosynthesis. Genotypic variation in canopy greenness provides insights into the variation of N and chlorophyll concentration, photosynthesis rates, and N2 fixation in legumes. The objective of this study was to identify significant loci associated with the intensity of greenness of the soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] canopy as determined by the Dark Green Color Index (DGCI). A panel of 200 maturity group IV accessions was phenotyped for canopy greenness using DGCI in three environments. Association mapping identified 45 SNPs that were significantly (P ≤ 0.0003) associated with DGCI in three environments, and 16 significant SNPs associated with DGCI averaged across all environments. These SNPs likely tagged 43 putative loci. Out of these 45 SNPs, eight were present in more than one environment. Among the identified loci, 21 were located in regions previously reported for N traits and ureide concentration. Putative loci that were coincident with previously reported genomic regions may be important resources for pyramiding favorable alleles for improved N and chlorophyll concentrations, photosynthesis rates, and N2 fixation in soybean.
N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide as a biomarker for predicting coronary artery lesion of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Zheng Xiaolan , Zhang Yi , Liu Lei , Yue Peng , Wang Chuan , Zhou Kaiyu , Hua Yimin , Wu Gang , Li Yifei
Published: March 2020

Coronary artery lesion (CAL) caused by Kawasaki disease (KD) is currently the most common acquired heart disease in children in many countries. Nevertheless, there is no single useful marker existing for predicting CAL of KD. Recently, many reports have noted that N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) can be utilized as a biomarker to predict CAL. Thus, we perform a meta-analysis to ascertain the diagnostic value of NT-proBNP in detecting CAL of KD in the acute phase. PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched to detect relevant publications. Finally, eight eligible studies were included. The overall diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78–0.89) and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.68–0.75), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curves value (SROC) curve was 0.8582 ± 0.0531. Moreover, the overall sensitivity and specificity across five studies adopted the threshold of approximately 900 ng/L were 0.82 (95% CI: 0.73–0.89) and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.68–0.76), respectively. SROC was 0.8868 ± 0.0486. This meta-analysis would be the first one to describe the role of NT-proBNP in detecting CAL of KD. We register this study with PROSPERO (CRD42019130083).
Reversible and tunable photochemical switch based on plasmonic structure
Authors: Mbarak H. , Ghahrizjani R. Taheri , Hamidi S. M. , Mohajerani E. , Zaatar Y.
Published: March 2020

For the first time, pyranine (8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate, HPTS) is studied for realizing active plasmonic control, which is attracted considerable attention owing to its unique photophysical and photochemical properties. We have used this photoacid (HPTS) as an active surrounding medium that can be optically controlled and used for modulating plasmon resonances. In this paper, the fabrication of 2D-plasmonic grating coated by thin film of HPTS exposed to UV irradiation is reported. By switching the UV light on and off, the HPTS thin film maintains an excited-state proton transfer (ESPT) process followed by green fluorescence resulting in a plasmonic redshift caused by the variation of the refractive index. Furthermore, this photochemical active medium has also played another important role in plasmonic sensing, in which the emission-based response of HPTS thin film in 2D-plasmonic grating to water vapor upon photoexcitation is demonstrated, for both s and p polarizations. This tunable, flexible and reversible light-driven system will enhance the development of active plasmonic structures and will have a great influence on many fields such as, biochemical optical sensors and all-optical plasmonic circuits.
Isorhamnetin 3-O-neohesperidoside promotes the resorption of crown-covered bone during tooth eruption by osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Yu Xijiao , Zheng Fuju , Shang Wenzhi , Du Yanmei , Zhen Jinze , Mao Yi , Zhang Shanyong
Published: March 2020

Delayed resorption of crown-covered bone is a critical cause of delayed tooth eruption. Traditional herbal medicines may be good auxiliary treatments to promote the resorption of crown-covered bone. This study was carried out to analyse the effect of isorhamnetin 3-O-neohesperidoside on receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro and resorption of the crown-covered bone of the lower first molars in mice in vivo. Isorhamnetin 3-O-neohesperidoside promoted osteoclastogenesis and the bone resorption of mouse bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) and upregulated mRNA expression of the osteoclast-specific genes cathepsin K (CTSK), vacuolar-type H + -ATPase d2(V-ATPase d2), tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1). NFATc1, p38 and AKT signalling was obviously activated by isorhamnetin 3-O-neohesperidoside in osteoclastogenesis. Isorhamnetin 3-O-neohesperidoside aggravated resorption of crown-covered bone in vivo. In brief, isorhamnetin 3-O-neohesperidoside might be a candidate adjuvant therapy for delayed intraosseous eruption.
Estimating food production in an urban landscape
Authors: Grafius Darren R. , Edmondson Jill L. , Norton Briony A. , Clark Rachel , Mears Meghann , Leake Jonathan R. , Corstanje Ron , Harris Jim A. , Warren Philip H.
Published: March 2020

There is increasing interest in urban food production for reasons of food security, environmental sustainability, social and health benefits. In developed nations urban food growing is largely informal and localised, in gardens, allotments and public spaces, but we know little about the magnitude of this production. Here we couple own-grown crop yield data with garden and allotment areal surveys and urban fruit tree occurrence to provide one of the first estimates for current and potential food production in a UK urban setting. Current production is estimated to be sufficient to supply the urban population with fruit and vegetables for about 30 days per year, while the most optimistic model results suggest that existing land cultivated for food could supply over half of the annual demand. Our findings provide a baseline for current production whilst highlighting the potential for change under the scaling up of cultivation on existing land.
Glutamatergic basolateral amygdala to anterior insular cortex circuitry maintains rewarding contextual memory
Authors: Gil-Lievana Elvi , Balderas Israela , Moreno-Castilla Perla , Luis-Islas Jorge , McDevitt Ross A. , Tecuapetla Fatuel , Gutierrez Ranier , Bonci Antonello , Bermúdez-Rattoni Federico
Published: March 2020

Findings have shown that anterior insular cortex (aIC) lesions disrupt the maintenance of drug addiction, while imaging studies suggest that connections between amygdala and aIC participate in drug-seeking. However, the role of the BLA → aIC pathway in rewarding contextual memory has not been assessed. Using a cre-recombinase under the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH+) promoter mouse model to induce a real-time conditioned place preference (rtCPP), we show that photoactivation of TH+ neurons induced electrophysiological responses in VTA neurons, dopamine release and neuronal modulation in the aIC. Conversely, memory retrieval induced a strong release of glutamate, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the aIC. Only intra-aIC blockade of the glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor accelerated rtCPP extinction. Finally, photoinhibition of glutamatergic BLA → aIC pathway produced disinhibition of local circuits in the aIC, accelerating rtCPP extinction and impairing reinstatement. Thus, activity of the glutamatergic projection from the BLA to the aIC is critical for maintenance of rewarding contextual memory.
The effect of culinary doses of spices in a high-saturated fat, high-carbohydrate meal on postprandial lipemia and endothelial function: a randomized, controlled, crossover pilot trial
Authors: Petersen Kristina S. , Rogers Connie J. , West Sheila G. , Proctor David N. , Kris-Etherton Penny M.
Published: March 2020

Lower doses of spices (2 and 6 g) than previously tested may attenuate postprandial lipemia and impairments in endothelial function caused by a high-saturated fat, high-carbohydrate meal.
Addition of flavonols and polysaccharides as excipient ingredients into epicatechin rich green tea extract inhibited free radical formation and glucose uptake
Authors: Yoo So-Hee , Lee Yeong-Eun , Chung Jin-Oh , Rha Chan-Su , Hong Yong-Deog , Park Mi-Young , Shim Soon-Mi
Published: March 2020

Results from the current study suggested that whole green tea components rich in flavonols and polysaccharides could be potential hypoglycemic excipient ingredients into green tea catechins by enhancing catechin absorption.
A high performance flexible two dimensional vertically aligned ZnO nanodisc based piezoelectric nanogenerator via surface passivation
Authors: Verma Ketki , Bharti Dhiraj Kumar , Badatya Simadri , Srivastava Avanish Kumar , Gupta Manoj Kumar
Published: March 2020

Herein, we present the growth of pristine vertically aligned flexible two dimensional (2D) pure ZnO nanodiscs via a simple seed assisted solution route and their use in the fabrication of a piezoelectric nanogenerator.
Mathematical modeling of the reaction of metal oxides with methane
Authors: Lv Zepeng , Dang Jie
Published: March 2020

Methane reduction has attracted substantial interest in recent years because an abundant amount of natural gas has been found and methane possesses a strong reduction ability.
An Li+-enriched Co2+-induced metallogel: a study on thixotropic rheological behaviour and conductance
Authors: Mahendar Chinthakuntla , Kumar Yeeshu , Dixit Manish Kumar , Dubey Mrigendra
Published: March 2020

An Li+-enriched Co2+-induced thixotropic conductive red-coloured metallogel has been synthesized, and its rheological and conductance properties have been explored by performing detailed rheological and electrochemical impedance experiments.
Bis(hexamethylazatriangulene)sulfone: a high-stability deep blue-violet fluorophore with 100% quantum yield and CIEy < 0.07
Authors: Tonge Christopher M. , Zeng Jiajie , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong , Hudson Zachary M.
Published: March 2020

Efficient deep blue-violet fluorophores are highly sought after as emitters for OLEDs and as labels for fluorescent imaging.
Electrochemical polymerization: an emerging approach for fabricating high-quality luminescent films and super-resolution OLEDs
Authors: Zhao Manlin , Zhang Huanhuan , Gu Cheng , Ma Yuguang
Published: March 2020

Currently, the fabrication of high-resolution OLEDs has many limitations. Electrochemical polymerization is an efficient way to fabricate conducting polymer films.
Influence of the substitution pattern of four naphthalenedicarboxylic acids on the structures and properties of group 13 metal–organic frameworks and coordination polymers
Authors: Rabe Timo , Pewe Harm , Reinsch Helge , Willhammar Tom , Svensson Grape Erik , Stock Norbert
Published: March 2020

Systematic investigation on Al- and Ga-MOFs and CPs containing differently substituted naphthalenedicarboxylate ions.
Efficient bifunctional catalysts synthesized from three-dimensional Ni/Fe bimetallic organic frameworks for overall urea electrolysis
Authors: Xu Huizhu , Ye Ke , Zhu Kai , Yin Jinling , Yan Jun , Wang Guiling , Cao Dianxue
Published: March 2020

MOF-Ni@MOF-Fe–S which has a structure of interwoven and folding nanosheets shows superior electrochemical performance towards urea electrolysis.
Correction: Ionic-caged heterometallic bismuth–platinum complex exhibiting electrocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Yoshida Takefumi , Md. Ahsan Habib , Zhang Hai-Tao , Izuogu David Chukwuma , Abe Hitoshi , Ohtsu Hiroyoshi , Yamaguchi Tadashi , Breedlove Brian K. , Thom Alex J. W. , Yamashita Masahiro
Published: March 2020

Correction for ‘Ionic-caged heterometallic bismuth–platinum complex exhibiting electrocatalytic CO2 reduction’ by Takefumi Yoshida et al., Dalton Trans., 2020, 49, 2652–2660.
Engineering a bacterial sialyltransferase for di-sialylation of a therapeutic antibody
Authors: Wang Mingqun , Wang Yue , Liu Kaimeng , Dou Xiaodong , Liu Zhenming , Zhang Liangren , Ye Xin-Shan
Published: March 2020

A one-pot three-enzyme protocol was developed by engineering a bacterial sialyltransferase to facilitate the modification of therapeutic antibodies with N-acetylneuraminic acid or its derivatives towards optimized glycosylation.
Rh-Catalyzed C–H activation/intramolecular condensation for the construction of benzo[f]pyrazolo[1,5-a][1,3]diazepines
Authors: Ning Yi , He Xinwei , Zuo Youpeng , Wang Jian , Tang Qiang , Xie Mengqing , Li Ruxue , Shang Yongjia
Published: March 2020

A novel and mild Rh(iii)-catalyzed cascade C–H activation/intramolecular condensation of 1-aryl-1H-pyrazol-5-amines with cyclic 2-diazo-1,3-diketones for the synthesis of various important benzo[f]pyrazolo[1,5-a][1,3]diazepines has been developed.
Microwave assisted green synthesis of Fe2O3/biochar for ultrasonic removal of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals
Authors: Anfar Zakaria , Zbair Mohamed , Ait Ahsiane Hassan , Jada Amane , El Alem Noureddine
Published: March 2020

Here, we have developed a simple and green microwave synthesis of iron oxide/biochar for the removal of new emergent pharmaceutical pollutants.
Cu(i) substituted wurtzite ZnO: a novel room temperature lead free ferroelectric and high-κ giant dielectric
Authors: Singh Neeraj , Singh Preetam
Published: March 2020

Cu+ ion substituted ZnO, Zn1−xCuxO1−δ have shown high dielectric constant (∼6300) at 600 °C at 100 kHz frequency and ferroelectricity at room temperature than for bulk Zn0.95Cu0.05O1−δ samples.
Photocatalytic proton reduction by a computationally identified, molecular hydrogen-bonded framework
Authors: Aitchison Catherine M. , Kane Christopher M. , McMahon David P. , Spackman Peter R. , Pulido Angeles , Wang Xiaoyan , Wilbraham Liam , Chen Linjiang , Clowes Rob , Zwijnenburg Martijn A. , Sprick Reiner Sebastian , Little Marc A. , Day Graeme M. , Cooper Andrew I.
Published: March 2020

A hydrogen-bonded organic framework is an effective photocatalyst for producing hydrogen from water. Its crystal structure is key to its activity; a chemically identical, amorphous version is almost inactive, as rationalized by crystal structure prediction.
Catalyzing zinc-ion intercalation in hydrated vanadates for aqueous zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Chaofeng , Tian Meng , Wang Mingshan , Zheng Jiqi , Wang Shuhua , Yan Mengyu , Wang Zhaojie , Yin Zhengmao , Yang Jihui , Cao Guozhong
Published: March 2020

The partially unfilled 3d orbitals in Cu(ii) can capture and transfer electrons in the redox reactions as expected from a catalytic function and promote the Zn-ion storage reaction kinetics in aqueous batteries.
A nano-based thermotherapy for cancer stem cell-targeted therapy
Authors: Suo Xiaomin , Zhang Juncai , Zhang Yue , Liang Xing-Jie , Zhang Jinchao , Liu Dandan
Published: March 2020

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) exhibit high resistance to conventional therapy and are responsible for cancer metastasis and tumor relapse.
Identification of hub driving genes and regulators of lung adenocarcinoma based on the gene Co-expression network
Authors: Xu Zihao , Wu Zilong , Xu Jiatang , Zhang Jingtao , Yu Bentong
Published: March 2020

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate target gene expression and participate in tumor genesis and progression. However, hub driving genes and regulators playing a potential role in LUAD progression have not been fully elucidated yet. Based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, 2837 differentially expressed genes, 741 DE-regulators were screened by comparing cancer tissues with paracancerous tissues. Then, 651 hub driving genes were selected by the topological relation of the protein–protein interaction network. Also, the target genes of DE-regulators were identified. Moreover, a key gene set containing 65 genes was obtained from the hub driving genes and target genes intersection. Subsequently, 183 hub regulators were selected based on the analysis of node degree in the ceRNA network. Next, a comprehensive analysis of the subgroups and Wnt, mTOR, and MAPK signaling pathways was conducted to understand enrichment of the subgroups. Survival analysis and a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were further used to screen for the key genes and regulators. Furthermore, we verified key molecules based on external database, LRRK2, PECAM1, EPAS1, LDB2, and HOXA11-AS showed good results. LRRK2 was further identified as promising biomarker associated with CNV alteration and various immune cells’ infiltration levels in LUAD. Overall, the present study provided a novel perspective and insight into hub driving genes and regulators in LUAD, suggesting that the identified signature could serve as an independent prognostic biomarker.
Adaptation of the Connected Speech Test: Rerecording and Passage Equivalency
Authors: Saleh Hasan K. , Folkeard Paula , Macpherson Ewan , Scollie Susan
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The original Connected Speech Test (CST; Cox et al., 1987) is a well-regarded and often utilized speech perception test. The aim of this study was to develop a new version of the CST using a neutral North American accent and to assess the use of this updated CST on participants with normal hearing.

Method

A female English speaker was recruited to read the original CST passages, which were recorded as the new CST stimuli. A study was designed to assess the newly recorded CST passages' equivalence and conduct normalization. The study included 19 Western University students (11 females and eight males) with normal hearing and with English as a first language.

Results

Raw scores for the 48 tested passages were converted to rationalized arcsine units, and average passage scores more than 1 rationalized arcsine unit standard deviation from the mean were excluded. The internal reliability of the 32 remaining passages was assessed, and the two-way random effects intraclass correlation was .944.

Conclusion

The aim of our study was to create new CST stimuli with a more general North American accent in order to minimize accent effects on the speech perception scores. The study resulted in 32 passages of equivalent difficulty for listeners with normal hearing.
Differential FMCW‐LiDAR for breaking the limit of laser coherence
Authors: Tsuchida H.
Published: March 2020

One of the serious limitations in frequency‐modulated continuous wave light detection and ranging (FMCW‐LiDAR) is the maximum ranging distance as imposed by the coherence of light sources. The author proposes and demonstrates a new technique for overcoming the limitation using differential detection scheme between the frequency‐fixed carrier and frequency‐modulated subcarrier, which are generated from a single laser source. In the proof‐of‐principle experiment, two reflection points with a 3 m separation are clearly resolved at distances 192.2 m and 1.504 km using a distributed feedback (DFB) laser with the coherence length of 70 m.
Electric vehicles in a smart grid: a comprehensive survey on optimal location of charging station
Authors: Bilal Mohd , Rizwan Mohammad
Published: March 2020

The burning of fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse gases motivates policymakers to think about the transition in their approach towards electric vehicles (EVs) from conventional ones. Transportation vehicles’ electrification drives the attention of various researchers and scientists towards the emergence of charging stations (CSs). CS placement is a matter of great concern for large scale penetration of EVs. Old infrastructure causes several challenges in planning the ideal placement of the CS since EVs have not prevailed in recent years. Recently, a lot of studies have been performed on CS placement, which attracts the attention of researchers. Various approaches, objective functions, constraints and range of optimisation techniques are addressed by researchers for optimal placement of CS. This study provides the research outcomes in respect of the placement of CS over the past few years based on objective functions, solution methods, geographic conditions and demand‐side management.
Fresnel diffraction of multiple disks on axis
Authors: Aime C.
Published: March 2020

Aims. We seek to study the Fresnel diffraction of external occulters that differ from a single mask in a plane. Such occulters have been used in previous space missions and are planned for the future ESA Proba 3 ASPIICS coronagraph.

Methods. We studied the shading efficiency of double on-axis disks and generalized results to a 3D occulter. We used standard Fourier optics in an analytical approach. We show that the Fresnel diffraction of two and three disks on axis can be expressed using a Babinet-like approach. Results are obtained in the form of convolution integrals that can be written as Bessel-Hankel integrals; these are difficult to compute numerically for large Fresnel numbers found in solar coronagraphy.

Results. We show that the shading efficiency of two disks is well characterized by the intensity of the residual Arago spot, a quantity that is easier to compute and therefore allows an interesting parametric study. Very simple conditions are derived for optimal sizes and positions of two disks to produce the darkest structure around the Arago spot. These conditions are inspired from empirical experiments performed in the sixties. A differential equation is established to give the optimal envelope for a multiple-disk occulter. The solution takes the form of a simple law, the approximation of which is a conical occulter, a shape already used in the SOHO Mission.

Conclusions. In addition to quantifying expected results, the present study highlights unfortunate configurations of disks and spurious diffractions that may increase the stray light. Particular attention is paid to the possible issues of the future occulter spacecraft of ASPIICS.
Time evolution of dust deposits in the Hapi region of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
Authors: Cambianica P. , Fulle M. , Cremonese G. , Simioni E. , Naletto G. , Massironi M. , Penasa L. , Lucchetti A. , Pajola M. , Bertini I. , Bodewits D. , Ceccarelli C. , Ferri F. , Fornasier S. , Frattin E. , Güttler C. , Gutiérrez P. J. , Keller H. U. , Kührt E. , Küppers M. , La Forgia F. , Lazzarin M. , Marzari F. , Mottola S. , Sierks H. , Toth I. , Tubiana C. , Vincent J.-B.
Published: March 2020

Aims. We provide a measurement of the seasonal evolution of the dust deposit erosion and accretion in the Hapi region of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko with a vertical accuracy of 0.2–0.9 m.

Methods. We used OSIRIS Narrow Angle Camera images with a spatial scale of lower than 1.30 m px−1 and developed a tool to monitor the time evolution of 22 boulder heights with respect to the surrounding dust deposit. The tool is based on the measurement of the shadow length projected by the boulder on the surrounding pebble deposit. Assuming the position of the boulders does not change during the observational period, boulder height variations provide an indication of how the thickness of the surrounding dust layer varies over time through erosion and accretion phenomena.

Results. We measured an erosion of the dust deposit of 1.7 ± 0.2 m during the inbound orbit until 12 December, 2014. This value nearly balances the fallout from the southern hemisphere during perihelion cometary activity. During the perihelion phase, the dust deposit then increased by 1.4 ± 0.8 m. This is interpreted as a direct measurement of the fallout thickness. By comparing the erosion rate and dust volume loss rate at the Hapi region measured in the coma, the fallout represents ~96% in volume of the ejecta. The amount of the eroded pristine material from the southern hemisphere, together with its subsequent transport and fallout on the nucleus, led us to discuss the pristine water ice abundance in comet 67P. We determine that the refractory-to-ice mass ratio ranges from 6 to 110 in the perihelion-eroded pristine nucleus, providing a pristine ice mass fraction of (8 ± 7)% in mass.
Decoherence in LOFAR-VLBI beamforming
Authors: Bonnassieux Etienne , Edge Alastair , Morabito Leah , Bonafede Annalisa
Published: March 2020

We show that the use of a superstation (a phased array created using multiple stations of an interferometric array) created in post-processing for LOFAR-VLBI observations introduces a direction-dependent loss of signal in the image. We show this effect using simulations and real data. Using the RIME formalism, we characterise it fully, and give limits under which this signal loss is negligible. Finally, we show that we are able to fully predict this effect. We close with guidelines for interferometric observers to avoid this effect in their observations, and a discussion of techniques which could limit this effect or do away with it entirely. The latter in particular will be relevant to the SKA should its long baselines be used to their fullest potential.
Automation of diesel fuel consumption accounting on a special self-propelled rolling stock of Russian Railways
Authors: Mitrofanov Alexander , Asabin Vitaly , Peshkov Andrey
Published: March 2020

The article provides the results of a study to assess the effectiveness of automation of diesel fuel consumption accounting for a certain type of special self-propelled rolling stock of the company Russian Railways. The main current provisions of the fuel consumption assessment are considered. It is proposed to supplement the provisions on the adjustment of fuel consumption standards by identification methods. The identification method includes monitoring actual values, performance indicators, rolling stock mileage and fuel consumption forecasts. The analysis showed that the efficiency of fuel consumption automation can be as high as 30%. The effect is achieved by fulfilling the forecast fuel consumption standards and eliminating unauthorized fuel overruns.
Experience in modeling a comfortable environment in the transport compartment
Authors: Pankratov Vladimir , Golikov Alexey , Pankratova Elena , Barulina Marina , Galkina Sofiya
Published: March 2020

The theoretical base was developed and the mathematical model of dynamic thermal processes in a compartment of public transport was constructed. The software which is realized the constructed mathematical model was developed. The mathematical model provides for the possibility of taking into account the most possible environmental conditions which can have place in the actual operating conditions of a transport even the angle of illumination - the current temperature of the external environment, the presence of solar radiation taking into account the angle of sun’s illumination, and the temperature of the roadway. The software allows calculation and visualization non –stationary temperature fields in the public transport’s compartments using the example of a trolley bus. For a specific trolley bus design, a series of experiments to calculate the comfortable temperature for passengers were conducted, These experiments are showed the performance of the constructed model and allowed to formulate a specific proposal for improving the thermoregulation system of the trolleybus’ passenger compartment.
Biotoxicity of heavy metal salts to Bacillus subtilis and their sorption properties
Authors: Sizentcov Aleksey , Sal’nikova Elena , Barysheva Elena , Sizentcov Yaroslav , Sal’nikova Veronika
Published: March 2020

The prospect of the use of microorganisms in medical and veterinary practice at the present stage of scientific development has high potential based on natural mechanisms of protection and adaptation of organisms to the effects of adverse factors. The biological adaptation potential of microorganisms to the effects of heavy metals found its practical application in studies of soil and water bioremediation. Based on the above, we set the aim to assess inhibitory characteristics of various heavy metal compounds, the extent of their impact on the growth of populations of probiotic strains Bacillus subtilis, and to study biosorption criteria of the strains. To achieve this aim, we used isolated cultures of probiotic strains B. subtilis 534 and B. subtilis 10641 extracted from drugs Sporobacterin and Vetom 1.1, respectively. Various chemical compounds of iron, copper, zinc, cadmium, and lead with a various anion component were used as growth inhibitors in the study. The criterion for the selection of compounds was a high level of their dissociation in water solutions. Data presented in this work experimentally confirm the capability of using probiotic strains in ecosystems of biological origin. A comparison of two strains of Bacillus subtilis showed a high level of resistance to xenobiotic elements with strain differences in the studied microorganism. The B. subtilis 534 strain revealed a higher level of resistance to compounds with a direct correlation between the inhibitory characteristics of the elements and the level of element sorption from the nutrient substrate.
Soil structure of sand quarries territory
Authors: Timofeeva Yulia , Sukhacheva Elena , Aparin Boris , Terleev Vitaly , Nikonorov Aleksandr , Akimov Luka
Published: March 2020

Anthropogenic activities are one of the leading factors of soil differentiation. Significant changes in the soil cover occur as a result of the construction of quarries. The mining industry causes the complete degradation of soils in large areas, the change of the natural soil cover and elevation around the quarries, the destruction of vegetation, disturbs biodiversity of the territory and the death of ecosystems. Soil cover structures of mining quarries have been considered on the example of the Leningrad region such as a natural conditions and environmental peculiarities typical for the whole Russian North-West area. Decoding and diagnostic signs of anthropogenic transformed soils were determined. The type and degree of transformation of the component composition, the contrast and heterogeneity of the soil cover, intercomponent connections, the shape and figure of the internal organization of the of soil cover structures have been identified. The complexity of the anthropogenic transformed soils cover is illustrated by “key site”.
Global environmental problems in Russia
Authors: Semenova Galina
Published: March 2020

Recycling of household waste and environmental pollution is currently one of the most serious environmental problems in Russia. During the year, about 400 kg of household solid waste is generated per inhabitant of Russia, and effective methods of inorganic waste disposal have not yet been developed. Human wastes also have a significant impact on the pollution of water bodies, since water used in cities for sewage system needs often goes directly to open water bodies, bypassing a system of treatment facilities that have poor quality: most of them are already almost unable to cope with their functions due to outdated and unusable equipment. The subject of the study is the national project “Ecology” developed in Russia. The purpose of the study is to create a set of additional measures to improve the environmental situation and reduce the emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere. To study the topic, the trends of the environment change and the scenario of the expected trends up to 2030 have been systematized. Reduction of expenditures on the national project “Ecology”. This project is mainly aimed at combating the effects of environmental pollution, rather than identifying the causes of degradation processes.
Anthropotechnical reliability in the reconstruction of the mobile environment of the means of mechanization and transportation
Authors: Chulkov Vitaly
Published: March 2020

An experimental and innovation study of the comfort level and organizational and anthropotechnical reliability of the mobile environment (panel trailer cabin, truck crane cabin and tower crane cabin) of the means of mechanization and transportation in construction was carried out using organizational and functional technology for express diagnostics of the comfort level of workers engaged in production activities in specific mobile environment during the working day.
The challenge of inclusive cities
Authors: Repeva Anastasia , Adjidé Natan
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this article is to establish a link between lack of accessibility and social unhappiness. This current scenario will be considered in the work to solve this problem, to present technology as a solution. Despite the fact that we can prove the effectiveness of technologies for inclusion and, therefore, the quality of life, we will consider the complexity of this system. The article concludes on issues of confidentiality, the need for technology, the participation of science in constructive changes in society; change based on a social disability model; by ensuring all these criteria, technology would help shape a city where everyone could live and thrive, regardless of their physical or mental condition.
Interdisciplinary Knowledge Problem in a High-Tech Society
Authors: Drotianko Liubov , Shostak Oksana , Abysova Mariia , Chenbai Nataliia
Published: March 2020

The actuality and relevance of the problem is determined by the importance of transformations in the structure of science, represented by the growth of interdisciplinary researches, as well as a change in the strategy of cognitive activity, definitely stated in the synthesis of science and technologies. The answer to the question of how scientific knowledge is changing is important for choosing an adequate social development strategy, since the role of science and scientific technologies in modern society is dramatically growing. The purpose of the article is to set out the social and philosophical reflection of social and cultural consequences of mutual impact of the high technologies and the interdisciplinary researches in the information society context. The positive and negative sides of the mutual influence of the cognitive and innovative instruments of the natural, social, technical and human sciences, under the conditions of information and communication, nano- and bio-technologies development are manifested. Interdisciplinary researches are newly problematizing the concept of expertise, which should be an interdisciplinary synthesis and cannot be obtained within a certain discipline. The growing phenomenon of interdisciplinary science, which manifests itself in the fusion of technology and society, the emergence of human-machine hybrids, which causes serious anthropological and sociocultural problems, imply new challenges for professional epistemologists, dictate a public need for knowledge of the causes and consequences of the high technologies impact on people and society as a whole.
Analysis of industrial injuries and assessment of the risk of injury to railway power supply workers
Authors: Aksenov Vladimir , Zavyalov Anton , Chaplygin Vladimir , Sorokina Ekaterina
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study is to analyze industrial injuries and assess the risk of injury to railway power supply workers based on mathematical statistics. It is shown that the level of injuries of this category of employees is at a significant level (the frequency coefficient of general injuries is higher by 2.6 times, and the frequency coefficient of fatal injuries is 5.7 times relative to the corresponding frequency coefficients in general for JSC “Russian Railways”). Based on the research results, the main causes of accidents with a fatal outcome were: poor organization and planning of work, violations of the technological process, violations in the use of personal protective equipment, lack of supervision on the part of the contractor, violation of work rules at the height, the extension of work place. The assessment of the risk of injury of contact network of electricians showed two possible types of accidents with them: electric shock and falling from a height. The probability of accidents is 0.031 and 0.051, respectively, with the number of injuries for each of the received scenarios on the five- year planning horizon being 7.85 and 12.75, respectively. The presented approach to assessing injury risks, supplemented by the method of expert assessments, will allow identifying and evaluating specific hazards at the workplace of linear level enterprises, respectively, to increase the effectiveness of developing of programs to improve working conditions and safety, and the effectiveness of implementing of tools for managing professional risks in order to reduce industrial injuries of employees of power supply divisions.
Innovation management of regional economics (in terms of economic indicators of Saint Petersburg)
Authors: Samoylov Alexander , Abannikov Victor , Zhulega Irina , Budagov Artur
Published: March 2020

This article is dedicated to the research of innovation processes at the regional level. There patterns of innovation processes and innovation activity applying modern management approach are considered. There dynamics analysis of such regional innovation activity indicators as number of organizations that perform the research; technology innovations cost; research and development inner cost; investment in equity; volume shipped innovation products is made based on statistic data. As an example of nature of the impact of these indicators to innovation environment of the region, the authors used the economic data of Saint Petersburg city. Additionally, there dynamics of analysing indicators is established, the reasons of their increase and decrease in the various time periods under the influence of political and external-economic factors is detected. In summary, the conclusion on current intensification of innovation processes in Saint Petersburg that reflects on both innovation activity data and territorial infrastructure, is made. The common tendency to increase the region innovation activity exists, despite the decrease of the number of organisations that perform researches and developments. These findings, achieved based on completed research, can be used to forecast the region innovation activity level, as well as for optimization of innovative activity indicators of the companies.
The architecture of strategic management of innovative development of companies in the digital economy
Authors: Burgonov Oleg , Golubetskaya Natalya , Ushakova Elena , Chirkova Tamara
Published: March 2020

The paper discusses the development of the methodological apparatus of strategic management of innovative development in terms of the development of algorithms for the architecture of the company in the digital economy. In particular, an approach to the development of the architecture of a system for managing innovative development of companies is proposed, taking into account the positioning and effectiveness of the business and the socio-economic effect of its functioning at the regional level. The analysis of Russian enterprises is carried out, and the elements of business transformation under the influence of digital technologies are considered. Based on the results, scientists and practitioners can develop specific recommendations for managing innovative companies using digital technologies aimed at gaining competitive advantages and creating a new business design.
The competitiveness of the national economy: energy-related aspects
Authors: Matuygina Eleonora , Rumyantseva Tatiana , Klabukova Anastasiya
Published: March 2020

The aim of the paper is to assess the competitiveness of national production in terms of its resources and energy supply. The authors present the dynamics of energy intensity of some countries and regions of the world and consider the relationship between the level of energy intensity and the competitiveness of national economies. Based on this relationship, countries are grouped depending on the type of the performance indicators of economies. Alternative energy is presented as a tool for improving efficiency of existing industries and for ensuring countries’ position in the world market. The increase in the share of renewable energy in total consumption served as a basis for studying experience of various countries in regulating the development of alternative energy followed by a grouping of methods. The paper analyses both methods associated with the positioning of alternative energy and its incorporation into the existing structure and methods aimed at stimulating the development of alternative energy.
Ecological Postulates of the National Environmental Policy (on the Example of the Russian Federation)
Authors: Kurbatova Svetlana , Aisner Larisa , Rusakov Alexey , Naumkina Valentina
Published: March 2020

The article, using the example of the Russian Federation, considers a number of environmental postulates that the authors consider to be the necessary condition and at the same time content for the successful implementation of the national environmental policy. The authors investigate the high-quality environmental law; effective working mechanisms for monitoring and supervising its compliance; and the inevitability of legal liability for violation of environmental legal norms.
HR innovation risk assessment
Authors: Simonova Marina , Lyachenkov Yuri , Kravchenko Anton
Published: March 2020

The purpose of the study is to identify the risks of automation and robotization of personnel management systems, the pace of which is increasing and it needs a balanced approach to their use, taking into account the well-known and new risks and constraints. Systematic automation of routine processes leads to a change in the structure of the workflow, making it possible to shorten the production cycle and improve the quality of standard operations with a predictable result, but it does not consider mental and social constraints. The author analyzes the main trends and innovations related to digital resources in personnel selection and management, giving new horizons for career paths, defines the essence of each of selection tools, reveals the existing and future threats in using artificial intelligence in the most common automated HR systems and modern digital instruments with signs of artificial intelligence. The classification of digital tools used in personnel selection was developed, and the possibilities of using these tools in the professional and service career development were analyzed. There is a strong need to formulate a strategic development model of the company using information systems that integrate corporate knowledge bases and the intelligent decision support system, which can eventually be transformed into the individual human development.