bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Catalog of Short Period Spectroscopic and Eclipsing Binaries Identified from the LAMOST and PTF Surveys
Authors: Yang Fan , Long Richard J. , Shan Su-Su , Zhang Bo , Guo Rui , Bai Yu , Bai Zhongrui , Cui Kai-Ming , Wang Song , Liu Ji-Feng
Published: August 2020

Binaries play key roles in determining stellar parameters and exploring stellar evolution models. We build a catalog of 88 eclipsing binaries with spectroscopic information, taking advantage of observations from both the Large Sky Area Multi-Object fiber Spectroscopic Telescope and the Palomar Transient Factory surveys. A software pipeline is constructed to identify binary candidates by examining their light curves. The orbital periods of binaries are derived from the Lomb–Scargle method. The key distinguishing features of eclipsing binaries are recognized by a new filter, Flat Test. We classify the eclipsing binaries by applying a Fourier analysis on the light curves. Among all the binary stars, 13 binaries are identified as eclipsing binaries for the first time. The catalog contains the following information: the position, primary eclipsing magnitude and time, eclipsing depth, the number of photometry and radial velocity observations, largest radial velocity difference, binary type, the effective temperature of the observable star T
eff, and surface gravity of the observable star log g. The false-positive probability is calculated by using both a Monte Carlo simulation and real data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Stripe 82 Standard Catalog. The binaries in the catalog are mostly with a period of less than one day. The period distribution shows a 0.22 day cutoff, which is consistent with the low probability of an eclipsing binary rotating with such a period.
An annotated checklist of the vascular flora of South and North Nandi Forests, Kenya
Authors: Melly David Kimutai , Kipkoech Solomon , Muema Benjamin Watuma , Kamau Peris , Malombe Itambo , Hu Guangwan , Wang Qing-Feng
Published: August 2020

We compiled a checklist of the flora of South and North Nandi forests based on literature, online databases, herbarium collections and floristic field surveys. A combination of general walk-over surveys and plotless landscape sampling for plant collection and sight observation was used. We recorded 628 plant species representing 118 families and 392 genera, which almost double the latest results of the previous most recent survey. We found 61 species of ferns and fern allies and 567 species of seed plants, representing 9.98% of the total plant species in Kenya. Herbs were the majority (50.2%) of life forms followed by shrubs (16.5%). We report unique populations of three species out of 19 species that are widespread in Africa, but restricted to Nandi and Kakamega Forests in Kenya. Four of the recorded species are threatened globally and 16 exotic plant species were found. The recent description of one new species and two new records for Kenya from these forests, together with the comprehensive checklist is of crucial importance to the conservation of these unique ecosystems. Our results are essential to forest managers, community forest associations, conservationists, students and research scientists in Kenya and globally for implementing critical decisions for the conservation of this vital biodiversity resource.
A dated phylogeny of the genus Pennantia (Pennantiaceae) based on whole chloroplast genome and nuclear ribosomal 18S–26S repeat region sequences
Authors: Maurin Kévin J. L.
Published: August 2020

Pennantia, which comprises four species distributed in Australasia, was the subject of a monographic taxonomic treatment based on morphological characters in 2002. When this genus has been included in molecular phylogenies, it has usually been represented by a single species, P. corymbosa J.R.Forst. & G.Forst., or occasionally also by P. cunninghamii Miers. This study presents the first dated phylogenetic analysis encompassing all species of the genus Pennantia and using chloroplast DNA. The nuclear ribosomal 18S–26S repeat region is also investigated, using a chimeric reference sequence against which reads not mapping to the chloroplast genome were aligned. This mapping of off-target reads proved valuable in exploiting otherwise discarded data, but with rather variable success. The trees based on chloroplast DNA and the nuclear markers are congruent but the relationships among the members of the latter are less strongly supported overall, certainly due to the presence of ambiguous characters in the alignment resulting from low coverage. The dated chloroplast DNA phylogeny suggests that Pennantia has diversified within the last 20 My, with the lineages represented by P. baylisiana (W.R.B.Oliv.) G.T.S.Baylis, P. endlicheri Reissek and P. corymbosa diversifying within the last 9 My. The analyses presented here also confirm previous molecular work based on the nuclear internal transcribed spacer region showing that P. baylisiana and P. endlicheri, which were sometimes considered synonyms, are not sister taxa and therefore support their recognition as distinct species.
Les premières années du Conservatoire et l’invention de la gestion
Authors: Vatin François
Published: August 2020

La gestion n’apparaît comme discipline académique en France que dans la seconde moitié du xixe siècle. Pourtant, sous la Restauration, au Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers de Paris et dans les cours publics de Metz, on délivre, sous le nom d’« économie industrielle », un enseignement que l’on peut comparer à la gestion. Les principaux auteurs de cette discipline sont Claude-Lucien Bergery, Gérard Joseph Christian, Charles Dupin et Jean-Baptiste Say. Cet article vise à exposer les idées centrales de l’économie industrielle des années 1820-1830, et à expliquer pourquoi cette discipline ne se développe pas dans les décennies suivantes du xixe siècle.
La Société d’encouragement pour l’industrie nationale et le Conservatoire des arts et métiers (1801-1811)
Authors: Blouin Daniel , Emptoz Gérard
Published: August 2020

L’article interroge la proximité, longtemps soulignée par les historiens, entre la Société d’encouragement pour l’industrie nationale et le Conservatoire des arts et métiers dans la première décennie du xixe siècle, en s’appuyant sur un approfondissement de nos connaissances. Il souligne le rôle de son premier président, Chaptal, dans la conception d’une institution originale, d’abord par son utilitarisme et son souci de communication, ensuite par l’ampleur de ses champs d’action, qui explique le recours à des experts, notamment ceux du Conservatoire, aux compétences multiples.
Influence on Environmental Safety of the Drinking Water of Nitrification in Water Reservoir Being a Source of Water Supply and Filter Filling Materials in Water Treatment Facilities
Authors: Iurchenko Valentyna , Radionov Mykyta , Melnikova Oksana , Rachkovskiy Olexandr , Mykhailova Larysa
Published: August 2020

The nitrification process inside the water treatment facilities is an environmental threat because it might cause unacceptable concentrations of nitrites in drinking water. Special data processing has been carried out in the course of daily monitoring of concentration levels for ammonium, nitrogen, nitrites, and nitrates in the Siverskyi Donets river at the water intake site, and downstream, in the water mass having passed through the facilities of the water treatment complex "Donets". Based on the above studies, a positive correlation was revealed (with a correlation coefficient of 0.64-0.93) between the activity of nitrification processes in the natural reservoir and the activity of nitrification inside the water treatment facilities. The environmental outcomes of the nitrification processes inside the water treatment facilities might be dangerous. Experimental studies have proven that the zeolite backfill of the rapid filters installed at the water treatment complex is the most favorable medium for immobilization of the nitrifying bacteria in comparison with other backfills of silica sand or anthracite coal, therefore it is quite suitable for the development of nitrification process. The studies have shown that nitrites do not accumulate in water after water treatment procedures, therefore, the rate of phase I nitrification inside these facilities does not exceed the rate of the second phase. To clean the filtering backfill of these microorganisms, a conventional technological wash is fairly enough.
Monitoring of the Environmental Technogenic Hazard of the Oil Extraction Plant
Authors: Nemenushcha Svetlana , Kotliar Yevhenii , Fesenko Olena , Lysyuk Victoria
Published: August 2020

In Ukraine there is a tendency to increase the number of man-made emergencies, which directly affects the state of the environment and the population. Particularly dangerous situations are formed in case of disturbance of objects with high risk conditions, which include oil extraction enterprises. Observing the state of the environment and the operation of technological equipment at such enterprises, warning of the risk of emergencies that are hazardous to human health and the environment, are the basis and task of monitoring. The results of engineering and ecological analysis of the state of ecological and technogenic danger on the example of private joint-stock company «Kropyvnytskyi oil extraction plant» are presented in the work. The main probable factors of its formation at each technological stage of production are established. The sources of environmental and human hazards are technological equipment and materials. Pollutants of land, water and atmospheric air are dust of vegetable origin and meal, solvent of hexane and its vapors, carbon dioxide and washing solution - soda ash, etc. Expert evaluation of the main production operation - oil extraction was carried out in detail. The extraction process is the main production operation for both press oil and extraction oil, as well as cake and meal. The results of the study can be used to clarify the program of monitoring the sources of technogenic and environmental risk at high risk facilities, planning activities and means of improving the resilience of the enterprises of the industry, preventing emergencies and minimizing their consequences. Awareness enhances management efficiency and minimizes environmental and population risks.
Adsorption Properties of Sorbents Used for Air Cleaning in Protective Structures of Civil Protection
Authors: Kovalenko Vitalii , Likhnyovskyi Ruslan
Published: August 2020

The theoretical model of air purification in the filter-absorber by means of the course of the adsorption process is considered in the article, attention is paid to the concept of "protective action". The defining role in the purification of air is played by adsorbents, which fill the absorber filters. Electron scanning microscopy and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption were used to study the adsorption properties of adsorbents and to show their different natural origin. Based on the obtained adsorption characteristics of the adsorbents, the conclusions about the protective action of the filter-absorber were made.
Investigation of the Gas Sensitive Properties of Tin Dioxide Films Obtained by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Chub Igor , Pirohov Oleksandr , Myrgorod Oksana , Rudakov Sergey
Published: August 2020

In an article, studies of tin dioxide films for challenging sensitive elements of gas sensors for monitoring gaseous impurities in air have been described. The technological influence issues parameters of the process producing of tin dioxide films by magnetron sputtering at a fixed magnetron power on their crystal structure and phase composition were considered. The substrate temperature, layer thickness, and oxygen concentration in the atomized gas were considered as parameters. The foundation for improving the constructive and technological solutions of film gas sensors based on the research results was laid.
Features of some Polymer Building Materials Behavior at Heating
Authors: Vasilchenko Alexey , Danilin Olexandr , Lutsenko Tatiana , Ruban Artem , Nestorenko Dmytro
Published: August 2020

The problems of reducing combustibility and increasing fire resistance of some polymer building materials are considered. And the toxicity of the gaseous products of their thermal degradation was evaluated both individually and in various combinations with each other. The features of thermal degradation and the loss of mechanical properties under the influence of a flame of polymer building materials were studied. The following samples were used: water pipes based on polyethylene; Tarkett linoleum, Ondex roofing products, Rolvaplast PVC profile panels; structural panels of the company "Polygal"; facing tile based on phenol-formaldehyde oligomers. The processes occurring during pyrolysis and combustion are considered, the results of a study of the combustibility and mechanical properties of polymer building materials based on polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, phenol-formaldehyde and epoxy oligomers under the influence of a flame are presented. For the studied building polymer materials, the products of pyrolysis and combustion were studied; their ignition and self-ignition temperatures, and also the flame propagation velocity were measured. The data on the toxicity of the products of their combustion, both individually and under combined action, are summarized. Also, for the studied polymer building materials, the losses of heat resistance, toughness, and flexural strength under the influence of a flame were studied. Thermogravimetric analysis of Rolvaplast PVC panels and Poligal polycarbonate panels allowed us to determine the maximum temperatures and activation energies of the polymer decomposition process. It was concluded that if the material is recognized as non-combustible or slow-burning, it will not always be fire resistant, since its strength and thermal properties can sharply decrease already in the first seconds of flame exposure.
Improvement of Fire Resistance of Polymeric Materials at their Filling with Aluminosilicates
Authors: Blyznyuk Oleksandr , Vasilchenko Alexey , Ruban Artem , Bezuhla Yuliia
Published: August 2020

Effect of content of synthetic aluminosilicates in medium-density polyethylene on the fire hazard characteristics and mechanical properties of compositions is investigated. It has been shown that during decomposition of the filler with the release of water, its effectiveness depends not only on the endothermic effect of decomposition and the content of dehydration products, but also on the correspondence of temperature of the dehydration of the filler and the temperature of intensive decomposition of the polymer. Regardless of the type of fillers, an increase in their content in polymer composite material helps to reduce combustibility. It has been shown that compositions based on epoxy oligomers or medium-density polyethylene and synthetic zeolite have properties of self-extinguish and fairly high physical and mechanical characteristics. It is shown that epoxy polymer composite material with the content of inorganic fillers 40-70 wt.% can be used for sealing building structures and other products operating at elevated temperatures, as well as in a mode where the fire resistance and heat resistance of the sealing compound are decisive. A number of efficiency of flame-suppressing of fillers is presented. Formulations of compositions based on epoxy oligomers or medium-density polyethylene whith synthetic zeolite having an optimal ratio of fire hazard and mechanical properties and not having toxic or carcinogenic effects when heated are recommended.
Analysis of the application of E-Invoicing in increasing Taxable Enterpreneur compliance
Authors: Harianto Harianto , Mus Abdul Rahman , Lannai Darwis
Published: August 2020

This study aims to examine the application of e-invoices to the compliance of Taxable Entrepreneurs (PKP) registered at KPP Pratama Makassar Selatan. This research is a qualitative descriptive study. Data sources are primary data obtained from interviews with Tax Entrepreneurs (PKP) and Tax Officers. This study uses four informants consisting of three informants from taxable entrepreneurs (PKP) and one informant from the Supervision and Consultation Section. Data analysis uses descriptive analysis method. The results showed that the application of e-invoicing within the scope of the South Makassar Primary Tax Office was effective and efficient. The implementation of e-invoicing increases taxpayer compliance, although there are some obstacles experienced by taxable entrepreneurs in using e-invoices, namely internet connection problems, and the application of errors sometimes occurs
Improving Occupational Performance in Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients
Authors: Colman Julia , Casto Shelley Coleman , Wisner Eliscia , Stanek Joseph R. , Auletta Jeffery J.
Published: August 2020

Importance: There is a critical gap in the literature regarding the efficacy of occupational therapy interventions for pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) patients.

Objective: To demonstrate that occupational therapy 4–5×/wk during inpatient hospitalization positively affects strength, coordination, and independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) of pediatric patients during HCT.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: Inpatient bone marrow transplant unit at a children’s hospital.

Participants: Thirty-two pediatric patients admitted for HCT.

Outcomes and Measures: Patients were seen by an occupational therapist as part of an interdisciplinary program. Interventions included play and leisure engagement, upper extremity therapeutic exercises, fine motor activities, and ADL training. Strength, coordination, and daily living skills data were documented prospectively and analyzed retrospectively to compare differences between patients seen by occupational therapy at high versus low frequency.

Results: For grip strength (dynamometer), fine motor dexterity (the 9-Hole Peg Test), and independence in ADLs (an ADL functional measure and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory–Computer Adaptive Test Daily Activities), the high-frequency group had a significantly smaller decrease in performance from time of admission at pretransplant (baseline) to peak decline after transplant. Grip strength and ADL scores for the high-frequency group returned to baseline at time of discharge more readily than for the low-frequency group.

Conclusions and Relevance: Participation in occupational therapy 4–5×/wk had positive effects on strength, coordination, and independence in ADLs for patients undergoing HCT.

What This Article Adds: This article provides evidence that occupational therapists are an important part of the interdisciplinary team treating pediatric bone marrow transplant patients. It also demonstrates that occupational therapy interventions delivered at a high frequency can have a positive impact on upper extremity strength and independence in ADLs.
ON-SITE GEOMETRIC CALIBRATION OF THERMAL AND OPTICAL SENSORS FOR UAS PHOTOGRAMMETRY
Authors: Senn J. A. , Mills J. P. , Miller P. E. , Walsh C. , Addy S. , Loerke E. , Peppa M. V.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. UAS imagery has become a widely used source of information in geomorphic research. When photogrammetric methods are applied to quantify geomorphic change, camera calibration is essential to ensure accuracy of the image measurements. Insufficient self-calibration based on survey data can induce systematic errors that can cause DEM deformations. The typically low geometric stability of consumer grade sensors necessitates in-situ calibration, as the reliability of a lab based calibration can be affected by transport. In this research a robust on-site workflow is proposed that allows the time-efficient and repeatable calibration of thermal and optical sensors at the same time. A stone building was utilised as calibration object with TLS scans for reference. The approach was applied to calculate eight separate camera calibrations using two sensors (DJI Phantom 4 Pro and Workswell WIRIS pro), two software solutions (Vision Measurement System (VMS) and Agisoft Metashape) and two different subsets of images per sensor. The presented results demonstrate that the approach is suitable to determine camera parameters for pre-calibrating photogrammetric surveys.
SPATIAL RESOLUTION ENHANCEMENT OF LAND COVER MAPPING USING DEEP CONVOLUTIONAL NETS
Authors: Yu Q. , Liu W. , Li J.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Multispectral satellite imagery is the primary data source for monitoring land cover change and characterizing land cover at the global scale. However, the accuracy of land cover classification is often constrained by the spatial and temporal resolutions of the acquired satellite images. This paper proposes a novel spatiotemporal fusion method based on deep convolutional neural networks under the application background of massive remote sensing data, as well as the large spatial resolution gaps between MODIS and Sentinel images. The training was taken on the public SEN12MS dataset, while the validation and testing were conducted using ground truth data from the 2020 IEEE GRSS data fusion contest. As a result of data fusion, the synthesized land cover map was more accurate than the corresponding MODIS-derived land cover map, with an enhanced spatial resolution of 10 meters. The ensemble approach can be implemented for improving data quality when generating a global land cover product from coarse satellite imageries.
SEMG Biofeedback Reeducation and Rehabilitation: The Sella Protocol
Authors: Sella Gabriel E. , AAPB Honorary Fellow
Published: August 2020

Surface electromyography (SEMG) dynamic protocols were developed to facilitate the assessment of SEMG resting and activity amplitude potentials and to guide muscular reeducation and rehabilitation. The author created a database that identifies the average and standard deviation of muscular amplitude potentials during rest and activity through the pertinent joint ranges of motion (ROM). This enables researchers, clinicians, and ergonomists to obtain numerical results within the range of the values in the database and obtain more effective and efficient values of muscular energy consumption. The database is also paramount to the normalization of dysfunctional muscular activity patterns during activity and rest.
Clinicopathological difference between invasive pancreatic duct cancer and distal bile duct cancer of the pancreas head after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Ikeguchi Masahide , Endo Kanenori
Published: August 2020

Aims: The only curative treatment for patients with invasive pancreatic duct cancer (IPDC) and distal bile duct cancer (DBDC) of the pancreas head is pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). However, the clinicopathological difference between IPDC and DBDC after PD has not been thoroughly discussed. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical and pathological difference between IPDC and DBDC in patients who underwent PD.

Methods: Sixty-six patients who underwent curative PD were enrolled (IPDC, n = 35; DBDC, n = 31). Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters and pathological factors (stages, lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, and perineural invasion) were compared.

Results: Jaundice was frequently detected and preoperative biliary drainage was frequently performed in patients with DBDC (60.5% and 90.3%, respectively). Additionally, the preoperative serum total bilirubin concentration and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio were higher in patients with DBDC than IPDC. As a result, the occurrence of postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred more frequently in patients with DBDC. In contrast, lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion, and vascular invasion were detected more frequently in patients with IPDC. The overall 5-year survival rate of the 35 patients with IPDC (13.4%) was much worse than that of the 31 patients with DBDC (52.3%, p less than 0.001).
Conclusion: The oncological characteristics of IPDC are much different from those of DBDC. More effective treatment should be started in patients with IPDC as soon as possible.
Certificação e circuitos curtos, caminhos possíveis para a sustentabilidade da agricultura familiar? O caso dos produtores de orgânicos do Território Noroeste Paulista
Authors: Capelas Centeno Nakao Daniela , Sant'Ana Antônio Lázaro
Published: August 2020

O Território Noroeste Paulista é caraterizado por pequenas propriedades, representadas pelo trabalho familiar e cultivo de frutas e hortaliças. A cidade de Jales, integrante do Território, nos últimos anos foi palco de grandes eventos voltados à agricultura orgânica, que estimularam a atuação conjunta dos produtores na busca de formação técnica e comercialização. Este trabalho objetivou investigar o perfil socioeconômico desses agricultores, caracterizar a produção e as formas de comercialização utilizadas. Foram aplicados 13 questionários aos agricultores que possuem propriedades certificadas ou que estão em transição para o sistema orgânico no referido Território. Constatou-se que 76,9% dos pesquisados são agricultores familiares que têm na produção orgânica sua principal fonte de renda agropecuária, embora haja grandes diferenças, em termos de renda monetária familiar, entre eles. Do total, mais de dois terços possuem certificação orgânica e 84,6% comercializam diretamente para o consumidor final por meio de um grupo informal, mas um percentual expressivo (38,5% do total) dos pesquisados depende também dos intermediários para vender parte da sua produção. A diversificação da inserção no mercado, via circuitos curtos, pode se constituir em uma alternativa importante para ampliar a renda das famílias.
Expediente
Authors: Guaju Revista
Published: August 2020

Expediente, vol. 6, n.1, jan./jun., 2020
Understanding failures in getting it up: The prevalence and predictors of failed ureteral access in ureteroscopy
Authors: Lavoie Callum A. , Levine Max , Schuler Trevor D. , Wollin Timothy A. , De Shubha
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Failed Access ureteroscopy (FA) describes the inability to gain adequate access to a stone to allow for treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of, and factors predicting FA in patients presenting with renal and ureteral stones.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of all uretersocopies for ureteral stones performed by three endourologists over a six month period. All patients who underwent URS for the purpose of stone treatment were included.  Patients were excluded if they underwent ureteroscopy for non-stone diagnosis or treatment. FA was investigated in relation to demographics, medical history, stone specific characteristics, procedure specific characteristics etc. Statistical analysis consisted of descriptive statistics as well as chi-square and t-test analysis using SPSS statistical software version 23.0.

Results:

188 cases were reviewed, with 8% of patients experiencing FA. Patient age, gender, BMI, ASA score, emergency cases, previous stone treatment, use of CT imaging, presence of hydronephrosis, and surgeon did not differ significantly between FA and successful access (SA) groups. Stone size (9.88±5.8 vs 8.76±4.3mm; p=0.361) was also not significantly different. However, a significant difference was noted in time from first diagnosis to ureteroscopy (128 vs 65 days; p=0.044) and in stone location 62.5% vs 22.0% proximal ureter; p=0.043; OR=4.77 (1.05-21.64)

Conclusions:

 Proximal ureteric stones were more likely to result in failed access ureteroscopy, and FA procedures were more likely to be preceded by extended time from first diagnosis to ureteroscopy. Further investigation is necessary, and all endourology centres should track their own personal outcome data in order to allow for more meaningful analysis to be performed to improve patient outcomes.
Treatment outcome and predictors of poor clinical response in extensively drug-resistant gram-negative urinary tract infection among children: A single-institution experience
Authors: Batalla-Bocaling Carren Anne P. , Tanseco Patrick Vincent P. , Chua Michael E. , Paje-Villar Estrella B.
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) is defined as isolates sensitive only to two or fewer antimicrobial categories. This paper aims to present the treatment outcome and identify factors associated with poor clinical response among children with XDR gram-negative urinary tract infection (UTI).

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort conducted at a tertiary pediatric hospital from January 2014 to June 2017. All patients diagnosed with culture-proven XDR gram-negative UTI were identified and analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and clinical characteristics. Patients were categorized according to treatment outcomes: success vs. failure. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess statistical differences between the groups and determined patient variables that are predictive of poor response. Odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were generated.

Results: A total of 29 (19.2%) XDR gram-negative pediatric UTIs were identified within the 42-month study period. No significant differences were noted in demographic characteristics between the groups. Treatment outcome of XDR gram-negative UTI patients showed that combination therapy with colistin had the highest success rate (40.9%) followed by non-colistin (36.4%) and combination therapy without colistin (22.7%). However, univariate analysis showed no significant difference among the different treatment groups (p=0.65). On multivariate logistic regression, receiving immunosuppressant and the presence of indwelling urinary catheters were independent predictors of poor clinical response among pediatric patients with XDR gram-negative UTI (OR 19.44; 95% CI 1.50–251.4; p=0.023 and OR 20.78; 95% CI 1.16–371.28; p=0.039; respectively).

Conclusions: The treatment success rate of XDR gram-negative pediatric UTI ranged from 22.7–36.4%. This finding emphasizes the need to advocate antibiotic stewardship to prevent further increase in XDR UTIs. Indwelling urinary catheters and receipt of immunosuppressants are associated with poor clinical outcome.
Legal regulation and government regulation of the behavior of minors on the Internet: foreign experience
Authors: Ryzhov Valerii Borisovich
Published: August 2020

This research is dedicated to examination of the systems of legal regulation and government regulation of the activity of minors on the Internet. The novelty of this works is substantiated by introduction of new empirical material into the scientific discourse. It is stated that practice of the developed countries is characterized with normative consolidation of heightened obligations of business structures that render Internet services and access to digital infrastructure.  The practice of mandatory age verification of the consumers became widespread among commercial structures. The scope of responsibilities of oversight bodies with regards to activity of website owners, providers, mobile operators, sellers of gadgets and other equipment, cultural and educational establishments that provide Internet access to minors has been significantly increased. The described measures in regulation of the Internet activity of minors also suggest parental assistance. The author comes to a conclusion that the established in foreign countries system of legal regulation of the behavior of minors on the Internet, as well as the existing practice of social life in this sphere, may be implemented by the Russian Federation into national legislation.
Experimental and Mathematical Model for the Antimalarial Activity of Methanolic Root Extract of Azadirachta indica (Dongoyaro) in Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei NK65
Authors: Olaniyi Adeniyi Michael , Oshiobugie Momoh Johnson , Raphael Aderele Oluwaseun
Published: August 2020

The study determines the experimental and mathematical model for the anti-plasmodial activity of methanolic root extract of Azadirachta indica in Swiss mice infected with Plasmodium berghei NK65. Phytochemical analyses, antimalarial activity of the methanolic root extract of A. indica was determined in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei NK65 using standard procedure. Liver biomarker enzymes were also determined. The model P. berghei induced free and P. berghei infected equilibrium were determined. The stability of the model equilibrium points was rigorously analyzed. The phytochemicals present in the extract include: alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin and phenolic compounds etc. The experimental study consists of five groups of five mice each per group. Group A, B, C, D and E were healthy, infected without treatment, infected mice treated with fansidar (10 mg/kg), chloroquine (10 mg/kg) and 250 mg/kg body weight of A. indica methanolic root extract respectively. The extract showed anti-plasmodial activity of 73.96%. The result was significant when compared with group B mice, though it was lower than that exhibited by fansidar (88.91%) and chloroquine (92.18%) for suppressive test. There were significant decrease (P<0.05) in plasma AST and ALT levels in the treated infected mice compared to the infected untreated mice. The results of the model showed that the P.berghei induced free equilibrium is locally and globally asymptotically stable at threshold parameter,  less than unity and unstable when  is greater than unity. Numerical simulations were carried out to validate the analytic results which are in agreement with the experimental analysis of this work.
Reliability and accuracy of EEG interpretation for estimating age in preterm infants
Authors: Stevenson Nathan J. , Tataranno Maria‐Luisa , Kaminska Anna , Pavlidis Elena , Clancy Robert R. , Griesmaier Elke , Roberts James A. , Klebermass‐Schrehof Katrin , Vanhatalo Sampsa
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To determine the accuracy of, and agreement among, EEG and aEEG readers’ estimation of maturity and a novel computational measure of functional brain age (FBA) in preterm infants.

Methods

Seven experts estimated the postmenstrual ages (PMA) in a cohort of recordings from preterm infants using cloud‐based review software. The FBA was calculated using a machine learning‐based algorithm. Error analysis was used to determine the accuracy of PMA assessments and intraclass correlation (ICC) was used to assess agreement between experts.

Results

EEG recordings from a PMA range 25 to 38 weeks were successfully interpreted. In 179 recordings from 62 infants interpreted by all human readers, there was moderate agreement between experts (aEEG ICC = 0.724; 95%CI:0.658–0.781 and EEG ICC = 0.517; 95%CI:0.311–0.664). In 149 recordings from 61 infants interpreted by all human readers and the FBA algorithm, random and systematic errors in visual interpretation of PMA were significantly higher than the computational FBA estimate. Tracking of maturation in individual infants showed stable FBA trajectories, but the trajectories of the experts’ PMA estimate were more likely to be obscured by random errors. The accuracy of visual interpretation of PMA estimation was compromised by neurodevelopmental outcome for both aEEG and EEG review.

Interpretation

Visual assessment of infant maturity is possible from the EEG or aEEG, with an average of human experts providing the highest accuracy. Tracking PMA of individual infants was hampered by errors in experts’ estimates. FBA provided the most accurate maturity assessment and has potential as a biomarker of early outcome.
In Situ Deprotection of Polymeric Binders for Solution‐Processible Sulfide‐Based All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Lee Jieun , Lee Kyulin , Lee Taegeun , Kim Hyuntae , Kim Kyungsu , Cho Woosuk , Coskun Ali , Char Kookheon , Choi Jang Wook
Published: August 2020

Sulfide‐based all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) have been featured as promising alternatives to the current lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) mainly owing to their superior safety. Nevertheless, a solution‐based scalable manufacturing scheme has not yet been established because of the incompatible polarity of the binder, solvent, and sulfide electrolyte during slurry preparation. This dilemma is overcome by subjecting the acrylate (co)polymeric binders to protection−deprotection chemistry. Protection by the tert‐butyl group allows for homogeneous dispersion of the binder in the slurry based on a relatively less polar solvent, with subsequent heat‐treatment during the drying process to cleave the tert‐butyl group. This exposes the polar carboxylic acid groups, which are then able to engage in hydrogen bonding with the active cathode material, high‐nickel layered oxide. Deprotection strengthens the electrode adhesion such that the strength equals that of commercial LIB electrodes, and the key electrochemical performance parameters are improved markedly in both half‐cell and full‐cell settings. The present study highlights the potential of sulfide‐based ASSBs for scalable manufacturing and also provides insights that protection−deprotection chemistry can generally be used for various battery cells that suffer from polarity incompatibility among multiple electrode components.
Enamel thickness variation in the deciduous dentition of extant large‐bodied hominoids
Authors: Ortiz Alejandra , Schander‐Triplett Katherine , Bailey Shara E. , Skinner Matthew M. , Hublin Jean‐Jacques , Schwartz Gary T.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Enamel thickness features prominently in hominoid evolutionary studies. To date, however, studies of enamel thickness in humans, great apes, and their fossil relatives have focused on the permanent molar row. Comparatively little research effort has been devoted to tissue proportions within deciduous teeth. Here we attempt to fill this gap by documenting enamel thickness variation in the deciduous dentition of extant large‐bodied hominoids.

Materials and methods

We used microcomputed tomography to image dental tissues in 80 maxillary and 78 mandibular deciduous premolars of Homo sapiens, Pan troglodytes, Gorilla, and Pongo. Two‐dimensional virtual sections were created from the image volumes to quantify average (AET) and relative (RET) enamel thickness, as well as its distribution across the crown.

Results

Our results reveal no significant differences in enamel thickness among the great apes. Unlike the pattern present in permanent molars, Pongo does not stand out as having relatively thicker‐enameled deciduous premolars than P. troglodytes and Gorilla. Humans, on the other hand, possess significantly thicker deciduous premolar enamel in comparison to great apes. Following expectations from masticatory biomechanics, we also find that the “functional” side (protocone, protoconid) of deciduous premolars generally possesses thicker enamel than the “nonfunctional” side.

Discussion

Our study lends empirical support to anecdotal observations that patterns of AET and RET observed for permanent molars of large‐bodied apes do not apply to deciduous premolars. By documenting enamel thickness variation in hominoid deciduous teeth, this study provides the comparative context to interpret rates and patterns of wear of deciduous teeth and their utility in life history reconstructions.
Fluorination Enhances NIR‐II Fluorescence of Polymer Dots for Quantitative Brain Tumor Imaging
Authors: Liu Ye , Liu Jinfeng , Chen Dandan , Wang Xiaosha , Zhang Zhe , Yang Yicheng , Jiang Lihui , Qi Weizhi , Ye Ziyuan , He Shuqing , Liu Quanying , Xi Lei , Zou Yingping , Wu Changfeng
Published: August 2020

Here, we describe a fluorination strategy for semiconducting polymers for the development of highly bright second near‐infrared region (NIR‐II) probes. Tetrafluorination yielded a fluorescence QY of 3.2 % for the polymer dots (Pdots), over a 3‐fold enhancement compared to non‐fluorinated counterparts. The fluorescence enhancement was attributable to a nanoscale fluorous effect in the Pdots that maintained the molecular planarity and minimized the structure distortion between the excited state and ground state, thus reducing the nonradiative relaxations. By performing through‐skull and through‐scalp imaging of the brain vasculature of live mice, we quantitatively analyzed the vascular morphology of transgenic brain tumors in terms of the vessel lengths, vessel branches, and vessel symmetry, which showed statistically significant differences from the wild type animals. The bright NIR‐II Pdots obtained through fluorination chemistry provide insightful information for precise diagnosis of the malignancy of the brain tumor.
O‐Isocyanates as Uncharged 1,3‐Dipole Equivalents in [3+2] Cycloadditions
Authors: Allen Meredith A. , Ivanovich Ryan A. , Beauchemin André M.
Published: August 2020

1,3‐Dipoles are commonly used in [3+2] cycloadditions, whereas isoelectronic uncharged dipole variants remain underdeveloped. In contrast to conventional 1,3‐dipoles, uncharged dipole equivalents form zwitterionic cycloadducts, which can be exploited to build further molecular complexity. In this work, the first cycloadditions of oxygen‐substituted isocyanates (O‐isocyanates) were studied experimentally and by DFT calculations. This unique cycloaddition strategy provides access to a novel class of heterocycle aza‐oxonium ylides through intramolecular and intermolecular cycloadditions with alkenes. This allowed a systematic study of the reactivity of the transient aza‐oxonium ylide intermediate, which can undergo N−O bond cleavage followed by nitrene C−H insertion, and the formation of β‐lactams or isoxazolidinones upon varying the structure of the alkene or O‐isocyanate reagents.
Metal–Sulfur Linkages Achieved by Organic Tethering of Ruthenium Nanocrystals for Enhanced Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction
Authors: Ahmed Muhammad Ibrar , Liu Chuangwei , Zhao Yong , Ren Wenhao , Chen Xianjue , Chen Sheng , Zhao Chuan
Published: August 2020

Inspired by the metal–sulfur (M‐S) linkages in the nitrogenase enzyme, here we show a surface modification strategy to modulate the electronic structure and improve the N2 availability on a catalytic surface, which suppresses the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and improves the rate of NH3 production. Ruthenium nanocrystals anchored on reduced graphene oxide (Ru/rGO) are modified with different aliphatic thiols to achieve M‐S linkages. A high faradaic efficiency (11 %) with an improved NH3 yield (50 μg h−1 mg−1) is achieved at −0.1 V vs. RHE in acidic conditions by using dodecanethiol. DFT calculations reveal intermediate N2 adsorption and desorption of the product is achieved by electronic structure modification along with the suppression of the HER by surface modification. The modified catalyst shows excellent stability and recyclability for NH3 production, as confirmed by rigorous control experiments including 15N isotope labeling experiments.
High‐performance desalination of high‐salinity reverse osmosis brine by direct contact membrane distillation using superhydrophobic membranes
Authors: Xu Yuanlu , Yang Yi , Sun Menghan , Fan Xinfei , Song Chengwen , Tao Ping , Shao Mihua
Published: August 2020

In this study, the direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) with a superhydrophobic membrane (SM‐DCMD) herein was designed and applied to desalinate RO brine, showing excellent performance in desalinating high salinity. The superhydrophobic membrane with good resistance to pore wetting and fouling was prepared by coating silica nanospheres onto a porous glass fiber substrate and subsequent fluorination. It maintained a stable flux (31.27 LMH at feed temperate of 80°C) and outstanding salt rejection (~100%) even in the presence of natural organic matter (NOM, a typical organic foulant) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, a typical wetting agent with low surface tension). During handling practical reverse osmosis brine, such SM‐DCMD system presented excellent performances in terms of a stable flux of 23.70 LMH and salt rejection efficiency of >99% over 24 h continuous operations. The relevant COD and color removal efficiency kept a constant value of 100%. These overall findings indicate that the SM‐DCMD is a hopeful candidate for desalinating practical RO brine with high performance.
Fatigue behavior and relation between fatigue resistance and tensile properties of poly(para‐phenylene‐co‐3,4'‐oxydiphenylene terephthalamide) fiber
Authors: Yagi Suguru , Kobayashi Haruki
Published: August 2020

The poly(para‐phenylene‐co‐3,4′‐oxydiphenylene terephthalamide) (PPODTA) fiber is one of the high strength organic fibers, and it has been reported that the PPODTA fiber has superior fatigue resistance. The high strength fibers are used in the applications to utilize their high mechanical properties in general. Therefore, the long‐term durability of these fibers is also required. In this study, the fatigue tests were conducted for the PPODTA fibers. As a result, it was found that the PPODTA fibers were able to be fractured by the cyclic tensile stress, and the fatigue behavior was influenced by the stress conditions. In addition, the single fiber tensile tests were also conducted for the PPODTA fibers, and the relation between the tensile properties and the fatigue resistance of the PPODTA fiber was investigated. The fatigue resistance of the PPODTA fiber was increased with the decrease of the fiber diameter and the increase of the tensile modulus.
Fuzzy‐HMM modeling for emotion detection using electrocardiogram signals
Authors: Pan Shing‐Tai , Li Wei‐Ching
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a Fuzzy Hidden Markov Model (FHMM) for electrocardiogram (ECG)‐based emotion recognition is proposed. The FHMM model is modeled using the fuzzy membership of each class of feature vectors to compute the elements of the matric in the model. Each element in the matric is determined by the two nearest classes of feature vectors with fuzzy classification to avoid the winner‐takes‐all situation that usually happens in tradition discrete Hidden Markov Models (HMM) and that reduces the accuracy of the modeling results. The FHMM modeling proposed in this paper can improve the precision of traditional discrete HMM modeling. Also, the features for emotion recognition, which are selected according to those used in prior research, are calculated from ECG signals. The selected features form a feature vector and these are calculated for all ECG signals. Some feature vectors are used to train the FHMM model and the remaining are used for testing. Experimental results show that the proposed FHMM model can achieve impressive improvements on the three indices, sensitivities (Se%), positive predictive value (PPV%), and total classification accuracy (TCA%), compared to traditional HMM. Moreover, compared to some existing studies, the recognition rates of the proposed method are higher. These results verify the efficiency of the proposed method for emotion recognition from ECG signals.