bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transitioning From Nasogastric Feeding Tube to Gastrostomy Tube in Pediatric Patients: A Survey on Decision‐Making and Practice
Authors: Abdelhadi Ruba A. , Rempel Gina , Sevilla Wednesday , Turner Justine M. , Quet Julie , Nelson Audra , Rahe Katina , Wilhelm Rebecca , Larocque Julie , Guenter Peggi ,   ASPEN Enteral Nutrition Task Force Pediatric Work Group
Published: December 2020

Background

Tube feeding via nasogastric tubes (NGTs) and gastrostomy tubes (GTs) is a common practice for children unable to meet their nutrition needs by oral feeding alone. There is currently a lack of evidence‐based guidance specific for the process of transitioning from an NGT to GT as a longer‐term enteral access device. Uncertainty in the literature about feeding tube choices, practices, and transitions requires clinicians to draw on incomplete and sometimes conflicting evidence, personal experience, economic realities, and compassion to deliver supportive child‐centered care.

Methods

The ASPEN Enteral Nutrition Task Force Pediatric Work Group designed a survey to explore current practice of enteral access device safety and use among pediatric clinicians practicing in the US and Canada. The survey aimed to define time frames, parameters, and decision points to guide clinicians and families in the transition from NG to GT feeding.

Results

258 clinicians, 55% practicing in an inpatient setting, 17% in‐home patient setting, and 28% practicing in both inpatient and outpatient setting. 22% were physicians, 42% were dietitians, 32% were nurses or advanced practice nurses, 2% were pharmacists. The most common feeding tubes used were NGTs followed by GTs. Majority of respondents indicated that they did not have a specific timeline for when an NGT should be changed to a GT. Highest ranked patient factors or clinical considerations prior to recommending changing from an NGT to a GT were exceeding the duration for temporary feeding or the need for an extended duration of tube feeding. Highest physician barriers to GT placement were the reluctance for referral from primary care doctors for GT placement. Majority of respondents reported the use of NGTs for enteral access at home and that parents were taught how to place the NGTs for home use but without consistently being taught the use of pH paper to verify NGT tip location or being provided with the pH paper to perform this task at home.

Conclusions

This survey is the first step to address the knowledge gap surrounding feeding tube choices by ascertaining the current standard of practice regarding enteral access devices and appropriate timing of transitioning from NGT to GT feeding. The results highlight current practice variability and concerns. Information from the survey was used to formulate a decision tree to guide the transition of NGT to GT feeding that nutrition support professionals can use to advocate for best practices in their hospital and community settings.
Combination of hydroxyurea and tranilast suppresses gemcitabine resistance induced by ribonucleotide reductase M1 in gemcitabine‐resistant cells
Authors: Shinagawa Noriho , Minami Kentaro , Ishida Takayuki , Hijioka Hiroshi , Yamamoto Masatatsu , Kawahara Kohichi , Furukawa Tatsuhiko , Nakamura Norifumi
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Gemcitabine (GEM; 2′,2′‐difluorodeoxycytidine) is widely used to treat pancreatic, biliary tract, non‐small cell lung, bladder, mammary, and ovarian cancers. Chemoradiotherapy with GEM is a promising treatment for patients with advanced and locally recurrent head and neck cancers, including those with oral cavity cancer. However, the development of GEM resistance limits its use for curative treatment. Overexpression of ribonucleotide reductase (RR) M1 is a major cause of GEM resistance. We previously established RRM1‐mediated GEM‐resistant cell lines (MGEM6 and MGEM8) and showed that the knockdown of RRM1 is a rationale strategy for overcoming GEM resistance. We further investigated the role of RR inhibition in enhancing the effects of GEM.

Materials and methods

We examined whether the combination treatment of hydroxyurea (HU), 3‐aminopyridine‐2‐carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (3‐AP), and tranilast (TRL) could increase GEM sensitivity using the survival assay of MGEM6, MGEM8, and their parental cells. The effects of these compounds on the expression of RRM1 and RRM2 mRNA and protein were evaluated in the three cell lines by quantitative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and immunoblotting.

Results

HU or/and TRL at nontoxic concentrations significantly improved the response of resistant cancer cells to GEM, whereas 3‐AP did not. This may have been because the two agents reduced the ratio of RRM1/RRM2. The three compounds have different effects on the mRNA and protein expression of RRM1 and RRM2.

Conclusions

The combination of HU and/or TRL with GEM enhances the toxic effect in gemcitabine‐resistant cells induced by RRM1.
Poria cocos polysaccharides reduces high‐fat diet‐induced arteriosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice by inhibiting inflammation
Authors: Li Weifeng , Yu Jinjin , Zhao Jinmeng , Xiao Xin , Li Wenqi , Zang Lulu , Yu Jiabao , Liu Haijing , Niu Xiaofeng
Published: December 2020

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the arteries, which is closely related to dyslipidemia, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress. Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCP) are one of the main active ingredients of Poria, which has significant pharmacological effects. In this study, the potential protective mechanism of PCP on AS was discussed in the ApoE−/− mice model induced by high‐fat diet. These pathological changes were evaluated by H&E and oil red O staining. The levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in aortic tissue were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit. These protein expressions were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that PCP inhibited the serum inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, and nitric oxide) and lipids (low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, triglyceride, and total cholesterol) increase. Moreover, PCP also reduced the concentration of malondialdehyde, increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, and improved the pathological changes of the aorta. Finally, PCP inhibited the activation of the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway in the aorta and blocked the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 proteins. In short, PCP intervenes in AS by reducing inflammatory factors and blood lipid levels.
Safe Fabrication and Characterization of NC/CL‐20/CnMs Nanoenergetic Composite Materials via Modified Sol‐Gel
Authors: Chen Ling , Wang Yingbo , Fu You , Liu Jie , He Wei‐dong
Published: December 2020

In this work, nitrocellulose/hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane/carbon nanomaterials (NC/CL‐20/CnMs) nanoenergetic composite materials are synthesized by combining sol‐gel and vacuum freeze‐drying technology, wherein NC is chosen as the gel matrix to load CL‐20 particles and CnMs. The results indicate that the CL‐20 and CnMs are imbedded and homogeneously dispersed in the monolithic gel of NC matrix, and the polymorph of CL‐20 maintains the optimal ϵ form during the fabrication process. The thermal results reveal that the onset temperature and exothermic temperature are visibly advanced compared with physical mixing and CL‐20. In addition, the activation energy (Ea) of composites has also been calculated and exhibits lower Ea (110 kJ mol−1<) than that of raw materials (NC: 299.13 kJ mol−1, CL‐20: 157.93 kJ mol−1). Finally, the impact and frication sensitivities have been tested and present inspirational results that sensitivity is decreased greatly owning to buffer function of the monolithic gel of NC matrix. This fabrication strategy and conclusions will provide promising application for NC/CL‐20/CnMs used in propellants.
Synthesis, Structures and Properties of Two Ln(III) Coordination Polymers based on Pyrimidine‐2‐carboxylic Acid and Sodium Dicyanamide
Authors: Xia Jun , Wang Chen‐Han
Published: December 2020

Assemblies of pyrimidine‐2‐carboxylic acid (Hpmc) and samarium nitrate or europium nitrate in the presence of sodium dicyanamide (Na‐dca) under ambient conditions yielded two new coordination polymers, namely [Ln(pmc)2(dca)(H2O)2]n (Ln=Sm (1), Eu (2)). The complexes were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, elemental analysis, IR and fluorescence spectra. Structure analysis shows two complexes are isostructural with monoclinic (C2/c) symmetry. And each central metal atom is coordinated by three chelate pmc−, one terminal dca− and two water molecules to generate an infinite zigzag chain. Through Owater−H ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ Ocarboxylate, Owater−H ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ Npyrimidine hydrogen bonds, the chains are connected to a two‐dimensional net, which is furtherly extended to a three‐dimensional supramolecular structure by Owater−H ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ Ncyano hydrogen bonds. Luminescent measurement of complex 2 shows the characteristic fluorescence of Eu3+.
Solitary oscillations and multiple antikink-kink pairs in the double sine-Gordon model
Authors: Simas Fabiano C. , Lima Fred C. , Nobrega K. Z. , Gomes Adalto R.
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We study kink-antikink collisions in a particular case of the double sine-Gordon model depending on only one parameter r. The scattering process of large kink-antikink shows the changing of the topological sector. For some parameter intervals we observed two connected effects: the production of multiple antikink-kink pairs and up to three solitary oscillations. The scattering process for small kink-antikink has several possibilities: the changing of the topological sector, one-bounce collision, two-bounce collision, or formation of a bion state. In particular, we observed for small values of rand velocities, the formation of false two-bounce windows and the suppression of true two-bounce windows, despite the presence of an internal shape mode.
Revenge and forgiveness after victimization: psychometric evaluation of a Dutch version of the TRIM intended for victims and offenders
Authors: Gerlsma Coby , Lugtmeyer Valerie , Van Denderen Mariëtte , De Keijser Jos
Published: December 2020

The Transgression Related Interpersonal Motivations (TRIM) scale measures revenge, avoidance, and benevolence in response to social transgressions that, typically, comprise acts of indirect aggression. We tailored the TRIM for use in forensic psychiatric and victimological settings by slightly altering the instruction to include transgressions that comprise direct as well as indirect aggression. In this study, we examined the factor structure and psychometric qualities of this adapted Dutch version of the TRIM. Data was collected in adolescents from three different educational levels (N = 455) and in (ex)detainees (N = 65). Three unambiguous and internally consistent factors corroborated a priori conceptualizations. Associations with social desirability, dispositional anger, dispositional vengeance, accomplished revenge, and accomplished forgiveness supported construct validity. Mean scores from (ex)detainees did not differ from the student participants, although the former reported more incidents of physical and sexual violence. Hence, the TRIM appears useful as an aid in risk assessment of known offenders, threat assessment of as yet unknown offenders, and efforts to support victims of violence.
A sequential approach to the convolution of Roumieu ultradistributions
Authors: Mincheva-Kamińska Svetlana
Published: December 2020

We consider several general sequential conditions for convolvability of two Roumieu ultradistributions on $${\mathbb {R}}^d$$

R

d

in the space $${\mathcal {D}}'^{\{M_p\}}$$

D

′
{

M
p

}

and prove that they are equivalent to the convolvability of these ultradistributions in the sense of Pilipović and Prangoski. The discussed conditions, based on two classes $${{\mathbb {U}}}^{\{M_p\}}$$

U

{

M
p

}

and $$\overline{{\mathbb {U}}}^{\{M_p\}}$$

U
¯

{

M
p

}

of approximate units and corresponding sequential conditions of integrability of Roumieu ultradistributions, are analogous to the known convolvability conditions in the space $${\mathcal {D}}'$$

D

′

of distributions and in the space $${\mathcal {D}}'^{(M_p)}$$

D

′
(

M
p

)

of ultradistributions of Beurling type. Moreover, the following property of the convolution and ultradifferential operator P(D) of class $$\{M_p\}$$

{

M
p

}

is proved: if $$S, T \in \mathcal{D}'^{\{M_{p }\}}({\mathbb {R}}^d)$$

S
,
T
∈

D

′
{

M
p

}

(

R

d

)

are convolvable, then $$\begin{aligned} P(D)(S*T) = (P(D)S)*T = S*(P(D)T). \end{aligned}$$

P
(
D
)
(
S

∗
T
)
=
(
P
(
D
)
S
)

∗
T
=
S

∗
(
P
(
D
)
T
)
.
Genotype–environment correlation by intervention effects underlying middle childhood peer rejection and associations with adolescent marijuana use
Authors: Elam Kit K. , Clifford Sierra , Ruof Ariana , Shaw Daniel S. , Wilson Melvin N. , Lemery-Chalfant Kathryn
Published: December 2020

Aggressive behavior in middle childhood can contribute to peer rejection, subsequently increasing risk for substance use in adolescence. However, the quality of peer relationships a child experiences can be associated with his or her genetic predisposition, a genotype–environment correlation (rGE). In addition, recent evidence indicates that psychosocial preventive interventions can buffer genetic predispositions for negative behavior. The current study examined associations between polygenic risk for aggression, aggressive behavior, and peer rejection from 8.5 to 10.5 years, and the subsequent influence of peer rejection on marijuana use in adolescence (n = 515; 256 control, 259 intervention). Associations were examined separately in control and intervention groups for children of families who participated in a randomized controlled trial of the family-based preventive intervention, the Family Check-Up . Using time-varying effect modeling (TVEM), polygenic risk for aggression was associated with peer rejection from approximately age 8.50 to 9.50 in the control group but no associations were present in the intervention group. Subsequent analyses showed peer rejection mediated the association between polygenic risk for aggression and adolescent marijuana use in the control group. The role of rGEs in middle childhood peer processes and implications for preventive intervention programs for adolescent substance use are discussed.
Dirac-vortex topological photonic crystal fibre
Authors: Lin Hao , Lu Ling
Published: December 2020

The success of photonic crystal fibres relies largely on the endless variety of two-dimensional photonic crystals in the cross-section. Here, we propose a topological bandgap fibre whose bandgaps along in-plane directions are opened by generalised Kekulé modulation of a Dirac lattice with a vortex phase. Then, the existence of mid-gap defect modes is guaranteed to guide light at the core of this Dirac-vortex fibre, where the number of guiding modes equals the winding number of the spatial vortex. The single-vortex design provides a single-polarisation single-mode for a bandwidth as large as one octave.
Bivalent antibody pliers inhibit β-tryptase by an allosteric mechanism dependent on the IgG hinge
Authors: Maun Henry R. , Vij Rajesh , Walters Benjamin T. , Morando Ashley , Jackman Janet K. , Wu Ping , Estevez Alberto , Chen Xiaocheng , Franke Yvonne , Lipari Michael T. , Dennis Mark S. , Kirchhofer Daniel , Ciferri Claudio , Loyet Kelly M. , Yi Tangsheng , Eigenbrot Charles , Lazarus Robert A. , Koerber James T.
Published: December 2020

Human β-tryptase, a tetrameric trypsin-like serine protease, is an important mediator of allergic inflammatory responses in asthma. Antibodies generally inhibit proteases by blocking substrate access by binding to active sites or exosites or by allosteric modulation. The bivalency of IgG antibodies can increase potency via avidity, but has never been described as essential for activity. Here we report an inhibitory anti-tryptase IgG antibody with a bivalency-driven mechanism of action. Using biochemical and structural data, we determine that four Fabs simultaneously occupy four exosites on the β-tryptase tetramer, inducing allosteric changes at the small interface. In the presence of heparin, the monovalent Fab shows essentially no inhibition, whereas the bivalent IgG fully inhibits β-tryptase activity in a hinge-dependent manner. Our results suggest a model where the bivalent IgG acts akin to molecular pliers, pulling the tetramer apart into inactive β-tryptase monomers, and may provide an alternative strategy for antibody engineering.
Flow driven robotic navigation of microengineered endovascular probes
Authors: Pancaldi Lucio , Dirix Pietro , Fanelli Adele , Lima Augusto Martins , Stergiopulos Nikolaos , Mosimann Pascal John , Ghezzi Diego , Sakar Mahmut Selman
Published: December 2020

Minimally invasive medical procedures, such as endovascular catheterization, have considerably reduced procedure time and associated complications. However, many regions inside the body, such as in the brain vasculature, still remain inaccessible due to the lack of appropriate guidance technologies. Here, experimentally and through numerical simulations, we show that tethered ultra-flexible endovascular microscopic probes can be transported through tortuous vascular networks with minimal external intervention by harnessing hydrokinetic energy. Dynamic steering at bifurcations is performed by deformation of the probe head using magnetic actuation. We developed an endovascular microrobotic toolkit with a cross-sectional area that is orders of magnitude smaller than the smallest catheter currently available. Our technology has the potential to improve state-of-the-art practices as it enhances the reachability, reduces the risk of iatrogenic damage, significantly increases the speed of robot-assisted interventions, and enables the deployment of multiple leads simultaneously through a standard needle injection and saline perfusion.
High affinity nanobodies block SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain interaction with human angiotensin converting enzyme
Authors: Esparza Thomas J. , Martin Negin P. , Anderson George P. , Goldman Ellen R. , Brody David L.
Published: December 2020

There are currently few approved effective treatments for SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Nanobodies are 12–15 kDa single-domain antibody fragments that can be delivered by inhalation and are amenable to relatively inexpensive large scale production compared to other biologicals. We have isolated nanobodies that bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain and block spike protein interaction with the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) with 1–5 nM affinity. The lead nanobody candidate, NIH-CoVnb-112, blocks SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudotyped lentivirus infection of HEK293 cells expressing human ACE2 with an EC50 of 0.3 µg/mL. NIH-CoVnb-112 retains structural integrity and potency after nebulization. Furthermore, NIH-CoVnb-112 blocks interaction between ACE2 and several high affinity variant forms of the spike protein. These nanobodies and their derivatives have therapeutic, preventative, and diagnostic potential.
Author Correction: Improving the thermal conductivity of epoxy composites using a combustion-synthesized aggregated β-Si3N4 filler with randomly oriented grains
Authors: Shimamura Akihiro , Hotta Yuji , Hyuga Hideki , Hotta Mikinori , Hirao Kiyoshi
Published: December 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
The enhancement of photocatalytic CO2 reduction by the in situ growth of TiO2 on Ti3C2 MXene
Authors: Chen Liuyun , Huang Kelin , Xie Qingruo , Lam Sze Mun , Sin Jin Chung , Su Tongming , Ji Hongbing , Qin Zuzeng
Published: December 2020

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction is enhanced by the promoted charge transfer at the interface between TiO2 and Ti3C2 after the in situ growth of TiO2 on Ti3C2.
l-Arabinose suppresses gluconeogenesis through modulating AMP-activated protein kinase in metabolic disorder mice
Authors: Wang Yu , Guan Yanming , Xue Lamei , Liu Jinxin , Yang Zi , Nie Chenzhipeng , Yan Ying , Liu Shengnan , Sun Juan , Fan Mingcong , Qian Haifeng , Ying Hao , Li Yan , Wang Li
Published: December 2020

l-Arabinose treatment activated AMPK signalling pathway, leading to down-regulate PGC1α and FoxO1 expression followed by inhibition of the expression of gluconeogenesis genes G6pase and PEPCK, thereby suppressing hepatic gluconeogenesis.
Optical visualization and imaging of nanomaterials
Authors: Shi Xiaofei , Zhao Siming , Wang Fei , Jiang Qinyuan , Zhan Chenhao , Li Run , Zhang Rufan
Published: December 2020

Direct visualization and imaging of nanomaterials under ambient conditions is of great significance for their characterization and application.
Hierarchical interlayer-expanded MoSe2/N–C nanorods for high-rate and long-life sodium and potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Xueqian , Xiong Yali , Zhang Lei , Hou Zhiguo , Qian Yitai
Published: December 2020

The hierarchical structure and N-doped carbon coating buffer the volume expansion and maintain the structure integrity of MoSe2, which enables the long cycle performance and high rate capability for both sodium and potassium storage.
PET-RAFT facilitated 3D printable resins with multifunctional RAFT agents
Authors: Shi Xiaobing , Zhang Jin , Corrigan Nathaniel , Boyer Cyrille
Published: December 2020

The application of reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) agents in stereolithographic 3D printing has been seldom reported due to their tendency to reduce polymerization rates.
Nanomorphology of eco-friendly colloidal inks, relating non-fullerene acceptor surface energy to structure formation
Authors: Barr Matthew G. , Chambon Sylvain , Fahy Adam , Jones Timothy W. , Marcus Matthew A. , Kilcoyne A. L. David , Dastoor Paul C. , Griffith Matthew J. , Holmes Natalie P.
Published: December 2020

This work unravels the intricate relationship between non-fullerene acceptor material surface energy and nanostructure formation in organic nanoparticle colloids.
Chitosan modified metal–organic frameworks as a promising carrier for oral drug delivery
Authors: Li Li , Han Shasha , Zhao Sengqun , Li Xurui , Liu Bingmi , Liu Yu
Published: December 2020

The drug delivery system of CS-MOF@5-FU was developed to achieve oral administration of 5-FU.
Application of electroactive Au/aniline tetramer–graphene oxide composites as a highly efficient reusable catalyst
Authors: Lai Guan-Hui , Chou Yi-Chen , Huang Bi-Sheng , Yang Ta-I. , Tsai Mei-Hui
Published: December 2020

The stable and reusable Au/ATGO composites were prepared. Aniline tetramer not only modified GO but also can anchor Au NPs. The Au/ATGO composites as a catalyst exhibit good cycling stability.
Dielectric properties of poly-(3-octylthiophene) thin films mixed with oleic acid capped cadmium selenide nanoparticles
Authors: Hajlaoui Mohsen Elain , Benchaabane Aida , Benhamed Zied , Mahdhi Nourdine , Al-Tabbakh Ahmed A. , Kouki Fayçal
Published: December 2020

Hybrid heterojunction thin films, based on poly-(3-octylthiophene) (P3OT) polymer and oleic acid (OA)-capped cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanoparticles (NPs) are prepared by a spin-coating method.
Controlling ultrasmall gold nanoparticles with atomic precision
Authors: Xia Nan , Wu Zhikun
Published: December 2020

The synthesis strategy, methods and parameters for atomically precise gold nanoclusters were reviewed, and future outlook was also proposed.
Halogenated salt assisted Cu-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-borylstannation of 1,3-enynes: enantioselective synthesis of allenylstannes
Authors: Ye Jialin , Liao Yang , Huang Hao , Liu Yang , Fang Dongmei , Wang Min , Hu Lianrui , Liao Jian
Published: December 2020

An enantioselective 1,4-borylstannation of 1,3-enynes employed a chiral sulfoxide phosphine (SOP)/Cu complex as a catalyst, and the desired products, chiral allenylstannes, were first synthesized by asymmetric catalysis with satisfactory yields and enantioselectivies.
Insight into the drastically different triplet lifetimes of BODIPY obtained by optical/magnetic spectroscopy and theoretical computations
Authors: Wang Zhijia , Toffoletti Antonio , Hou Yuqi , Zhao Jianzhang , Barbon Antonio , Dick Bernhard
Published: December 2020

The electron spin polarization inversion and anisotropic decay of triplet substates explain the short triplet state lifetime of BODIPY derivatives.
Ambiphilic boryl groups in a neutral Ni(ii) complex: a new activation mode of H2
Authors: Ríos Pablo , Borge Javier , Fernández de Córdova Francisco , Sciortino Giuseppe , Lledós Agustí , Rodríguez Amor
Published: December 2020

A bis(boryl)nickel complex promotes the facile and reversible activation of H2 through a cooperative mechanism that involves the metal and both boryl moieties in a concerted five-center process.
Intermediates involved in serotonin oxidation catalyzed by Cu bound Aβ peptides
Authors: Nath Arnab Kumar , Ghatak Arnab , Dey Abhishek , Dey Somdatta Ghosh
Published: December 2020

The mononuclear copper hydroperoxo species (Cu(ii)–OOH) of Cu–Aβ is the active oxidant responsible for serotonin oxidation by Cu–Aβ in the presence of physiologically relevant oxidants like O2 and H2O2, which can potentially cause oxidative degradation of neurotransmitters, a marker of Alzheimer's disease.
A branch-like Mo-doped Ni3S2 nanoforest as a high-efficiency and durable catalyst for overall urea electrolysis
Authors: Xu Han , Liao Yu , Gao Zhifei , Qing Yan , Wu Yiqiang , Xia Liaoyuan
Published: December 2020

A branch-like Mo-doped Ni3S2 nanoforest is presented as a robust electrocatalyst for boosted energy-saving H2 production through the overall urea electrolysis.
Fabrication of highly stable metal–organic frameworks and corresponding hydrophobic foam through a reticular chemistry strategy for simultaneous organic micropollutant and insoluble oil removal from wastewater
Authors: Gai Shuang , Fan Ruiqing , Zhang Jian , Zhou Xuesong , Xing Kai , Zhu Ke , Jia Wenwen , Sui Wenbo , Wang Ping , Yang Yulin
Published: December 2020

A novel MOF and corresponding composite kgd-Zn@MF were fabricated via a reticular chemistry strategy for removing multiple pollutants simultaneously from wastewater.
Hydroxide ion dependent α-MnO2 enhanced via oxygen vacancies as the negative electrode for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Yucheng , Zhou Chengbao , Liu Gang , Kang Chenxia , Ma Lin , Liu Qiming
Published: December 2020

Oxygen vacancy-enhanced α-MnO2 has a high specific capacitance of 736.3 F g−1. The energy storage process of MnO2 as the anode is realized by the participation of OH− and the mutual conversion of Mn(ii), Mn(iii) and Mn(iv).
Modifying an ultrathin insulating layer to suppress lithium dendrite formation within garnet solid electrolytes
Authors: Tang Shijun , Chen Guiwei , Ren Fucheng , Wang Hongchun , Yang Wu , Zheng Chenxi , Gong Zhengliang , Yang Yong
Published: December 2020

The ultrathin insulating LiF coating with controllable thickness is proposed as an interfacial layer for garnet electrolytes to inhibit the formation of Li dendrites, and promote uniform Li plating/stripping.
Advances in gelatin-based hydrogels for wound management
Authors: Kang Jeon Il , Park Kyung Min
Published: December 2020

The normal wound healing process and the foreign body reaction to wound management materials.
A novel cyanoacrylate-based matrix excipient in HPMCP capsules forms a sustained intestinal delivery system for orally administered drugs with enhanced absorption efficiency
Authors: Song Liya , Chen Pengfei , Yu Jin , Han Xiaolu , Hua Yabing , Liu Shan , Pang Bo , Gao Jing , Ma Jiahua , Xu Liang
Published: December 2020

ASA–polyMECA–HPMCP could improve drug bioavailability.
Layer-by-layer fabrication of organic photovoltaic devices: material selection and processing conditions
Authors: Faure Marie D. M. , Lessard Benoît H.
Published: December 2020

Layer-by-layer (LbL) processing, otherwise known as sequential deposition, is emerging as the most promising strategy for fabrication of active layers in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices on both laboratory and industrial scales.
High-contrast mechanochromic fluorescence from a highly solid-state emissive 2-(dimesitylboryl)phenyl-substituted [2.2]paracyclophane
Authors: Zhang Meng-Yuan , Peng Qian , Zhao Cui-Hua
Published: December 2020

A highly solid-state emissive triarylborane-based [2.2]paracyclophane exhibits high-contrast mechanochromic fluorescence owing to the alternating excited state conformations formed in the crystalline and amorphous phases.
The effect of presowing treatment of seeds of winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) and winter brown mustard (Brassica juncea L.) with modern fungicides on their sowing qualities and biometric characteristics of seedlings
Authors: Serdyuk Oksana , Trubina Victoria , Gorlova Lyudmila
Published: December 2020

The aim of the research was to study the effect of chemical and biological fungicidal disinfectants on the sowing qualities of seeds, the length of stem and root of seedlings of winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) and winter mustard (Brassica juncea L.). We carried out the research in 2018-2020 in the laboratory conditions on the seeds of rapeseed cultivar Sarmat and mustard cultivar Dzhuna. We tested the following fungicidal disinfectants: chemical – a contact preparation with the active ingredient thiram 400 g/l (standard); systemic preparation with the active ingredient fludioxonil 25 g/l; complex biological contacts consisting of fungi of the genus Trichoderma Pers. and of bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas Мigula: biopreparation 1 (1 g/l+2x108 CFU/ml); biopreparation 2 (2 g/l+2x108 CFU/ml). All studied disinfectants suppress seed infections on rapeseed and mustard. They do not have negative effect on the stem length of rapeseed seedlings, but in the variant with thiram, the number of seedlings with a short root increases by 13 % compared to the control. When rapeseed seeds are treated with Fludioxonil and biopreparations, the number of seedlings with a root length of 56-70 mm increases, which contributes to better rooting and optimal overwintering of plants. When seeds of winter mustard are treated with thiram, the number of seedlings with a very short root (up to 25 mm) increases. Fludioxonil and biopreparation 1 contribute to an increase in the number of seedlings with a root length of 41-55 mm, which favorably affects the development of the plant’s root system and contributes to an increase in winter hardiness.
The efficiency of control of the number of Helicoverpa armigera Hbn. in sunflower sowings
Authors: Semerenko Sergey , Bushneva Nadezhda
Published: December 2020

The insect Helicoverpa armigera Hbn. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a widespread species in the Palearctic. It is considered one of the main pests of many agricultural crops, annually causing more than $ 2 billion of losses to agriculture in the world. Therefore, insecticide treatment of sowings is crucial in pest control. The frequent application of pesticides increases resistance in insects, resulting in an increase in dosage and (or) in the usage of new highly toxic chemicals. Consequently, the search for reliable means of pest control remains a problem. In 2017-2019, we studied the efficiency of insecticides against H. armigera in sunflower sowings at V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops (Krasnodar). In 2017, the colonization of sunflower heads with H. armigera caterpillars was at the level of 3.2 specimen/plant, in 2018 – 4.5 specimen/plant, in 2019 it reached 6.0 specimen/plant. Bifetrin + Chlorpyrifos, EC (87 %) and Chlorantraniliprole, SC (91 %) showed the highest biological efficiency. Fitoverm-M, EC was the best organic insecticide – 56 %. The treatment of sunflower plants with Beta-cypermethrin + Dimethoate, EC (standard) and Chlorantraniliprole, SC in a production experiment contributed to a significant decrease in the number of caterpillars – 71.7 and 97.0 %, respectively. The yield reliably exceeded the control one, the kept yield was 0.23-0.39 t/ha.
Results of experiments to determine the traction resistance of a disk working body
Authors: Sakhapov Rustem , Gainutdinov Ramil , Mahmutov Marat , Zemdikhanov Minsur
Published: December 2020

Technical means used for soil surface treatment do not fully meet the technical requirements for high-quality soil treatment. In order to solve this problem more effectively, various rotary machines with working bodies that perform complex spatial movement are currently being developed. But, as practice has shown, that the work of these tools is unstable and that the cultivation of the soil is carried out unevenly. To eliminate these disadvantages, we developed a tillage tool with ellipsoid disk working bodies mounted on the shaft at a strictly defined angle [7, 13]. The analysis showed that to ensure the efficiency of work and reduce the traction resistance of tools for tillage, it is necessary that the angle of installation of the ellipsoid disk abount rotation axis is also optimal. Here are the results of experimental studies of the traction resistance of disks conducted in the conditions of a soil channel. The mathematical model of the technological process was obtained by processing experimental data in the computer program “Statistica” and presented in the form of multiple regression equations in encoded and real physical quantities. The response surfaces are constructed based on the obtained equations.
Reproductive qualities of meat chickens of the parent flock when using automatic nests
Authors: Pilyukshina Elena , Khaustov Vladimir , Ozhimkov Alexander , Rusanova Valentina , Popelyaev Alexey
Published: December 2020

The aim of the study presented in this paper was to compare the reproductive qualities of laying hens of the parent flock of the ROSS 308 cross when using manual and automatic egg collection. The experimental part was carried out in the production conditions of a separate subdivision “Novosafonovskaya poultry farm” of Kuzbass Broiler LLC on laying hens of the parent flock of the ROSS 308 cross at the age of 155-435 days. The use of automatic nests for collecting hatching eggs did not affect the intensity of egg production, but contributed to an increase in the yield of hatching eggs due to a decrease in the culled eggs because of egg contamination, breakage, cracked shell and others. A decrease in the number of cleaned eggs among the hatching eggs contributed to an increase in the hatching of chicks and, as a consequence, an increase in the yield of day old chicks per initial layer by 11.9 heads or 8.5%.
Silicea terra and Zincum metallicum Modulate the Activity of Macrophages Challenged with BCG In Vitro
Authors: Pinto Sandra Augusta G. , Nagai Mirian Yaeko O. , Alvares-Saraiva Anuska , Peres Giovani B. , Waisse Silvia , Perez Elizabeth C. , Bonamin Leoni Villano
Published: December 2020

Background The homeopathic medicines Silicea terra (Sil) and Zincum metallicum (Zinc) modulate macrophage activity and were assessed in an experimental study in-vitro for their effects on macrophage–BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) interaction.

Methods RAW 264.7 macrophages were infected with BCG, treated with different potencies of Sil and Zinc (6cH, 30cH and 200cH) or vehicle, and assessed 24 and 48 h later for bacilli internalization, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and cytokine production, and lysosomal activity.

Results Treatment with vehicle was associated with non-specific inhibition of H2O2 production to the levels exhibited by uninfected macrophages. Sil 200cH induced significant reduction of H2O2 production (p < 0.001) compared with the vehicle and all other treatments, as well as higher lysosomal activity (p ≤ 0.001) and increased IL-10 production (p ≤ 0.05). Such effects were considered specific for this remedy and potency. The number of internalized bacilli was inversely proportional to Zinc potencies, with statistically significant interaction between dilution and treatment (p = 0.003). Such linear-like behavior was not observed for Sil dilutions: peak internalization occurred with the 30cH dilution, accompanied by cellular degeneration, and IL-6 and IL-10 increased (p ≤ 0.05) only in the cells treated with Sil 6cH.

Conclusion Sil and Zinc presented different patterns of potency-dependent effect on macrophage activity. Bacterial digestion and a balanced IL-6/IL-10 production were related to Sil 6cH, though reduced oxidative stress with increased lysosomal activity was related to Sil 200cH. Degenerative effects were exclusively related to Sil 30cH, and potency-dependent phagocytosis was related only to Zinc.
EPR characterization of erbium in glasses and glass ceramics
Authors: Antuzevics Andris
Published: December 2020

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is a well-established spectroscopic technique for electronic structure characterization of rare-earth ion impurities in crystalline and amorphous hosts. EPR spectra of erbium-doped glass matrices and nanocomposites can provide information about local structure variations induced by changes in chemical composition or crystallization processes. Characterization possibilities of Er3+ ions in glasses and glass ceramics including direct EPR measurements, indirect investigations via secondary paramagnetic probes, and optically detected magnetic resonance techniques are considered in this article.
Multibit non-volatile memory based on WS2 transistor with engineered gate stack
Authors: Zhu Xinyi , He Longfei , Yang Yafen , Zhang Kai , Zhu Hao , Chen Lin , Sun Qingqing
Published: December 2020

In this work, a prototype of a charge-trapping memory device based on two-dimensional WS2 has been fabricated with an engineered gate stack for multilevel non-volatile memory application. A Si/SiO2/ITO/Al2O3/Ta2O5/Al2O3 stack has been successfully integrated with optimized layer thicknesses for enhanced gate control over the WS2 channel and memory performance. The memory cells exhibited a sufficient memory window, fast programming and erasing speed, and excellent memory retention and endurance. Moreover, stable and discrete memory states have been achieved at small gate voltages. Such excellent memory characteristics originated from the intrinsic properties of the atomically thin WS2 material and the engineered gate stack with clean and robust interfaces. The better thermal stability, higher permittivity, deeper trap level, and relatively smaller bandgap of the Ta2O5 dielectric than other commonly used dielectrics such as SiO2 and Al2O3 also contribute to the memory reliability, which is very attractive for future information and data storage applications.
Photoionization of aligned excited states in neon by attosecond laser pulses
Authors: Omiste Juan J , Madsen Lars Bojer
Published: December 2020

We numerically describe the ionization process induced by linearly and circularly polarized extreme ultraviolet (XUV) attosecond laser pulses on an aligned atomic target, specifically the excited state Ne*(1s
22s
22p
5[

P

o

2

1
/
2

]3s[

P

o

1

]). We compute the excited atomic state by applying the time-dependent restricted-active-space self-consistent field method to fully account for the electronic correlation. We find that correlation-assisted ionization channels can dominate channels accessible without correlation. We also observe that the rotation of the photoelectron momentum distribution by circularly polarized laser pulses compared to the case of linear polarization can be explained in terms of differences in accessible ionization channels. This study shows that it is essential to include electron correlation effects to obtain an accurate description of the photoelectron emission dynamics from aligned excited states.
Accelerating simulations of electromagnetic waves in hot, magnetized fusion plasmas
Authors: Budé R H S , Van Eester D , van Dijk J , Jaspers R J E , Smolders A B
Published: December 2020

Accurate simulations of the behavior of RF waves in hot, magnetized fusion plasmas have traditionally been computationally demanding due to the integro-differential character of the hot plasma wave equation. In this work a method is described that allows the integral in the hot-plasma wave equation to be rewritten as a set of differential operators by fitting a polynomial through the dielectric tensor components. This approach is applied to a one-dimensional simulation with typical profiles and plasma parameters for the JET fusion reactor. The accuracy and computational time are compared with an all-orders model and a truncated Finite Larmor Radius model. It is shown that the proposed method can be used to achieve accuracies previously only obtained with extremely heavy all-orders models like the two-dimensional AORSA code, but at significantly reduced computational costs. The MATLAB code that has been developed in this work is available under the GPLv3 licence.
Efficient two-dimensional atom localization in a five-level conductive chiral atomic medium via birefringence beam absorption spectrum
Authors: Ali Sajid , Idrees Muhammad , Bacha Bakth Amin , Ullah Arif , Haneef Muhammad
Published: December 2020

We have theoretically investigated two-dimensional atom localization using the absorption spectra of birefringence beams of light in a single wavelength domain. The atom localization is controlled and modified through tunneling effect in a conductive chiral atomic medium with absorption spectra of birefringent beams. The significant localization peaks are investigated in the left and right circularly polarized beam. Single and double localized peaks are observed in different quadrants with minimum uncertainty and significant probability. The localized probability is modified by controlling birefringence and tunneling conditions. These results may be useful for the capability of optical microscopy and atom imaging.
Mathematical simulation of heat transfer for atmospheric air cooling of heat exchange tube
Authors: Balchugov A V , Kustov B O , Badenikov A V , Vazhenin M N
Published: December 2020

The laboratory facility with horizontal, atmospheric air cooled heat exchange tube has been engineered, manufactured and put to trial. The test has proven the reliability of the employed analysis methods and hardware. Mathematical simulation of horizontal tube heat transfer process has been fulfilled with the use of ideal displacement and mixing, cellular and longitudinal diffusion models. The in-tube hot water temperature pattern has been evaluated according to the aforementioned models. The results comparison has been fulfilled for experimental determination of in-tube water temperature differential and calculation data in accordance with given models. The longitudinal diffusion model has proven itself as the most suitable for describing the heat transfer process in a horizontal, atmospheric air cooled tube. The longitudinal diffusion coefficient value has been deducted from experiments. The research data can be utilized during the development of tubular heat exchangers.
FPGA-based convolutional layer implementation
Authors: Berzin A K , Dergunov E S
Published: December 2020

In this paper, several approaches to the implementation of a convolutional layer of a neural network on FPGAs for use in embedded systems are considered, as well as a number of optimizations necessary to speed up the operation of such a layer. At the end of the work, an FPGA-based implementation is proposed that is comparable in performance with the reference CPU-based one.
Review of radio image recovery methods
Authors: Khmelev V L , Fominykh A F
Published: December 2020

Radio-wave image restoration techniques are now intensively being researched at the Radiophysics Faculty of Tomsk State University. Key methods of radio-wave image reconstruction are examined in this paper. We describe the mathematical basis of adapted methods in the single scattering approximation. These methods are used at the Department of Radiophysics in the developed safety systems. The technique of differential hyperboles and Stolt’s method, for instance, were adopted from acoustic seismology. Mainly, geotomographic systems use these methods for imaging objects under the surface. Safety systems have close task, they are to detect prohibited items under the passengers’ clothing and in the luggage at railway stations or airports. Radio-wave tomography methods can reconstruct images of prohibited objects in the same way as X-rays safety system, but without X-ray radiation, so without harm for a human biology tissue.
Convergence rate of mean-square error of kernel estimators of non-homogeneous Poisson process intensity function
Authors: Kitaeva A V , Kolupaev M V , Stepanova N V , Zhukovskiy O I
Published: December 2020

The estimator has been constructed similar to the Parzen-Rosenblatt window method using a single realization of a Poisson process at a fixed time interval. The intensity function of a non-homogeneous Poisson process is estimated up to a multiplicative constant. The convergence rate of the mean square error was found in the series of schemes with an unlimited increase of the intensity.
Digitalization of the electric consumption system of oil and gas production enterprises
Authors: Konovalov Yu V
Published: December 2020

The provisions of the digital transformation of power consumption management systems for oil and gas companies are considered. The characteristics of the random process are obtained by the type of the probabilistic distribution of the electrical loads graphs coordinates. New analytic dependencies allow to determine the updated probabilistic characteristics and build a digital model of the random process for changing the enterprise power consumption.
Improved signal processing observed with semi-Markov noises
Authors: Pchelintsev E A , Perelevskiy S S , Povzun M A
Published: December 2020

This paper considers the problem of improved adaptive estimating a periodic signal observed in the transmission channel with the dependent noise defined by semi-Markov processes with unknown probabilities and spectral characteristics. Improved adaptive model selection procedure is proposed. The comparison between improved and least squares methods is studied. Sharp oracle inequality for the procedure risk is obtained. The efficiency of the proposed procedure is established. The Monte Carlo simulation results are given.
Electron-hole transport in semiconductors: stochastic dynamics simulation
Authors: Sabelfeld Karl K. , Kireeva Anastasiya
Published: December 2020

A random walk based stochastic simulation algorithm for solving a nonlinear system of transient drift-diffusion-Poisson equations for semiconductors with random doping profile is developed. The method is then applied to simulate and analyze the stochastic dynamics of the transport of electrons and holes in doped semiconductor material. This analysis has a theoretical but also a practical interest since an addition even of a small concentration of foreign atoms to the regular semiconductor material produces dramatic changes in the electrical properties. The nonlinear drift-diffusion-Poisson system is solved by the iteration procedure including alternating simulation of the drift-diffusion processes and solving the Poisson equation. Here, we extend the iteration algorithm to solve the drift-diffusion-Poisson system with additional term governing the random inputs in the system like the stochastic doping, random distribution of quantum dots, and an irregular family of defects. Impact of these random entries on the stochastic dynamics of the drift velocity and electron and hole concentrations is studied.
Modification of notes recognition algorithm with a sharp change of the pitch frequency
Authors: Yu Yakimuk A , Kataeva E S , Golovchiner M N
Published: December 2020

The paper presents the results of signal processing using the simplest methods of time series analysis to localize the main note in the presence of vibrato or ascending / descending glissando. The idea of using smoothing to find the vibrato effect is to evaluate segments of the speech signal, within which it was not possible to identify the note. Data on frequencies in this segment are averaged to localize the main note, relative to which the deviation in sound and the frequency of changes are determined in percentage terms. If the deviation from the main note is more than half a tone, the frequencies are perceived as noise.