bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early recanalization in large-vessel occlusion stroke patients transferred for endovascular treatment
Authors: Arrarte Terreros Nerea , Bruggeman Agnetha A E , Swijnenburg Isabella S J , van Meenen Laura C C , Groot Adrien E , Coutinho Jonathan M , Roos Yvo B W E M , Emmer Bart J , Beenen Ludo F M , van Bavel Ed , Marquering Henk A , Majoie Charles B L M
Published: May 2021

Background

We performed an exploratory analysis to identify patient and thrombus characteristics associated with early recanalization in large-vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke patients transferred for endovascular treatment (EVT) from a primary (PSC) to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC).

Methods

We included patients with an LVO stroke of the anterior circulation who were transferred to our hospital for EVT and underwent repeated imaging between January 2016 and June 2019. We compared patient characteristics, workflow time metrics, functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale at 90 days), and baseline thrombus imaging characteristics, which included: occlusion location, thrombus length, attenuation, perviousness, distance from terminus of intracranial carotid artery to the thrombus (DT), and clot burden score (CBS), between early-recanalized LVO (ER-LVO), and non-early-recanalized LVO (NER-LVO) patients.

Results

One hundred and forty-nine patients were included in the analysis. Early recanalization occurred in 32% of patients. ER-LVO patients less often had a medical history of hypertension (31% vs 49%, P=0.04), and more often had clinical improvement between PSC and CSC (ΔNIHSS −5 vs 3, P<0.01), compared with NER-LVO patients. Thrombolysis administration was similar in both groups (88% vs 78%, P=0.18). ER-LVO patients had no ICA occlusions (0% vs 27%, P<0.01), more often an M2 occlusion (35% vs 17%, P=0.01), longer DT (27 mm vs 12 mm, P<0.01), shorter thrombi (17 mm vs 27 mm, P<0.01), and higher CBS (8 vs 6, P<0.01) at baseline imaging. ER-LVO patients had lower mRS scores (1 vs 3, P=0.02).

Conclusions

Early recanalization is associated with clinical improvement between PSC and CSC admission, more distal occlusions and shorter thrombi at baseline imaging, and better functional outcome.
Evidence of eutrophication in Arctic lakes
Authors: Ayala-Borda Paola , Lovejoy Connie , Power Michael , Rautio Milla
Published: May 2021

Lakes and ponds are dominant components of Arctic landscapes and provide food and water for northern communities. In the Greiner Lake watershed, in Cambridge Bay (Nunavut, Canada), water bodies are small (84% <5 ha) and shallow (99% <4 m deep). Such characteristics make them vulnerable to eutrophication as temperatures rise and nutrient concentrations from the greening landscape increase. Here, we investigated and compared 35 lakes and ponds in the Greiner watershed in August 2018 and 2019 to determine their current trophic states based on their chemical composition and phytoplankton communities. The ponds had higher trophic status than the lakes, but overall, most sites were oligotrophic. Lake ERA5, located upstream of any direct human influence was classified as eutrophic due to high total phosphorus (32.3 μg·L−1) and a high proportion of Cyanobacteria (42.9% of total phytoplankton biovolume). Satellite imagery suggests the lake may have been eutrophic for the last 30 years. We hypothesize that the coupled effects of catchment characteristics and elevated local snow accumulation patterns promote higher nutrient leaching rates from the soils. We recommend further analysis and monitoring as eutrophication could become more widespread with ongoing climate change and the associated increases in temperature, precipitation, and catchment–lake coupling.
Semantic Table Retrieval Using Keyword and Table Queries
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Balog Krisztian
Published: May 2021

Tables on the Web contain a vast amount of knowledge in a structured form. To tap into this valuable resource, we address the problem of table retrieval: answering an information need with a ranked list of tables. We investigate this problem in two different variants, based on how the information need is expressed: as a keyword query or as an existing table (“query-by-table”). The main novel contribution of this work is a semantic table retrieval framework for matching information needs (keyword or table queries) against tables. Specifically, we (i) represent queries and tables in multiple semantic spaces (both discrete sparse and continuous dense vector representations) and (ii) introduce various similarity measures for matching those semantic representations. We consider all possible combinations of semantic representations and similarity measures and use these as features in a supervised learning model. Using two purpose-built test collections based on Wikipedia tables, we demonstrate significant and substantial improvements over state-of-the-art baselines.
The Politics of the Black Power Movement
Authors: Taylor James Lance
Published: May 2021

In notable ways, analysis of the Black Power Movement (BPM) by political scientists has been woefully neglected in comparison to analyses proffered by historians, sociologists, and Black Studies scholars. This comparative neglect is partly owed to political science's reticence to meaningfully engage the ideological locus of the BPM, black nationalism, through rigorous theoretical or methodological analysis. In this review, I highlight some of the major contributions of political scientists to the analysis of the BPM while exploring some of the challenges and opportunities for further study and examination of this singular period in US and international politics.
External Validity
Authors: Findley Michael G. , Kikuta Kyosuke , Denly Michael
Published: May 2021

External validity captures the extent to which inferences drawn from a given study's sample apply to a broader population or other target populations. Social scientists frequently invoke external validity as an ideal, but they rarely attempt to make rigorous, credible external validity inferences. In recent years, methodologically oriented scholars have advanced a flurry of work on various components of external validity, and this article reviews and systematizes many of those insights. We first clarify the core conceptual dimensions of external validity and introduce a simple formalization that demonstrates why external validity matters so critically. We then organize disparate arguments about how to address external validity by advancing three evaluative criteria: model utility, scope plausibility, and specification credibility. We conclude with a practical aspiration that scholars supplement existing reporting standards to include routine discussion of external validity. It is our hope that these evaluation and reporting standards help rebalance scientific inquiry, such that the current obsession with causal inference is complemented with an equal interest in generalized knowledge.
Pulsatile load and wasted pressure effort are reduced following an acute bout of aerobic exercise
Authors: Patik Jordan C. , Stock Joseph M. , Shenouda Ninette , Chouramanis Nicholas V. , Mehrer Justin D. , Chirinos Julio A. , Edwards David G.
Published: May 2021

We demonstrate that pulsatile load on the left ventricle is diminished following 60 min of moderate intensity aerobic exercise. During recovery from exercise, the amplitude of the forward and backward traveling pressure waves are attenuated and the arrival of reflected waves is delayed. Thus, the work imposed upon the left ventricle by reflected pressure waves, wasted pressure effort, is decreased after exercise.
Mechanism and Classification of Coal and Gas Outbursts in China
Authors: Zhang Qi , Yang Chun-li , Li Xiang-chun , Li Zhong-bei , Li Yi
Published: May 2021

Coal and gas outburst is a kind of complex dynamic disaster with short duration and strong explosiveness, and the modes and strength of the outburst are determined by the in situ stress, gas pressure, and physical and mechanical properties of the coal mass. In this paper, the status quo of research on the mechanism of coal and gas outburst in China is described from three aspects: the controlling effect of single factor, the controlling effect of multi‐factor, and new understandings of the outburst mechanism in recent years. Firstly, controlling factors of coal and gas outburst are classified for an in‐depth analysis of the main factors of the same type of disasters, and the research progress and new understandings of the mechanism of coal and gas outburst are systematically sorted out. Secondly, the influencing factors of the strength coal mass are analyzed, and the related issues of coal mass strength on coal and gas outburst disaster mechanism are discussed. The results show that the stages of incubation, occurrence, development, and stop on coal and gas outburst are affected by the coupling effects of in situ stress field, gas pressure field, and seepage field, and the coal strength becomes an important factor affecting outburst strength under the same in situ stress and gas pressure. Therefore, the scientific and reasonable improvement methods of such similar simulation experiment devices are proposed according to the existing experimental methods and devices, which is of great significance to provide ideas for the continuous transferring to deep mining and preventing coal and gas outburst in China in the future.
Mechanism and Integrated Control of “Rib Spalling: Roof Collapse—Support Instability” Hazard Chains in Steeply Dipping Soft Coal Seams
Authors: Liu Shuai , Yang Ke , Tang Chunan
Published: May 2021

The hazard chain of rib spalling, roof collapse, and support instability occurring in steeply dipping coal seams (SDCSs) significantly threatens the safety and productivity of underground mining. A three‐dimensional coal wall model was established considering the damage to the coal wall from the abutment pressure based on the new concept of the main control weak surface (MCWS) defined by the authors. Then, a support mechanical model under the conditions of a dynamic load induced by a sliding roof was constructed. Integrated control measurements based on the models above were developed and taken for the dangerous area of hazard chains in working faces. The results indicated that the dimensions of rib spalling were dominated by the shape, dimensions, and friction angle of the coal wall element. In detail, the order of the importance of the element failure factors, based on their sensitivities, was the roof load (6.33), the dip of the panel (−5.03), the friction angle of the coal (−3.24), the cohesion of the coal (−3.02), and the sidewall protecting force (−0.087). Additionally, the order of importance of the frictional sliding factors of the slip body was the MCWS cohesion (−0.293), roof load (0.213), and MCWS friction angle (−0.079). Equations for the threshold forces between supports under the support dumping and sliding limit states were obtained; the knowledge of these forces ensured support stability under a sliding roof. The support work resistance varied synchronously in different parts of the working face and remained within 2200–4000 kN, indicating that the proposed models and control measurements considered instrumental in hazard chain control in SDCSs were reliable.
Maintenance Personnel Optimization Model of Vehicle Equipment Based on Support Task
Authors: Song Weixing , Lei Zhengjun , Le Qian , Li Fengyue , Wu Jingjing
Published: May 2021

Vehicle equipment maintenance support tasks have problems such as low maintenance efficiency and unreasonable allocation of maintenance personnel. In order to further strengthen the theoretical research of vehicle equipment maintenance support, an optimization model of vehicle equipment maintenance personnel based on support task is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the maintenance workload model of vehicle equipment is constructed by analyzing the three task sources of vehicle equipment: scheduled maintenance, natural random failure, and combat damage. Then, considering the technical professional level, maintenance efficiency, and other factors of maintenance personnel, two optimization models of maintenance personnel are constructed. In view of the situation where there are enough human resources, the prediction model of the number of personnel with the minimum total number as the goal is constructed to achieve the purpose of saving human resources. Using MATLAB mixed integer nonlinear programming problem (MINP) toolbox to solve the prediction model of the number of personnel, in view of the shortage of maintenance personnel, a maintenance personnel allocation model aiming at minimizing maintenance time is constructed to maximize maintenance efficiency. In order to solve the model, the fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA) is improved, and the group cooperation is used to update the fruit fly position. The new algorithm not only retains the essential advantages of the FOA but also solves the problem that the algorithm is easy to fall into local extreme value and improves the global optimization ability of the algorithm. Finally, two example simulations verify the effectiveness of the optimization method in this paper and provide a certain theoretical basis for maintenance personnel to optimize decision-making.
Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of Online English Learning Platforms
Authors: Li Jie
Published: May 2021

With the rapid development of internet technology, various online learning platforms have emerged. The combination of the internet and education is an inevitable trend, and smart online learning platforms based on neural network become popular. This paper introduces how to design online English learning platforms through a neural network. It proposes the construction of a universally designed online English learning platform and the design of an online English learning platform server development architecture. Then, the implementation of online English learning platforms is discussed. Evaluation of the platforms is also very important, which is conducted through two questionnaire surveys. The first survey is general and the second one is more specific. Results of both surveys show that the learners’ demand for online English learning platforms is still growing, especially among the young learners. In addition, this paper reports the results of the feasibility analysis and performance test of online English learning platforms: (1) The well‐designed online English learning platform has relatively complete functions and meets the needs of both students and teachers. It includes a series of functional modules such as students’ registration, analysis of students’ profile, courseware and learning resources management, test management, test score analysis, interactive discussion, online monitor and feedback. (2) There are no major defects in the implementation of the online English learning platform in this experiment. (3) The reliability and security of the online English learning platform are relatively high.
Effects of Fermentation on the Quality, Structure, and Nonnutritive Contents of Lentil (Lens culinaris) Proteins
Authors: Alrosan Mohammad , Tan Thuan-Chew , Mat Easa Azhar , Gammoh Sana , Alu’datt Muhammad H.
Published: May 2021

Protein digestibility, secondary protein structure components, sugars, and phenolic compounds were analysed to investigate the effect of fermentation on the quality, structure, digestibility, and nonnutritive contents of lentil (Lens culinaris) proteins (LPs). Fermentation was carried out using water kefir seed. The initial pH of the unfermented LPs (6.8) decreased to pH 3.4 at the end of the fermentation on day 5. Protein digestibility increased from 76.4 to 84.1% over the 5 days of fermentation. Total phenolic content increased from 443.4 to 792.6 mg of GAE/100 g after 2 days of fermentation, with the sums of the detected phenolic compounds from HPLC analysis reaching almost 500 mg/100 g. The predominant phenolic compounds detected in fermented LPs include chlorogenic and epicatechin, while traces of rutin, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid were observed. Fermentation played a major role in the changes of the components in the secondary protein structure, especially the percentage of

α

-helices and random coils. In addition, the reduction in

α

-helix:

β

-sheet ratio with the increase in protein digestibility was related to the prolongation of the fermentation time. The model used in this research could be a robust tool for improving protein quality, protein degradation, and nonnutritive nutrients using water kefir seed fermentation.
How Government Regulations and Consumer Behavior Influence Manufacturers’ Product Green Degree Decision‐Making: An Agent‐Based Model
Authors: Yuan Pengwei , Dong Xiaoqing , Xu Jia , Lin Xiaofei
Published: May 2021

In recent years, green product issues have received increasing attention. Both government regulations and consumer behaviors have a strong influence on the product green degree decisions of manufacturers’ products. In order to find how government regulations and individual’s green product purchase behavior affect manufacturers’ green degree decisions and the market evolution characteristics, this paper proposes a multiagent model that considers the interaction among government, consumers, and manufacturers. The simulation results show that, firstly, the product green degree decision‐making of manufacturers needs the guidance and regulation of the government. Secondly, product price subsidies are the most effective way to affect the manufacturers’ product green degree decisions. In contrast to giving green cost subsidies to manufacturers, the government employs various publicity means to improve the environmental awareness of consumers is also an effective way to enhance the green degree of manufacturers’ products. Thirdly, there is a “Crowding Out Effect” on the other qualities of manufacturers’ products when manufacturers focus on the green degree of their products.
Comparison between Zip‐Type Skin Closure Device and Staple for Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Tian Peng , Li Yao-min , Li Zhi-jun , Xu Gui-jun , Ma Xin-long
Published: May 2021

Purpose. To compare the efficacy and safety of zip‐type skin closure device (SCD) and staple in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. Potential academic articles were identified from PubMed, Springer, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library from the inception of electronic databases to July 2020. The statistical analyses were performed with RevMan 5.1. Results. One randomized controlled trial (RCT) and 5 non‐RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Present meta‐analysis reveals that SCD is associated with lower wound pain score, scar score, and readmission compared with a staple. No significant differences are identified in terms of wound total complications, dehiscence, blisters, and infection. Conclusions. Comparing with a staple, zip‐type SCD is a less painful skin closure method with fewer medical cost undergoing TKA.
Correction of Familial LCAT Deficiency by AAV-hLCAT Prevents Renal Injury and Atherosclerosis in Hamsters—Brief Report
Authors: Guo Mengmeng , Ma Sisi , Xu Yitong , Huang Wei , Gao Mingming , Wu Xiaobing , Dong Xiaoyan , Wang Yuhui , Liu George , Xian Xunde
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Familial lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) deficiency is a rare human disease characterized by very low HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and elevated free cholesterol, in which renal injury has been confirmed in, but whether familial LCAT deficiency patients were at higher risk of atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease was highly controversial. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology, we established LCAT knockout (LCAT
−/−
) hamster model showing both diet-induced and spontaneous atherosclerosis, indicating that this animal model provides a platform for the therapeutic study of renal disease and atherosclerosis caused by LCAT deficiency.

Approach and Results:

To explore an efficient therapy for familial LCAT deficiency and then investigate whether correction of LCAT deficiency will exert a beneficial role in atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease, herein we established a liver-specific adeno-associated virus 8 expressing human LCAT (AAV-hLCAT) to determine the efficacy of gene therapy for dyslipidemia, renal injury, and atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease in LCAT
−/−
hamsters. Single administration of AAV-hLCAT via intrajugular vein could completely restore LCAT expression in LCAT
−/−
animals in a dose-dependent manner and rapidly normalize plasma HDL levels within 2 weeks. In addition, upon high-fat diet intervention for 4 weeks, AAV-hLCAT administered LCAT
−/−
hamsters exhibited improved atherogenic lipoprotein profiles, lower urine protein/creatinine ratio, a significant increase in red blood cells and hemoglobin, thus eventually protecting against atherosclerotic development.

Conclusions:

Single administration of AAV-hLCAT effectively corrects LCAT deficiency for a long-term in LCAT
−/−
hamsters and completely rescue multiple abnormalities, including renal injury, anemia, and atherosclerosis, suggesting that AAV8-mediated hLCAT expression in liver will be a promising therapeutic approach for familial LCAT deficiency.
Evaluation and Management of Aortic Stenosis in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Shroff Gautam R. , Bangalore Sripal , Bhave Nicole M. , Chang Tara I. , Garcia Santiago , Mathew Roy O. , Rangaswami Janani , Ternacle Julien , Thourani Vinod H. , Pibarot Philippe ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on the Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke Council
Published: May 2021

Aortic stenosis with concomitant chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a clinical challenge. Aortic stenosis is more prevalent and progresses more rapidly and unpredictably in CKD, and the presence of CKD is associated with worse short-term and long-term outcomes after aortic valve replacement. Because patients with advanced CKD and end-stage kidney disease have been excluded from randomized trials, clinicians need to make complex management decisions in this population that are based on retrospective and observational evidence. This statement summarizes the epidemiological and pathophysiological characteristics of aortic stenosis in the context of CKD, evaluates the nuances and prognostic information provided by noninvasive cardiovascular imaging with echocardiography and advanced imaging techniques, and outlines the special risks in this population. Furthermore, this statement provides a critical review of the existing literature pertaining to clinical outcomes of surgical versus transcatheter aortic valve replacement in this high-risk population to help guide clinical decision making in the choice of aortic valve replacement and specific prosthesis. Finally, this statement provides an approach to the perioperative management of these patients, with special attention to a multidisciplinary heart-kidney collaborative team-based approach.
Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Approaches to Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Njoroge Joyce N. , Teerlink John R.
Published: May 2021

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is one of the leading admission diagnoses worldwide, yet it is an entity with incompletely understood pathophysiology and limited therapeutic options. Patients admitted for ADHF have high in-hospital morbidity and mortality, as well as frequent rehospitalizations and subsequent cardiovascular death. This devastating clinical course is partly due to suboptimal medical management of ADHF with persistent congestion upon hospital discharge and inadequate predischarge initiation of life-saving guideline-directed therapies. While new drugs for the treatment of chronic HF continue to be approved, there has been no new therapy approved for ADHF in decades. This review will focus on the current limited understanding of ADHF pathophysiology, possible therapeutic targets, and current limitations in expanding available therapies in light of the unmet need among these high-risk patients.
Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Approaches to Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Griffin Jan M. , Rosenblum Hannah , Maurer Mathew S.
Published: May 2021

Often considered a rare disease, cardiac amyloidosis is increasingly recognized by practicing clinicians. The increased rate of diagnosis is in part due the aging of the population and increasing incidence and prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis with advancing age, as well as the advent of noninvasive methods using nuclear scintigraphy to diagnose transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis due to either variant or wild type transthyretin without a biopsy. Perhaps the most important driver of the increased awareness is the elucidation of the biologic mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cardiac amyloidosis which have led to the development of several effective therapies with differing mechanisms of actions. In this review, the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cardiac amyloidosis due to light chain (AL) or transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis are delineated as well as the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape that has emerged from a better pathophysiologic understanding of disease development.
Access to Mechanical Thrombectomy for Ischemic Stroke in the United States
Authors: Kamel Hooman , Parikh Neal S. , Chatterjee Abhinaba , Kim Luke K. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Schwamm Lee H. , Zachrison Kori S. , Nogueira Raul G. , Adeoye Opeolu , Díaz Iván , Ryan Andrew M. , Pandya Ankur , Navi Babak B.
Published: May 2021

Background and Purpose:

Mechanical thrombectomy helps prevent disability in patients with acute ischemic stroke involving occlusion of a large cerebral vessel. Thrombectomy requires procedural expertise and not all hospitals have the staff to perform this intervention. Few population-wide data exist regarding access to mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods:

We examined access to thrombectomy for ischemic stroke using discharge data from calendar years 2016 to 2018 from all nonfederal emergency departments and acute care hospitals across 11 US states encompassing 80 million residents. Facilities were classified as hubs if they performed mechanical thrombectomy, gateways if they transferred patients who ultimately underwent mechanical thrombectomy, and gaps otherwise. We used standard descriptive statistics and unadjusted logistic regression models in our primary analyses.

Results:

Among 205 681 patients with ischemic stroke, 100 139 (48.7% [95% CI, 48.5%–48.9%]) initially received care at a thrombectomy hub, 72 534 (35.3% [95% CI, 35.1%–35.5%]) at a thrombectomy gateway, and 33 008 (16.0% [95% CI, 15.9%–16.2%]) at a thrombectomy gap. Patients who initially received care at thrombectomy gateways were substantially less likely to ultimately undergo thrombectomy than patients who initially received care at thrombectomy hubs (odds ratio, 0.27 [95% CI, 0.25–0.28]). Rural patients had particularly limited access: 27.7% (95% CI, 26.9%–28.6%) of such patients initially received care at hubs versus 69.5% (95% CI, 69.1%–69.9%) of urban patients. For 93.8% (95% CI, 93.6%–94.0%) of patients with stroke at gateways, their initial facility was capable of delivering intravenous thrombolysis, compared with 76.3% (95% CI, 75.8%–76.7%) of patients at gaps. Our findings were unchanged in models adjusted for demographics and comorbidities and persisted across multiple sensitivity analyses, including analyses adjusting for estimated stroke severity.

Conclusions:

We found that a substantial proportion of patients with ischemic stroke across the United States lacked access to thrombectomy even after accounting for interhospital transfers. US systems of stroke care require further development to optimize thrombectomy access.
Tradition, Habitat and Well-Being
Authors: Li Zhi-nong , He Shu-qing
Published: May 2021

The Tibetans who live among the valleys and mountains of the Jinsha River region, on the southeastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, still retain a considerable number of polygamous marriages. Through fieldwork in a Tibetan village, the authors discovered that polygamous marriage is a rational choice compatible with Tibetans’ traditional culture and natural environment, which can improve family well-being and lead to a good life. Our findings provide new fieldwork materials to support theories of cultural relativism advocated by the Boas school, which emphasises that the environment greatly affects culture, and Malinowski’s functionalism, which stresses that culture has been created to satisfy people’s practical needs.
Public Acceptance of Water Reuse for Agriculture in the Wake of the New EU Regulation: Early Reflections
Authors: Berti Suman Anna , Toscano Attilio
Published: May 2021

Domestic wastewater reuse in agriculture is often discussed as a way to tackle water scarcity in Europe. Europe could learn from the examples of other countries that are already successfully implementing wastewater reuse, especially in the Mediterranean. However, the potential of the practice is currently unfulfilled mainly due to social and legal barriers, including public resistance and the lack of a unified legislative framework at the European Union (EU) level. In the wake of the new EU Water Reuse Regulation released in June 2020, we wonder how this legislative intervention can foster public acceptance of non-conventional water reuse practices in agriculture. The original contribution of this piece is to provide a novel discussion of the transformations potentially triggered by the new EU Regulation and to suggest an innovative way forward, based on engaging interested users in water quality monitoring (i.e. water citizen science). We combine theoretical and empirical analysis, grounding our findings in an overarching theoretical concept, i.e. the neo-institutionalism theory. We conclude that the main catalysts for stimulating public acceptance can be identified in a unifying legislative tool represented by the recent EU Regulation and in the promotion of participatory water monitoring initiatives, also in line with the spirit of the EU Regulation.
The European Court of Human Rights and Domestic Violence: Volodina v. Russia
Authors: McQuigg Ronagh J.A.
Published: May 2021

This article addresses the highly significant area of the approach adopted by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) to the issue of domestic violence. During the past thirteen years, the Court has firmly established that domestic violence can constitute a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights (echr), however the way in which this issue has been contextualised by the ECtHR has varied and evolved, namely in terms of which articles of the echr have been held to have been violated in such cases. The Court’s recent judgment in Volodina v Russia again raises important questions regarding the conceptualisation of domestic violence by the ECtHR, as discussed in this article.
A new species of Lophopogon (Poaceae) from Ananthapuramu of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: PRASAD KOTHAREDDY , SIDDABATHULA NAGARAJU , SWAMY ANGAJALA NARAYANA , REDDY ARAVEETI MADHUSUDHANA , RAO MUDADLA SANKARA , RAO BOYINA RAVI PRASAD
Published: May 2021

A new species of Lophopogon (Poaceae), L. prasannae is described from dry deciduous forest of Ananthapuramu district, Andhra Pradesh, India. This new species shows morphological similarities with L. tridentatus and L. kingii but differs in certain characters, which are discussed below. A detailed description, photographs and taxonomic key are provided for easy identification of the species.
Tigridiopalma longmenensis (Melastomataceae), a new species from Guangdong, China
Authors: WANG HUI-FENG , WANG ZHENG-FENG , QIN QIAO-MEI , CAO HONG-LIN , GUO XIAO-MING
Published: May 2021

Tigridiopalma longmenensis, a new species from Guangdong, China, is described. This species differs from its ally, T. magnifica, by the polychasium consisting of scorpioid cymes, hypanthium with carinas on angles, and longer stamens with a conspicuously white or pink spur at the connective base of anther. A diagnosis and a distribution map of the two species are also provided. The complete chloroplast genome of T. longmenensis was reported here. Phylogenetic analyses based on complete chloroplast genomes from T. longmenensis and other 15 Melastomataceae species indicated that T. longmenensis is sister to T. magnifica. The discovery of T. longmenensis terminates Tigridiopalma as a monotypic genus.
A forum for the discussion of issues in zoological taxonomy
Authors: ZHANG ZHI-QIANG
Published: May 2021

Zootaxa was founded in 2001 to help systematists rapidly document the World’s zoological diversity, which includes many undescribed species now threatened by the rapid habitat loss (Zhang 2006).   The journal was initially published as a monographic series—each paper or monograph was separately titled, issued and published. Because of the lower limit of four pages for a book or journal issue, manuscripts less than four pages were not published, including short items such as errata  that should normally be published.
A case of gynandromorphy in Ducetia japonica (Thunberg, 1815) (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae)
Authors: HUANG JIANG-RONG , LIU YUN-FEI , HE ZHU-QING
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we described an example of gynandromorphy in a katydid, Ducetia japonica. Its color is brown, while normal individuals are green. Its left maxilla is smaller, and left maxillary palpus is shorter. Left forewing as male is shorter than right one as female. Hindwing is also shorter in left. Cercus, epiproct and subgenital plate are left in male and right in female.
Description of Crassolabium unicum sp. n. (Nematoda: Dorylaimida: Qudsianematidae) from Vietnam
Authors: NGUYEN THI ANH DUONG , PEÑA-SANTIAGO REYES
Published: May 2021

Crassolabium unicum sp. n., collected from a natural habitat in Vietnam, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by its 0.77–0.94 mm long body, three-layered cuticle, lip region offset by depression and 12–13.5 µm broad, odontostyle 13.5–15 µm long with wide aperture occupying 36–46% of its length, neck 235–260 µm long, pharyngeal expansion 117–131 µm long or occupying 47–52% of total neck length, anterior part of intestine presenting very distinct folds, female genital system didelphic-amphidelphic, uterus simple and 28–43 µm or 0.7–0.9 body diameters, vulva transverse (V = 45–52), prerectum bearing a blind postrectal sac, caudal region short and rounded (21–25 µm, c = 45–61, c’ = 0.6–0.8) with two (dorsal and ventral) lacunae between outer and intermediate cuticle layers, and male unknown. It is compared with the similar representatives of the genus.
Endogean and Cavernicolous Coleoptera of the Balkans. XXIII. A new species of Paramaurops J. Müller (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) from Greece
Authors: HLAVÁČ PETER , BAŇAŘ PETR , DAVRANOGLOU LEONIDAS-ROMANOS , KEMPTON JAMES
Published: May 2021

We describe and illustrate a new species of pselaphine beetles, Paramaurops zagoricus sp. n., from the Zagori region of Epirus, Greece. A list summarising the distribution of Amauropini known from Greece is also provided.
Two new water mite species of the Sperchon tridentatus-group from Asia (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Sperchontidae)
Authors: TUZOVSKIJ PETR V.
Published: May 2021

In the present study a description of two new species of the Sperchon tridentatus-group from Asia is presented. An identification key is given for the known species of the group.
Polyelectrolyte Multi-Layered Griseofulvin Nanoparticles: Conventional versus ContinuousIn-SituLayer-by-Layer Fabrication
Authors: Abdul-Jabbar Sumayah , Martin Gary P. , Martini Luigi G. , Lawrence Jayne , Royall Paul G.
Published: May 2021

Polyelectrolyte multilayers are promising drug carriers with potential applications in the delivery of poorly soluble drugs. Furthermore, the polyelectrolyte multilayer contributes towards electrostatic interactions, which enhances the physical and chemical stability of colloids when compared to those prepared by other approaches. The aim of this work was to generate a polyelectrolyte multilayer on well characterised nanoparticles of the poorly water-soluble drug, griseofulvin. Griseofulvin (GF) nanoparticles (300 nm) were produced by wet bead milling, bearing a negative surface charge due to the use of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) as a stabiliser. Six further layers of alternating chitosan and PSS polyelectrolyte multilayer were successfully generated at the particle surface either via use of: (1) the conventional method of adding excess coating polymer followed by centrifugation, or (2) the continuousin situapproach of adding sufficient amount of coating polymer. The continuousin situmethod was designedde novoby the consecutive addition of polymers under high shear rate mixing. In comparison to the continuousin situmethod, the conventional method yielded nanoparticles of smaller size (282 ±9 nm vs. 497 ±34 nm) and higher stability by maintaining its size for 6 months. In conclusion, the parent griseofulvin nanosuspension proved to be a suitable candidate for the polyelectrolyte multilayer fabrication providing an avenue for a bespoke formulation with versatile and potentially enhanced drug delivery properties.
Bovine Serum Albumin Conjugation in Superparamagnetic/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Nanoparticles as an Alternative for Magnetic Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays
Authors: Feuser Paulo Emilio , Guindani Camila , Possato Jonathann Correa , Guessi Jaqueline Pereira , Cordeiro Arthur Poester , Machado-de-Ávila Ricardo Andrez , Sayer Claudia , de Araújo Pedro Henrique Hermes
Published: May 2021

Nanomaterials, such as magnetic nanoparticles have attracted significant attention of medical area due to their capacity to improve the performance of immunoassays. Therefore the aim of this work was to study the bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugation in superparamagnetic (MNPs)/poly(methyl
methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles with further characterization and application in enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay. The successful conjugation of BSA in MNPs- PMMA nanoparticles was confirmed by several techniques, including light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron
microscopy (TEM) and Lowry protein quantification assay. The superparamagnetic properties were confirmed by vibrating sample magnetometer. BSA conjugated MNPs-PMMA nanoparticles presented higher interactions with antibody than free BSA. The BSA + MNPs-PMMA nanoparticles (magnetic ELISA assay)
reduced the time and increased the sensibility of traditional ELISA assay, reinforcing the idea that the use these nanomaterials are an excellent alternative for the immunoassays field.
Fabrication of High Dielectric Materials Through Selective Insertion of Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide on Hard Segment of Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Authors: Manna Rakesh , Kumar Srivastava Suneel , Mittal Vikas
Published: May 2021

The presence of microcapacitors near percolatrion threshold determines dielectric permittivity of a material. Motivated by this concept, we focused our work by preferentially allocating functionalized reduced graphene oxide (FRGO) in hard segment (disperse phase) of Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) by solution blending method and characterized. Morphological studies of TPU/FRGO nanocomposites established homogeneous dispersion of FRGO throughout the TPU matrix. It is noted that TPU/FRGO (1 phr) nanocomposites exhibit maximum increase in tensile strength (33%) and elongation at break (10%). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed maximum enhancement in onset of decomposition temperature (~6 °C) in 2 phr FRGO loaded TPU. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed maximum reduction (~2 °C) in glass transition temperature (Tg) of soft segment of TPU followed by maximum improvements in melting temperature (~4 °C) as well as crystallization temperature (~22 °C) of hard segment compared to neat TPU. Further, a significantly high value of dielectric permittivity (401) is achieved in 1.5 phr loaded FRGO at 100 Hz due to the formation of significantly higher number of microcapacitors near the percolation threshold. It is anticipated that such thermally stable and mechanically strong high dielectric TPU/FRGO nanocomposites can find applications in the field of electronic devices.
Influence of Alkalinization Over Metal Organic Frameworks MIL-100(Fe) for Enhanced Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Adsorbents
Authors: Xie Xinyu , Thomas Joy , Chang Chang-Tang , Tao Hong
Published: May 2021

Substantial attempts have been undertaken for the improvement of the air quality over decades; and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from the chemical and textile industries are truly listed as severe issue to be controlled. To come up with modus operandi for this issue, a novel composite
of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) MIL-100(Fe) with salient tuned features of natrite was designed by a green and facile method. Mineralized composite MOFs exhibited enhanced crystallinity than pure MIL-100(Fe) as well showcased a higher surface area of 1300 m2 g−1.
Through dynamic acetone pressure swing adsorption setup, MIL-0.05Na (MIL-100(Fe) synthesized with 0.05 mM Na2CO3 solution) revealed an enhanced acetone adsorption of 210 mg g 1 at room temperature. Gas phase adsorption isotherms confirmed the mono layer adsorption
behavior. The kinetics models evaluated that the external mass transfer was the rate limiting step for surface adsorption. The thermodynamic study manifested that the adsorption reaction was spontaneous and exothermic. The proposed mechanism of adsorption was the act of physisorption which
enriched the adsorbents reusability. This research work provides a futuristic vista to design mineralized Fe-MOFs composites for an energy saving adsorbents for VOCs removal.
A Combined Molecular Docking and Density Functional Theory Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of Trans-Dehydrocrotonin Interacting with COVID-19 Main Protease and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 3C-Like Protease
Authors: Cardoso Evani Ferreira , Giacomello Thaís Forest , Rocha de Oliveira Leandro Leal , da Silva Tiago Arouche , de Jesus Chaves Neto Antonio Maia , Da Silva Mota Gunar Vingre , Souza Siqueira Marcelo Ricardo , Paranhos Costa Fabio Luiz
Published: May 2021

For the development of drugs that treat SARS-CoV-2, the fastest way is to find potential molecules from drugs already on the market. Unfortunately, there is currently no specific drug or treatment for COVID-19. Among all structural proteins in SARS-CoV, the spike protein is the main antigenic component responsible for inducing host immune responses, neutralizing antibodies, and/or protecting immunity against virus infection. Molecular docking is a technique used to predict whether a molecule will bind to another. It is usually a protein to another or a protein to a binding compound. Natural products are potential binders in several studies involving coronavirus. The structure of the ligand plays a fundamental role in its biological properties. The nuclear magnetic resonance technique is one of the most powerful tools for the structural determination of ligands from the origin of natural products. Nowadays, molecular modeling is an important accessory tool to experimentally got nuclear magnetic resonance data. In the present work, molecular docking studies aimed is to investigate the limiting affinities of trans-dehydrocrotonin molecule and to identify the main amino acid residues that could play a fundamental role in their mechanism of action of the SARS-CoV spike protein. Another aim of this work is all about to evaluate 10 hybrid functionalities, along with three base pairs using computational programs to discover which ones are more reliable with the experimental result the best computational method to study organic compounds. We compared the results between the mean absolute deviation (MAD) and root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of the molecules, and the smallest number between them was the best result. The positions assumed by the ligands in the active site of the spike glycoprotein allow assuming associations with different local amino acids.
Amino Acid Dependent Performance of Modified Chitosan Against Bacteria and Red Blood Cell
Authors: Ju Xiaoyan , Tian Lu , Duan Xuantong , Li Zhuang , Han Yongping , Tian Ye , Niu Zhongwei
Published: May 2021

In order to combat antibiotic resistance, the development of new antibacterial agents is essential. In this study, we prepared four types of amino acid modified chitosan (CS-AA). Compared with chitosan modified with hydrophobic amino acids, the chitosan modified with positively charged
amino acids showed higher antibacterial efficiency against Escherichia coli (E. coli) under similar grafting rate. CS-AA achieves antibacterial properties mainly by destroying the integrity of bacterial cell membranes. All the four types of CS-AA show low toxicity towards red blood
cells. This work indicates that positively charged groups are more important than hydrophobic groups in the design of chitosan-based antibacterial agents, and provides helpful information for the molecular design of effective antibacterial agents.
Nanoscale Phase Separation in Ternary Organic Solar Cells Based on PTB7:PC70BM:IC70BA
Authors: Li Chang , Li Wei , Sun Xiaoxiang , Wang Jifei , Tao Jiayou , Zou Zhijun , Liao Gaohua , Zou Xinchang , Ni Jian , Zhang Jianjun
Published: May 2021

As a fullerene derivative, IC70BA is widely used in the ternary organic solar cells (TOSCs) to increase the open circuit voltage (Voc) of the devices. Unfortunately, most of the literature shows that IC70BA will lead to a reduction in the short-circuit
current density (Jsc) and fill factor (FF). In this work, IC70BA is added to the PTB7:PC70BM binary system to form the ternary system, which is composed of one donor and two fullerene acceptors. Surprisingly, the addition of IC70BA does not immediately
lead to a decrease in Jsc and FF. In fact, the appropriate weight ratio of IC70BA in fullerenes can simultaneously increase the Voc, Jsc, and FF of the TOSCs. The synergistic optimization of the surface and bulk morphology of the ternary active layer
suppresses the attenuation of Jsc and FF. The smooth surface and suitable phase separation size effectively guarantee the separation, transport and extraction of the charge. Moreover, the addition of IC70BA can significantly improve the hole transport capacity of the
active layer, and the optimal hole mobility is 5.13 – 10”4 cm2V–1S–1. Finally, the TOSCs with 10% weight ratio of IC70BA gives the optimal PCE of 9.24% and ideality factor of 2.3.
Structure and Dynamics of Ensemble Correlations for Satellite All-Sky Observations in an FV3-Based Global-to-Regional Nested Convection-Permitting Ensemble Forecast of Hurricane Harvey
Authors: Zhang Yunji , Chen Xingchao , Lu Yinghui
Published: May 2021

There are ongoing efforts to establish an ensemble data assimilation and prediction system for tropical cyclones based on the FV3 (finite-volume cubed-sphere) dynamic core with the capability to assimilate satellite all-sky infrared and microwave observations. To complement the system developments and improve our understanding of the assimilation of all-sky infrared and microwave observations, this study assesses their potential impacts on the analysis of Hurricane Harvey (2017) through examinations of the structure and dynamics of the ensemble-based correlations as well as single observation data assimilation experiments, using an ensemble forecast generated by a global-to-regional nested FV3-based model. It is found that different infrared and microwave channels are sensitive to different types of hydrometeors within different layers of the atmosphere, and the correlations vanish beyond 200 km in the region covered by cloud or abundant hydrometeors. The spatial correlations between brightness temperatures and model states will adjust the structure and intensity of the hurricane in the model so that the simulated hurricane will better fit the “observed” brightness temperatures. In general, these results show how assimilating infrared and microwave together can improve the analyses of tropical cyclone intensity and structure, which may lead to improved intensity forecasts.