bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State-level teen dating violence education laws and teen dating violence victimisation in the USA: a cross-sectional analysis of 36 states
Authors: Harland Karisa K , Vakkalanka J Priyanka , Peek-Asa Corinne , Saftlas Audrey F
Published: April 2020

Background

Approximately 10% of teens report experiencing sexual dating violence (SDV) or physical dating violence (PDV), collectively represented as teen dating violence (TDV). This study examines the association between laws incorporating TDV education in schools on TDV prevalence.

Methods

TDV prevalence was estimated using data contributed by 36 states that participated in the 2015 Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance Survey (YRBS). Presence of TDV laws was determined using Westlaw, a legal search engine. The adjusted odds of TDV victimisation was estimated by the presence or absence of a state law and length of time the law was in effect using hierarchical regression modelling, clustering on state, controlling for individual-level and state-level covariates and incorporating the YRBS-weighted survey design.

Results

After controlling for individual-level and state-level covariates, the presence of a law was not associated with TDV (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.97; 95% CI 0.88 to 1.06), PDV (aOR 1.12; 95% CI 0.95 to 1.33) or SDV (aOR 0.99; 95% CI 0.91 to 1.08). These odds did not differ across the length of time the policies were in effect.

Conclusions

This study suggest that just the presence of a law incorporating TDV education in schools is not associated with reduced TDV victimisation but further research is needed to understand the association of the content of these laws and their implementation on TDV victimisation.
Association between pulse pressure and ischaemic stroke in elderly patients with hypertension
Authors: Huang Jiayi , Liu Lin , Huang Yu-Qing , Lo Kenneth , Yu Yu-Ling , Chen Chao-Lei , Tang Song-tao , Zhang Bin , Feng Ying Qing
Published: April 2020

Background

The association between pulse pressure (PP) and the risk of first ischaemic stroke (IS) is inconsistent. Therefore, we evaluated the association between PP and the risk of first IS among elderly hypertensive population in China.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients with hypertension and aged ≥60 years were recruited. Multivariate Cox regression was performed to evaluate the association between PP and the risk of IS. We further stratified the regression models into subgroups and test for interaction to assess whether the associations were modified by other covariates.

Results

A total of 3315 patients with hypertension (44.49% male; mean age 71.41±7.20 years) were included, and 206 cases of IS occurred with a median follow-up of 5.5 years. The results showed that per SD mm Hg increment in PP was associated with a 17% (95% CI 1.05 to 1.40, p=0.0172) increased risk of IS. Moreover, the HR of IS for the highest quartile of PP was 1.46 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.73, p=0.0011, p for trend <0.001) comparing with the lowest quartile of PP. Subgroup analysis showed that population aged ≥70 years, male, patients with smoking or drinking habit, diabetes at baseline, being overweight, with uncontrolled blood pressure or did not take antihypertensive drugs have a higher risk for IS.

Conclusions

We found that PP was significantly associated with IS and was an independent risk factor for IS.
Hookah venue employees’ knowledge and perceptions of hookah tobacco smoking
Authors: Crape Byron Lawrence , Yakhiyayeva Tansholpan , Kadyrzhanuly Kainar , Gusmanov Arnur , Sadykova Dzhamilya
Published: April 2020

Background

Recent years showed sharp proliferation of hookah bars worldwide with scarcity of workplace safety regulations. Hookah server employees are at high risk for elevated harm. This study reported hookah smoke exposure, assessed acute problems and evaluated factors related to knowledge of hookah-smoking harm and toxicity among high-risk hookah servers.

Methods

A mixed methods design was employed. A self-reported questionnaire was distributed online, and semistructured in-depth interviews were used. Hookah server employees were recruited using snowball sampling, with 52 participants included in quantitative analyses and 10 participating in semistructured interviews.

Results

Hookah server employees took a median 389 hookah puffs per workday compared with 169–170 per session for customers. Servers were limited in knowledge of potential hookah harms and smoke toxicant exposure. Almost all believed that hookah water bowls filtered out toxicants. Smoking with family members (p=0.012) was associated with lower knowledge scores for hookah harms and exposure. Hookah server employees reported carbon monoxide-poisoning symptoms of dizziness, headaches and fainting during work but believed their bodies would adapt. Home remedies were taken to alleviate symptoms. Work environment and salary attracted hookah server employees to their position and none considered quitting for reasons of harm.

Conclusion

Findings demonstrate need for workplace policies and regulations to protect hookah server employees and provide targets for educational interventions for high-risk hookah server employees.
High mortality in a sheep flock caused by coinfection of louping ill virus and Anaplasma phagocytophilum
Authors: Daniel Roger , Hopkins Beverley Ann Mary , Rocchi Mara S , Wessels Mark , Floyd Tobias
Published: April 2020

Fifty‐three of a mixed flock of 180 one‐year‐old lambs (hoggs) and older, barren ewes (ewes that were non‐pregnant or had not lambed that spring) died in May 2019 following introduction to 30 acres of unimproved hill pasture. The flock was moved onto this pasture in early May, and clinical signs and deaths were observed 14 days later. Clinical signs included dyspnoea, lethargy, and sternal and lateral recumbency; the majority were found dead. The flock was removed from the hill the day after the first deaths were discovered. Deaths continued for a further 14 days until a total of 53 animals had died. Three hoggs were submitted for postmortem examination to the Wales Veterinary Science Centre. Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the causal organism of tickborne fever, was detected by PCR testing. Coinfection with louping ill virus was also suspected and later confirmed. The laboratory findings are described, and the risk of these diseases to grazing sheep in upland areas is discussed, as well as the measures being taken to reduce the risk of infection.
Endotracheal tube complication during extubation following surgical repair of a traumatic tracheal laceration
Authors: Miller Lucy , Pryke Sam , Panti Ambra , Gozalo Marcilla Miguel
Published: April 2020

Difficult or impossible tracheal extubation has previously been reported in the veterinary literature as a result of endotracheal tube (ETT) faults or due to their entanglement with oesophagostomy tubes. Inadvertent transfixation of the ETT to the trachea during oral–maxillofacial surgery is a reported cause of extubation complications in the human literature. In this case, an incident of accidental ETT cuff transfixation to the trachea of a dog undergoing surgical repair of a traumatic tracheal laceration is reported. General anaesthesia for tracheal surgery requires special consideration of airway management to reduce complications. While precautions can be taken to avoid ETT placement within the surgical field, this cannot always be avoided and measures should be implemented for detection of transfixation. If tracheal extubation complications do arise, it is important to consider the differential causes and act quickly to resolve the problem and ensure minimal distress to the animal.
Continuous-cover management and attractiveness of managed Scots pine forests
Authors: Koivula Matti , Silvennoinen Harri , Koivula Hanna , Tikkanen Jukka , Tyrväinen Liisa
Published: April 2020

Forest management, characterized in many northern countries by the predominance of clear cutting and growing even-aged and -sized trees, has simplified the structure of boreal forests. Consequences include alterations in cultural ecosystem services such as forest attractiveness, i.e., combined aesthetic and recreational values. Continuous-cover forestry might mitigate these effects through the use of selection and gap cutting, but these methods have been little studied, particularly from the attractiveness viewpoint. We used photo surveys to assess Finnish citizens’ perceptions of attractiveness of in-stand scenery of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests logged using different methods. (i) The attractiveness scores, given by respondents, declined steadily from unharvested forest through continuous-cover methods to seed-tree and clear-cut methods. (ii) Respondents with a negative attitude to forest management gave lower scores than respondents with a positive attitude, but the declining slopes of attractiveness against logging intensity were similar. (iii) In unharvested and less intensively managed stands, summer photos received higher scores than corresponding winter photos. (iv) Background variables (gender, education, living environment, memberships in recreational or nature NGOs, forestry profession, and forest ownership) had negligible effects on the scores. We recommend the use of continuous-cover logging methods in settlement and recreational areas.
Diffraction and photon exchange processes at the LHC and parton saturation
Authors: Royon Christophe , Baldenegro Cristian
Published: April 2020

We present a review of the recent theoretical and experimental developments related to the field of diffraction, parton saturation, and forward physics. We first discuss our present understanding of the proton structure in terms of quarks and gluons, the degrees of freedom of quantum chromodynamics. We then focus on some of the main results on diffraction at the HERA electron–proton collider in DESY, Germany, at the Tevatron proton–antiproton collider at Fermilab, Batavia, US, and at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) proton–proton and nucleus–nucleus collider, which is located in Geneva, Switzerland. We also present a selected amount of results on diffraction and photon exchanges that can be done at the LHC experiments and at a future Electron Ion Collider (EIC) to be built in the US at Brookhaven National Laboratory, New York.
Preparation of High Al Content (AlxGa1−x)2O3 Films by Low-Pressure Reactive Vapor Deposition on Sapphire Substrates
Authors: Shi Jianjun , Liang Hongwei , Xia Xiaochuan , Long Ze , Zhang Heqiu , Liu Yang , Dong Xin , Jia Zhitai
Published: April 2020

Beta-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 thin films were prepared on c-plane sapphire substrates by low-pressure reactive vapor deposition at different temperature. The crystal structure, surface morphology, and optical properties of β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 films were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission spectra. The β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 films were preferred [

2

¯

01] orientation. The film grown at 1400 °C has narrower full width half maximum (FWHM) than grown at 1450 °C. As the growth temperature increases, the Al group decreases. The Al content of β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 films grown at 1400 °C and 1450 °C are x = 0.524 and x = 0.489, respectively. The SEM and AFM images showed different growth mode for β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 films grown at 1400 °C and 1450 °C and their root-mean-square roughness (RMS) values are 5.27 nm and 5.33 nm, respectively. All the prepared β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 films have high transmittances exceeding 90% in visible region and large optical bandgap above 6 eV. These results indicate that low-pressure reactive vapor deposition technology is a promising growth technology for a high quality β-(AlGa)2O3 films with tunable properties.
Initial Structural Changes of Porous Alumina Film via High-Resolution Microscopy Observations
Authors: Iwai Mana , Kikuchi Tatsuya , Suzuki Ryosuke O.
Published: April 2020

The initial growth of a porous alumina film with a large-scale cell structure formed by galvanostatic anodizing in etidronic acid was investigated in detail by high-resolution microscopy. High-purity aluminum plates were galvanostatically anodized in etidronic acid at 2.5–20.0 Am−2. The formation of an anodic oxide and the subsequent instability of the outer oxide simultaneously occurred at the early stage of the linear voltage increase during the anodizing process. Accordingly, a wavy interface boundary between the aluminum oxide that contained incorporated anions and the nearly pure aluminum oxide formed in the anodic oxide. The surviving pores grew as the thickness of the oxide film increased, and a clear porous alumina film with a pore at the center of each cell formed until the voltage reached its maximum value. Finally, steady-state growth of the porous alumina film occurred at the plateau voltage region after a slight voltage decrease. Eggplant-like anion distributions were measured at the head of the pores due to the viscous flow of the anodic oxide. The nanomorphology of the porous alumina film strongly depended on the current density due to the difference in the degree of oxide formation and localized oxide dissolution.
Comprehensive stereological assessment of the human lung using multiresolution computed tomography
Authors: Vasilescu Dragoş M. , Phillion André B. , Kinose Daisuke , Verleden Stijn E. , Vanaudenaerde Bart M. , Verleden Geert M. , Van Raemdonck Dirk , Stevenson Christopher S. , Hague Cameron J. , Han MeiLan K. , Cooper Joel D. , Hackett Tillie-Louise , Hogg James C.
Published: April 2020

Stereology has been the gold standard to quantify the three-dimensional lung anatomy using two-dimensional microscopy images. However, such techniques are labor intensive. This study provides a method that applies stereology to volumetric computed tomography images of frozen whole human lungs and systematic uniform random samples. The method yielded a comprehensive data set on the small airways and parenchymal lung structures, highlighting morphometric sex differences and providing a reference data set for future pathological studies.
Microenvironmental Determinants of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Hessmann Elisabeth , Buchholz Soeren M. , Demir Ihsan Ekin , Singh Shiv K. , Gress Thomas M. , Ellenrieder Volker , Neesse Albrecht
Published: April 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) belongs to the most lethal solid tumors in humans. A histological hallmark feature of PDAC is the pronounced tumor microenvironment (TME) that dynamically evolves during tumor progression. The TME consists of different non-neoplastic cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, endothelial cells, and neurons. Furthermore, abundant extracellular matrix components such as collagen and hyaluronic acid as well as matricellular proteins create a highly dynamic and hypovascular TME with multiple biochemical and physical interactions among the various cellular and acellular components that promote tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. In recent years, intensive research efforts have resulted in a significantly improved understanding of the biology and pathophysiology of the TME in PDAC, and novel stroma-targeted approaches are emerging that may help to improve the devastating prognosis of PDAC patients. However, none of anti-stromal therapies has been approved in patients so far, and there is still a large discrepancy between multiple successful preclinical results and subsequent failure in clinical trials. Furthermore, recent findings suggest that parts of the TME may also possess tumor-restraining properties rendering tailored therapies even more challenging.
Improved Strategies for BeiDou Ultrarapid Satellites’ Clock Bias Prediction Using BDS-2 and BDS-3 Integrated Processing
Authors: Hu Chao , Wang Zhongyuan
Published: April 2020

GNSS ultrarapid clock biases are key inputs of rapid high-accuracy applications, especially for its prediction parts. With the fast development of the BeiDou system (BDS), the system performances are mainly represented by orbit and clock products. However, it is suggested that the BDS-predicted clock biases cannot meet the requirement of real-time or near real-time services. In this research, the BDS satellite-predicted ultrarapid clock bias products are optimized with three methods, namely, one-step strategy, intersatellite correlation, and variogram model, using the combined estimation of BDS-2 and BDS-3 satellites. Firstly, considering the traditional two-step strategy for modelling clock bias prediction, we take all terms (including trend and periodic terms) into one-step solution of model estimation based on the sparse modelling in machine learning. Secondly, because of the much more stable on-board atomic clock of BDS-3 satellites, the intersatellite correlations between BDS-2 and BDS-3 are utilized to enhance the solution of model coefficients. Thirdly, to further improve the model, the temporal correlations in model residuals are used to reconstruct the stochastic function obtained by variogram. In addition, to verify the proposed improved strategies, 12 schemes of BDS clock bias prediction experiments are designed and analyzed with different conditions. According to the results of predicted clock biases, it is indicted that (1) the stability of BDS-3 on-board clocks is more optimal compared with BDS-2, which can be used to strengthen the solution of the clock bias prediction model; (2) the one-step estimation of the clock bias model by sparse modelling can slightly increase the accuracy of prediction results; (3) both BDS-2- and BDS-3-predicted clock biases benefited each other by inserting the intersatellite correlations into the weight matrix, in which the accuracy of 18-hour period with one-step strategy can be improved by 28.6% and 27.2% for BDS-2 and BDS-3, respectively; and (4) after the introduction of the variogram model in updating the weight matrix, the clock bias prediction model is further corrected by 8.0% and 11.1% for BDS-2 and BDS-3. In summary, improved strategies for BDS ultrarapid satellites’ clock bias prediction using BDS-2 and BDS-3 integrated processing are meaningful for the current BDS ultrarapid satellites’ clock bias prediction products.
Paediatric Posttraumatic Cyst-Like Lesions: A Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Jansen R. , van Rooijen F. , Toirkens J. P. , Besselaar A. T. , Tolk J. J.
Published: April 2020

Posttraumatic cyst-like lesions are a rare finding after greenstick fractures in children. These asymptomatic, cystic lesions become radiologically apparent 2-4 months after the initial trauma. Conventional radiographs typically show nonexpansile, well-circumscribed lesions in the cortex, proximal to the fracture site. It is important to recognize them as benign to prevent unnecessary concern and additional imaging or invasive diagnostic procedures. No treatment is indicated, as they eventually resolve spontaneously in 1 to 3 years. The two cases of posttraumatic cyst-like lesions after paediatric forearm fractures are presented.
Glioblastoma-mediated Immune Dysfunction Limits CMV-specific T Cells and Therapeutic Responses: Results from a Phase I/II Trial
Authors: Weathers Shiao-Pei , Penas-Prado Marta , Pei Be-Lian , Ling Xiaoyang , Kassab Cynthia , Banerjee Pinaki , Bdiwi Mustafa , Shaim Hila , Alsuliman Abdullah , Shanley Mayra , de Groot John F. , O'Brien Barbara J. , Harrison Rebecca , Majd Nazanin , Kamiya-Matsuoka Carlos , Fuller Gregory N. , Huse Jason T. , Chi Linda , Rao Ganesh , Weinberg Jeffrey S. , Lang Frederick F. , Sawaya Raymond , Shpall Elizabeth J. , Rezvani Katayoun , Heimberger Amy B.
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens occur in glioblastoma but not in normal brains, making them desirable immunologic targets.

Patients and Methods:

Highly functional autologous polyclonal CMV pp65-specific T cells from patients with glioblastoma were numerically expanded under good manufacturing practice compliant conditions and administered after 3 weeks of lymphodepleting dose-dense temozolomide (100 mg/m2) treatment. The phase I component used a 3+3 design, ascending through four dose levels (5 × 106–1 × 108 cells). Treatment occurred every 6 weeks for four cycles. In vivo persistence and effector function of CMV-specific T cells was determined by dextramer staining and multiparameter flow cytometry in serially sampled peripheral blood and in the tumor microenvironment.

Results:

We screened 65 patients; 41 were seropositive for CMV; 25 underwent leukapheresis; and 20 completed ≥1 cycle. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. Radiographic response was complete in 1 patient, partial in 2. Median progression-free survival (PFS) time was 1.3 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 0–8.3 months]; 6-month PFS was 19% (95% CI, 7%–52%); and median overall survival time was 12 months (95% CI, 6 months to not reached). Repeated infusions of CMV-T cells paralleled significant increases in circulating CMV+ CD8+ T cells, but cytokine production showing effector activity was suppressed, especially from T cells obtained directly from glioblastomas.

Conclusions:

Adoptive infusion of CMV-specific T cells after lymphodepletion with dose-dense temozolomide was well tolerated. But apparently CMV seropositivity does not guarantee tumor susceptibility to CMV-specific T cells, suggesting heterogeneity in CMV antigen expression. Moreover, effector function of these T cells was attenuated, indicating a requirement for further T-cell modulation to prevent their dysfunction before conducting large-scale clinical studies.
Multiplexed Evaluation of Microdosed Antineoplastic Agents In Situ in the Tumor Microenvironment of Patients with Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Gundle Kenneth R. , Deutsch Gary B. , Goodman Howard J. , Pollack Seth M. , Thompson Matthew J. , Davis Jessica L. , Lee Mee-Young , Ramirez Daniel C. , Kerwin William , Bertout Jessica A. , Grenley Marc O. , Sottero Kimberly H.W. , Beirne Emily , Frazier Jason , Dey Joyoti , Ellison Micah , Klinghoffer Richard A. , Maki Robert G.
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

A persistent issue in cancer drug development is the discordance between robust antitumor drug activity observed in laboratory models and the limited benefit frequently observed when patients are treated with the same agents in clinical trials. Difficulties in accurately modeling the complexities of human tumors may underlie this problem. To address this issue, we developed Comparative In Vivo Oncology (CIVO), which enables in situ investigation of multiple microdosed drugs simultaneously in a patient's tumor. This study was designed to test CIVO's safety and feasibility in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS).

Patients and Methods:

We conducted a single arm, prospective, 13-patient pilot study. Patients scheduled for incisional biopsy or tumor resection were CIVO-injected 1 to 3 days prior to surgery. Saline or microdoses of anticancer agents were percutaneously injected into the tumor in a columnar fashion through each of eight needles. Following excision, drug responses were evaluated in the injected tissue.

Results:

The primary objective was met, establishing CIVO's feasibility and safety. Device-related adverse events were limited to transient grade 1 nonserious events. In addition, biomarker evaluation of localized tumor response to CIVO microinjected drugs by IHC or with NanoString GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler demonstrated consistency with known mechanisms of action of each drug, impact on the tumor microenvironment, and historic clinical activity.

Conclusions:

These results are an advance toward use of CIVO as a translational research tool for early evaluation of investigational agents and drug combinations in a novel approach to phase 0 trials.

See related commentary by Sleijfer and Lolkema, p. 3897
Characterization of Kisspeptin Neurons in the Human Rostral Hypothalamus
Authors: Rumpler Éva , Skrapits Katalin , Takács Szabolcs , Göcz Balázs , Trinh Sarolta H. , Rácz Gergely , Matolcsy András , Kozma Zsolt , Ciofi Philippe , Dhillo Waljit S. , Hrabovszky Erik
Published: April 2020

Background: Kisspeptin (KP) neurons in the rostral periventricular region of the 3rd ventricle (RP3V) of female rodents mediate positive estrogen feedback to gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons and, thus, play a fundamental role in the mid-cycle luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. The RP3V is sexually dimorphic, and male rodents with lower KP cell numbers are unable to mount estrogen-induced LH surges. Objective: To find and characterize the homologous KP neurons in the human brain, we studied formalin-fixed post­mortem hypothalami. Methods: Immunohistochemical techniques were used. Results: The distribution of KP neurons in the rostral hypothalamus overlapped with distinct subdivisions of the paraventricular nucleus. The cell numbers decreased after menopause, indicating that estrogens positively regulate KP gene expression in the rostral hypothalamus in humans, similarly to several other species. Young adult women and men had similar cell numbers, as opposed to rodents reported to have more KP neurons in the RP3V of females. Human KP neurons differed from the homologous rodent cells as well, in that they were devoid of enkephalins, galanin and tyrosine hydroxylase. Further, they did not contain known KP neuron markers of the human infundibular nucleus, neurokinin B, substance P and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript, while they received afferent input from these KP neurons. Conclusions: The identification and positive estrogenic regulation of KP neurons in the human rostral hypothalamus challenge the long-held view that positive estrogen feedback may be restricted to the mediobasal part of the hypothalamus in primates and point to the need of further anatomical, molecular and functional studies of rostral hypothalamic KP neurons.
Acute Neurological Deterioration in Large Vessel Occlusions and Mild Symptoms Managed Medically
Authors: Saleem Yasir , Nogueira Raul G. , Rodrigues Gabriel M. , Kim Song , Sharashidze Vera , Frankel Michael , Al-Bayati Alhamza , Bianchi Nicolas , Haussen Diogo C.
Published: April 2020

Background and Purpose—

It is unclear which factors predict acute neurological deterioration in patients with large vessel occlusion and mild symptoms. We aim to evaluate the frequency, timing, and potential predictors of acute neurological deterioration ≥4 National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) points in medically managed patients with large vessel occlusion and mild presentation.

Methods—

Single-center retrospective study of patients with consecutive minor stroke (defined as NIHSS score of ≤5 on presentation) and large vessel occlusion from January 2014 to December 2017. Primary outcome was acute neurological deterioration ≥4 NIHSS points during the hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included ΔNIHSS (defined as discharge minus admission NIHSS score).

Results—

Among 1133 patients with acute minor strokes, 122 (10.6%) had visible occlusions on computed tomography angiography/magnetic resonance angiography. Twenty-four (19.7%) patients had ≥4 points deterioration on NIHSS at a median of 3.6 (1–16) hours from arrival. No clinical or radiological predictors of acute neurological deterioration ≥4 NIHSS points were observed on multivariable analysis. Rescue endovascular thrombectomy was performed more often in the ones with acute neurological deterioration ≥4 NIHSS points compared with patients with no deterioration (54% versus 0%;
P
<0.001). Acute neurological deterioration ≥4 NIHSS points was associated with ΔNIHSS ≥4 points (33% versus 4.9%;
P
<0.01) and a trend toward lower independence rates at discharge (50% versus 70%;
P
=0.06) compared with the group with no deterioration. In patients with any degree of neurological worsening, patients who underwent rescue thrombectomy were more likely to be independent at discharge (73% versus 38%;
P
=0.02) and to have a favorable ΔNIHSS (−2 [−3 to 0] versus 0 [−1 to 6];
P
=0.05) compared with the ones not offered rescue thrombectomy.

Conclusions—

Acute neurological deterioration ≥4 NIHSS points was observed in a fifth of patients with large vessel occlusion and mild symptoms, occurred very early in the hospital course, impacted functional outcomes, and could not be predicted by any of the studied clinical and radiological variables. Rescue thrombectomy was associated with improved clinical outcomes at discharge in patients with neurological deterioration.
Two new taxa and one new record of Aquilegia (Ranunculaceae) from India and Pakistan

Authors: ERST ANDREY S. , PENDRY COLIN A. , ERST TATYANA V. , IKEDA HIROSHI , XIANG KUNLI , Wang Wei
Published: April 2020

A new species Aquilegia bashahrica and a new nothospecies Aquilegia × emodi from North-western Himalayas, are described and illustrated. In addition A. lactiflora is recorded for India and Pakistan for the first time and Aquilegia kareliniana is excluded from the flora of India. An identification key to the species of Aquilegia from the North-western Himalayas is provided and diagnostic characters are discussed.
Hohenbergia ituberaensis (Bromeliaceae): a new white-flowered species from Bahia, Brazil

Authors: CAVALCANTE BRAYAN PAIVA , DE SOUZA EVERTON HILO , VERSIEUX LEONARDO M. , MARTINELLI ADRIANA PINHEIRO
Published: April 2020

We describe a new species of Hohenbergia (Bromeliaceae) from Brazil, H. ituberaensis, a rare species, so far only known from Ituberá municipality, Bahia State, in an area of the Atlantic Forest. The species is similar to H. stellata, presenting a pinkish inflorescence, congested and non-divided branches, pinkish and large floral bracts hiding the sepals, spatulate petals with a slightly reflexed apex. However, it differs by the white petals, as a diagnostic characteristic. The type specimen was collected in a small forest fragment and here this species is categorized as Vulnerable. Additionally, we compared this new species to Hohenbergia belemii and H. capitata, which are also similar to H. stellata, due to the red/pinkish characteristics of the branches, with large flowers and well-developed floral bracts. An illustration, an occurrence map, taxonomic comments and a table comparing the main characters of these four species are provided.
Taxonomic and nomenclatural notes on African Linum squarrosum sensu lato (Linaceae)

Authors: MARTÍNEZ LABARGA JUAN M. , FERRER-GALLEGO P. PABLO
Published: April 2020

The taxonomy and nomenclature of Linum squarrosum s.l. (Linaceae) is discussed. Two subspecies are identified in this species. A new combination and status is proposed, L. squarrosum subsp. maroccanum comb. & stat. nov. Original material preserved at K is designated as the lectotype of Linum squarrosum, and a specimen kept at BC is selected as the lectotype of L. squarrosum subsp. maroccanum (=L. suffruticosum var. maroccanum).
Passiflora nana, a new species in Passiflora section Decaloba (Passifloraceae) from northern Peru

Authors: MACDOUGAL JOHN M. , ESQUERRE-IBAÑEZ BORIS
Published: April 2020

A new species of Passiflora L. endemic to cloud forest in northern Peru, P. nana, is described and illustrated from living and herbarium material. The new species is similar to the Colombian  P. erythrophylla in flower and Ecuadorian P. hirtiflora in vestiture. The indument is pilose to hispidulous throughout with long straight white trichomes, and the plant is short, less than 2.5 m long, with a very small flower ca. 1.5 cm diam. It is placed in subgenus Decaloba supersection Decaloba section Decaloba.
Establishment of Mimica gen. nov. to accommodate the anaxiferous species of the economically important red seaweed Eucheuma (Solieriaceae, Rhodophyta)

Authors: SANTIAÑEZ WILFRED JOHN E. , WYNNE MICHAEL J.
Published: April 2020

The taxonomy of the genus Eucheuma J. Agardh (1847) has long been considered as among the most challenging of commercially and economically important red seaweeds as it exhibits extreme polymorphism and highly plastic morphologies (Ganzon-Fortes et al. 2012). Efforts to clarify the taxonomy of these seaweeds were prompted by the development of a culture technology to support the growing demand for the carrageenans that they produce. Significant changes in the taxonomy and classification of eucheumatoid species were ushered in by the works of Doty & Norris (1985), who initiated discussion on the need to consistently identify the different species of Eucheuma, considering their practical importance for seaweed farmers, traders, and processors. At that time, only the genus Eucheuma was recognized, but distinct character differences had already been noted including their morphologies, anatomies (e.g., nature and arrangement of medullary cells), and carrageenan type, among others. Based on these attributes, Doty & Norris (1985) recognized four sections in Eucheuma: Eucheuma, Anaxiferae, Gelatiformia, and Cottoniformia. They explained that Weber-van Bosse (1928) was the first to use the term “Anaxiferae” in Eucheuma, when she recognized two sections, Axifera and Anaxifera. The latter was characterized by having fronds without a central axis, or core, of elongated cells, and the central region is composed of quite large cylindrical cells and more or less surrounded by “thylles”. The latter is defined as bubble-like outgrowths that develop from large inner primary medullary cells, somewhat similar to tyloses in flowering plants (Doty & Norris 1985). Weber-van Bosse (1928) included a total of 14 species in her section Anaxiferae, including eight that were newly described. She did not designate a type species for that section. Doty & Norris (1985) accepted Weber-van Bosse’s section Anaxiferae but with a significantly emended circumscription, defining it as thalli with the presence of whorls of spines on both the determinate and indeterminate branches and by the presence of mostly iota-carrageenan as the gel-wall matrix material. Also, axial hyphae or rhizoids are absent, and “thylles” are abundant and scattered in the medulla. Doty & Norris (1985) designated Eucheuma arnoldii Weber-van Bosse as the lectotype of the section.
Combination of Functionalized Nanoparticles and Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Method for SARS-CoV Gene Detection
Authors: Gong Ping , He Xiaoxiao , Wang Kemin , Tan Weihong , Xie Wengang , Wu Ping , Li Huimin
Published: April 2020

Rapid and sensitive detection of SARS associated coronavirus is critical for early diagnosis and control of severe acute respiratory syndrome. This study describes a method for the detection of SARS associated coronavirus gene by the combination of functionalized nanoparticles and PCR-based
assay. In this method, the target cDNA of SARS associated coronavirus was firstly captured and enriched from the mixture of target cDNA and non-target cDNA by the use of the functionalized silica coated superparamagnetic nanoparticles. Additionally, the enriched target cDNA were amplified
through a general symmetry PCR and then was selectively isolated from the double strands PCR products by applying the silica coated superparamagnetic nanoparticles again. Finally, we detected the amplified target cDNA by employing the functionalized silica coated fluorescent nanoparticles
as signaling probes with a sandwich hybridization format. The results show that the target cDNA can be assayed successfully with a detection limit of 2.0 × 103 copies and the nonspecific amplification could be inhibited. In addition, the detection procedure is rapid and can
be completed in less than 6 h. Our results suggest that this approach will provide promising prospects for other pathogens detection.
Efficient Synthesis of Individual Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube by Water-Based Catalyst with Poly(vinylpyrrolidone)
Authors: Jeong Seung Yol , Jeon Sang Hyun , Han Gang Hee , Hyeok An Kay , Bae Dong Jae , Lim Seuong Chu , Hwang Ha Ryong , Han Chang Soo , Yun Minhee , Lee Young Hee
Published: April 2020

Individual single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were synthesized on the patterned water-soluble catalyst by thermal chemical vapor deposition. The individual SWCNTs were obtained by introducing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a dispersant. The number of SWCNTs between two electrodes
were approximately 1 ∼2 with an average diameter of about 1.7 nm and a yield of forming electrodes of nearly 70%. The PVP played an important role in dispersing catalysts and suppressing the active sites to limit the number of SWCNTs during synthesis, which is a critical condition for
fabrication of field effect transistors (FETs). The measured I–V characteristics of the over layer-deposited electrodes revealed a clear gating effect in large portion, in good agreement with Raman observations in several excitation energies. The patterning procedure, catalyst
preparation, and growth condition for fabrication of the SWCNT-FET were further discussed.
Chemically-Mechanically Assisted Synthesis of Metallic and Oxide Nanoparticles in Ambient Conditions
Authors: Wu Chunwei , Mosher Brian P. , Zeng Taofang
Published: April 2020

Based on the redox principle of galvanic displacement reaction, active metal foils, including magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al) and cobalt (Co), were creatively introduced as new heterogeneous reducing media and were successfully employed in the presence of sonomechanical assistance to
produce metallic nanoparticles such as silver, copper, tin and metal oxides such as those of iron, cobalt and ruthenium. Various combinations were investigated to determine the optimum ion/foil pairings for dense and monodisperse colloids. A wide range of nanoscale metallic species can be
achieved by this method given optimum combination of ion/foil pairing. This new strategy greatly enriches and extends the existing methods for metallic nanoparticles preparation.
Preparation and Characterization of Dysprosium (Dy) Ultrafine Nanocrystalline Structures
Authors: Lu Nianduan , Song Xiaoyan , Zhang Jiuxing , Yan Xiangquan , Rettenmayr Markus
Published: April 2020

By combining the inert-gas condensation with the SPS technology in an entirely closed system with the oxygen concentration below 0.5 ppm, the pure Dy bulk with the ultrafine nanocrystalline structure has been prepared. Thus a novel and efficient route of preparing nano rare-earth metals,
as well as metallic nanomaterials that are highly reactive in the air, is proposed. The thermal, physical and mechanical properties of the prepared ultrafine nanocrystalline Dy bulk have been characterized and compared with those of the conventional raw polycrystalline bulk. It is found that
in the nanocrystalline Dy bulk, the starting temperature of phase transformation from hexagonal to rhombohedral crystal structure is reduced by 70 °C in comparison with that of the raw polycrystalline bulk. The electrical resistivity of the ultrafine nanocrystalline bulk is slightly increased
by a few percent as compared with that of the polycrystalline bulk, while the thermal conductivity is reduced by 28–35%. The microhardness and the elastic modulus of the ultrafine nanocrystalline Dy bulk are found to be remarkably improved as compared with those of the raw polycrystalline
bulk, e.g., the microhardness and the elastic modulus are approximately 2.4 and 2.0 times as high as those of the raw polycrystalline bulk, respectively.
Luminescent CdTe and CdSe Semiconductor Nanocrystals: Preparation, Optical Properties and Applications
Authors: Wang Ying
Published: April 2020

The novel optical and electrical properties of luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals are appealing for ultrasensitive multiplexing and multicolor applications in a variety of fields, such as biotechnology, nanoscale electronics, and opto-electronics. Luminescent CdSe and CdTe nanocrystals
are archetypes for this dynamic research area and have gained interest from diverse research communities. In this review, we first describe the advances in preparation of size- and shape-controlled CdSe and CdTe semiconductor nanocrystals with the organometallic approach. This article gives
particular focus to water soluble nanocrystals due to the increasing interest of using semiconductor nanocrystals for biological applications. Post-synthetic methods to obtain water solubility, the direct synthesis routes in aqueous medium, and the strategies to improve the photoluminescence
efficiency in both organic and aqueous phase are discussed. The shape evolution in aqueous medium via self-organization of preformed nanoparticles is a versatile and powerful method for production of nanocrystals with different geometries, and some recent advances in this field are presented
with a qualitative discussion on the mechanism. Some examples of CdSe and CdTe nanocrystals that have been applied successfully to problems in biosensing and bioimaging are introduced, which may profoundly impact biological and biomedical research. Finally we present the research on the use
of luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals for construction of light emitting diodes, solar cells, and chemical sensors, which demonstrate that they are promising building blocks for next generation electronics.
Luminescent Silicon Nanoparticles Formed in Solution
Authors: Liu Shu-man
Published: April 2020

This review focuses on the preparation of Si nanoparticles by wet-chemical routes. The methods described include dispersion from porous silicon, etching and surface functionalization of Si/SiO2 powders and direct chemical reaction of Si precursors. Photoluminescence of silicon
nanoparticles can be tuned to cover the whole visible spectrum depending on particle size. The excitonic origin or nature of PL has been generally accepted. Some researchers observed exciton recombination across the direct band-gap, i.e., Γ–Γ transitions, while others evidenced
indirect nature of excitonic radiative recombination, which becomes direct in very small particles of 1–2 nm. A large redshift of photoluminescence from these small silicon nanoparticles has been explained by a localized surface states model. Others argue that no localized states are
found in the band-gap if a complete oxide shell is formed, and the photoluminescence redshift is due to modification of band-edge states.
Synthesis and Application of Quantum Dot-Tagged Fluorescent Microbeads
Authors: Ma Qiang , Wang Chao , Su Xingguang
Published: April 2020

Fluorescent quantum dots have been used in biological applications as desirable fluorescent labels instead of traditional fluorophores. Incorporation into microspheres enhances many features of quantum dots that make them ideal for biological detection, such as photostability, multi-target,
and improved brightness. Quantum dot-tagged microbeads are emerging as a new class of fluorescent labels and are expected to open new opportunities in nanotechnology and biology. In this review, we describe different approaches for the synthesis of quantum dot-tagged microbeads, surface modification
methods that make microbeads suitable for bioconjugation, and the biological applications of the quantum dot-tagged fluorescent microbeads with their desired features in recent research. We also discuss the limitations of some kinds of quantum dot-tagged microbeads and the developments that
will enhance their abilities in biological applications.
Evaluation of Red CdTe and Near Infrared CdHgTe Quantum Dots by Fluorescent Imaging
Authors: Zhang Jun , Su Junfeng , Liu Li , Huang Yalou , Mason Ralph P.
Published: April 2020

Non-invasive fluorescent imaging of preclinical animal models in vivo is a rapidly developing field with new emerging technologies and techniques. Quantum dot (QD) fluorescent probes with longer emission wavelengths in red and near infrared (NIR) emission ranges are more amenable
to deep-tissue imaging, because both scattering and autofluorescence are reduced as wavelengths are increased. We have designed and synthesized red CdTe and NIR CdHgTe QDs for fluorescent imaging. We demonstrated fluorescent imaging by using CdTe and CdHgTe QDs as fluorescent probes both in
vitro and in vivo. Both CdTe and CdHgTe QDs provided sensitive detection over background autofluorescence in tissue biopsies and live mice, making them attractive probes for in vivo imaging extending into deep tissues or whole animals. The studies suggest a basis of using
QD-antibody conjugates to detect membrane antigens.
Exploring Feasibility of Multicolored CdTe Quantum Dots for In Vitro and In Vivo Fluorescent Imaging
Authors: Su Junfeng , Zhang Jun , Liu Li , Huang Yalou , Mason Ralph P.
Published: April 2020

We report the use of novel multicolored CdTe quantum dots (QDs) as fluorophores for biological fluorescence imaging. The CdTe QDs were prepared to exhibit emission wavelengths in the green, yellow, and red range by using trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), L-cysteine and thioglycolic acid (TGA)
as surface stabilizers, respectively. The particles have good water solubility and photostability. Fluorescence imaging potential was evaluated in vitro and in vivo using a multispectral Maestro CRI Fluorescence Imaging system. The results show that different colored CdTe QDs
allow sensitive detection simultaneously or separately both in vitro and in vivo against background fluorescence. The studies indicate that CdTe QDs can provide alternative fluorescent probes for biological imaging.
Synthesis and Optical Properties of L-Cysteine Hydrochloride-Stabilized CdSe Nanocrystals in a New Alkali System
Authors: Feng Bin , Teng Feng , Tang Ai-Wei , Wang Yan , Hou Yan-Bing , Wang Yong-Sheng
Published: April 2020

Water-soluble CdSe nanocrystals were synthesized in a new alkali system at lower temperatures by using L-cysteine hydrochloride as a stabilizer and Na2SeSO3 as a selenium source to enable the synthesis of CdSe nanocrystals in a wider range of pHvalues. The CdSe
nanocrystal powder was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. We systematically investigated the effect of synthesis conditions on the optical properties of the L-cysteine hydrochloride-stabilized
CdSe nanocrystals, and found that different sizes of CdSe nanocrystals can be obtained by changing the pHvalue, the molar ratio of L-cysteine hydrochloride to Cd2+, or the refluxing time. The emission maxima of the obtained CdSe nanocrystals can be tuned in a wider range from 477
to 575 nm by changing the pHvalue from 7 to 13. We observed an obvious blue-shift of the absorption and photoluminescence peak position by varying the molar ratio of L-Cys to Cd2+ from 3.5:1 to 2:1 at the same pHvalue. The size of the obtained nanocrystals increased and the full
width at half maximum became narrower as reflux time increased. Transmission electron microscopy images indicate that the as-prepared CdSe nanocrystals have a good dispersion, which means that L-cysteine hydrochloride can control the grouping of CdSe nanocrystals excellently as a stabilizer
in the new alkali system.
In-Situ Sol–Gel Synthesis of Nanophosphors M2Y8(SiO4)6O2:Eu3+(M = Ca, Sr) Derived from Novel Crosslinking Reagents as Silicon Sources
Authors: Zhou Lei , Yan Bing
Published: April 2020

M2Y8(SiO4)6O2:Eu3+(M = Ca, Sr) nanophosphors were synthesized using sol–gel technology by adopting eight different kinds of silicon sources of novel crosslinging reagents. X-ray diffraction and scanning electronic
microscopy show that these materials have sizes of 20–80 nm with different configurations due to the diversity of the silicate sources. Some nanophosphors present the regular microstructure despite high temperature thermolysis. In addition, all these nanophosphors exhibit strong emission
at 618 nm.