bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomic and volumetric characterization of the cisterna chyli using CT lymphangiography and computer‐assisted design software in dogs with idiopathic chylothorax
Authors: Carvajal Jose L. , Case J. Brad , Vilaplana Grosso Federico , Huynh Elizabeth , Verpaalen Valentine , Fox‐Alvarez Alexander , Regier Penny J.
Published: March 2020

The objectives of this retrospective, observational study were to characterize the anatomical features of the cisterna chyli (CC) in a cohort of dogs diagnosed with idiopathic chylothorax that underwent CT lymphangiography (CTLa), and to evaluate the feasibility of computer‐assisted design (CAD) software to quantify volumetric measurements of the CC. Twenty‐three client‐owned dogs with idiopathic chylothorax were included. Additionally, CTLa was performed in three canine cadavers to assess the ability of CAD software to accurately acquire volumetric measurements. Injection sites, attenuation values, anatomic location, dimensions, and aortic diameter to CC ratio (Ao:CC) were recorded. Video records of video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) thoracic duct ligation (TDL) were reviewed in eight out of 23 dogs to compare operative and CTLa findings. The CC was dorsal and right‐sided in 18 out of 23 dogs, located between L1 and L4 in 21 dogs, and extended as far cranially as T11 in two dogs. The median measurements for length, height, and width were 150.0, 5.5, and 13.3 mm, respectively. Median total volume was 1.82 mL. Median volumes to the right and left of the aorta were 1.46 and 0.49 mL, respectively (P = .014). Median total CC volume to body weight ratio (CC:bw) was 0.07 mL/kg. The presence of an intrathoracic CC was observed intraoperatively in six out of eight cases that underwent VATS TDL. Findings supported the use of CTLa and CAD as feasible methods for characterizing the CC in dogs diagnosed with chylothorax. These methods may facilitate interventional planning involving the CC such as embolization.
Innovative two‐steps thermo‐chemical pretreatment for sludge reduction and energy recovery: cost and energy assessment
Authors: Gianico Andrea , Acebes Tosti Lorenzo , Fiorin David , Gallipoli Agata , Montecchio Daniele , Pagliaccia Pamela , Braguglia Camilla Maria
Published: March 2020

Chemical and thermal pretreatments of sewage sludge have proven to be effective to improve anaerobic digestion process by increasing methane production and sludge stabilization. In order to improve this technology towards sludge reduction combined with energy recovery, lab‐scale experimentation was carried out to assess the efficiency of a 2‐steps acid‐alkali innovative pretreatment to enhance the anaerobic digestion process. Lab‐scale results suggested to adopt some measures intended to ensure better anaerobic performances and imbalance risks prevention. The process allowed to achieve high sludge reduction efficiencies (up to 66% TSS removal), and to obtain high methane production yields (0.25 vs. 0.18 Nm3/kgVSfed of the control) assuring high process stability. The electric energy recovery of the combined hydrolysis‐digestion process, assessed on full‐scale scenario, resulted higher with respect to a conventional digestion process. The sludge reduction obtained could imply cost savings of up to 32% compared to traditional scenarios.
β‐Alanine and l‐histidine supplementation associated with combined training increased functional capacity and maximum strength in heart failure rats
Authors: Stefani Giuseppe Potrick , Capalonga Lucas , da Silva Lucas Ribeiro , Dal Lago Pedro
Published: March 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of the study?

Does β‐alanine with l‐histidine supplementation associated with endurance and strength training improve echocardiographic parameters, functional capacity, and maximum strength in rats with chronic heart failure?

What is the main finding and its importance?

β‐Alanine with l‐histidine supplementation associated with endurance and strength training increased functional capacity and maximum strength through increasing exercise capacity peripherally but did not affect echocardiographic parameters in rats with chronic heart failure.

Combined training (CT) has been associated with positive responses in the clinical status of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Other non‐pharmacological tools, such as amino acid supplementation, may further enhance its adaptation. However, the effects of β‐alanine and l‐histidine supplementation in CHF remain unclear. In the present study, the aim was to test whether supplementing carnosine precursors with CT could give improved responses in the functional capacity and echocardiographic variables of rats with CHF. Twenty‐four Wistar rats, were submitted to myocardial infarction and allocated to three groups: animals with CHF kept in sedentary conditions (SED, n = 8), animals with CHF submitted to CT in strength and aerobic exercise supplemented with placebo (CT‐P, n = 8) and animals with CHF submitted to CT in strength and aerobic exercise supplemented with β‐alanine and l‐histidine (CT‐S, n = 8). The trained animals were submitted to a strength protocol three times per week with intensity of 65–75% of one repetition maximum test. Aerobic training was conducted two times per week (50 min, 15 m min−1). The supplemented group received β‐alanine and l‐histidine orally (each 250 mg kg−1 day−1). No changes in echocardiographic and morphological parameters were found among the groups (P > 0.05). Functional capacity, Δ and maximum strength were higher in CT‐P than in SED and even higher in CT‐S than in CT‐P (P < 0.01). The CT was able to improve functional capacity, but the supplementation was shown to enhance these parameters even further in the CHF rats. We conclude that the increase in functional capacity and strength gained through CT and supplementation were associated with the improvement in peripheral parameters with no changes in cardiac variables.
The Novel Macrolide Resistance Genes
mef
(D),
msr
(F), and
msr
(H) Are Present on Resistance Islands in Macrococcus canis, Macrococcus caseolyticus, and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Schwendener Sybille , Donà Valentina , Perreten Vincent
Published: March 2020

Chromosomal resistance islands containing the methicillin resistance gene
mecD
(McRI

mecD

) have been reported in
Macrococcus caseolyticus
. Here, we identified novel macrolide resistance genes in
Macrococcus canis
on similar elements, called McRI

msr

. These elements were also integrated into the 3′ end of the 30S ribosomal protein S9 gene (
rpsI
), delimited by characteristic attachment (
att
) sites, and carried a related site-specific integrase gene (
int
) at the 5′ end.
The Factor H-Binding Site of CspZ as a Protective Target against Multistrain, Tick-Transmitted Lyme Disease
Authors: Marcinkiewicz Ashley L. , Lieknina Ilva , Yang Xiuli , Lederman Patricia L. , Hart Thomas M. , Yates Jennifer , Chen Wen-Hsiang , Bottazzi Maria Elena , Mantis Nicholas J. , Kraiczy Peter , Pal Utpal , Tars Kaspars , Lin Yi-Pin
Published: March 2020

The spirocheteBorrelia burgdorferisensu latois the causative agent of Lyme disease (LD). The spirochetes produce the CspZ protein that binds to a complement regulator, factor H (FH). Such binding downregulates activation of host complement to facilitate spirochete evasion of complement killing. However, vaccination with CspZ does not protect against LD infection. In this study, we demonstrated that immunization with CspZ-YA, a CspZ mutant protein with no FH-binding activity, protected mice from infection by several spirochete genotypes introduced via tick feeding.
Microbiota-Propelled T Helper 17 Cells in Inflammatory Diseases and Cancer
Authors: Bellone Matteo , Brevi Arianna , Huber Samuel
Published: March 2020

Technologies allowing genetic sequencing of the human microbiome are opening new realms to discovery. The host microbiota substantially impacts immune responses both in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) and in tumors affecting tissues beyond skin and mucosae. However, a mechanistic link between host microbiota and cancer or IMIDs has not been well established. Here, we propose T helper 17 (T
H
17) lymphocytes as the connecting factor between host microbiota and rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritides, multiple sclerosis, breast or ovarian cancer, and multiple myeloma.
An electrochemical immittance analysis of the dielectric properties of self-assembled monolayers
Authors: Dionne Eric R. , Ben Amara Fadwa , Badia Antonella
Published: March 2020

The ability of organic self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to act as insulating barriers to electron transfer, ion transport, or molecular diffusion is critical to their application in a variety of technologies. The use of appropriate analytical tools to characterize the dielectric properties of these molecular thin films is important for the control of structural defects and establishing structure–property relations. In this context, we analyze the ionic permeability and dielectric response of SAMs formed from a homologous series of n-alkanethiolates (CH3(CH2)nS, where n = 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19) on gold using the immittance quantities of the complex impedance, capacitance, and permittivity available from the same electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurement. The most sensitive parameters and frequency range for characterizing the capacitive behavior and assessing the ion-blocking quality of the SAMs under non-Faradaic conditions are identified. We also investigate the effect of chain length on the interfacial capacitance and dielectric constant of ionic insulating SAMs. The advantages of the capacitance quantity and related permittivity data over traditional impedance representations and equivalent electric circuit modeling are discussed.
Strong decays of the newly observed narrow $$\Omega _b$$ structures
Authors: Liang Wei , Lü Qi-Fang
Published: March 2020

Motivated by the newly observed narrow structures $$\Omega _b(6316)^-$$Ωb(6316)-, $$\Omega _b(6330)^-$$Ωb(6330)-, $$\Omega _b(6340)^-$$Ωb(6340)-, and $$\Omega _b(6350)^-$$Ωb(6350)- in the $$\Xi _b^0 K^-$$Ξb0K- mass spectrum, we investigate the strong decays of the low-lying $$\Omega _b$$Ωb states within the $$^3P_0$$3P0 model systematically. According to their masses and decay widths, the observed $$\Omega _b(6316)^-$$Ωb(6316)-, $$\Omega _b(6330)^-$$Ωb(6330)-, $$\Omega _b(6340)^-$$Ωb(6340)-, and $$\Omega _b(6350)^-$$Ωb(6350)- resonances can be reasonably assigned as the $$\lambda -$$λ-mode $$\Omega _b(1P)$$Ωb(1P) states with $$J^P=1/2^-, 3/2^-, 3/2^-$$JP=1/2-,3/2-,3/2-, and $$5/2^-$$5/2-. Meanwhile, the remaining $$P-$$P-wave state with $$J^P=1/2^-$$JP=1/2- should have a rather broad width, which can hardly be observed by experiments. For the $$\Omega _b(2S)$$Ωb(2S) and $$\Omega _b(1D)$$Ωb(1D) states, our predictions show that these states have relatively narrow total widths and mainly decay into the $$\Xi _b {\bar{K}}$$ΞbK¯, $$\Xi _b^\prime {\bar{K}}$$Ξb′K¯ and $$\Xi _b^{\prime *} {\bar{K}}$$Ξb′∗K¯ final states. These abundant theoretical predictions may be valuable for searching more excited $$\Omega _b$$Ωb states in future experiments.
Transient thermomechanical analysis of a solid oxide fuel cell stack based on 3D multiphysical field model
Authors: Li Qiangqiang , Xu Zonglei , Cheng Mingcan , Ma Yanfei , Zhang Xiongwen , Li Guojun
Published: March 2020

The transient thermal behavior and thermomechanical response of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) will endanger the structural reliability of these cells. We use, in this study, a comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) multiphysical field model to analyze the effects of flow configuration and transient stress response on cell stacks. The nonlinear material behavior extracted from the experiments is implemented, and the effects of heat flux boundary conditions and configurations are investigated. Results show that radiation greatly affects the temperature distribution in the stack. The counterflow with the highest temperature in the middle part has a higher temperature difference than the co-flow with the highest temperature in the outlet zone. The maximum temperature differences of three cooling rates are rapidly decreased during the first 60 min in the shutdown stage and then become steady. A maximum Mises stress with the maximum plastic strain is observed in the corners of the manifold. Elastic and thermal strains co-dominate the stress in steady operation, whereas thermal strain dominates the stress during the cooling process. The maximum Mises stress decreases initially and then increases continually in the shutdown stage. The front and rear edges and the lateral edges of the electrolytes are subjected to the high first-principle stress in steady operation, but the stresses move to the front and rear edges in the shutdown stage.
Why Liveness for Timed Automata Is Hard, and What We Can Do About It
Authors: Herbreteau Frédéric , Srivathsan B. , Tran Thanh-Tung , Walukiewicz Igor
Published: March 2020

The
reachability problem
for timed automata asks if a given automaton has a run leading to an accepting state, and the
liveness problem
asks if the automaton has an infinite run that visits accepting states infinitely often. Both of these problems are known to be P
space
-complete.

We show that if P ≠P
space
, the liveness problem is more difficult than the reachability problem; in other words, we exhibit a family of automata for which solving the reachability problem with the standard algorithm is in P but solving the liveness problem is P
space
-hard. This leads us to revisit the algorithmics for the liveness problem. We propose a notion of a witness for the fact that a timed automaton violates a liveness property. We give an algorithm for computing such a witness and compare it to existing solutions.
Bose–Einstein Condensation of Exciton-Polaritons in Organic Microcavities
Authors: Keeling Jonathan , Kéna-Cohen Stéphane
Published: March 2020

Bose–Einstein condensation describes the macroscopic occupation of a single-particle mode: the condensate. This state can in principle be realized for any particles obeying Bose–Einstein statistics; this includes hybrid light-matter excitations known as polaritons. Some of the unique optoelectronic properties of organic molecules make them especially well suited for the realization of polariton condensates. Exciton-polaritons form in optical cavities when electronic excitations couple collectively to the optical mode supported by the cavity. These polaritons obey bosonic statistics at moderate densities, are stable at room temperature, and have been observed to form a condensed or lasing state. Understanding the optimal conditions for polariton condensation requires careful modeling of the complex photophysics of organic molecules. In this article, we introduce the basic physics of exciton-polaritons and condensation and review experiments demonstrating polariton condensation in molecular materials.
Analysis of Risk Factors of Gastric Low-Grade Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Asymptomatic Subjects Undergoing Physical Examination
Authors: Liu Yingling , Cai Yuli , Chen Si , Gou Yawen , Wang Qiaomin , Zhang Mingli , Wang Yetao , Hong Haiou , Zhang Kaiguang
Published: March 2020

Secondary prevention is an important strategy in gastric cancer. Low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN) is the last stage of precancerous lesion, and its timely diagnosis can greatly improve the detection rate of early gastric cancer. We performed a prospective study to analyze the risk factors of gastric LGIN in asymptomatic subjects undergoing physical examination. A total of 3437 subjects were included in this study, and 2259 asymptomatic subjects were investigated from March 2015 to April 2018. Risk factors were evaluated, and the endoscopic features of LGIN and prognosis were described. The overall incidence of LGIN was 19.73% (678/3437), while the incidence of LGIN in the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups was 19.65% (444/2259) and 19.86% (234/1178), respectively (P=0.884). The rate of Helicobacter pylori infection in this physical examination population was 39.13% (35.8% asymptomatic group, 45.5% symptomatic group; P≤0.001). Risk factors including age, H. pylori infection, history of antibiotic misuse, and spicy and high-fat diet (all P<0.05) were further verified by multivariate analysis as independent risk factors. History of antibiotic misuse and H. pylori infection showed significant associations with LGIN (odds ratio OR=6.767, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.873-11.825 and OR=3.803, 95% CI 3.009-4.808, respectively). The most common endoscopic classification of LGIN was erosive gastritis (50.78%), and the major endoscopic appearance was Paris IIa (flat with slight elevation located mostly in the antrum). During the mean follow-up period of 15.02 months, 49.4% of LGIN regressed, 0.61% of LGIN progressed, and 50% of LGIN remained unchanged. History of antibiotic misuse and H. pylori infection were predominant risk factors of LGIN in asymptomatic subjects, and those individuals should consider early screening for gastric cancer.
Loading of Iron (II, III) Oxide Nanoparticles in Cryogels Based on Microfibrillar Cellulose for Heavy Metal Ion Separation
Authors: Yan Jinhua , Yang Huanlei , da Silva Juliana C. , Rojas Orlando J.
Published: March 2020

Cryogels based on microfibrillar cellulose (MFC) and reinforced with chitosan to endow water resistance were loaded with magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) and characterized by TEM, XRD, and TGA. The MNP-loaded cryogels were tested for heavy metal ion removal from aqueous matrices. The adsorption capacity under equilibrium conditions for Cr(VI), Pd(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II) was measured to be 2755, 2155, 3015, and 4100 mg/g, respectively. The results indicate the potential of the introduced bicomponent cryogels for nanoparticle loading, leading to a remarkably high metal ion sorption capacity.
CDK9 Blockade Exploits Context-dependent Transcriptional Changes to Improve Activity and Limit Toxicity of Mithramycin for Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Flores Guillermo , Everett Joel H. , Boguslawski Elissa A. , Oswald Brandon M. , Madaj Zachary B. , Beddows Ian , Dikalov Sergey , Adams Marie , Klumpp-Thomas Carleen A. , Kitchen-Goosen Susan M. , Martin Scott E. , Caplen Natasha J. , Helman Lee J. , Grohar Patrick J.
Published: March 2020

There is a need to develop novel approaches to improve the balance between efficacy and toxicity for transcription factor–targeted therapies. In this study, we exploit context-dependent differences in RNA polymerase II processivity as an approach to improve the activity and limit the toxicity of the EWS-FLI1–targeted small molecule, mithramycin, for Ewing sarcoma. The clinical activity of mithramycin for Ewing sarcoma is limited by off-target liver toxicity that restricts the serum concentration to levels insufficient to inhibit EWS-FLI1. In this study, we perform an siRNA screen of the druggable genome followed by a matrix drug screen to identify mithramycin potentiators and a synergistic “class” effect with cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) inhibitors. These CDK9 inhibitors enhanced the mithramycin-mediated suppression of the EWS-FLI1 transcriptional program leading to a shift in the IC50 and striking regressions of Ewing sarcoma xenografts. To determine whether these compounds may also be liver protective, we performed a qPCR screen of all known liver toxicity genes in HepG2 cells to identify mithramycin-driven transcriptional changes that contribute to the liver toxicity. Mithramycin induces expression of the BTG2 gene in HepG2 but not Ewing sarcoma cells, which leads to a liver-specific accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). siRNA silencing of BTG2 rescues the induction of ROS and the cytotoxicity of mithramycin in these cells. Furthermore, CDK9 inhibition blocked the induction of BTG2 to limit cytotoxicity in HepG2, but not Ewing sarcoma cells. These studies provide the basis for a synergistic and less toxic EWS-FLI1–targeted combination therapy for Ewing sarcoma.
Anti-KIT DNA Aptamer for Targeted Labeling of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Banerjee Sudeep , Yoon Hyunho , Yebra Mayra , Tang Chih-Min , Gilardi Mara , Shankara Narayanan Jayanth S. , White Rebekah R. , Sicklick Jason K. , Ray Partha
Published: March 2020

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), the most common sarcoma, is characterized by KIT protein overexpression, and tumors are frequently driven by oncogenic KIT mutations. Targeted inhibition of KIT revolutionized GIST therapy and ushered in the era of precision medicine for the treatment of solid malignancies. Here, we present the first use of a KIT-specific DNA aptamer for targeted labeling of GIST. We found that an anti-KIT DNA aptamer bound cells in a KIT-dependent manner and was highly specific for GIST cell labeling in vitro. Functionally, the KIT aptamer bound extracellular KIT in a manner similar to KIT mAb staining, and was trafficked intracellularly in vitro. The KIT aptamer bound dissociated primary human GIST cells in a mutation agnostic manner such that tumors with KIT and PDGFRA mutations were labeled. In addition, the KIT aptamer specifically labeled intact human GIST tissue ex vivo, as well as peritoneal xenografts in mice with high sensitivity. These results represent the first use of an aptamer-based method for targeted detection of GIST in vitro and in vivo.
Feasibility, Reliability, and Validity of the Vietnamese Version of the Clinical Dementia Rating
Authors: Nguyen Vy Tuong , Quach Trang Ho Thu , Pham An Gia , Tran Thang Cong
Published: March 2020

Introduction: In Vietnam, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementias have become an increasingly important public health problem among the elderly. Achieving a diagnosis tool with high reliability and validity is essential. The Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) is a global clinical scale with established diagnostic and severity-ranking utility that has been widely employed in epidemiological studies in an international context. Objective: The aims of this study were to establish the Vietnamese version of the CDR (V-CDR) and evaluate the feasibility, reliability, and validity of this version for diagnosing and classifying cognitive functions in the elderly. Method:One hundred and fifty-three elderly outpatients at a clinic of Cho Ray Hospital, Vietnam, were screened with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) for potential cognitive impairment. All those who scored ≤26 points were included in the study and were subsequently remitted to the V-CDR and clinical assessment for diagnosis. Reliability was assessed through internal consistency (Cronbach α), intra- and interrater reliability (weighted κ). Concurrent and discriminative validity of the V-CDR were assessed. Results: The V-CDR had an excellent internal consistency for each of the 2 raters (Cronbach α 0.90 and 0.96) and excellent agreement in both intra- and interrater reliability (weighted κ 0.84 [95% CI 0.74–0.94] and 0.82 [95% CI 0.72–0.93], respectively). The sensitivity and specificity for detecting dementia were 93.6 and 100%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive value were 100 and 96.4%, respectively. The agreement of V-CDR and clinical assessment was excellent (weighted κ 0.94 [95% CI 0.88–0.99]). V-CDR was substantially better than MMSE at distinguishing between mild cognitive impairment and normal cognitive function (AUC = 0.957, 95% CI 0.893–1.000 vs. AUC 0.594, 95% CI 0.441–0.746). Conclusions: The V-CDR is a feasible, reliable, and valid instrument which should be used in clinical practice for diagnosing and classifying the different dementia stages in the elderly.
Virtual Clinical Trials: Perspectives in Dermatology
Authors: Ali Zarqa , Zibert John Robert , Thomsen Simon Francis
Published: March 2020

Background: The cost of developing a new drug is approximately USD 2.6 billion, and over two-thirds of the total cost is embedded in the clinical-testing phase. Patient recruitment is the single biggest cause of clinical trial delays, and these delays can result in up to USD 8 million per day in lost revenue for pharmaceutical companies. Further, clinical trials struggle to keep participants engaged in the study and as many as 40% drop out. To overcome these challenges pharmaceutical companies and research institutions (e.g., universities) increasingly use an emerging concept: virtual clinical trials (VCT) based on a remote approach. Summary: VCT (site-less) are a relatively new method of conducting a clinical trial, taking full advantage of technology (apps, monitoring devices, etc.) and inclusion of web platforms (recruitment, informed consent, counselling, measurement of endpoints, and any adverse reactions) to allow the patient to be home-based at every stage of the clinical trial. Studies have shown that VCT are not only operationally feasible, but also successful. They have higher recruitment rates, better compliance, lower drop-out rates, and are conducted faster than traditional clinical trials. The visual nature of dermatological conditions, the relative ease in evaluating skin diseases virtually, and the fact that skin diseases often are not life-threatening and rarely require complex examinations make VCT very attractive for dermatological research. Further, making correct diagnoses based on photographs and patient symptomatology has always been part of the dermatologist’s routine. Thus, VCT are in many ways made for dermatology. Herein we describe VCT and their implications in dermatological research.
Emergency Intracranial Stenting in Acute Stroke: Predictors for Poor Outcome and for Complications
Authors: Stracke Christian Paul , Fiehler Jens , Meyer Lukas , Thomalla Götz , Krause Lars Udo , Lowens Stephan , Rothaupt Jan , Kim Byung Moon , Heo Ji Hoe , Yeo Leonard L.L. , Andersson Tommy , Kabbasch Christoph , Dorn Franziska , Chapot Rene , Hanning Uta
Published: March 2020

Background

Stent‐retriever thrombectomy is the first‐line therapy in acute stroke with intracranial large vessel occlusion. In case of failure of stent‐retriever thrombectomy, rescue stent angioplasty might be the only treatment option to achieve permanent recanalization. This study aims at identifying predictors for poor outcome and complications in a large, multicenter cohort receiving rescue stent angioplasty.

Methods and Results

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with large vessel occlusion who were treated with rescue stent angioplasty after stent‐retriever thrombectomy between 2012 and 2018 in 7 neurovascular centers. We defined 2 binary outcomes: (1) functional clinical outcome (good modified Rankin Scale, 0–2; and poor modified Rankin Scale, 4–6) and (2) early symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Impacts of clinical, radiological, and interventional parameters on outcomewere assessed in uni‐ and multivariable logistic regression models. Two hundred ten patients were included with target vessels located within the anterior circulation (136 of 210; 64.8%) and posterior circulation (74 of 210; 35.2%). Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occured in 22 patients, 86.4% (19 of 22) after anterior and 13.6% (3 of 22) after posterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Good functional outcome was observed in 44.8% (73 of 163). A higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale on admission (adjusted odds ratio, 1.10;
P=
0.002), a higher premorbid modified Rankin Scale (adjusted odds ratio, 2.02;
P
=0.049), and a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 0 to 2a after stenting (adjusted odds ratio, 23.24;
P
<0.001) were independent predictors of poor functional outcome.

Conclusions

Use of rescue stent angioplasty can be considered for acute intracranial large vessel occlusion in cases after unsuccessful stent‐retriever thrombectomy. Likelihood of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage is higher in anterior circulation stroke.
Religious Politics in Africa: Fasting for Politics, or Political Fasting in Zimbabwe?
Authors: Tarusarira Joram
Published: March 2020

In the post-colonial history of presidential aspirants in Zimbabwe, no politician has been as overtly religious as Nelson Chamisa, the current leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Chamisa identifies himself as a politician and a pastor whose politics are guided by his Christian faith. However, he took religious rhetoric to mobilise support to an unprecedented level when he explicitly blurred the boundaries between functions by calling for and leading a week of fasting and prayer from 29th July to 4th August 2019. Through a digital ethnography of Chamisa’s Twitter posts and the direct responses to them posted by members of the public during the fasting and prayer week, this article investigates how this call was received by those who responded on Twitter and what this tells us about Zimbabweans’ perceptions of religious politics, that is, the deployment of dominant religions like Christianity in politics.
Stellaria pentastyla (Caryophyllaceae), a new species from Yunnan (China)

Authors: WANG WEN-QIAO , XU HAN-FENG , SHEN KANG-LONG , SU ZHI-WEI , MA ZHONG-HUI
Published: March 2020

Stellaria pentastyla sp. nov. (Caryophyllaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from Yunnan Province of China on the basis of both morphological and molecular data [nuclear ITS and two plastid regions (matK and trnL-F)]. The new species is similar to S. palustris and S. graminea from which differs by the number styles (5 vs. 3), the shorter leaves (10–13 mm vs. 20–45 mm and 5–50 mm, respectively). S. pentastyla is also similar to S. patens from which can be distinguished in having 5 styles (vs. 3 styles) and glabrous stem (vs. pubescent), and to S. lanipes from which differs from by styles (5 vs. 3), glabrous nodes (vs. densely white lanate on the nodes), and sessile leaves (vs. proximal leaves with very short petiolate).
Temperature Dependence of Low Frequency Noise in Silicon on Insulator Tunneling Field Effect Transistor
Authors: Song Hyun-Dong , Song Hyeong-Sub , Eadi Sunil Babu , Choi Hyun-Woong , Lee Ga-Won , Lee Hi-Deok
Published: March 2020

In this work, noise mechanism of a tunneling field-effect transistor (TFET) on a silicon-on-insulator substrate was studied as a function of temperature. The results show that the drain current and subthreshold slope increase with increase in temperature. This temperature dependence
is likely caused by the generation of greater current flow owing to decreased silicon band gap and leakage. Further, the TFET noise decreases with increase in temperature. Therefore, the effective tunneling length between the source and the channel appears to decrease and Poole–Frenkel
tunneling occurs.
3D Integrable W/SiNx/n-Si/p-Si 1D1R Unipolar Resistive Random Access Memory Synapse for Suppressing Reverse Leakage in Spiking Neural Network
Authors: Kim Chae Soo , Kim Taehyung , Min Kyung Kyu , Kim Sungjun , Park Byung-Gook
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we pose reverse leakage current issue which occurs when resistive random access memory (RRAM) is used as synapse for spiking neural networks (SNNs). To prevent this problem, 1 diode-1 RRAM (1D1R) synapse is suggested and simulated to examine their current rectifying chracteristics,
Furthermore, high density of 1 K 3D 1D1R synapse array structure and its process flow are proposed.
D-Glucuronic Acid-Coated Ultrasmall Bi2O3 Nanoparticles for CT Imaging
Authors: Ghazanfari Adibehalsadat , Marasini Shanti , Yue Huan , Ho Son Long , Miao Xu , Ahmad Mohammad Yaseen , Park Ji Ae , Jung Ki-Hye , Liu Shuwen , Jang Yeong Ji , Chae Kwon Seok , Chang Yongmin , Lee Gang Ho
Published: March 2020

Ultrasmall Bi2O3 nanoparticles (davg = 1.5 nm) coated with biocompatible and hydrophilic D-glucuronic acid were prepared for the first time through a simple one-step polyol process and their potential as CT contrast agents were investigated by
measuring their X-ray attenuation properties. Their observed X-ray attenuation power was stronger than that of a commercial iodine CT contrast agent at the same atomic concentration, as consistent with the magnitudes of atomic X-ray attenuation coefficients (i.e., Bi > I), and much stronger
at the same number density. The results indicate that the nanoparticle sample is a potential CT contrast agent.
Influence of an Annealing Temperature in a Vacuum Atmosphere on the Physical Properties of Indium Tin Oxide Nanorod Films
Authors: Charoenyuenyao Peerasil , Promros Nathaporn , Chaleawpong Rawiwan , Noymaliwan Pitoon , Borwornpornmetee Nattakorn , Kamoldilok Surachart , Porntheeraphat Supanit , Saekow Bunpot , Chaikeeree Tanapoj , Samransuksamer Benjarong , Nuchuay Peerapong , Chananonnawathorn Chanunthorn , Limwichean Saksorn , Horprathum Mati , Eiamchai Pitak , Patthanasettakul Viyapol
Published: March 2020

In the present study, indium tin oxide (ITO) nanorod films were produced by usage of ion-assisted electron-beam evaporation with a glancing angle deposition technique. The as-produced ITO nanorod films were annealed in the temperature range of 100–500 °C for two hours in a
vacuum atmosphere. The as-produced ITO nanorod films exhibited (222) and (611) preferred orientations from the X-ray diffraction pattern. After vacuum annealing at 500 °C, the ITO nanorod films demonstrated many preferred orientations and the improvement of film crystallinity. The sheet
resistance of the as-produced ITO nanorod films was 11.92 Ω/ and was found to be 13.63 Ω/ by annealing at 500 °C. The as-produced and annealed ITO nanorod films had a rod diameter of around 80 nm and transmittance in a visible zone of around 90%. The root mean square roughness
of the as-produced ITO nanorod film’s surface was 5.49 nm, which increased to 13.77 nm at an annealing temperature of 500 °C. The contact angle of the as-produced ITO nanorod films was 110.9° and increased to 116.5° after annealing at 500 °C.
Oxidized Porous Silicon Nanoparticles Covalent-Bonded with Levofloxacin in Hydrogel Polymer as a Drug Delivery System
Authors: Kim Hajin , Sohn Honglae
Published: March 2020

Oxidized porous silicon (OPS) nanoparticles covalent-bonded with levofloxacin in hydrogel polymer are prepared and used to measure the efficiency for the controlled release drug delivery. Levofloxacin is covalently bonded to a Si–OH surface of OPS nanoparticles by catalytic condensation.
The average size of these particles is about 100 nm. Since levofloxacin has a fluorescence property, the release of levofloxacin has been measured by fluorescence spectrometer. The quantity of levofloxacin release from the OPS nanoparticles is measured at the emission wavelength at 455 nm
with an excitation wavelength of 330 nm on a time scale in pH 7 aqueous buffer solution. The analysis of release profile reveals that the OPS covalently bonded with levofloxacin (Levo-OPS) exhibits a great potential candidate for controlled release. The drug-release rate depends on the hydrolysis
of silyl ester from the surface of OPS nanoparticles.
Three-Layer Sulfur Cathode with a Conductive Material-Free Middle Layer
Authors: Kang Jukyoung , Park Jong Won , Kim Seok , Jung Yongju
Published: March 2020

An ingenious design for a three-layer sulfur cathode is demonstrated, in which the pure sulfur layer is sandwiched between carbon nanotube (CNT) films. The unique feature of this particular model is that the sulfur layer does not contain any conductive materials, and therefore, the
top CNT film of the prepared three-layer CNT/S/CNT electrode is electrically isolated from the bottom CNT film. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed that the three-layer cathode was transformed into a single CNT cathode, with proximate contact between the two CNT films in the upper
plateau of the first discharge. The lithium–sulfur cells employing a CNT/S/CNT cathode exhibited remarkably enhanced performance in terms of the specific capacity, rate property, and cycling stability compared to the cells with a sulfur-coated CNT cathode. This can mainly be attributed
to the top CNT film, which serves not only as an interlayer to trap the migrating polysulfides, but also as an electrode to facilitate the redox reaction of active materials. Such an innovative approach is promising as it may promote the rational design of high-performance sulfur cathodes.
Bamboo-Shaped Carbon Nanotubes on Coal Fly Ash Cenospheres for Pb(II) Adsorption
Authors: Zhang Xiaomin , Li Jin , He Bo , Li Heng , Qi Chao , Zhang Liang , Peng Yongjun , Li Yue
Published: March 2020

The structural defects of bamboo-shaped carbon nanotubes (B-CNTs) provide abundant active sites for ion adsorption during wastewater treatment. However, a suitable supporting material for the growth of B-CNTs growth is less reported. In this paper, the catalytic growth of B-CNTs on
the cenospheres (CSs) of coal fly ash was studied. The results showed that all CSs were covered by a layer of B-CNTs during the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, regardless of the fluctuation of the iron distribution from 0.52 to 2.09 wt%. B-CNTs with a diameter of 30–40 nm shared
a similar morphology of compartment structures, which were uniformly scattered on the surfaces of the CSs and formed a 3D network structure. A high level of structural defects was present on the B-CNTs, which was denoted by an ID/IG value of 1.77 via Raman
spectrum analysis. Adsorption experiments of the as-prepared CSs@B-CNTs revealed an excellent adsorption capacity for lead ions of 37.32 mg/g (pH 7, initial concentration of 70 mg/L). By excluding the function of CSs, the adsorption capacity of the pure B-CNTs was estimated to be as high as
275.19 mg/g, which has not been previously reported.
Effect of Si-Based Compound Nanoparticles on Anticorrosive Properties of Epoxy Resin
Authors: Dai Ye , Wei Wenqiang , Zhang Jiawei , Anastaiia Artemova , Chen Minghua
Published: March 2020

Epoxy resin (EP) composites have been investigated in this study for improving chemical resistance and corrosion protection performance. Homogeneous EP coatings doped by 2 wt.% of respective Si3N4, SiO2 and SiC nanoparticles were successfully fabricated
on stainless steel substrates. The microstructure of composites was characterized using FTIR spectra and field-emission scanning microscope. The effects of incorporating the Si-based compound nanoparticles on the surface characteristics and corrosion/resistance of coated steel were investigated
by potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and water contact-angle. The EP composites have significant advantages over the EP, such as higher thermal stability, larger surface roughness and better barrier performance. Additionally, SiC modified EP exhibited optimized
performance as it possessed the lowest corrosion current density (5.20 × 10−7 A/cm2) and the highest coating resistance R1 (9.405 × 106 Ω).
Study of the Strength of Disintegrated Carbonaceous Mudstone Modified with Nano-Al2O3 and Cement
Authors: Fu Hongyuan , Liu Jie , Zha Huanyi
Published: March 2020

Embankments filled with disintegrated carbonaceous mudstone (DCM) are prone to uneven settlements because of water-softening property and secondary disintegration of carbonaceous mudstone. To address this problem, nano-Al2O3 and cement were proposed in this study
to improve the strength of DCM. Many nano-Al2O3- and cement-modified DCM (NACDCM) specimens with various nano-Al2O3 contents were prepared. Unconfined compression tests and triaxial compression tests were performed to examine the strengths of NACDCM
under different conditions. Moreover, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations were performed to reveal the microscopic mechanism for modification of the NACDCM. Macroscopic results showed that the unconfined compressive strength of NACDCM reached
maximum when the nano-Al2O3 content was 0.2%. The cohesion showed positive correlation with nano-Al2O3 content while the angle of internal friction presented negative correlation with nano-Al2O3 content. Moreover, microscopic
results indicated that nano-Al2O3 and cement improved the strength of NACDCM, mainly through cement hydration reaction, pozzolanic reaction, ion exchange, gel effect and filling effect.
Nitrogen-Enriched Reduced Graphene Oxide for High Performance Supercapacitor Electrode
Authors: Chen Lei , Chen Xu , Wen Yaqiong , Wang Bixia , Wu Yangchen , Sheng Zutao , Wu Chun
Published: March 2020

Nitrogen-enriched reduced graphene oxide electrode material can be successfully prepared through a simple hydrothermal method. The morphology and microstructure of ready to use electrode material is measured by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission
electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Physical characterizations revealed that nitrogen-enriched reduced graphene oxide electrode material possessed high specific surface area of 429.6 m2 · g−1, resulting in high utilization of electrode
materials with electrolyte. Electrochemical performance of nitrogen-enriched reduced graphene oxide electrode was also investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in aqueous in 6 M KOH with a three-electrode
system, which displayed a high specific capacitance about 223.5 F · g−1 at 1 mV · s−1. More importantly, nitrogenenriched reduced graphene oxide electrode exhibited outstanding stability with 100% coulombic efficiency and with no specific capacitance
loss under 2 A · g−1 after 10000 cycles. The supercapacitive behaviors indicated that nitrogen-enriched reduced graphene oxide can be a used as a promising electrode for high-performance super-capacitors.
Antibacterial Effect of Silver Nanomaterials on Staphylococcal Protein A by Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Sun Weiming , Dong Xiangli , Yu Guohua , Shuai Lang
Published: March 2020

Nanotechnologies have changed this world in various aspects including the oral medicine. It has been demonstrated that silver (Ag) nanomaterials can exhibit strong inhibition and killing effect on oral bacteria. Furthermore, the Ag nanomaterials have superb antimicrobial activity and
nonacute toxic effects on human cells. Previously, the impact of Ag on oral bacteria was demonstrated by experiments. In this work, we applied molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the influence of Ag nanomaterials on oral bacteria. Firstly, by comparing change of molecular structure
of staphylococcal protein A (SPA) with and without Ag, we found that Ag nanomaterials have strong effect on evolution of protein secondary structure of SPA. Secondly, it was observed that Ag has negligible effect on Solvent Accessible Surface Area (SASA) of SPA indicating that the Ag only
changed its microstructure. Finally, it was found that the average amount of hydrogen bond in SPA was reduced in the presence of Ag which was origin of antimicrobial activity of Ag. It is believed that the growing interest in dental medicine with nanomaterials would lead molecular dynamics
simulations to be an effective method for studying inhibition and killing pathological process of nanomaterials on oral bacteria.
North Atlantic Modulation of Interdecadal Variations in Hot Drought Events over Northeastern China
Authors: Li Huixin , He Shengping , Gao Yongqi , Chen Huopo , Wang Huijun
Published: March 2020

Based on the long-term reanalysis datasets and the multivariate copula method, this study reveals that the frequency of summer hot drought events (SHDEs) over northeastern China (NEC) shows interdecadal variations during 1925–2010. It is revealed that the summer sea surface temperature (SST) over the North Atlantic has a significant positive correlation with the frequency of SHDEs over NEC on the decadal time scale, indicating a potential influence of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO). Further analyses indicate that during the positive phases of the AMO, the warming SST over the North Atlantic can trigger a stationary Rossby wave originating from the North Atlantic, which splits into two wave trains propagating along two different routes. One is a zonally orientated wave train that resembles the Silk Road pattern, whereas the other is an arching wave train that resembles the polar–Eurasian pattern. A negative (positive) phase of the Silk Road pattern (polar–Eurasian pattern) may result in the weakened westerly wind along the jet stream, the downward vertical motion, and the anomalous positive geopotential center over NEC, providing favorable conditions for precipitation deficiency and high temperature and resulting in increased SHDEs. Thus, the Silk Road pattern and the polar–Eurasian pattern serve as linkages between the AMO and SHDEs over northeastern China in summer on the interdecadal time scale. Model simulations from CAM4 perturbed with warmer SST in the North Atlantic show precipitation deficiency and high temperature conditions over northeastern China in summer, supporting the potential impacts of the North Atlantic SST on SHDEs over northeastern China. The results suggest that the phase of the AMO should be taken into account in the decadal prediction of SHDEs over northeastern China in summer.
Quantifying the Benefits of Nonlinear Methods for Global Statistical Hindcasts of Tropical Cyclones Intensity
Authors: Neetu S. , Lengaigne M. , Vialard J. , Mangeas M. , Menkes C.E. , Suresh I. , Leloup J. , Knaff J.A.
Published: March 2020

While tropical cyclone (TC) track forecasts have become increasingly accurate over recent decades, intensity forecasts from both numerical models and statistical schemes have been trailing behind. Most operational statistical–dynamical forecasts of TC intensity use linear regression to relate the initial TC characteristics and most relevant large-scale environmental parameters along the TC track to the TC intensification rate. Yet, many physical processes involved in TC intensification are nonlinear, hence potentially hindering the skill of those linear schemes. Here, we develop two nonlinear TC intensity hindcast schemes, for the first time globally. These schemes are based on either support vector machine (SVM) or artificial neural network (ANN) algorithms. Contrary to linear schemes, which perform slightly better when trained individually over each TC basin, nonlinear methods perform best when trained globally. Globally trained nonlinear schemes improve TC intensity hindcasts relative to regionally trained linear schemes in all TC-prone basins, especially the SVM scheme for which this improvement reaches ~10% globally. The SVM scheme, in particular, partially corrects the tendency of the linear scheme to underperform for moderate intensity (category 2 and less on the Saffir–Simpson scale) and decaying TCs. Although the TC intensity hindcast skill improvements described above are an upper limit of what could be achieved operationally (when using forecasted TC tracks and environmental parameters), it is comparable to that achieved by operational forecasts over the last 20 years. This improvement is sufficiently large to motivate more testing of nonlinear methods for statistical TC intensity prediction at operational centers.
Paola Lombroso e Zia Mariù: l’ispirazione socialista negli scritti sull’infanzia e per l’infanzia
Authors: Simone Sara
Published: March 2020

Paola Lombroso, psicologa, pedagogista, antropologa e scrittrice, dedicò la sua creatività letteraria, la sua riflessione scientifica e il suo impegno politico ai più indifesi, per età e per condizioni materiali. Cresciuta alla scuola scientifica del padre criminologo e antropologo Cesare Lombroso, affascinata dalle idee socialiste e solidaristiche che apprendeva anche dagli amici di famiglia, fra i quali Filippo Turati e Anna Kuliscioff, si impegnò per realizzare opere di sostegno ai bambini delle classi popolari, alla diffusione della lettura e della cultura nelle aree più disagiate e povere dell’Italia. Con i suoi saggi scientifici analizzò la psicologia dell’infanzia e la formazione della personalità nel processo di crescita, affrontando anche la questione dell’emancipazione femminile attraverso l’istruzione delle bambine. L’attività letteraria spaziò dalla novellistica alla raccolta di bozzetti descrittivi, alle fiabe per ragazzi; collaborò a numerose riviste letterarie, politiche, per l’infanzia. Da una sua idea nacque il Corriere dei Piccoli e, sulle pagine di questo, la rubrica di corrispondenza sotto lo pseudonimo di Zia Mariù. Fu promotrice anche della nascita e diffusione delle “Bibliotechine”, per sostenere l’acculturazione dei bambini delle classi popolari e rurali attraverso la lettura.