bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editors’ Choice—Flooded by Success: On the Role of Electrode Wettability in CO2 Electrolyzers that Generate Liquid Products
Authors: Leonard McLain E. , Orella Michael J. , Aiello Nicholas , Román-Leshkov Yuriy , Forner-Cuenca Antoni , Brushett Fikile R.
Published: July 2020

Economic operation of carbon dioxide (CO2) electrolyzers generating liquid products will likely require high reactant conversions and product concentrations, conditions anticipated to challenge existing gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs). Notably, electrode wettability will increase as lower surface tension products (e.g., formic acid, alcohols) are introduced into electrolyte streams, potentially leading to flooding. To understand the hydraulically stable operating envelopes in mixed aqueous-organic liquid domains, we connect intrinsic electrode wettability descriptors to operating parameters such as electrolyte flow rate and current. We first measure contact angles of water-organic product dilutions on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and graphite surfaces as planar analogues for GDE components. We then use material balances around the reactive gas-liquid-solid interface to calculate product mass fractions as functions of water sweep rate and current. Product composition maps visualize the extent to which changes in cell performance influence capillary pressure, a determinant of GDE saturation. Analyses suggest that formic acid mixtures pose little risk for GDE flooding across a wide range of conditions, but effluents containing <30% alcohol by mass may cause flooding. This study reveals opportunities to integrate microstructural features and oleophobic surface treatments into GDEs to repel aqueous-organic mixtures and expand the window of stable operating conditions.
Immunometabolic Status of COVID-19 Cancer Patients
Authors: Sica A. , Colombo M. P. , Trama A. , Horn L. , Garassino M. C. , Torri V.
Published: July 2020

Cancer patients appear to be more likely to be diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This is supported by the understanding of immunometabolic pathways that intersect patients with infection and cancer. However, data derived by case series and retrospective studies do not offer a coherent interpretation, since data from China suggest an increased risk of COVID-19, while data from the United States and Italy show a prevalence of COVID-19 in cancer patients comparable with the general population. Noteworthy, cancer and COVID-19 exploit distinct patterns of macrophage activation that promote disease progression in the most severe forms. In particular, the alternative activation of M2-polarized macrophages plays a crucial role in cancer progression. In contrast, the macrophage-activation syndrome appears as the source of M1-related cytokine storm in severe COVID-19 disease, thus indicating macrophages as a source of distinct inflammatory states in the two diseases, nonetheless as a common therapeutic target. New evidence indicates that NAMPT/NAD metabolism can direct both innate immune cell effector functions and the homeostatic robustness, in both cancer and infection. Moreover, a bidirectional relationship exists between the metabolism of NAD and the protective role that angiotensin converting enzyme 2, the COVID-19 receptor, can play against hyperinflammation. Within this immunometabolic framework, the review considers possible interference mechanisms that viral infections and tumors elicit on therapies and provides an overview for the management of patients with cancer affected by COVID-19, particularly for the balance of risk and benefit when planning normally routine cancer treatments and follow-up appointments.
Ramadan Intermittent Fasting Affects Adipokines and Leptin/Adiponectin Ratio in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Their First‐Degree Relatives
Authors: Abdullah Khaldoon , AL-Habori Molham , Al-Eryani Ekram
Published: July 2020

Background. In view of the association of Ramadan intermittent fasting with profound changes in lifestyle both in nondiabetic and diabetic patients, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Ramadan fasting on adiponectin, leptin and leptin to adiponectin ratio (LAR), growth hormone (GH), human‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), and diabetic and metabolic syndrome factors in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2 DM), their first‐degree relatives (FDRs), and healthy controls. Methods. This cohort study involved 98 Yemeni male subjects aged 30‐70 years old: 30 Type 2 DM, 37 FDRs of Type 2 diabetic patients, and 31 healthy control subjects. Subjects’ body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure (BP) were measured, and venous blood samples were collected twice: the first samples were collected a couple of days prior to Ramadan fasting (baseline) and the second samples after 3 weeks of fasting. Results. Ramadan fasting did not affect BMI, WC, and BP in Type 2 DM and their FDRs with respect to the baseline levels prior to Ramadan, whereas triglyceride and cholesterol were borderline significantly decreased in Type 2 DM with no effect in FDRs. Fasting blood glucose was not affected in Type 2 DM but was significantly increased in FDRs and control groups, whereas glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was slightly decreased in Type 2 DM, FDRs, and healthy controls. C‐peptide, insulin, and insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) were significantly increased in Type 2 DM and FDRs, with no effect in the control group, whereas β‐cell function (HOMA‐β) was significantly decreased in FDRs and controls with no change in Type 2 DM. Ramadan fasting significantly decreased GH in both FDRs and control groups, and significantly increased hs‐CRP in the control with no effect in Type 2 DM and FDRs. Adiponectin was significantly decreased, and leptin and LAR were significantly increased in Type 2 DM, FDRs, and control groups. Conclusion. Ramadan intermittent fasting decreased adiponectin and increased leptin, LAR, insulin, and insulin resistance in both Type 2 DM and FDRs as well as decreased GH in both FDRs and healthy controls and increased hs‐CRP in healthy controls. Moreover, Ramadan intermittent fasting neither worsens a patient’s glycemic parameters nor improves it, with the exception of a slight improvement in HbA1c in Type 2 DM, FDRs, and healthy controls.
Influence of Boundary Conditions on Cracking of Sanxingdui Moon Bay City Wall
Authors: Qu Jin , Ma Jianlin , Yang Bai
Published: July 2020

The Sanxingdui Moon Bay City Wall, in China, is built of pale‐yellow sand and yellow‐brown clay, and the yellow‐brown layers are suffering severely. In order to discuss the desiccation cracks in a section of this wall, this paper conducts evaporation tests in laboratory and observes the variations in the characteristics of the boundary conditions of the bottom surface of the sample. The results show that the boundary conditions of the bottom surface of the sample consist of two free boundaries, two sliding boundaries, and one fixed boundary from the outside to the inside. During the drying process, the free boundary extends, but the fixed boundary shrinks; the sliding boundary also remains basically stable. We obtain the surface tensile stress distribution under different boundary conditions through stress analysis and deduce that the tensile stress distribution has a trapezoidal pattern. Moreover, we calculate the lower limit on the crack spacing of the sample using the energy method, and the double of the sum of the maximum sliding boundary length and the free boundary length is the upper limit to the crack spacing. Maintaining the stability of the soil moisture content of the site is the main factor in the protection of the earthen archaeological site under the humid conditions of the museum above the site. In order to reduce the water evaporation rate of the soil, the surface of the site should be coated by a protectant, the main determining features of which are permeability, tensile strength, and compatibility with the earthen site.
Multistep-Ahead Stock Price Forecasting Based on Secondary Decomposition Technique and Extreme Learning Machine Optimized by the Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Tang Zhenpeng , Zhang Tingting , Wu Junchuan , Du Xiaoxu , Chen Kaijie
Published: July 2020

The prediction research of the stock market prices is of great significance. Based on the secondary decomposition techniques of variational mode decomposition (VMD) and ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), this paper constructs a new hybrid prediction model by combining with extreme learning machine (ELM) optimized by the differential evolution (DE) algorithm. The hybrid model applies VMD technology to the original stock index price sequence to obtain different modal components and the residual item, then applies EEMD technology to the residual item, and then superimposes the prediction results of the DE-ELM model for each modal component and the residual item to obtain the final prediction results. In order to verify the validity of the model, this paper constructs a series of benchmark models and, respectively, tests the samples of the S&P 500 index and the HS300 index by one-step, three-step, and five-step forward forecasting. The empirical results show that the hybrid model proposed in this paper achieves the best prediction performance in all prediction scenarios, which indicates that the modeling idea focusing on the residual term effectively improves the prediction performance of the model. In addition, the prediction effect of the model combined with the decomposition technology is superior to the single DE-ELM model, where the secondary decomposition technique has a significant decomposition advantage compared to the single decomposition technique.
The Dynamics Behavior of Coupled Generalized van der Pol Oscillator with Distributed Order
Authors: Al Themairi Asma , Farghaly Ahmed
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we presented different behaviors such as chaotic and hyperchaotic of the generalized van der Pol oscillator with distributed order. We introduced the parameter intervals of these behaviors by computing the Lyapunov exponents of the oscillator, which is a good test for classifying the dynamical systems’ solutions. The active control approach with the Laplace transform technique was used to realize the antisynchronization and control of the proposed oscillator. Finally, numerical investigations have been carried out on the dynamics of the proposed oscillator to verify the reliability of our analytical results.
Multiple Morphological Constraints-Based Complex Gland Segmentation in Colorectal Cancer Pathology Image Analysis
Authors: Zhang Kun , Fu JunHong , Hua Liang , Zhang Peijian , Shao Yeqin , Xu Sheng , Zhou Huiyu , Chen Li , Wang Jing
Published: July 2020

Histological assessment of glands is one of the major concerns in colon cancer grading. Considering that poorly differentiated colorectal glands cannot be accurately segmented, we propose an approach for segmentation of glands in colon cancer images, based on the characteristics of lumens and rough gland boundaries. First, we use a U-net for stain separation to obtain H-stain, E-stain, and background stain intensity maps. Subsequently, epithelial nucleus is identified on the histopathology images, and the lumen segmentation is performed on the background intensity map. Then, we use the axis of least inertia-based similar triangles as the spatial characteristics of lumens and epithelial nucleus, and a triangle membership is used to select glandular contour candidates from epithelial nucleus. By connecting lumens and epithelial nucleus, more accurate gland segmentation is performed based on the rough gland boundary. The proposed stain separation approach is unsupervised, and the stain separation makes the category information contained in the H&E image easy to identify and deal with the uneven stain intensity and the inconspicuous stain difference. In this project, we use deep learning to achieve stain separation by predicting the stain coefficient. Under the deep learning framework, we design a stain coefficient interval model to improve the stain generalization performance. Another innovation is that we propose the combination of the internal lumen contour of adenoma and the outer contour of epithelial cells to obtain a precise gland contour. We compare the performance of the proposed algorithm against that of several state-of-the-art technologies on publicly available datasets. The results show that the segmentation approach combining the characteristics of lumens and rough gland boundary has better segmentation accuracy.
Spatial-Temporal Characteristics of Primary and Secondary Educational Resources for Relocated Children of Migrant Workers: The Case of Liaoning Province
Authors: Zhang Dahao , Zhou Chunshan , Xu Wenwen
Published: July 2020

Appropriate spatial distribution of primary and secondary schools for relocated children of migrant workers (RCMW) is extremely valuable to ensure the fair education of special groups and improve the quality of their education. This study used concentration analysis, kernel density estimation (KDE), and coefficient of variation (CV) to measure the spatial agglomeration of these children and their primary and secondary schools in the districts and counties of Liaoning Province from 2008 to 2017 based on government surveys. The results showed that the number of RCMW children in primary and secondary schools increased during the research period and the growth rate of children in primary schools was higher than that of children in junior high schools. The number of primary and secondary schools has changed very little, while the number of secondary schools has dropped sharply. The spatial distribution of RCMW and that of their primary and secondary schools were characterized by a “dual-core” distribution and a three-level (county, city, and provincial capital) gradient aggregation. In addition, kernel density evolved from a balanced distribution to polar nucleus-shaped, clustered, and discretized distributions, respectively. Specifically, the “large” and “super-large” schools were mainly concentrated in cities, showing a clustered pattern. “Medium-sized” and “small” schools were mainly distributed in counties, presenting a discretized pattern. In addition, when the CV of the number of RCMW increased, the imbalanced distribution of schools became more significant. Furthermore, the spatial differentiation of primary and secondary schools for RCMW appeared to be affected by economic development, population size, and related policies in the region.
Defining Stress Thresholds of Granite Failure Process Based on Acoustic Emission Activity Parameters
Authors: Zhao Xingdong , Deng Lei , Xu Jitao
Published: July 2020

In order to study the crack closure stress threshold σcc of hard rock, crack initiation stress threshold σci, stress threshold σcs of crack interaction, and damage stress threshold σc d, uniaxial compression test was carried out on granite samples. Stress sensor and dynamic strain gauge are used to measure the load, longitudinal, and lateral deformation of rock in real time. The acoustic emission characteristic parameters of rock fracture process are obtained by using the acoustic emission system. According to the change rule of the AE event rate, cumulative energy, energy rate, duration, and amplitude in the whole process of granite sample fracture, the stress threshold (σcc, σci, σcs, and σc d) of each loading stage in the process of rock sample fracture is obtained. The relationship between the stress threshold (σcc, σci, σcs, and σc d) of each stage and the uniaxial compressive strength σUCS of rock samples in the whole process of fracture is analyzed, which shows that the deformation characteristics and crack evolution law of the rock are unified. The research results can provide some reference for further understanding of rock damage evolution mechanism in engineering field.
The Use of Self-Inflating Hygroscopic Tissue Expanders to Facilitate Osteosarcoma Removal in a Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus)
Authors: Archibald Kate E. , Troan Brigid , Smith Dustin , Minter Larry J.
Published: July 2020

A 0.34 kg adult female Massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) was presented for evaluation of a subcutaneous mass affecting the ventral scales. The mass was diagnosed as a sarcoma via punch biopsy with no evidence of metastasis on diagnostic imaging. Surgical margins of 1-2 cm were planned to achieve complete excision of the neoplasm. A technique for tissue expansion was employed due to concerns regarding the ability to close the surgical site without excess tension or dehiscence. Two 27 mm diameter×5 mm hygroscopic self-inflating tissue expanders were placed subcutaneously under the lateral scales adjacent to the mass. Maximum skin expansion occurred over a four-week period, and no direct negative effects were noted. Excision of the primary mass was performed routinely five weeks after implant placement. Primary closure of the defect was achieved with minimal tension by incorporating the expanded skin. While the surgery was successful with no evidence of metastasis, the snake died of sepsis two weeks postoperatively. This is the first report of the use of self-inflating hygroscopic tissue expanders to help close a surgical defect in a reptile.
The Uniaxial Creep Characteristics of Red Sandstone under Dry‐Wet Cycles
Authors: Liu Guangcheng , Huang Xin , Pang Jianyong
Published: July 2020

Water is one of the most important factors that affect the long‐term stability of geotechnical engineering structures. Rainfall often results in periodic changes in the water content in underground rock, which is subjected to alternating dry‐wet cycles. In this paper, in order to study the short‐term and long‐term mechanical properties of red sandstone under these dry‐wet cycles, a series of uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests and multistage creep tests have been carried out on specimens of red sandstone after being treated to different numbers of dry‐wet cycles. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to image the different groups of specimens. The test results have shown that the peak strength and the elastic modulus of the red sandstone decreased as the number of dry‐wet cycles increased. It is worth noting that the first immersion of the specimens decreased their strength the most, and the negative logarithmic function was able to better reflect the peak strength of the red sandstone and the variation of its elastic modulus in relation to the number of dry‐wet cycles. The results of the creep tests have shown that the instantaneous strain and creep strain of the sandstone increased significantly with the increase of the number of dry‐wet cycles. A linear function and a negative logarithmic function can be used to describe the instantaneous strain and the creep strain, respectively. The creep duration of the red sandstone in its failure stage decreased with the increase of the number of dry‐wet cycles, and the creep rate increased with the increase of the number of dry‐wet cycles. Lastly, the failure modes of the red sandstone were observed; the results showed that the angle between the main crack and the axis of creep failure gradually increased with the increase of the number of dry‐wet cycles and the angle of the internal friction and the cohesion decreased. In addition, the failure mode of the specimens changed from tensile failure to shear failure. The microstructure of the sandstone showed that the surface of the specimen changed from being compact to being loose, and the mineral particles in the specimen changed from being spherical to being flat and curly; this led to a decrease in the macroscopic mechanical parameters of the sandstone.
Thickness Dependence of Window Layer on CH3NH3PbI3-XClX Perovskite Solar Cell
Authors: Isoe Wycliffe , Mageto Maxwell , Maghanga Christopher , Mwamburi Maurice , Odari Victor , Awino Celline
Published: July 2020

CH3NH3PbI3-xClx has been studied experimentally and has shown promising results for photovoltaic application. To enhance its performance, this study investigated the effect of varying thickness of FTO, TiO2, and CH3NH3PbI3-xClx for a perovskite solar cell with the structure glass/FTO/TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3-xClx/Spiro-OMeTAD/Ag studied using SCAPS-1D simulator software. The output parameters obtained from the literature for the device were 26.11 mA/cm2, 1.25 V, 69.89%, and 22.72% for Jsc, Voc, FF, and η, respectively. The optimized solar cell had a thickness of 100 nm, 50 nm, and 300 nm for FTO, TiO2, and CH3NH3PbI3-xClx layers, respectively, and the device output were 25.79 mA/cm2, 1.45 V, 78.87%, and 29.56% for Jsc, Voc, FF, and η, respectively, showing a remarkable increase in FF by 8.98% and 6.84% for solar cell efficiency. These results show the potential of fabricating an improved CH3NH3PbI3-xClx perovskite solar cell.
A Case of Lymphocytic Myocarditis with Eosinophilic Degranulation Successfully Treated with Steroid Therapy
Authors: Inoue Tomoko , Sera Fusako , Nishimura Shunsuke , Nakamoto Kei , Tsukamoto Yasumasa , Mizote Isamu , Ohtani Tomohito , Hikoso Shungo , Ikeda Yoshihiko , Hori Yumiko , Ishibashi-Ueda Hatsue , Morii Eiichi , Minamino Tetsuo , Sakata Yasushi
Published: July 2020

A 49-year-old woman was admitted with suspicion of acute myocarditis. On the next day after admission, her serum troponin I level continued to rise, indicating progression of myocardial damage. Moreover, her symptoms persisted, and left ventricular ejection fraction did not improve. Because of a predominant infiltration of lymphocytes in the myocardial specimens, lymphocytic myocarditis was diagnosed. However, a close observation of the specimens revealed eosinophil degranulation. Based on this finding, intravenous steroid therapy was initiated. High-dose methylprednisolone led to rapid and appreciable improvements in symptoms and left ventricular function within 12 hours after the first administration, which was followed by normalization of serum troponin I level. Steroid therapy was switched to oral administration and tapered carefully. There was no recurrence of left ventricular dysfunction or elevation of serum troponin I level. In eosinophilic myocarditis, eosinophil degranulation has been recognized as an important finding associated with progression of inflammation and myocardial damage. However, no attention has been paid to the presence and clinical implications of eosinophil degranulation in lymphocytic myocarditis. This case indicates that eosinophil degranulation in lymphocytic myocarditis may be an important finding associated with a high therapeutic response to steroid therapy.
Reliability and Agreement of Radiological and Pathological Tumor Size in Patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1-Related Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Results from a Population-Based Cohort
Authors: van Beek Dirk-Jan , Verkooijen Helena M. , Nell Sjoerd , Bonsing Bert A. , van Eijck Casper H. , van Goor Harry , Hoogwater Frederik J.H. , Nieveen van Dijkum Elisabeth J.M. , Kazemier Geert , Dejong Cornelis H.C. , Brosens Lodewijk A.A. , Wessels Frank J. , Borel Rinkes Inne H.M. , Valk Gerlof D. , Vriens Menno R.
Published: July 2020

Background: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) have a high prevalence in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) and are the leading cause of death. Tumor size is still regarded as the main prognostic factor and therefore used for surgical decision-making. We assessed reliability and agreement of radiological and pathological tumor size in a population-based cohort of patients with MEN1-related pNETs. Methods: Patients were selected from the Dutch MEN1 database if they had undergone a resection for a pNET between 2003 and 2018. Radiological (MRI, CT, and endoscopic ultrasonography [EUS]) and pathological tumor size were collected from patient records. Measures of agreement (Bland-Altman plots with limits of agreement [LoA] and absolute agreement) and reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC] and unweighted kappa) were calculated for continuous and categorized (< or ≥2 cm) pNET size. Results: In 73 included patients, the median radiological and pathological tumor sizes measured were 22 (3–160) and 21 (4–200) mm, respectively. Mean bias between radiological and pathological tumor size was −0.2 mm and LoA ranged from −12.9 to 12.6 mm. For the subgroups of MRI, CT, and EUS, LoA of radiological and pathological tumor size ranged from −9.6 to 10.9, −15.9 to 15.8, and −13.9 to 11.0, respectively. ICCs for the overall cohort, MRI, CT, and EUS were 0.80, 0.86, 0.75, and 0.76, respectively. Based on the 2 cm criterion, agreement was 81.5%; hence, 12 patients (18.5%) were classified differently between imaging and pathology. Absolute agreement and kappa values of MRI, CT, and EUS were 88.6, 85.7, and 75.0%, and 0.77, 0.71, and 0.50, respectively. Conclusion: Within a population-based cohort, MEN1-related pNET size was not systematically over- or underestimated on preoperative imaging. Based on agreement and reliability measures, MRI is the preferred imaging modality.
Flutter Wave Morphology of Peri-Mitral Atrial Flutters Is Mainly Determined by Right Atrial Activation
Authors: Hu Wei , Zhou Dongchen , Hua Baotong , Yang Gang , Chen Hongwu , Ju Weizu , Li Mingfang , Zhang Fengxiang , Zheng Liangrong , Chen Minglong
Published: July 2020

Background:

Peri-mitral atrial flutters frequently develop post-atrial fibrillation ablation or postcardiac surgery. The determinants of the flutter wave morphology on surface ECG have been less studied.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients with peri-mitral atrial flutters who underwent biatrial high-resolution mapping at 3 institutions with LUMIPOINT software. We analyzed the overlap between the right atrial (RA) activation time and flutter wave duration and compared the proportion of the endocardial area that was activated in both atria during the flutter wave duration. Biatrial activation patterns and interatrial conductions were also identified.

Results:

The mean tachycardia cycle length was 264±60 ms, with RA activation time 155±45 ms (60.8±20.6% of the tachycardia cycle length), and the flutter wave duration 107±31 ms (41.6±11.7% of the tachycardia cycle length). The overlap between the RA activation time and the flutter wave duration was 102±29 ms, which takes 68.5±17.2% of the RA activation time and 95.7±9.1% of the flutter wave duration, respectively. Quantitative analysis also showed that during the flutter wave duration, more percentage of the endocardial area was activated in the RA than in the left atrium (73.0±12.7% versus 45.2±13.0%,
P
<0.001). We consistently observed that the RA anterior wall rightward activation corresponded to the positive component in V1 in both flutter patterns, and the RA downward activation corresponded to the positive component in the counterclockwise group or the upward activation corresponded to the negative component in the clockwise group in the inferior leads. The passive RA activation patterns were varied with spontaneous atrial scarring or previous linear ablation.

Conclusions:

ECG flutter wave morphology of peri-mitral atrial flutters is mainly dependent on RA activation patterns.
Electrical Posterior Box Isolation in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Changed to Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Pak Hui-Nam , Park Junbeom , Park Je-Wook , Yang Song-Yi , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae-Hoon , Uhm Jae-Sun , Choi Jong-Il , Joung Boyoung , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Kim Young-Hoon , Shim Jaemin
Published: July 2020

Background:

Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) can change to paroxysmal AF after antiarrhythmic drug medication and cardioversion. We investigated whether electrical posterior box isolation (POBI) may improve rhythm outcome of catheter ablation in those patient groups.

Methods:

We prospectively randomized 114 patients with persistent AF to paroxysmal AF (men, 75%; 59.8±9.9 years old) to circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) alone group (n=57) and additional POBI group (n=57). Primary end point was AF recurrence after a single procedure, and secondary end points were recurrence pattern, cardioversion rate, and response to antiarrhythmic drugs.

Results:

After a mean follow-up of 23.8±10.2 months, the clinical recurrence rate did not significantly differ between the CPVI alone and additional POBI group (31.6% versus 28.1%;
P
=0.682; log-rank
P
=0.729). The recurrences as atrial tachycardias (5.3% versus 12.3%;
P
=0.134) and cardioversion rates (5.3% versus 10.5%;
P
=0.250) were not significantly different between the CPVI and POBI groups. At the final follow-up, sinus rhythm was maintained without antiarrhythmic drug in 52.6% of CPVI group and 59.6% of POBI group (
P
=0.450). No significant difference was found in major complication rates between the two groups (5.3% versus 1.8%;
P
=0.618), but the total ablation time was significantly longer in the POBI group (4187±952 versus 5337±1517 s;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

In patients with persistent AF converted to paroxysmal AF by antiarrhythmic drug, the addition of POBI to CPVI did not improve the rhythm outcome of catheter ablation or influence overall safety, while leading to longer ablation time.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02176616.
Network topology of the marmoset connectome
Authors: Liu Zhen-Qi , Zheng Ying-Qiu , Misic Bratislav
Published: July 2020

The brain is a complex network of interconnected and interacting neuronal populations. Global efforts to understand the emergence of behavior and the effect of perturbations depend on accurate reconstruction of white matter pathways, both in humans and in model organisms. An emerging animal model for next-generation applied neuroscience is the common marmoset ( Callithrix jacchus). A recent open respository of retrograde and anterograde tract tracing presents an opportunity to systematically study the network architecture of the marmoset brain (Marmoset Brain Architecture Project; http://www.marmosetbrain.org ). Here we comprehensively chart the topological organization of the mesoscale marmoset cortico-cortical connectome. The network possesses multiple nonrandom attributes that promote a balance between segregation and integration, including near-minimal path length, multiscale community structure, a connective core, a unique motif composition, and multiple cavities. Altogether, these structural attributes suggest a link between network architecture and function. Our findings are consistent with previous reports across a range of species, scales, and reconstruction technologies, suggesting a small set of organizational principles universal across phylogeny. Collectively, these results provide a foundation for future anatomical, functional, and behavioral studies in this model organism.
A Multisession Evaluation of a Collaborative Virtual Environment for Arm Rehabilitation
Authors: Goršič Maja , Cikajlo Imre , Goljar Nika , Novak Domen
Published: July 2020

In recent years, several multi-user virtual environments (VEs) have been developed to promote motivation and exercise intensity in motor rehabilitation. While competitive VEs have been extensively evaluated, collaborative and competitive rehabilitation VEs have seen relatively little study. Therefore, this article presents an evaluation of a VE for post-stroke arm rehabilitation that mimics everyday kitchen tasks and can be used either solo or collaboratively. Twenty subacute stroke survivors exercised with the VE for four sessions, with the first and third sessions involving solo exercise and the other two involving collaborative exercise. Exercise intensity was measured using inertial sensors while motivation was measured with questionnaires. Results showed high motivation and exercise intensity over all four sessions, and 11 of 20 participants preferred collaborative over solo exercise while only 4 preferred solo exercise. However, there were no differences in motivation, exercise duration, or exercise intensity between solo and collaborative sessions. Thus, we cannot currently claim that collaborative exercises are beneficial for upper limb rehabilitation. Future studies should evaluate other collaborative VE designs in different settings (e.g., at home) and with different participant pairs (e.g., patient-unimpaired) to find effective ways to utilize collaborative exercises in motor rehabilitation.
A new apterous genus of Carventinae from China (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Aradidae)
Authors: SHI KAI , BAI XIAOSHUAN , HEISS ERNST , CAI WANZHI
Published: July 2020

A new apterous genus and species, Oblongocoris hainanensis gen. and sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Aradidae: Carventinae), are described from Hainan, China. The diagnostic morphological features of the new genus and species are discussed and illustrated, and a key to genera of Carventinae from Hainan Island is presented.
Species of the bee genus Centris Fabricius, 1804 described by Heinrich Friese (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: VIVALLO FELIPE
Published: July 2020

Primary types of Centris bees described by the German melittologist Heinrich Friese were studied. To stabilize the application of some names, lectotypes were designated for C. agilis abdominalis, C. americana bicincta, C. atriventris rubripes, C. bakeri, C. birkmannii, C. breviceps, C. bucephala, C. buchwaldi, C. burgdorfi paraguayensis, C. chilensis neoqueenensis, C. collaris fluviatilis, C. costaricensis erubescens, C. flavothoracica, C. labrosa, C. labrosa simplex, C. lateritia, C. lutea, C. metathoracica, C. mexicana albiceps, C. mixta, C. mocsaryi, C. muralis melanopus, C. nigripes, C. pauloensis, and C. versicolor rufiventris. Centris agilis abdominalis and C. labrosa simplex were revalidated from the synonymy of C. agilis Smith and C. analis (Fabricius), respectively, raising both varieties at species level. Centris fulvicollis is removed from C. (Ptilotopus) and transferred to C. (Melanocentris), transforming the former subgenus in a natural group. Centris fusciventris atriceps is proposed as n. syn. of C. mocsaryi, C. flavifrons rufescens as n. syn. of C. flavifrons (Fabricius), and C. xanthocnemis ardesiaca as n. syn. of C. xanthocnemis (Perty). Centris femoralis is withdrawn from the synonymy of C. lutea and proposed as n. syn. of C. rufipes. Taxonomic notes and comments of the remaining species described by Friese are also provided.
New synonyms, combinations and status in the Chinese species of the family Meloidae Gyllenhal, 1810 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea) with additional faunistic records
Authors: PAN ZHAO , REN GUO-DONG
Published: July 2020

On the ground of the taxonomic revision of the family Meloidae Gyllenhal, 1810 from China and extensive examination of type specimens, the following new synonyms and combinations of blister beetle species are established: Zonitis bomiensis Tan, 1988 syn. nov. = Longizonitis semirubra (Pic, 1911); Schroetteria subpolita Reitter, 1911 syn. nov. = Megatrachelus politus (Gebler, 1832); Epicauta rishwani Makhan, 2013 syn. nov. = Denierella emmerichi Pic, 1934; Epicauta thailandica Dvořák, 1996 syn. nov. = Denierella venerabilis Kaszab, 1956; Epicauta mojiangensis Tan et Deng, 1993 syn. nov. = Epicauta makliniana Kaszab, 1958; Epicauta xantusi Kaszab, 1952 syn. nov. = Epicauta obscurocephala Reitter, 1905; Lytta badeni Haag-Rutenburg, 1880 syn. nov. = Epicauta sibirica (Pallas, 1773); Epicauta badeni sinica Kaszab, 1960 syn. nov. = Epicauta sibirica (Pallas, 1773); Lytta choui Wang, Wang et Ren, 2012 syn. nov. = Lytta suturella (Motschulsky, 1860); Zonabris calida var. baicalica Pic, 1919 syn. nov. = Mylabris aulica Ménétriés, 1832; Zonitomorpha kimi (Kôno, 1936) comb. nov.; Zonitomorpha miwai (Kôno, 1936) comb. nov.; Zonitoschema fuscimembris (Fairmaire, 1886) comb. nov. Furthermore, Zonitoschema macroxantha yunnana Kaszab, 1960 is provisionally raised to Z. yunnanum stat. nov. A lectotype is designated for Zonitoschema fuscimembris. Six new Chinese province records of five species (Denierella emmerichi, Epicauta obscurocephala, Epicauta sibirica, Lytta suturella, and Mylabris aulica) are reported. Illustrations are provided for 21 type specimens, the aedeagus of two Zonitoschema species, and the antennomere XI of two Mylabris species.
A new species of the alpheid shrimp genus Automate de Man, 1888 (Decapoda: Caridea) from Japan
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , TAMEGO TOMOYASU , HANANO KOUICHI
Published: July 2020

A new species of the alpheid shrimp genus Automate de Man, 1888, A. awaji, is described on the basis of an ovigerous female holotype and three paratype specimens (sex not determined) from Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The specimens were collected from soft sediments on a shallow subtidal flat (depth 4–8 m) using an airlift suction sampler. The new species is referred to the A. evermanni Rathbun, 1901 species group, in which seven species are currently included, from various parts of the world. Automate awaji n. sp. is characterized by the combination of the following characters: eye with cornea relatively small, in lateral and subdistal position on eyestalk; antennal scaphocerite with distolateral spine not exceeding rounded distal blade; ultimate article of maxilliped 3 with longitudinal row of setae on dorsolateral surface; cheliped ischia without spiniform setae on dorsal and ventral margins; major chela of type I smooth, not rugose or tuberculate on dorsal and ventral margins, fingers not gaping; carpus of pereopod 2 with proximal-most article less than half-length of second article; propodus of pereopod 5 with grooming apparatus consisting of closely spaced transverse rows of stiff setae. It is the fourth representative of the genus Automate reported from Japan. A brief overview on Japanese species of Automate is also given.
High photoresponsivity and external quantum efficiency of ultraviolet photodetection by mechanically exfoliated planar multi-layered graphene oxide sheet prepared using modified Hummer's method and spin coating technique
Authors: Ahmad H. , Thandavan T. M. K.
Published: July 2020

Electron–hole (e–h) pair generation and conversion into photocurrents by two-dimensional (2D) nanoparticle based metal semiconductor metal (MSM) structured photodetector is crucial for the development self-powered and high performance photodetectors. In this
regard, graphene oxide (GO) is a highly suitable photoconducting material alongside graphene and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). A modified Hummer's method is applied to obtain the GO supernatant which undergoes morphological, structural and vibrational characterizations. The D and G bands observed
at 1347 and 1592 cm–1 from the spectral analysis are due to the A1g symmetry sp3 carbon (C) and E2g phonons by sp2 C respectively, confirming the formation of GO. Electron beam evaporation is carried out
to fabricate the silver (Ag) source and drain electrode fringes with 300 nm separation for current– voltage characterization. Non-linear and non-rectifying behavior is observed on the MSM structured multilayer GO film. The ideality factor and barrier height, calculated from the thermionic
emission model at the Schottky junction of source is found to be lower than that of the drain. The mechanically exfoliated GO onto the Ag electrodes enables a high photoresponsivity and external quantum efficiency (EQE) about 4.12 AW–1 and 1346% to be attained. This shows
that GO can behave as either a p- or n-type semiconducting materials.
Treatment and nursing of cervical erosion using nanosilver antibacterial gel
Authors: Li Yan , Guo Xia , Liu Xiaofang , Qi Shuling , Chen Sisi , Wang Xiaohong
Published: July 2020

To evaluate the efficacy of nanosilver antibacterial gel in the nursing and treatment of cervical erosion. A total of 108 patients with cervical erosion were selected, and based on the degree of erosion, they were treated with nanosilver antibacterial gel for 2∼3 courses through
external application. The total efficacy rate of nanosilver antibacterial gel in the treatment of cervical erosion was 97.2%, and the total cure rate was 84.3%. Further, the cure rate was 94.8% for mild erosion, 83.3% for moderate erosion, and 42.9% for severe erosion. Nanosilver antibacterial
gel has different degrees of curative effects on cervical erosion, and the curative effect is more significant in mild and moderate erosion patients compared to that in severe erosion patients.
Fluorescence quenching of methanol-soluble polypyrimidine by aluminum ion
Authors: Maimaiti Yuemaierjiang , Maimaitiyiming Xieraili
Published: July 2020

The different proportion methylpyrimidine ring copolymers has been synthesized and characterized by 1HNMR, 13CNMR and FT-IR spectrum. The detection limit of P80 for Al3+ ions of 7.94 × 10–8 M at the dichloromethane solution. The
binding constant (Kb) between copolymers and with Al3+ was 1.10 × 104 M–1. The EDS analysis and XPS spectroscopy can expose that the copolymer and Al3+ had been coordination with each other. The neutral polymers with
good recovery properties can be used as sensor detect Al3+ in the organic solvent. The methanol-soluble polymer has been synthesized from methylpyrimidine ring copolymers, and investigated acidochromic properties and found that the acidochromic property of the polymer was retained
after quaternization, but cannot detect Al3+ in the methanol (MeOH). The methanol-soluble polymers using environment-friendly solvents such as methanol can be used in detect H+ in the methanol.
Element analysis of House- and Cave-EBN (edible bird's nest) traceability by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) integrated with chemo-metrics
Authors: Ma Xueting , Zhang Jiukai , Liang Jinzhong , Chen Ying
Published: July 2020

Edible bird's nest (EBN) is a high-value health-promoting tonic from swiftlets. However, cheap House-EBN is usually masqueraded as expensive Cave-EBN for profiteering. Efficient scientific means are required to trace Cave-EBN. After microwave digestion of EBN lyophilizing powder, its
mineral element compositions were examined by using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Influences of two key factors, production environment and country, on the distribution of 21 elements were analyzed. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) coupled with leave-one out cross
validation was applied for modeling. Classifier generalization performance was assessed by the Confusion Matrix approach. ICP-MS identified the presence of 21 macro and micro elements with contributions of 99.65% and 0.35%, respectively. A two-way ANOVA established that B, Na, K, Ca, Mn, Cu,
Sr, and Cd were the production-environment-specific elements. Among four different combinations based on three potential variables (Ca, Na, and Sr), Na/Ca was identified as the best among them having 100% specificity on tracing Cave-EBN. In conclusion, EBN was a good mineral element source.
The methodology of integration of ICP-MS with chemo-metrics proved to be a powerful tool for tracing Cave-EBN.
The Role of Multiscale Interaction in Tropical Cyclogenesis and Its Predictability in Near-Global Aquaplanet Cloud-Resolving Simulations
Authors: Narenpitak Pornampai , Bretherton Christopher S. , Khairoutdinov Marat F.
Published: July 2020

Tropical cyclogenesis (TCG) is a multiscale process that involves interactions between large-scale circulation and small-scale convection. A near-global aquaplanet cloud-resolving model (NGAqua) with 4-km horizontal grid spacing that produces tropical cyclones (TCs) is used to investigate TCG and its predictability. This study analyzes an ensemble of three 20-day NGAqua simulations, with initial white-noise perturbations of low-level humidity. TCs develop spontaneously from the northern edge of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), where large-scale flows and tropical convection provide necessary conditions for barotropic instability. Zonal bands of positive low-level absolute vorticity organize into cyclonic vortices, some of which develop into TCs. A new algorithm is developed to track the cyclonic vortices. A vortex-following framework analysis of the low-level vorticity budget shows that vertical stretching of absolute vorticity due to convective heating contributes positively to the vorticity spinup of the TCs. A case study and composite analyses suggest that sufficient humidity is key for convective development. TCG in these three NGAqua simulations undergoes the same series of interactions. The locations of cyclonic vortices are broadly predetermined by planetary-scale circulation and humidity patterns associated with ITCZ breakdown, which are predictable up to 10 days. Whether and when the cyclonic vortices become TCs depend on the somewhat more random feedback between convection and vorticity.
Infective Endocarditis After Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Jiayang , Wang Xinxin , Hou Fangjie , Yuan Wen , Dong Ran , Wang Longfei , Shen Hua , Zhou Yujie
Published: July 2020

We determined the incidence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors of post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)–associated infective endocarditis (IE). We compared the incidence of IE after TAVR versus after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). The incidence rate of IE 1-year post-TAVR was 0.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.8-1.0). Transcatheter aortic valve replacement was associated with significantly reduced IE incidence (incidence rate ratio: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.52-0.92, P = .011) compared with SAVR. In patients with TAVR IE, the pooled in-hospital mortality was 37.8% (95% CI: 32.4-43.3, I 2 = 54.9%). Pooled adjusted hazard ratio (HR) revealed that peri-procedural peripheral artery disease (HR: 4.02, 95% CI: 2.28-7.10, P < .0001), moderate or severe residual aortic regurgitation (HR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.53-3.59, P < .0001), orotracheal intubation (HR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.19-3.82, P = .011), and male gender (HR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.47-1.97, P < .0001) were risk factors for post-TAVR IE. Post-TAVR IE is a life-threatening complication often resulting in in-hospital mortality. The current evidence-based meta-analysis to identify risk factors may lead to the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for post-TAVR IE to ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Behind the Scene of “The Holy Family with St. Anne and the Young St. John” by Bernardino Luini: A Computer-Assisted Method to Unveil the Underdrawings
Authors: Caccia Michele , Bonizzoni Letizia , Martini Marco , Fontana Raffaella , Villa Valeria , Galli Anna
Published: July 2020

Uncovering the underdrawings (UDs), the preliminary sketch made by the painter on the grounded preparatory support, is a keystone for understanding the painting's history including the original project of the artist, the pentimenti (an underlying image in a painting providing evidence of revision by the artist) or the possible presence of co-workers’ contributions. The application of infrared reflectography (IRR) has made the dream of discovering the UDs come true: since its introduction, there has been a growing interest in the technology, which therefore has evolved leading to advanced instruments. Most of the literature either report on the technological advances in IRR devices or present case studies, but a straightforward method to improve the visibility of the UDs has not been presented yet. Most of the data handling methods are devoted to a specific painting or they are not user-friendly enough to be applied by non-specialized users, hampering, thus, their widespread application in areas other than the scientific one, e.g., in the art history field. We developed a computer-assisted method, based on principal component analysis (PCA) and image processing, to enhance the visibility of UDs and to support the art-historians and curators’ work. Based on ImageJ/Fiji, one of the most widespread image analysis software, the algorithm is very easy to use and, in principle, can be applied to any multi- or hyper-spectral image data set. In the present paper, after describing the method, we accurately present the extraction of the UD for the panel “The Holy Family with St. Anne and the Young St. John” and for other four paintings by Luini and his workshop paying particular attention to the painting known as “The Child with the Lamb”.