bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IL PROBLEMA DEL BICAMERALISMO - MONOCAMERALISMO NEL QUADRO DI UNA ANALISI STRUTTURAL-FUNZIONALE DEL PARLAMENTO
Authors: Cotta Maurizio
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

Il problema dell'alternativa tra monocameralismo e bicameralismo é stato uno dei temi classici della letteratura politico-costituzionalistica del passato; ha invece ricevuto solo un'attenzione sporadica da parte della recente letteratura politologica. Eppure il tema è di attualità, Dall'ultimo dopoguerra ad oggi, almeno tre paesi europei si sono dati una costituzione che prevede un Parlamento bicamerale: Francia, Germania Federalee Italia. Altri tre paesi sono passati dalla forma parlamentare bicamerale a quella monocamerale: la Nueva Zelanda nel 1950, la Danimarca nel 1953, e la Svezia nel 1968. Inoltre tanto in Gran Bretagna nel 1949, e successivamente in altre occasioni, quanto in Francia nel 1968-69, con il progetto di De Gaulle di riforma del Senato, si è seriamente parlato di riforma del sistema bicamerale. Mi sembra quindi che il tema meriti di essere ripreso, e che convenga esaminarlo comparativamente mediante l'approccio di analisistruttural-funzionale.
STUDI COMPARATI SUL COMUNISMO
Authors: lonescu Ghita
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

Questa rassegna è un tentative di valutare la situazione attuale di quel settore 0 sottoprodotto della politica comparata che si occupa della politica dei paesi comunisti e li considera parte del mondo politico contemporaneo. Il lettore tuttavia dovrebbe notare fin dall'inizio che la parola d'ordine nella frase di cui sopra èpolitica. Questo approccio, in una certa misura, distingue questo lavoro da altri precedenti, che assumevano il nome piú generale o di « Comunismo comparato » o di « Studi dei sistemi comparati comunisti ». In questepagine si faranno inoltre vari riferimenti al problema se, in generale, I'intera polinica comparata non stia attraversando una crisi di assestamento.
A Letter of Avidius Cassius?
Authors: Bowman Alan K.
Published: May 2019

To major suggestions have been advanced about the text of SB 10295. First, that the letter is not complete; the text now extant constitutes the end of a letter written in a single column containing not more than two or three lines above the present remains. Second, that the addressee, Apolinarios, is identical with the addressee of P. Oxy. 933, who was a bouleutes of Antinoopolis and a and that the title should be restored in SB 10295. Possibly he is also identical with a known president of the boule of Antinoopolis in the later second century. It has been suggested that Apolinarios went on an embassy to Alexandria in the spring of an unspecified year in connection with the accession of a new emperor. As a corollary to these hypotheses, it has been argued that the emperor concerned is in fact Avidius Cassius. Nothing in the text precludes this, and three references support it very strongly: namely, the distinction between ‘election’ and ‘accession to the close ties with Alexandria and the fact that Avidius Cassius' father was a prefect of Egypt, and finally the date. Objections which have been raised against previous theories do not hold for this one, and there is no reason (palaeographical or other) why SB 10295 should not date to A.D. 175.
Money and Exchange in the Roman World
Authors: Crawford Michael
Published: May 2019

A wide variety of objects may function as money in the different uses which this possesses—for payment, for storing wealth, for measuring value and as a means of exchange. In the Roman world coined money was clearly dominant over other forms of money in the first three uses, and I want here to explore the extent to which it served as a means of exchange, partly because this is the most distinctive function of money and one for which coined money or a token substitute is essential to achieve any great versatility, partly because the problems involved seem particularly complex. It is not sufficient simply to discuss how coined money was used as a means of exchange. Attitudes to the process are equally relevant. Nor should the absence of ancient discussions of monetary theory mislead us into minimizing the practical importance of coined money in the ancient world.
The Captor of Decebalus A New Inscription from Philippi
Authors: Speidel Michael
Published: May 2019

A huge tombstone with two reliefs and a Latin inscription accidentally came to light in 1965 in the fields of Grammeni, a village to the north-west of the ancient Philippi in Macedonia (Pl. XIII). The inscription represents the most detailed career of a Roman soldier so far known, providing new information on the structure and functioning of the Roman army. Its hero is revealed as the ‘captor’ of King Decebalus, one of imperial Rome's greatest antagonists, and his spectacular deed is portrayed on one of the two reliefs. The new find deserves special attention and is published here for the first time.
Histoire et structure
Authors: Burguière André
Published: May 2019

La guerre entre l'histoire et le structuralisme n'aura pas lieu. Ce numéro spécialne souhaite pas relancer une querelle rhétorique que la mode a promue, puis rejetée, mais profiter au contraire d'une conjoncture d'apaisement; placé provisoirement en jachère, le débat théorique rend la parole aux enquêtes. Le temps est venu de dresser un premier bilan de l'influence que le structuralisme exerce sur la recherche historique.

L'affrontement que l'on a voulu organiser entre l'histoire et les sciences humaines les plus récentes transformait un vrai problème en faux débat. Si les historiens ne oyaient pas la nécessité d'un choix dramatique entre la diachronie et la synchronie, ils se sentaient directement concernés par l'effort d'ajustement méthodologique quis'affirmait autour d'eux. A ce niveau, le structuralisme n'a jamais constitué une école. Il a simplement manifesté la convergence d'un certain nombre de recherches, les unes déjà anciennes (comme la mythologie comparée, la linguistique générale), d'autres récentes (comme l'anthropologie structurale ou la sémiologie) provisoirement réunies par des exigences de méthode semblables.
Thermal requirements of seed germination of ten tree species occurring in the western Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Daibes L. Felipe , Amoêdo Semirian C. , Nascimento Moraes Jeane do , Fenelon Natália , da Silva Débora Rosa , de Melo Lopes Max Jr , Vargas Lidiane A. , Monteiro Ediléia F. , Frigeri Renita B.C.
Published: May 2019

Regeneration from seed affects species assembly in plant communities, and temperature is the most important environmental factor controlling the germination process. Thermal dependence of seed germination is thus associated with species occurrence in an ecosystem. Hence, we aimed to investigate the role of temperature on seed germination of ten tree species from the western Brazilian Amazon. Seeds were collected in the state of Rondônia, Brazil, and set to germinate under constant temperatures ranging from 10 to 40°C in germination chambers. We calculated germination capacity (G%), germination rate (GR50, reciprocal of germination time), and thermal parameters, such as cardinal temperatures and thermal time requirements. Most species had a large range of temperatures showing G% ≥80%, with optimal temperature varying from 20 to 40°C. Base temperature ranged from 6 to 12°C and ceiling temperatures were mainly >40°C.Astronium lecointeiandParkia nitidashowed high germination capacity under temperatures of 35–40°C, while germination ofTheobroma cacaodropped from 100% to zero under temperatures between 37 and 40°C. The climax speciesCedrela fissilishad the slowest germination time (10 days) and highest thermal time requirement, while seeds ofEnterolobium schomburgkii(a late-successional species) germinated within the first day of the experiment. Rapid recruitment of Amazon species could be favoured with treefall disturbance, which increases temperatures in the understory, but sharp limits might be found in the supra-optimal range of temperatures. Such patterns might indicate different regeneration strategies in the tropical rainforest, providing important information regarding seed germination among Amazon species.
Long-term effects of psychotherapy in a context of continuous community and gang violence: changes in aggressive attitude in high-risk South African adolescents
Authors: Hinsberger Martina , Holtzhausen Leon , Sommer Jessica , Kaminer Debra , Elbert Thomas , Seedat Soraya , Augsburger Mareike , Schauer Maggie , Weierstall Roland
Published: May 2019

Background:

Post-traumatic stress but also aggressive attitudes and behaviour can be found in adolescents living in a context of ongoing community and gang violence in the low-income urban areas of Cape Town, South Africa.

Aims:

We investigated the long-term effects (15–20 months after therapy) of (a) Narrative Exposure Therapy for Forensic Offender Rehabilitation (FORNET) and (b) the cognitive behavioural intervention ‘Thinking for a Change’ (CBT) on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and aggression compared with a waiting list.

Method:

Fifty-four young males participated in the treatment trial, of which 17 completed the FORNET intervention, 11 the CBT intervention, and 26 were on a waiting list. The primary outcome was the change score for the Appetitive Aggression Scale; secondary outcomes were the PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview change scores, and the number of perpetrated violent event types.

Results:

The reduction in scores for PTSD that had been observed in FORNET completers at the first follow-up were still significant at the second long-term follow-up (Cohen’s d = 0.86). In this treatment arm (FORNET), the scores for appetitive aggression were also significantly reduced (Cohen’s d = 1.00). There were no significant changes observed for CBT or for the waiting list.

Conclusions:

The study indicates that FORNET can successfully reduce post-traumatic stress as well as the attraction to violence even for individuals living under conditions of continuous traumatic stress.
Associations between frequency of food shopping at different food sources and fruit and vegetable intake among rural residents in upstate New York, USA
Authors: Lo Brian K , Megiel Sarah , Liu Evelyn , Folta Sara C , Graham Meredith L , Seguin Rebecca A
Published: May 2019

Objective:

To examine the frequency of shopping at different food sources and the associations between shopping at different food sources and fruit and vegetable (FV) intake among upstate New York rural residents.

Design:

Cross-sectional study. Descriptive statistics and linear mixed models were used.

Setting:

Eighty-two rural communities in upstate New York, USA.

Participants:

Adults (n 465; 82·3 % female, mean age 51·5 years, mean BMI 31·7 kg/m2).

Results:

Within one’s community, the majority of participants reported often going to supermarkets (73·1 %). Many participants sometimes or occasionally shopped at superstores (48·0 %), convenience stores (57·9 %), small grocery stores or local markets (57·2 %), farmers’ markets or FV stores (66·6 %), dollar stores (51·5 %), pharmacies (46·0 %), or farm stands or community-supported agriculture (56·8 %). Most participants had never utilized food banks or food pantries (94·0 %), community gardens (92·7 %) or home food delivery (91·9 %). While frequent visits to farmers’ markets or farm stands were associated with higher fruit intake (P < 0·001), frequent visits to food co-ops or food hubs were associated with lower fruit intake (P = 0·004). Frequent visits to convenience stores (P = 0·002) and dollar stores (P = 0·004) were associated with lower vegetable intake. When FV intakes were combined, frequent visits to farmers’ markets or farm stands (P < 0·001) were associated with higher FV intake, and frequent visits to convenience stores (P = 0·005) were associated with lower FV intake.

Conclusions:

Findings from the present study provide important insight for informing future food environment interventions related to helping rural residents consume adequate FV.
A novel defect ground structure for decoupling closely spaced E-plane microstrip antenna array
Authors: Niu Zicheng , Zhang Hou , Chen Qiang , Zhong Tao
Published: May 2019

In this paper, a novel decoupling technique for closely spaced E-plane patch antennas using defect ground structure (DGS) is proposed. The electric field coupling between the antennas is suppressed by etching DGS which consists of a pair of rectangular slots and four stubs on the ground plane. Moreover, unlike the other methods, the DGS is not etched in the middle of the antennas but loaded along the outer edge of the radiated patch. Thus, through the adopted technology the distance between the antenna elements is reduced and the isolation is increased. To validate the improvements by adopting the proposed technology, the array with DGS loading has been fabricated and then measured. The measurement results show that designed antennas have 95 MHz 10-dB impedance bandwidth, which is 25 MHz higher than that of the antenna without DGS. More importantly, isolation improvements have been increased from 8.5 to 31.3 dB by using the decoupling technique when the antennas are placed with a 0.032 λ0 edge-to-edge distance, where λ0 is the free-space wavelength. Therefore, this technique can be widely applied to improve isolation in a compact and low profile antenna system.
Rectenna panel design optimization for maximum RF power utilization
Authors: Daiya Vinita , Ebenezer Jemimah , Jehadeesan R.
Published: May 2019

Now-a-days, far-field wireless power transfer/energy harvesting is underutilized due to the unavailability of proper methodology to design efficient system for maximum radio frequency (RF) power utilization. For efficient utilization of far-field RF energy an array/grid of rectenna, i.e. rectenna panel is required to generate the power from wireless signal. To minimize the engineering design phase period (design trials), this paper mathematically derives and summarizes the approach required for optimum rectenna panel design based on power available in the environment, RF transmit source capability, receiver power requirement and the design cost. For maximum power interception through a rectenna panel, its design parameters such as -panel size, number of rectenna, rectenna arrangement pattern, and rectenna spacing has been optimized in our work. Based on the optimization required, we have proposed the compact grid pattern with heterogeneous rectenna spacing. It has been proved theoretically in this paper that if a hexagonal shape panel is designed by placement of rectenna at vertices of equilateral triangle (with side length governed by antenna aperture) then, it is capable of intercepting maximum RF energy available at its location with the least number of rectenna.
A bottom-feed omni-directional circularly polarized antenna array
Authors: Li Xi , Yang Lin , Zhao Jia-Wei , Liu Yi , Sun Fang-Zhou
Published: May 2019

A bottom-feed omni-directional CP (circularly polarized) antenna array is proposed in this letter. The antenna array is composed of four elements (two printed ZPS (zero-phase-shift) line loops and two half-wavelength dipoles). The four elements are fed with the same phase and amplitude. The ZPS line loops provide the horizontal polarization while the dipoles provide the vertical polarization. Therefore, omni-directional circular polarization is formed in the far field. The feeding network consists of a 1–4 T-shaped power divider formed by parallel strip lines. In order to balance the amplitude of the feeding coaxial cable, the structure is used in the bottom to transfer parallel strip line to micro-strip line. Besides, the loops and the dipoles are placed on the different side of the network to guarantee the omni-directional radiation property. The measured impedance bandwidth of the fabricated antenna is 0.13 GHz (2.40–2.53 GHz) and the measured maximum CP gain at 2.45 GHz is 4.8 dBic.
Islamic Religion (Part II)
Authors: Adams Charles J.
Published: May 2019

Apart from the exposition and interpretation of Quranic teaching, which is a vast subject, the critical problems that have preoccupied students of the Qur'ān fall for the most part into four divisions. First there is the question of the origins of the Qur'an in the broadest sense. How did the substance of the book come to be and what sort of material does it constitute? From what kind of roots in the social situation or the personal life of Muhammad does it spring? What is the relation to the literary deposits of other preceding religious traditions? It may be argued that this problem might more properly be considered as an aspect of study of the Prophet since it has to do with the modes of revelation, the nature of prophetic psychology and experience, and the possible prophetic acquaintance with or dependence upon religious writings of Christians and Jews, whether directly or through informants.
Effects of Improved 17O Correction on Interlaboratory Agreement in Clumped Isotope Calibrations, Estimates of Mineral‐Specific Offsets, and Temperature Dependence of Acid Digestion Fractionation
Authors: Petersen S. V. , Defliese W. F. , Saenger C. , Daëron M. , Huntington K. W. , John C. M. , Kelson J. R. , Bernasconi S. M. , Colman A. S. , Kluge T. , Olack G. A. , Schauer A. J. , Bajnai D. , Bonifacie M. , Breitenbach S. F. M. , Fiebig J. , Fernandez A. B. , Henkes G. A. , Hodell D. , Katz A. , Kele S. , Lohmann K. C. , Passey B. H. , Peral M. Y. , Petrizzo D. A. , Rosenheim B. E. , Tripati A. , Venturelli R. , Young E. D. , Winkelstern I. Z.
Published: May 2019

The clumped isotopic composition of carbonate‐derived CO2 (denoted Δ47) is a function of carbonate formation temperature and in natural samples can act as a recorder of paleoclimate, burial, or diagenetic conditions. The absolute abundance of heavy isotopes in the universal standards VPDB and VSMOW (defined by four parameters: R13VPDB, R17VSMOW, R18VSMOW, and λ) impact calculated Δ47 values. Here, we investigate whether use of updated and more accurate values for these parameters can remove observed interlaboratory differences in the measured T‐Δ47 relationship. Using the updated parameters, we reprocess 14 published calibration data sets measured in 11 different laboratories, representing many mineralogies, bulk compositions, sample types, reaction temperatures, and sample preparation and analysis methods. Exploiting this large composite data set (n = 1,253 sample replicates), we investigate the possibility for a “universal” clumped isotope calibration. We find that applying updated parameters improves the T‐Δ47 relationship (reduces residuals) within most labs and improves overall agreement but does not eliminate all interlaboratory differences. We reaffirm earlier findings that different mineralogies do not require different calibration equations and that cleaning procedures, method of pressure baseline correction, and mass spectrometer type do not affect interlaboratory agreement. We also present new estimates of the temperature dependence of the acid digestion fractionation for Δ47 (Δ*25‐X), based on combining reprocessed data from four studies, and new theoretical equilibrium values to be used in calculation of the empirical transfer function. Overall, we have ruled out a number of possible causes of interlaboratory disagreement in the T‐Δ47 relationship, but many more remain to be investigated.
Insights Into Pāhoehoe Lava Emplacement Using Visible and Thermal Structure‐From‐Motion Photogrammetry
Authors: Biass Sébastien , Orr Tim R. , Houghton Bruce F. , Patrick Mathew R. , James Mike R. , Turner Nicolas
Published: May 2019

We present the evolution over 3 months of a 2016–2017 pāhoehoe flow at Kīlauea as it changed from a narrow sheet flow into a compound lava field fed by a stable system of tubes. The portion of the flow located on Kīlauea's coastal plain was characterized using helicopter‐based visible and thermal structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry to construct a series of georeferenced digital surface models and thermal maps on eight different days. Results reveal key influences on the emplacement and evolution of such long‐lived pāhoehoe flows. This region of the flow grew by ~12 × 106 m3 with a near‐constant time‐average discharge rate of 1.2–2.7 m3/s. The development of two tube systems is captured and shows an initial nascent tube enhanced by a narrow topographic confinement, which later inflated and created a topographic inversion that modulated the emplacement of a second flow lobe with its own tube system. The analysis of breakouts at various stages of the field's life suggests that the evolution of the thermal and morphological properties of the flow surface reflect its maturity. Thermal properties of breakouts were used to expand the empirical relationship of breakout cooling to longer timescales. This study contributes to the long‐term development and validation of more accurate predictive models for pāhoehoe, required during the management of long‐lasting lava flow crises in Hawai'i and elsewhere.
Coda Wave Interferometry for Accurate Simultaneous Monitoring of Velocity and Acoustic Source Locations in Experimental Rock Physics
Authors: Singh J. , Curtis A. , Zhao Y. , Cartwright‐Taylor A. , Main I.
Published: May 2019

In many geoscientific, material science, and engineering applications it is of importance to estimate a representative bulk seismic velocity of materials or to locate the source of recorded seismic or acoustic waves. Such estimates are necessary in order to interpret industrial seismic and earthquake seismological data, for example, in nondestructive evaluation and monitoring of structural materials, and as an input to rock physics models that predict other parameters of interest. Bulk velocity is commonly estimated in laboratories from the time of flight of the first‐arriving wave between a source and a receiver, assuming a linear raypath. In heterogeneous media, that method provides biased estimates of the bulk velocity, and of derived parameters such as temporal velocity changes or the locations of acoustic emissions. We show that coda wave interferometry (CWI) characterizes changes in the bulk properties of scattering media far more effectively on the scale of laboratory rock samples. Compared to conventional methods, CWI provides significant improvements in both accuracy and precision of estimates of velocity changes, and distances between pairs of acoustic sources, remaining accurate in the presence of background noise, and when source location and velocity perturbations occur simultaneously. CWI also allows 3‐D relative locations of clusters of acoustic emissions to be estimated using only a single sensor. We present a method to use CWI to infer changes in both P and S wave velocities individually. These innovations represent significant improvements in our ability to characterize the evolution of properties of media for a variety of applications.
Biomechanical System Versus Observational Rating Scale for Parkinson’s Disease Tremor Assessment
Authors: Chan Ping Yi , Mohd Ripin Zaidi , Abdul Halim Sanihah , Kamarudin Muhammad Imran , Ng Kwang Sheng , Eow Gaik Bee , Tan Kenny , Cheah Chun Fai , Then Linda , Soong Nelson , Hor Jyh Yung , Yahya Ahmad Shukri , Arifin Wan Nor , Tharakan John , Mustapha Muzaimi
Published: May 2019

There is a lack of evidence that either conventional observational rating scale or biomechanical system is a better tremor assessment tool. This work focuses on comparing a biomechanical system and the Movement Disorder Society–sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale in terms of test-retest reliability. The Parkinson’s disease tremors were quantified by biomechanical system in joint angular displacement and predicted rating, as well as assessed by three raters using observational ratings. Qualitative comparisons of the validity and function are made also. The observational rating captures the overall severity of body parts, whereas the biomechanical system provides motion- and joint-specific tremor severity. The tremor readings of the biomechanical system were previously validated against encoders’ readings and doctors’ ratings; the observational ratings were validated with previous ratings on assessing the disease and combined motor symptoms rather than on tremor specifically. Analyses show that the predicted rating is significantly more reliable than the average clinical ratings by three raters. The comparison work removes some of the inconsistent impressions of the tools and serves as guideline for selecting a tool that can improve tremor assessment. Nevertheless, further work is required to consider more variabilities that influence the overall judgement.
Extraction of gray-scale intensity distributions from micro computed tomography imaging for femoral cortical bone differentiation between low-magnesium and normal diets in a laboratory mouse model
Authors: Tu Shu-Ju , Wang Shun-Ping , Cheng Fu-Chou , Chen Ying-Ju
Published: May 2019

Previous studies have shown that the geometric development of femoral trabecular bone is affected by insufficient dietary intake of magnesium. However, it is not clear whether the development of femoral cortical bone can be quantitatively evaluated according to a diet with inadequate magnesium supplementation. Therefore, we used a micro computed tomography (CT) imaging approach with a laboratory mouse model to explore the potential application of texture analysis for the quantitative assessment of femoral cortical bones. C57BL/6J male mice were divided into two groups, where one group was fed a normal diet and the other group was fed a low-magnesium diet. We used a micro CT scanner for image acquisition, and the subsequent development of cortical bone was examined by texture analysis based on the statistical distribution of gray-scale intensities in which seven essential parameters were extracted from the micro CT images. Our calculations showed that the mean intensity increased by 7.20% (p = 0.000134), sigma decreased by 29.18% (p = 1.98E-12), skewness decreased by 19.52% (p = 0.0000205), kurtosis increased by 9.62% (p = 0.0877), energy increased by 24.19% (p = 3.32E-09), entropy decreased by 6.14% (p = 3.00E-10), and the Nakagami parameter increased by 104.32% (p = 4.13E-12) in the low-magnesium group when compared to the normal group. We found that the statistical parameters extracted from the gray-scale intensity distribution were able to differentiate between femoral cortical bone developments in the two different diet groups.
Microfluidic technologies for vasculature biomimicry
Authors: Hu Chong , Chen Yangfan , Tan Ming Jun Andrew , Ren Kangning , Wu Hongkai
Published: May 2019

An overview of microfluidic technologies for vascular studies and fabrication of vascular structures.
Theragnosis by a miR-141-3p molecular beacon: simultaneous detection and sensitization of 5-fluorouracil resistant colorectal cancer cells through the activation of the TRIM13-associated apoptotic pathway
Authors: Moon Sung Ung , Park Yongkeun , Park Min Geun , Song Sung Kyu , Jeong Seok Hoo , Lee Yong Seung , Heo Hye Jung , Jung Woon Yong , Kim Soonhag
Published: May 2019

Schematic of the ‘therapy and diagnosis at once (theragnosis)’ for 5-FU resistant colorectal cancer using the miR-141-3p molecular beacon.
Thermal annealing-induced structural reorganization in polymeric photocatalysts for enhanced hydrogen evolution
Authors: Lan Zhi-An , Fang Yuanxing , Chen Xiong , Wang Xinchen
Published: May 2019

Facile reorganization of a conjugated triazine-based polymer structure has been adopted to optimize its optical, electronic, and photocatalytic properties.
Construction, characterization, and growth mechanism of high-density jellyfish-like GaN/SiOxNy nanomaterials on p-Si substrate by Au-assisted chemical vapor deposition approach
Authors: Li Pengkun , Li Kang , Sun Shujing , Chen Chenlong , Wang B. G.
Published: May 2019

High-density GaN/SiOxNy jellyfish-like nanomaterials are synthesized on Au-coated p-type Si substrates by a chemical vapor deposition approach.
Highly fluorinated metal complexes as dual 19F and PARACEST imaging agents
Authors: Yu Meng , Bouley Bailey S. , Xie Da , Que Emily L.
Published: May 2019

Highly fluorinated, water-soluble transition metal complexes serve as both 19F and PARACEST magnetic resonance imaging agents.
Mesoporous carbon hollow spheres as a light weight microwave absorbing material showing modulating dielectric loss
Authors: Chen Jiabin , Liang Xiaohui , Liu Wei , Gu Weihua , Zhang Baoshan , Ji Guangbin
Published: May 2019

Mesoporous carbon hollow spheres (MCHS) were fabricated by a simple one-pot process. Their great microwave absorption properties are attributed to the outstanding impedance matching and strong dielectric loss.
Antifouling digital microfluidics using lubricant infused porous film
Authors: Geng Hongyao , Cho Sung Kwon
Published: May 2019

We report antifouling digital microfluidics by introducing a lubricant infused porous film to electrowetting, showing high performance and robustness even in long cyclic operations without fouling for a variety of bio-solutions.
3D flower-like CoNi2S4/polyaniline with high performance for glycerol electrooxidation in an alkaline medium
Authors: Du Jiawen , Xie Aijuan , Zhu Shichao , Xiong Zhichen , Yu Xianglang , Yang Fanqing , Tao Yuwei , Luo Shiping
Published: May 2019

Schematic of the fabrication of CoNi2S4/PANI.
Real-time direct transmission electron microscopy imaging of phase and morphology transformation from solid indium oxide hydroxide to hollow corundum-type indium oxide nanocrystallites
Authors: Schlicker Lukas , Popescu Radian , Bekheet Maged F. , Doran Andrew , Gerthsen Dagmar , Gurlo Aleksander
Published: May 2019

This work clarifies the mechanism of the formation of hollow nanostructures (nanotubes and nanospheres) during the InOOH to rh-In2O3 transformation.
Direct Csp3–H methylenation of 2-arylacetamides using DMF/Me2NH-BH3 as the methylene source
Authors: Liu Yuting , Wang Chang-Ling , Xia Hui-Min , Wang Zhijuan , Wang Yi-Feng
Published: May 2019

A direct Csp3–H methylenation reaction using DMF/Me2NH-BH3 as the methylene source was developed for the synthesis of useful 2-arylarylacrylamides.
Tautomerism and stereodynamics in Schiff bases from gossypol and hemigossypol withN-aminoheterocycles
Authors: Matamoros Esther , Cintas Pedro , Palacios Juan Carlos
Published: May 2019

Gossypol, a natural male contraceptive, can be functionalizedviadynamic imine linkages, whose tautomerism has been explored in detail.
Mild synthesis of environment-friendly thermoplastic triblock copolymer elastomers through combination of ring-opening and RAFT polymerization
Authors: Fang Chu , Wang Xuehui , Chen Xuesi , Wang Zhigang
Published: May 2019

Environment-friendly thermoplastic triblock copolymer elastomers, polylactide-block-polyisoprene-block-polylactide, were synthesized by a mild ROP and RAFT method.
Diversity-oriented submonomer synthesis of azapeptides mediated by the Mitsunobu reaction
Authors: Dai Chuan , Ma Jun , Li Min , Wu Wen , Xia Xuefeng , Zhang Jinqiang
Published: May 2019

A new approach featuring the Mitsunobu reaction for the convenient synthesis of azapeptides on a solid support.
Semiconductors as heterogeneous visible light photoredox catalysts in combined dual metal catalyzed C–H functionalizations
Authors: Fabry David C. , Zoller Jochen , Rueping Magnus
Published: May 2019

A protocol for C–H olefination with heterogeneous photocatalysts and visible light together with transition metals has been developed.
Down-regulation of microRNA-138 improves immunologic function via negatively targeting p53 by regulating liver macrophage in mice with acute liver failure
Authors: Wang You-Qiang , Lan You-Yu , Guo Yong-Can , Yuan Qin-Wei , Liu Peng
Published: May 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been frequently identified as key mediators in almost all developmental and pathological processes, including those in the liver. The present study was conducted with aims of investigating the role of microRNA-138 (miR-138) in acute liver failure (ALF) via a mechanism involving p53 and liver macrophage in a mouse model. The ALF mouse model was established using C57BL/6 male mice via tail vein injection of Concanamycin A (Con A) solution. The relationship between miR-138 and p53 was tested. The mononuclear macrophages were infected with mimic and inhibitor of miR-138 in order to identify roles of miR-138 in p53 and levels of inflammatory factors. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blot analysis and ELISA were conducted in order to determine the levels of miR-138, inflammatory factors, and p53 during ALF. The results showed an increase in the levels of miR-138 and inflammatory factors in ALF mice induced by the ConA as time progressed and reached the peak at 12 h following treatment with ConA, while it was on the contrary when it came to the level of p53. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that p53 was a target gene of miR-138. Furthermore, the results from the in vitro transfection experiments in primary macrophages of ALF mouse showed that miR-138 down-regulated p53 and enhanced levels of inflammatory factors; thus, improving immune function in ALF mice. In conclusion, by negatively targeting p53, the decreased miR-138 improves immunologic function by regulating liver macrophage in mouse models of ALF.
Hierarchical optimisation strategy for energy scheduling and volt/var control in autonomous clusters of microgrids
Authors: Castro Manuel V. , Moreira Carlos , Carvalho Leonel M.
Published: May 2019

This study proposes a hierarchical optimisation strategy for the energy dispatch and volt/var control problem of a photovoltaic‐battery microgrid cluster (MGC) operating autonomously. The proposed approach takes advantage of the decentralised control architecture existing in multi‐microgrids (MMGs) framework by distributing the management responsibilities between the microgrid central controllers (MGCCs) and the central autonomous management controller (CAMC). In the first stage, the optimisation strategy solves a multi‐temporal active power scheduling problem for the MGC based on consumption and generation forecasts. In the second stage, the reactive power and volt/var control are addressed by taking into account the medium‐voltage (MV) and low‐voltage levels independently. For this purpose, each MGCC computes the V(Q) capability area of operation at the boundary bus with the MV grid. Then, the CAMC performs an optimal power flow at the MV level for each time step, whose results at the boundary bus are considered in the last stage to schedule reactive power at the MGCC level. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is demonstrated in a cluster of three microgrids. It keeps the modularity, interoperability and scalability characteristics of the MMG concept by clearly defining the roles and the information to be exchanged between the CAMC and the MGCC.
Lebensmittelallergien auf der Spur
Authors: Placke Melanie
Published: May 2019

Dieser Fallbericht soll zeigen, wie unterschiedlich das Beschwerdebild einer Nahrungsmittelallergie sein kann und hierbei nicht immer die klassisch zu erwartenden Symptome beim Patienten vorliegen müssen.

Die Symptomatik kann von Patient zu Patient ganz unterschiedlich und individuell stark ausgeprägt sein. Dies erhöht die Schwierigkeit einer schnellen und sicherstellenden medizinischen Diagnose.

Mithilfe der gezielten Ernährungsberatung und einer entsprechenden Ernährungsanamnese lässt sich das bestehende Ernährungsproblem zügig feststellen und durch nachfolgende Ernährungsinterventionen gezielt behandeln, sodass der betroffene Patient möglicherweise nicht jahrelang, wie im vorliegenden Fallbeispiel, unter seinen Beschwerden leiden muss.
Deep Brain Stimulation as a Treatment Approach for Anorexia Nervosa: a Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Silva Ledismar José da , Naciff Tâmara Husein , Oliveira Maria Flávia Vaz de
Published: May 2019

Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder characterized by distortions of body size, weight, and shape perception, as well as by food restriction and/or binge and purging behaviors. It mostly affects young women and causes severe negative impacts on their physical, psychological, and social health. Recent studies have analyzed deep brain stimulation (DBS), a neurosurgical procedure that involves electrode implantation in strategical brain areas, to obtain remission of the symptoms of anorexia nervosa. The results showed that the stimulation of areas associated to the neurocircuitry of anorexia nervosa, such as nucleus accumbens, anterior cingulate cortex, ventral striatum, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, provokes beneficial responses in terms of body mass index, quality of life, social functioning, and psychiatric comorbidities. Nevertheless, broader investigations are needed to endorse the clinical usage of DBS in the management of anorexia nervosa.
Use of an Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) Dura Substitute in Glioma Surgeries: A Technical Note
Authors: Rotta José Marcus , Reis Rodolfo Casimiro , Carvalho Ana Lucia Mello de , Oliveira Matheus Fernandes de
Published: May 2019

Introduction Reoperations are a common scenario among glioma patients. There is crescent evidence of its benefit in low- and high-grade gliomas. Here we discuss our experience with inert expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) dura substitute in glioma surgeries.

Technical note We generally put the ePTFE dura substitute below the dura of the patient, even if it is intact. This membrane should be sutured in place using a tension-free technique, with 4-0 polypropylene. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene minimizes tissue attachment and fibrosis when performing reoperation in glioma patients.

Discussion Since the literature has shown benefits in survival with reoperation in glioma patients, the use of ePTFE dura substitute can improve surgical time and minimize complications in a second surgery.
Bilateral Unusual Course of the Median Nerve, Variation in Branching Pattern of the Brachial and Superficial Ulnar Arteries: A Rare Case Report of Multiple Neuroarterial Variation
Authors: Ahmadpour Shahriar , Foghi Khadijeh
Published: May 2019

Introduction Bilateral unusual course of the median nerve accompanied with variations of the brachial artery branching pattern are uncommon.

Materials and Methods During the routine educational dissection of an upper limb, an interesting neurovascular variation was found in a 45-year-old male cadaver.

Results We found a bilateral unusual and variant course of the median nerve in the arm region. The right median nerve, after formation, descended from the medial to the brachial artery, crossed the brachial artery anteriorly from medial to lateral, then inferiorly and lied medially to the distal third of the brachial artery, while the left median nerve ran medial to the brachial artery, passing anteriorly from medial to lateral, and, at the distal end of the arm, it buried itself in the brachialis muscle. Another set of findings were absence of the superior and inferior ulnar collateral arteries, superficial ulnar artery in the forearm and common interosseus artery originated from radial artery.

Conclusion These types of compound neurovascular variations are of great importance in orthopedic, vascular, reconstructive surgeries and even in routine nursing care.
Anatomical Pattern of Dorsal Metatarsal Arteries in a Black Kenyan Population
Authors: Amuti Thomas , Oyugi Lee , Ouko Innocent , Ongidi Ibsen , Ogeng'o Julius
Published: May 2019

Introduction Knowledge of anatomical variations in the origin and in the course of the dorsal metatarsal arteries (DMTAs) is valuable for many procedures, including reconstructive surgeries and flap selection. However, there is a paucity of data on these arteries among black Africans.

Materials and Methods The present study studied the origin and the location of DMTAs in 30 formalin-fixed cadaveric feet of adult black Kenyans at the Department of Human Anatomy of the University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.

Results Dorsal metatarsal arteries were present in all of the cases. Of the right dorsalis pedis artery (DPA), in the majority of the cases, the 1st DMTA arose as the continuation of the DPA, while the 2nd to 4th DMTAs were given off as branches from the arcuate artery (AA). On the left feet, in the majority of the cases, the 1st DMTA arose as the continuation of the DPA, while the rest were given off as branches from the AA. In relation to the dorsal interossei muscles, all of the the arteries were either within the muscle fibers (53%) or beneath them (47%), on the right side. On the left side, the 1st DMTA was above the muscles in 40% of the cases; within the muscles in 53%; and beneath the muscles in 7%. The 2nd and 3rd DMTAs were above the muscles in 57% and in 53% of the cases, respectively.

Conclusion These results reveal that the DMTAs show variation in their origin and position relative to the dorsal interossei muscles. These variations display bilateral asymmetry.
Intracranial Subdural Hematoma after Spinal Anesthesia: Report of Two Cases with different Outcomes
Authors: Gago Guilherme , Martins Otávio Garcia , Gobatto Pedro Luís , Costa Fernando Antônio de Oliveira , Santin Ricardo , Magalhães Matheus Prado , Vial Antônio Delacy Martini
Published: May 2019

Spinal anesthesia is a technique commonly used for local anesthesia and in obstetric surgeries. Rarely, the formation of an intracranial subdural hematoma (SDH) may result from spinal anesthesia, constituting a serious condition that often leads to severe neurological deficits. The presentation and course of this pathology may occur in a completely different way, which makes its diagnosis and management difficult. In the present article, the authors report two cases of patients with intracranial SDH after spinal anesthesia with completely different presentations and outcomes, demonstrating the variability of the manifestations of this condition. A quick review of key points of its pathophysiology, symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment was also performed.
Angiographic Findings in Refractory Delayed Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: González Nicolás , Ruiz Alvaro , Mura Jorge
Published: May 2019

Background Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) follows a refractory course in a subgroup of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), leading to diffuse ischemic injury. The role of angiographic vasospasm (AV) is unknown. Our goal is to study the angiographic alterations and the clinical profile of refractory DCI patients.

Methods Retrospective study of patients with SAH who presented with DCI treated with medical and endovascular therapy, with a refractory evolution, defined as multiple ischemic infarction and brain death.

Results Out of a cohort of 336 patients, 7 (2%) developed refractory DCI. The median age of the patients was 48 (38–60) years old. Five patients had ruptured anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms. Four patients were treated with coil embolization, and three with microsurgical clipping. Angiographic vasospasm was classified as severe in 5 cases. Compromise of bilateral circulation was detected in six patients. Distal circulation vasospasm occurred in five cases. Slow circulatory transit times were observed in three patients.

Conclusion Angiographic findings such as bilateral circulatory compromise and distal vasospasm were frequent alterations. Further studies are required to establish the association of these findings with the clinical outcomes.
Deep Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Resistant Depression: Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Julião Ícaro Elias Gualberto Santos , Santana Diego Ferreira , Silva Ledismar José da
Published: May 2019

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and it is related to high suicide rates. Furthermore, a great number of patients do not respond to any of the available treatments. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), a versatile technology with expanding indications, is considered a potential treatment for resistant depression. However, in over 10 years of clinical research, its efficacy has not been completely proven. Although new trials using DBS for treatment-resistant depression keep emerging, two of the three Level I evidence-based studies recently conducted have not provided conclusive data. Methodological limitations and major biases have compromised the obtention of clearer results. In this systematic review of the literature, we intend to critically assess the clinical trials performed in this field.
Proton migration in hydrocarbons induced by slow highly charged ion impact
Authors: Zhang Y. , Wang B. , Wei L. , Jiang T. , Yu W. , Hutton R. , Zou Y. , Chen L. , Wei B.
Published: May 2019

Different from most of the previous studies using light or photons, we use highly charged ions as projectiles to activate proton migration in the smallest saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon molecules, i.e., CH4 and C2H2. The H3+ formation channel (H3+ + CH+) and isomerization channel (C+ + CH2+), serving as indicators of proton migration, are observed in the fragmentation of CH4 and C2H2 dications. Corresponding kinematical information, i.e., kinetic energy release, is for the first time obtained in the collisions with highly charged ions. In particular, for the C+ + CH2+ channel, a new pathway is identified, which is tentatively attributed to the isomerization on high-lying states of acetylene dication. The kinetic energy release spectra for other two-body breakup channels are also determined and precursor dication states could thus be identified.
Microstructure and twisting ability of an adjusted antisymmetric angle ply laminate
Authors: Su Xiaoyu , Ren Zhongjing , Yan Jing , Shi Yong , Pan Quan
Published: May 2019

This letter describes an adjusted antisymmetric angle ply laminate that is able to twist as a result of temperature-dependent deformation. A theoretical explanation for this twisting ability is presented and the adjusted architecture of the proposed laminate is described. The effects of fiber and matrix volume fractions, laminate angle, total laminate thickness, and temperature range on the torsion of the laminate are analyzed. A sample of the proposed microlaminate is produced by a microfabrication process and tested as the temperature is increased from room temperature to 80 °C. Microscopy images reveal that the microlaminate twists by more than 180° within a length of 200 μm. The proposed material and its twisting ability show great potential for application in microrobotic actuators.
Kinetic modeling of unsteady hypersonic flows over a tick geometry
Authors: Tumuklu Ozgur , Levin Deborah A. , Theofilis Vassilis
Published: May 2019

Hypersonic separated flows over the so-called “tick” geometry have been studied using the time-accurate direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method and global linear theory. The free stream condition for two experimental cases studied in the free-piston shock tunnel (named T-ADFA) was modeled. These two cases span a Knudsen number from transitional to continuum, a Mach number of about 10, a free stream enthalpy from 10 to 3 MJ/kg, a Reynolds number varying by a factor of four, and a leading edge geometry varied from sharp to one with a bevel of 0.2 mm. For the first time, the time dependence of flow macroparameters on the leading edge nose radius and the Reynolds number are studied using global linear theory. High-fidelity DSMC simulations showed that the temporal behavior of the separation region, which has significant effects on the surface parameters, depends closely on the leading edge bluntness and wall temperature. The formation of a secondary vortex was seen in about 2 ms for the sharp leading edge, whereas in the rounded leading edge geometry, it formed at earlier 0.7 ms. At a steady state, the size and structure of the separation zone, vortex structures, and surface parameters predicted by DSMC were found to be in good agreement with computational fluid dynamics for the higher density case. Finally, linear stability theory showed that for some leading edge shapes and flow densities, the time to reach the steady state was longer than the facility measurement time.