bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract P869: Racial Disparities in Pregnancy-Associated Stroke, a US Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Gad Mohamed M , Abdeldayem Jasmin , Abdelfattah Omar M , Saad Anas M , Mahmoud Ahmed M , Elgendy Islam Y
Published: March 2021

Introduction:
Pregnancy-associated stroke (PAS) is a rare event but is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Understanding racial disparities in outcomes may help improve care in susceptible populations and shed light on areas of possible targeted improvement.

Methods:
Pregnant and post-partum women hospitalized from January 2002 to December 2017 were identified from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. White and Black women were included in the current study. PAS was identified using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 9 and 10 revisions. In-hospital mortality was the primary outcome. Multivariate regression analysis was used for Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) to adjust for differences in baseline and pregnancy-related comorbidities.

Results:
Among 38,797,752 pregnant and post-partum women, 21.9% were black. A total of 10,959 women (0.03%) suffered from PAS. Of women with PAS, 4,521 (41.3%) were Black. Black women with PAS had a higher in-hospital mortality rate compared to white women (7.8% vs. 5.0%, P< 0.001). A significant disparity was noted in the risk of mortality by age groups where black women of ages 18-24 with PAS had a higher aOR of mortality 2.10, 95% (confidence interval) CI (1.88-2.35) compared to white women, ages 25-29 had aOR of 2.75, 95% CI (2.46-3.07), ages 30-34 had aOR of 3.94, 95% CI (3.50-4.43), ages 35-40 had aOR of 3.73, 95% CI (3.25-4.29), and ages 40 and older had aOR of 1.27, 95% CI (1.08-1.51). A significant difference was noted when stratifying outcome by income as black women in the lowest quartile of income had an aOR of 1.91, 95% CI (1.74-2.10), while those in the highest quartile of income had OR of 2.38, 95% CI (2.02-2.80).

Conclusions:
Black women with PAS were associated with higher in-hospital mortality compared with the White counterparts. These differences were observed mainly among the younger age groups. Targeted interventions are needed to minimize these observed racial differences.
Abstract P873: Structural Racism in Columbus, Ohio Associated With Stroke Prevalence
Authors: Wing Jeffrey J , Lynch Emily E , Laurent Sarah E , Mitchell Bruce C , Richardson Jason , Meier Helen C
Published: March 2021

Introduction:
Racial disparities exist in stroke and stroke outcomes. However, the fundamental cause for these disparities are not biological differences, but structural racism. Using the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) ‘redlining’ scores, as indicator of structural lending practices from middle of the last century, we hypothesize that census tracts with high historic redlining are associated with higher stroke prevalence.

Methods:
Weighted historic redlining scores (HRS) were calculated using the proportion of 1930s HOLC residential security grades contained within 2010 census tract boundaries of Columbus, Ohio. Stroke prevalence (adults >=18) was obtained at the census tract-level from the CDC’s 500 Cities Project. Sociodemographic factors, as measured by census tract level information (American Community Survey 2014-2018), were considered mediators in the causal association between historic redlining (measured in 1936) and stroke prevalence (measured in 2017) and were not controlled for in regression analysis. The functional form of the association was non-linear, so stroke prevalence within quartiles of the HRS were compared using linear regression instead of a continuous score.

Results:
Higher HRS, representing greater redlining, were associated with greater prevalence of stroke when comparing the highest to the lowest quartile of HRS (Figure). Census tracts in the highest quartile of HRS had 1.48% higher stroke prevalence compared to those in the lowest quartile (95% CI: 0.23-2.74). No other interquartile differences were observed.

Conclusions:
Historic redlining practices are a form of structural racism that established geographic systems of disadvantage and consequently, poor health outcomes. Our findings demonstrate disparate stroke prevalence by degree of historic redlining in census tracts across Columbus, Ohio. While ecologic, this study demonstrates the need to acknowledge that racism, not race, drive stroke disparities.
Abstract P89: Covid-19 and Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Summary of the Literature
Authors: Tan Ying Kiat , Goh Claire , Leow Aloysius S , Tambyah Paul A , Ang Alicia , Yap Eng Soo , Tu Tian Ming , Sharma Vijay , Yeo Leonard L , Chan Bernard P , Tan Benjamin Y
Published: March 2021

Background:
Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a life-threatening complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Increasing reports suggest an association between COVID-19 and AIS, although the underlying mechanism remains uncertain.

Objectives:
We performed a systematic review to characterize the clinical characteristics, neuroimaging findings, and outcomes of AIS in COVID-19 patients.

Methods:
A literature search was performed in PubMed and Embase using a suitable keyword search strategy from 1st December 2019 to 29th May 2020. All studies reporting AIS occurrence in COVID-19 patients were included.

Results:
A total of 39 studies comprising 135 patients were studied. The pooled incidence of AIS in COVID-19 patients from observational studies was 1.2% (54/4466) with a mean age of 63.4 ± 13.1 years. The mean duration of AIS from COVID-19 symptoms onset was 10 ± 8 days, and the mean NIHSS score was 19 ± 8. Laboratory investigations revealed an elevated mean D-dimer (9.2 ± 14.8 mg/L) and fibrinogen (5.8 ± 2.0 g/L). Antiphospholipid antibodies were detected in a significant number of cases. The majority of AIS neuroimaging patterns observed was large vessel thrombosis, embolism or stenosis (62.1%, 64/103), followed by multiple vascular territory (26.2%, 27/103). A high mortality rate was reported (38.0%, 49/129).

Conclusion:
We report the pooled incidence of AIS in COVID-19 patients to be 1.2%, with a high mortality rate. Elevated D-dimer, fibrinogen and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies appear to be prominent in COVID-19 patients with concomitant AIS, but further mechanistic studies are required to elucidate their role in pathogenesis.
Abstract P92: Higher Risk of Covid-19 Mortality Among Patients With Preexisting Neurological Disease
Authors: Pan Alan , Potter Thomas , Meeks Jennifer , Khan Osman , GADHIA RAJAN R , Misra Vivek , Horner Philip J , Rostomily Robert , Britz Gavin W , Vahidy Farhaan S
Published: March 2021

Introduction:
Neurotropism of the SARS-CoV-2 has been reported. We evaluated the risk of poor outcomes associated with preexisting neurological disease (PEND) among COVID-19 patients.

Methods:
We analyzed data from COVID-19 Outcomes Registry (CURATOR) at Houston Methodist. All adult (≥ 18 years) patients tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in nasopharyngeal specimens were included. Utilizing ICD-10 diagnoses codes, we classified PEND patients as those with documented history of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias including vascular dementia, primary and metastatic brain tumors, epilepsy, motor neuron disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess the odds of COVID-19 mortality associated with PEND. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) are reported.

Results:
Between March 3 and August 10, 2020, 86,614 individuals were tested for SARS-CoV-2, of whom 14,233 (16.4%) tested positive, with 4,473 (31.4%) hospitalizations, and 431 (9.6%) deaths. Overall 11,473 (13.2%) individuals had PEND, of whom 1,458 (12.7%) tested positive, 966 (66.3%) were hospitalized and 165 (17.1%) died. Among positive cases, PEND (vs. non-PEND) patients were older (67.1 vs. 46.4 years) and had a higher overall comorbidity burden (median Charlson Comorbidity Index: 6 vs. 1). The proportion of PEND patients was significantly higher among COVID-19 patients who died (vs. those who were discharged alive) (38.3% vs. 19.8%, crude OR, CI: 2.51, 2.03 - 3.09). In the fully adjusted model for socio-demographic, comorbidity and clinical factors, PEND was independently associated with higher risk of COVID-19 mortality OR (CI): 1.42 (1.04, 1.95) (graphic).

Conclusions:
Biological mechanisms of higher COVID-19 mortality among patients with PEND need to be evaluated.
Association Between Stroke and Subsequent Risk of Suicide
Authors: Vyas Manav V. , Wang Jeffrey Z. , Gao Meah M. , Hackam Daniel G.
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose:

Poor mental health and depression are well-recognized sequelae of stroke; however, the association between stroke and subsequent risk of suicide is unknown.

Methods:

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar from their inception to September 15, 2020, using keywords and database-specific subjects. We independently adjudicated and selected observational studies that reported suicide attempts or death by suicide in stroke survivors and a comparison group, consisting either of people without a history of stroke or the general population. We evaluated study quality using the Newcastle Ottawa scale. Using random-effects meta-analysis, we calculated the pooled adjusted risk ratio (RR) of suicide in stroke survivors and separately calculated the pooled adjusted RR of suicide attempt and death by suicide. Using prespecified analyses, we explored study-level factors to explain heterogeneity.

Results:

We screened 4093 articles and included 23 studies of fair quality, totaling over 2 million stroke survivors, of whom 5563 attempted suicide or died by suicide. Compared to the nonstroke group, the pooled adjusted RR of suicide in stroke survivors was 1.73 (95% CI, 1.53–1.96,
I
2
=93%), with a significantly (
P
=0.03) higher adjusted risk of suicide attempt (RR, 2.11 [1.73–2.56]) than of death by suicide (RR, 1.61 [1.41–1.84]). A longer follow-up time in cohort studies was associated with a lower risk of suicide (RR, 0.97 [0.95–0.99] for every 1-year increase).

Conclusions:

Stroke should be considered as a risk factor for suicide. Comprehensive strategies to screen and treat depression and suicidal ideation in stroke survivors should be developed to reduce the burden of suicide in stroke survivors.
Youth as Agenda-Setters between Donors and Beneficiaries: The Limited Role of Libyan Youth after 2011
Authors: Loschi Chiara
Published: March 2021

Based on interviews with young Libyan professionals carried out between 2017 and 2018, this paper examines their role as agenda-setters in international organizations operating in their country since 2011. The growing foreign demand for local expertise after the fall of the old regime was met mostly by the young activists who had helped organize the 2011 uprisings. For foreign organizations, Libyan youth have come to embody brokers, fixers, go-betweens, and persons-in-between, becoming key supporting actors in international project implementation. Despite the opportunities seemingly afforded by the collapse of the old regime, this paper shows that Libyan youth, torn between desires for political change and professional advancement, have struggled to influence the agendas of international organizations, leading to feelings of disenfranchisement. The transformative capacity of international projects is thus often limited by this new class of young, globalized elites who are disengaged from the local needs and realities facing Libyan civil society.
Ontogeny of divided vascular cylinders in Serjania: the rise of a novel vascular architecture in Sapindaceae
Authors: Rizzieri Yanã C. , Brandes Arno F.N. , Cunha Neto Israel L. , Somner Genise V. , Lima Michaela J.N. , Pereira André , Tamaio Neusa
Published: March 2021

Sapindaceae lianas are remarkable for the diversity of cambial variants found in their stems. One of the family’s exclusive cambial variant is the divided vascular cylinder, which occurs in eight species of the genus Serjania. This cambial variant is marked by 5 peripheral vascular cylinders around a large pith. We performed a comparative developmental analysis, integrating traditional plant anatomy techniques with high-resolution X-ray micro-computed tomography to investigate the structure and development of the stems of three species with divided vascular cylinder. Our observations showed that the initial stages of stem development were similar to those described in the literature, however, on later developmental stages a central vascular cylinder appears in all species. The ontogeny of these stems are marked by three main processes: (i) dissection of vascular tissue from the peripheral vascular cylinders; (ii) development of new cambial arcs through the redifferentiation of pith cells; and (iii) recruitment of cambial cells from the inner portions of the vascular cambium of the peripheral vascular cylinders, forming a novel central vascular cylinder where the pith was, surrounded by five initial peripheral cylinders. As an ulterior developmental stage, some older stems also develop neoformations and connections between the different vascular cylinders. While our findings support previous descriptions of divided vascular cylinders, this is the first study illustrating the formation of the central vascular cylinder in this cambial variant. Our observations further corroborate that Serjania is the lineage with the highest and some of the most complex forms of cambial variants among all vascular plants.
Capobula gen. nov., a new Afrotropical dark sac spider genus related to Orthobula Simon, 1897 (Araneae: Trachelidae)
Authors: HADDAD CHARLES R. , JIN CHI , PLATNICK NORMAN I. , BOOYSEN RUAN
Published: March 2021

A new genus of the spider family Trachelidae L. Koch, 1872 from the Afrotropical Region is described. Capobula gen. nov. is represented by five species, known from South Africa and Lesotho only. Adults of both sexes of Orthobula infima Simon, 1896a, which is widely distributed in the Western Cape, South Africa, are described for the first time, and this species is transferred to Capobula gen. nov. as its type species. Four new species are described: C. capensis spec. nov. and C. neethlingi spec. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape), C. montana spec. nov. (Lesotho and South Africa: Eastern Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal) and C. ukhahlamba spec. nov. (South Africa: KwaZulu-Natal). A phylogenetic analysis based on the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, including 14 genera of Trachelidae, one genus of Clubionidae Wagner, 1887 and three genera of Phrurolithidae Banks, 1892, supports the placement of Capobula gen. nov. in Trachelidae, with Orthobula Simon, 1897 as its likely closest relative.
A new species of Odontothrips Amyot & Serville (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) from Japan
Authors: MASUMOTO MASAMI , OKAJIMA SHÛJI
Published: March 2021

Odontothrips kudoi sp. n. is described from Japan and details of Japanese distribution of O. biuncus John is recorded. Moreover, O. loti (Haliday) is excluded from the Japanese fauna.
Cephalothrips (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) in Iran with two new species and key to species
Authors: ALAVI JALIL , MINAEI KAMBIZ
Published: March 2021

The genus Cephalothrips Uzel is a weakly defined genus in subfamily Phlaeothripinae with its members apparently living on various dead tissues and the leaves of live plants. Two species, C. bicolor sp. n. and C. corona sp. n., are described from Iran that are remarkable for their bicoloured pattern. An illustrated key is provided for the four species recorded in Iran. Feeding behavior in the genus is discussed briefly.
Improvement on Conductivity for Thick Film Aluminum Paste
Authors: Chuang K. C. , Lee Wen-Hsi
Published: March 2021

With the development of thick-film paste, silver and copper are circulating in the market as the electric conductive fillings currently. Unfortunately, the cost of silver is exceedingly high, while the copper has to be sintered in the reducing atmosphere. In this study, we proposed
to exert aluminum as the filling due to its low cost, good electrical conductivity, and capability of being sintered in air. By means of the fracture mechanism of the oxidation layer of the Al surface and the liquid phase sintering, the Al paste with high solid content is used to implement
high electrical conductivity. Based on that Al powder with large particle size tends to fracture easily, while it is easy for Al powder with small size to fill the gap, we mixed Al powder with large and small particle sizes at different proportion, so that the internal micro-structure and
the oxidization are observed. However, when glass frit was added into mixed Al powder, the Al particles are wet by glass frit for bonding Al particles as well as inhibiting oxidation. Effect of the glass frit content and the solid content of Al paste on conductivity are investigated in this
study. The sheet resistance of Al paste sintered at 850 °C for 10 min. can be reduced to 4.5 mΩ/□ when Al paste is formulated based on the mixed Al particles with proportion of big to small (4:1) at 10 wt% glass frit content and 80 wt% solid content.
Development of Near Gold-Colored TixZr1-xN Nano Thin Films by Arc Ion Plating
Authors: Jeong Woon-Jo
Published: March 2021

A gold plating technique with wet chemical solution is widely used to make different metallic colors for various industrial applications. However, it results in environmental pollution due to the generation of contaminated water, and it is also an expensive process. As an alternative
approach, it is often desirable to use the Physical Vapor Deposition coating method that does not generate such pollution, and to use cheaper material to imitate gold colors. In this letter, target materials consisting of Ti–Zr alloy are employed to realize tens of nanometers thickness
metallic thin film that can produce a metallic color that is close to that of natural gold. TiZrN thin films with a thickness ranging (2,000 to 4,000) nm are formed on a substrate using Arc Ion Plating. The results showed that the thin films exhibited an adhesion force of 50 N or more and
a hardness of 1,500 Hv or more under a −100 V bias condition, and various gold colors could be realized by changing the ratio of Ti and Zr element of the alloy target.
Thermal Characteristics of Cu Matrix-SiC Filler Composite Using Nano-Sized Cu Powder
Authors: Oh Bok-Hyun , Jung Choong-Hwan , Kong Heon , Lee Sang-Jin
Published: March 2021

A Cu metal-ceramic filter composite with high thermal conductivity and a suitable thermal expansion coefficient was designed to be applied to high performance heat dissipation materials. The purpose of using the ceramic filler was to decrease the high coefficient of thermal expansion
of Cu matrix utilizing the high thermal conductivity of Cu. In this study, a SiC ceramic filler powder was added to the Cu sol including Zn as a liquid phase sintering agent. The final complex was produced by applying a PVB polymer to prepare a homogeneous precursor followed by sintering in
a reducing atmosphere. The pressureless sintered composite showed lower thermal conductivity than pure bulk Cu due to the some residual pores. In the case of the Cu–SiC composite in which 10 wt% of SiC filler was added, it showed a thermal conductivity of 100 W/m·°C and a
thermal expansion coefficient of 13.3×10−6/°C. The thermal conductivity showed some difference from the theoretical calculated value due to the pores in the composite, but the thermal expansion coefficient did not show a significant difference.
Microstructure and Sintering Behaviors of Al–Cr–xSi (at.%) System Alloys Processed by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Kim Yong-Ho , Yoo Hyo-Sang , Son Hyeon-Taek
Published: March 2021

In this study, microstructure and sintering behaviors of the gas-atomized Al-(25 or 30) Cr–xSi alloy (x = 5, 10 and 20 at.%) during spark plasma sintering (SPS) process were investigated. Gas-atomized alloy powders were manufactured using Ar gas atomizer process. These
alloy powders were consolidated using SPS process at different temperature under pressure 60 MPa in vacuum. Microstructures of the gas-atomized powders and sintered alloys were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy–dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), and transmission
electron microscopy (TEM). Hardness of the SPS sintered alloys was measured using micro Vickers hardness tester. The Al–Cr–Si bulks with high Cr and Si content were produced successfully using SPS sintering process without crack and obtained fully dense specimens close to nearly
100% T. D. (Theoretical Density). The maximum values of the hardness were 834 Hv for the sintered specimen of the gas atomized Al–30Cr–20Si alloy. Enhancement of hardness value was resulted from the formation of the multi-intermetallic compound with the hard and thermally stable
phases and fine microstructure by the addition of high Cr and Si.
Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Surface with Curved Grooves Using High Power Diode Laser
Authors: Jang Mu-Yeon , Kim Chan-Jung , Park Jeong-Woo , Baek Seung-Yub , Kim Tae-Wan
Published: March 2021

Most studies on hydrophobic surfaces processed by lasers rely on the use of pico- or femtosecond lasers. However, in industrial application, the fabrication methods using pico- or femtosecond lasers have the disadvantages of high cost and low efficiency In this study, we tried to fabricate
hydrophobic surfaces using a high-power general-purpose diode laser. We have fabricated various micro/nano hierarchical structures for aluminum (Al5052) surface using laser groove processing technology. The surface of laser ablated micro structure is decorated with nano roughness, resulting
in micro/nano hierarchical structure. Specimen with curved grooves are fabricated, and the correlation of wettability characteristics with spaces, widths, and curvature radii of grooves are presented. It was found that the higher contact angle was formed with a decrease of the curvature radius.
We have also fabricated specimens with various micro-wavy surface pattern. The water droplets on the micro-wavy pattern kept the spherical shape with a high contact angle of 165 degrees or more.
Polarization Reversal Characteristics in Capacitors with a Metal/Insulator/Ferroelectric/Metal Structure
Authors: Rahman Sheik Abdur , Saqib Muhammad , Khan Shenawar Ali , Mutee Ur Rehman Hafiz Mohammad , Kim Woo Young
Published: March 2021

A metal/insulator/ferroelectric/metal structure was fabricated using a covering of approximately 10 nm thick of an insulating polystyrene film on a ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) film. To fabricate several samples, the thickness of the ferroelectric film was
held constant while the thickness of the insulating film was varied from 8 to 24 nm. The polarization– voltage relationships were measured to extract the main parameters, in this case the remanent polarization, depolarization, coercive voltage and biased voltage values. As the insulating
film becomes thicker, the remanent polarization and coercive voltage values tended to increase. On the other hand, depolarization and biased voltage values decreased. By analyzing the above mentioned parameters, a certain optimum insulator thickness could be predicted. This work shows that
metal/insulator/ferroelectric/metal devices are more useful than metal/ferroelectric/metal capacitors.
Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Based Silicone Ophthalmic Contact Lens Material Containing Neodymium Nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Min-Jae , Sung A-Young
Published: March 2021

This research was conducted to analyze the compatibility of used monomers and produce the high functional POSS-based ophthalmic polymer containing silicone monomers and neodymium nanoparticle. Synthesized silicone polymer (SiD), trimethylsilylmethacrylate (TSMA), N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone
(NVP) and neodymium nanoparticles were used as additives for the basic combination of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), and methyl methacrylate (DMA). And also, the materials were copolymerized with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the cross-linking agent, azobisisobutyronitrile
(AIBN) as the initiator. It is judged that the POSS-co-NVP polymer is optically good and thus have good compatibility. Especially copolymerization with TSMA showed high oxygen permeability, but with SID considered to be more stable judging by lens shape. Physical properties shows that the
neodymium nanoparticle increases the wettability while maintaining water content. These materials are considered to make synergy effect each other, so it can be used in functional hydrogel ophthalmic lenses.
Preparation and Analysis of Functional Silicone Hydrogel Lenses Containing ZrO2 and Antimony Tin Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Shin Su-Mi , Sung A-Young
Published: March 2021

This study prepared silicone hydrogel ophthalmic lenses using 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA), synthesized silicone monomer (SID), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide (HEA), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (a crosslinking agent, EGDMA), and azobisisobutyronitrile
(an initiator, AIBN). Also, Zirconium oxide (ZrO2), antimony tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles were added to the silicone hydrogel material to analyze the characteristics of the nanoparticles. The mixture was heated at 130 °C for 2 hours to produce the ophthalmic contact lens by
cast mould method. As a result, the manufactured silicone hydrogel lens was prepared having high oxygen permeability and tensile strength while satisfying the basic requirements of ophthalmic hydrogel lens materials. Also, the addition of ZrO2 NPs increased tensile strength of the
manufactured lens, and ATO NPs were found to improve wettability. Therefore, ZrO2 and ATO nanoparticles can be used effectively as additives for functional ophthalmic silicone hydrogel lenses.
Conversion of Amorphous Carbon on Silicon Nanostructures into Similar Shaped Semi-Crystalline Graphene Sheets
Authors: Wallace Steaphan M. , Subramani Thiyagu , Jevasuwan Wipakorn , Fukata Naoki
Published: March 2021

Graphene sheets displaying partial crystallinity and nanowire structures were formed on a silicon substrate with silicon nanowires by utilizing an amorphous carbon source. The carbon source was deposited onto the silicon nanostructured substrate by breaking down a polymer precursor
and was crystallized by a nickel catalyst during relatively low temperature inert gas annealing. The resulting free-standing graphene-based material can remain on the substrate surface after catalyst removal or can be removed as a separate film. The film is flexible, continuous, and closely
mimics the silicon nanostructure. This follows research on similar solid carbon precursor derived semi-crystalline graphene synthesis procedures and applies it to complex silicon nanostructures. This work examined the progression of the carbon, finding that it migrates through the thin film
catalyst and forms the graphene only on the other side, and that the process can successfully be used to form 3D shaped graphene films. Semi-crystalline graphene has the possible application of being flexible transparent electrodes, and the 3D shaping opens the possibility of more complex
configurations and applications.
Inbound M&As in India: Issues and Challenges
Authors: Rao K. S. Chalapati , Dhar Biswajit
Published: March 2021

The economic reforms of 1991 drastically transformed India’s approach toward foreign direct investment (FDI). The focus has been on attracting increasingly large amounts of FDI. There were no regulations on mergers and acquisitions for two decades, and when they were finally introduced in 2011 under the Competition Act, 2002, they were rendered ineffective by setting high thresholds, providing exemptions, and by narrowly focusing on competition. As a result, major domestic companies as also emerging leaders were taken over. Many foreign companies gained strong hold in the economy without adding capacities. The domestic private corporate sector lagged far behind in various respects. Belying the expectations of the policy makers, it invested far too inadequately in research and development. This article argues that India should not continue its reliance on FDI to achieve the goal of creating an internationally competitive manufacturing sector. India should do more than establishing an FDI review mechanism. Cross-border acquisitions must be subjected to strict scrutiny by a specialized agency. Proactive and coordinated measures must be devised to encourage domestic enterprises. Special attention must be given to providing long-term risk capital.
No Compassion for Muslims? How Journalistic News Coverage of Terrorist Crimes Influences Emotional Reactions and Policy Support Depending on the Victim’s Religion
Authors: Schmuck Desirée , Matthes Jörg , von Sikorski Christian
Published: March 2021

Islamist terrorist attacks have become a salient threat to Western countries, and news coverage about such crimes is a key predictor of public emotional reactions and policy support. We examine the effects of two key characteristics of terrorism news coverage: (1) the victim’s religion and (2) first-person narratives that facilitate perspective taking. A quota-based experiment ( N = 354) revealed that irrespective of the narrative type, news reports that mention the victims’ Muslim religion induce less anger and compassion, but more joy among non-Muslim news consumers. However, fear was equally induced by all news articles. As a consequence, fear, anger, and joy predicted support for more restrictive terrorism policies, while anger and compassion were related to more support for victim compensation.
Mechanical properties characterization of fiber reinforced composites by nonlinear constitutive parameter optimization in short beam shear specimens
Authors: Van Der Vossen Bastiaan CW , Makeev Andrew V
Published: March 2021

This work presents a novel approach to quantify the nonlinear shear stress-strain behavior of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites without finite element stress calculation. Full-field noncontact deformation measurements using Digital Image Correlation are used to measure surface strains in Short Beam Shear IM7/8552 specimens. The presented spline-based optimization technique solves the inverse problem of generating both axial and shear stress-strain curves without ad hoc assumptions on the material model. Accuracy of the analysis method was verified by finite element analysis (FEA). This method improves on available closed-form and iterative FEA based solutions due to flexibility and accuracy without the computational expense.
Anaesthesia of laboratory, aquaculture and ornamental fish: Proceedings of the first LASA-FVS Symposium
Authors: Schroeder Paul , Lloyd Richard , McKimm Robin , Metselaar Matthijs , Navarro Jorge , O’Farrell Martin , Readman Gareth D. , Speilberg Lars , Mocho Jean-Philippe
Published: March 2021

Following on from the Annual Fish Veterinary Society Conference, this symposium was organised with the Laboratory Animal Science Association and brought together experts from ornamental (pond and aquarium) fish practice, aquaculture and aquatic-research facilities to discuss good practice of anaesthesia. This proceedings paper gives an overview of relevant experiences involving a range of immersion drugs including tricaine, benzocaine and isoeugenol, as well as a summary of the main topics of discussion. While fish anaesthesia is commonplace, administration methods, drugs and monitoring procedures may often be regarded as antiquated when compared with mammalian practice. These limitations notwithstanding, individual fish will benefit from good anaesthetic monitoring. Although the most common anaesthetic drugs may be perceived as equally efficacious and therefore interchangeable for different settings, challenges are different for the anaesthesia of grouped fish, when determining species-dependent anaesthetic dosing in a multi-species tank, or adapting to farming requirements, nationally licensed products, costs and withdrawal periods. The fish anaesthetic arsenal fails to address premedication, analgesia and issues of averseness. The two latter factors should be part of the evaluation of anaesthetic protocols; therefore, instructions for the analgesic provision of lidocaine to fin clipped zebrafish are proposed. Euthanasia practices could sometimes be refined too. Alternative physical methods such as electrical stunning are options to be considered.
Looking Beyond the Provision of Injecting Equipment to People Who Use Anabolic Androgenic Steroids: Harm Reduction and Behavior Change Goals for UK Policy
Authors: Bates Geoff , McVeigh Jim , Leavey Conan
Published: March 2021

Understanding of the choices and motivations of people who use anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) for muscular enhancement has increased greatly in the past thirty years, along with understanding of a wide range of health harms associated with this form of drug use in the community. During this period the predominant public health intervention for this population in the UK has consistently remained the provision of injecting equipment to prevent blood borne virus (BBV) transmission. The study explored the health professionals’ and other stakeholders’ perceptions on: whether the current UK public health response is sufficient to address the needs of people who use AAS, and if not, what other needs they might have. This included an exploration of whether there were gaps in harm reduction strategies or other behavioral outcomes and interventions that were needed. Interviews with 27 stakeholders who provide support to people who use AAS in a variety of roles established consensus on the need for a range of interventions to reduce harm and risk in those that choose to use AAS, to prevent initiation, to motivate and support cessation, and to prevent relapse. Study findings indicate that while providing sterile injecting equipment remains essential, it should be considered a bare minimum. The challenge is to develop and deliver a range of harm reduction interventions that look beyond BBV prevention to provide appropriate support to who choose to use AAS at all points in their cycles of use and ultimately for those choosing the temporary or permanent cessation of use.
Predicting Longitudinal Changes in Familism in an Emerging Immigrant Context
Authors: Mejia Yesenia , Taylor Laura K. , Stein Gabriela L. , Gonzalez Laura M.
Published: March 2021

Building on the Behavioral Process Model of Familism, the current study examined the longitudinal association between public and private ethnic regard and familial support, and familism values in a sample of 141 Latinx 7th–10th graders living in a semi-rural, emerging immigrant community. Analyses revealed that changes in public and private regard were positively related to changes in familism ( p<.001) over time, but there were no cross-lagged associations. Additionally, changes in familism were positively and significantly correlated with changes in family support ( p<.001), and more family support at T1 was related to growth in familism at T2 ( p<.001). These findings suggest that familial processes set the stage for continued growth in familism values across adolescence. These results highlight the importance of the family in fostering the growth of familism values over time for youth in emerging immigrant communities.
Quantitative Assessment of Neuroinflammation, Myelinogenesis, Demyelination, and Nerve Fiber Regeneration in Immunostained Sciatic Nerves From Twitcher Mice With a Tissue Image Analysis Platform
Authors: Wilson Irene , Vitelli Cathy , Yu Guoying Karen , Pacheco Glenn , Vincelette Jon , Bunting Stuart , Sisó Sílvia
Published: March 2021

Scoring demyelination and regeneration in hematoxylin and eosin–stained nerves poses a challenge even for the trained pathologist. This article demonstrates how combinatorial multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative digital pathology bring new insights into the peripheral neuropathogenesis of the Twitcher mouse, a model of Krabbe disease. The goal of this investigational study was to integrate modern pathology tools to traditional anatomic pathology microscopy workflows, in order to generate quantitative data in a large number of samples, and aid the understanding of complex disease pathomechanisms. We developed a novel IHC toolkit using a combination of CD68, periaxin-1, phosphorylated neurofilaments and SOX-10 to interrogate inflammation, myelination, axonal size, and Schwann cell counts in sciatic nerves from 17-, 21-, 25-, and 35-day-old wild-type and Twitcher mice using self-customized digital image algorithms. Our quantitative analyses highlight that nerve macrophage infiltration and interstitial expansion are the earliest detectable changes in Twitcher nerves. By 17 days of age, while the diameter of axons is small, the number of myelinated axons is still normal. However, from 21 days onward Twitcher nerves contain 75% of wild-type myelinated nerve fiber numbers despite containing 3 times more Schwann cells. In 35-day-old Twitcher mice when demyelination is detectable, nerve myelination drops to 50%.
Do Firm Growth Models Work in Service Industries in Developing Economies? An Investigation of the Relationship Between Firms’ Growth, Size and Age
Authors: Villari Boby Chaitanya , Subramanian Balaji , Kumar Piyush , Hota Pradeep Kumar
Published: March 2021

Growth models such as Gibrat’s law and Jovanovic’s theory that examine the relationship between the firms’ growth, age and size have either been tested on data from developed economies or from the manufacturing sectors in developing economies. This study checks the suitability of these models in service sectors in developing economies as service sectors have distinct characteristics and developing economies such as India are heavily dependent on this sector. The current study considers three major service sectors contributing to India’s economy vis-à-vis financial services, information technology and real estate for the period 2002–2005. We observed that during 2002–2005, India’s economy was stable without wide fluctuations in economic performance, such as gross domestic product, unemployment or inflation. These sectors not only had a significant impact on economic growth but also had comprehensive microeconomic data. Our results negate both Gibrat’s law and Jovanovic’s theory. We argue that service sectors which are knowledge-intensive will experience different growth patterns compared to manufacturing sectors. We find a definite and significant relationship between firms’ growth and their size and age. Also, we find concluding evidence that younger firms up to 10 years of age struggle a lot more than older firms in the Indian service sector.

JEL: D20, D21, D22, D02
Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials and one open-label, long-term trial of brexpiprazole for the acute treatment of bipolar mania
Authors: Vieta Eduard , Sachs Gary , Chang Denise , Hellsten Johan , Brewer Claudette , Peters-Strickland Timothy , Hefting Nanco
Published: March 2021

Background:

Brexpiprazole is a dopamine/serotonin receptor partial agonist (D2, 5-HT1A) and antagonist (5-HT2A) approved for treatment of schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (adjunct to antidepressants).

Aims:

This study aimed to investigate brexpiprazole as monotherapy in acute mania (bipolar I disorder) in two short-term (ST) studies (study 080 and study 081) and one open-label (OL) extension (study 083).

Methods:

ST studies were three-week randomized, double-blind, flexible dose (2–4 mg/day), placebo-controlled studies. The primary endpoint was mean change in Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) total score from baseline to day 21. The OL study was a 26-week flexible dose (2–4 mg/day) study for patients completing the ST studies.

Results:

A total of 164 and 158 (study 080) and 170 and 162 (study 081) inpatients with DSM-5 mania with/without mixed features were randomized to placebo or brexpiprazole, respectively. The primary analyses did not show a statistically significant difference between brexpiprazole and placebo: study 080: least squares mean difference (95% confidence limits): 0.14 (−1.74, 2.03), p = 0.8797; study 081: −1.62 (−3.56, 0.32), p = 0.1011. OL study patients ( n = 381) demonstrated a gradual improvement in YMRS total score. Akathisia was the only adverse event, with an incidence of ⩾5% with brexpiprazole and more than placebo in the ST studies, or ⩾5% in the OL study. Brexpiprazole was more efficacious in patients with impaired or no insight (predominantly EU patients) than in patients with excellent insight (predominantly US patients).

Conclusions:

Further studies are necessary to address the potential efficacy of brexpiprazole in acute mania, which should ensure that the study sample is severe enough (especially with regard to insight), and that the dose/titration schedule is not too modest.
Evaluation of Myogenin and MyoD1 as Immunohistochemical Markers of Canine Rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Tuohy Joanne L. , Byer Brittney J. , Royer Suzanne , Keller Charles , Nagai-Singer Margaret A. , Regan Daniel P. , Seguin Bernard
Published: March 2021

Canine rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) presents a diagnostic challenge due to its overlapping histologic features with other soft tissue sarcomas. The diagnosis of RMS currently relies on positive immunohistochemical (IHC) labeling for desmin; however, desmin expression is also observed in non-RMS tumors. Myogenin and MyoD1 are transcription factors reported to be sensitive and specific IHC markers for human RMS, but they are not widely used in veterinary oncology. The goals of this study were to develop an IHC protocol for myogenin and MyoD1, evaluate myogenin and MyoD1 labeling in canine RMS, and report clinical outcomes. Sixteen cases of possible RMS were retrospectively evaluated. A diagnosis of RMS was confirmed in 13 cases based on histological features and immunolabeling for myogenin and MyoD1, with the aid of electron microscopy in 2 cases. Desmin was negative in 3 cases of RMS. Two cases were of the sclerosing variant. The median age of dogs with RMS was 7.2 years. Anatomic tumor locations included previously reported sites such as bladder, larynx, heart, and orbit, as well as other locations typical of soft tissue sarcomas. Survival ranged from 47 to 1480 days for 5 dogs with available data. This study demonstrated that MyoD1 and myogenin should be included with desmin as part of a diagnostic IHC panel for canine RMS. Utilization of these antibodies to improve the accuracy of canine RMS diagnosis will ultimately allow for better characterization of the biological behavior and clinical outcomes of this disease, providing the groundwork for future comparative investigations in canine RMS.
Assessing the Elastic Moduli of Pavement Marking Tapes using the Tape Drape Test
Authors: Rencheck Mitchell L. , Gohl Jared A. , Grennan Hugh P. , Erk Kendra A. , Davis Chelsea S.
Published: March 2021

Temporary pavement marking (TPM) tape adhesion with roadway surfaces is critical for tape performance. The two main TPM performance issues both stem from the adhesive strength. Weak adhesion results in premature detachment and excessive adhesion requires extensive removal processes that often leave ghost markings, both of which can cause dangerous confusion in road construction zones. Tape adhesion is directly related to the elastic modulus [Formula: see text] of TPM tapes. Thus, accurate characterization of [Formula: see text] before tape installation is essential to fully understand and predict the adhesion performance and ultimately the durability of TPMs. To determine the most appropriate [Formula: see text] characterization technique for three different commercial TPM tape brands, two commonly used techniques—tensile and three-point bend testing—were compared with a less common technique, the Peirce cantilever testing or “Tape Drape Test” (ASTM D1388-18). The Tape Drape Test was the only method that accurately characterized [Formula: see text] of tapes with raised surface features. Measured [Formula: see text] values from tensile and three-point bend testing showed significant variation caused by the structural features of the tapes. The Tape Drape Test, which can be implemented quickly in the field before tape installation with little equipment, effectively characterized [Formula: see text] for all the tapes to inform tape adhesion performances and installation procedures.
Comparison Between Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation and Arthroscopic Fragment Resection for Large Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans in Adolescent Athletes: A Minimum 5 Years’ Follow-up
Authors: Ueda Yusuke , Sugaya Hiroyuki , Takahashi Norimasa , Matsuki Keisuke , Tokai Morihito , Morioka Takeshi , Hoshika Shota , Takeuchi Yasutaka
Published: March 2021

Background:

The choice of surgical option for unstable large capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in skeletally immature athletes remains controversial.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to investigate functional and radiographic outcomes after arthroscopic fragment resection and osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) for unstable large capitellar OCD lesions in skeletally immature athletes with a minimum 5 years’ follow-up. We hypothesized that the outcomes after OAT for large capitellar OCD lesions would be superior to those after arthroscopic fragment resection.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 19 elbows in 19 patients (17 male and 2 females) who underwent arthroscopic resection were assigned to group 1 (mean age, 14 years [range, 13-15 years]), whereas 29 elbows in 29 patients (29 male) who underwent OAT were assigned to group 2 (mean age, 14 years [range, 13-15 years]), with the mean follow-up of 8 (range, 5-11 years) and 7 (range, 5-13 years) years, respectively. All OCD lesions were larger than one-half of the radial head diameter. Functional scores, patient satisfaction, and range of motion were compared between the groups. Radiographic changes, including superior migration, radial head enlargement, and osteoarthritis (OA) grade, were examined.

Results:

All patients returned to sports activity. Functional scores, patient satisfaction, and flexion at the final follow-up were significantly improved in both groups compared with preoperative values, and differences were not significant between groups at the final follow-up. Extension showed a significant improvement in both groups (group 1: –17° to 0°; group 2: –18° to −6°; P < .001). Extension in group 1 was significantly better than that in group 2 at the final follow-up ( P = .045). No elbows developed postoperative severe OA in group 1, whereas 3 elbows in group 2 had grade 3 OA; these 3 elbows had preoperative superior migration and radial head enlargement.

Conclusion:

No differences were observed in clinical and radiographic outcomes between patients undergoing arthroscopic fragment resection and OAT, except for elbow extension, at a minimum 5 years’ follow-up. We believe that for adolescents with large capitellar OCD lesion, OAT is a good option for skeletally immature elbows and that arthroscopic fragment resection is a reliable and less invasive surgical option for relatively mature elbows.