bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Safety and Efficiency of Tirofiban in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated with Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhao Lili , Jian Yating , Li Tao , Wang Heying , Lei Zhang , Sun Man , Li Ye , Zhang Yiheng , Dang Meijuan , Huqing Wang , Hong Sun , Ru Zhang , Zhang Hongxing , Jia Yi , Guogang Luo , Guilian Zhang
Published: May 2020

Introduction. Limited comparative studies have reported the safety and efficacy of tirofiban in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients after mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Additionally, the available studies are inconsistent with each other, which makes application of tirofiban unclear in neuro-intervention. Here, we performed a comparative retrospective study to investigate whether tirofiban combined with MT improves short- and long-term prognosis in AIS patients and whether its use is associated with complications. Method. Retrospective data were collected for AIS patients admitted between January 2013 and January 2019 at three stroke centers. According to whether tirofiban was used during the operation, patients were divided into tirofiban group and control group. Multivariate and COX regression analyses were performed to determine the association of tirofiban treatment with safety and efficiency in subjects treated with MT. Result. A total of 174 patients were analyzed, of whom 89 (51.1%) were treated with tirofiban. There were no differences in the incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (10.2% vs. 10.6%, p=0.918), parenchymal hemorrhage type 2 (18.0% vs. 16.5%, p=0.793), and reocclusion at 24 h (3.4% vs. 10.6%, p=0.060) between the tirofiban group and control group. Multivariate regression showed that tirofiban was not associated with intracerebral hemorrhage, early neurological deterioration, neurological improvement at 7 days, functional independence at 3-month and 9-month follow-up, or death at 9-month follow-up (adjusted p>0.05 for all). However, AIS patients treated with MT + tirofiban showed a trend towards acquiring faster functional independence, with a median time to acquire functional independence of 4.0 months compared with 6.5 months in the control group (risk ratio = 1.49, 95% confidence interval 0.98–2.27; long rank p=0.066). Conclusion. Tirofiban may help AIS patients given MT to gain functional independence faster, without increasing the risk of complications.
A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study of Manipulative Dexterity on Different Subtypes of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Huertas-Hoyas Elisabet , Máximo-Bocanegra Nuria , Diaz-Toro Carlos , Montes-Diez Raquel , Pérez-Corrales Jorge , Sánchez-Herrera-Baeza Patricia , Martínez-Piédrola Rosa Mª , García-Bravo Cristina , Sánchez-Camarero Carlos , Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres Marta
Published: May 2020

Background. Manipulative dexterity impairments affect 76% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients with MS can experience reduced skill when performing both basic activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Many studies consider that physical rehabilitation leads to a decrease in the level of disability, especially at the mild and moderate stages of the disease. However, most studies fail to distinguish between the different MS subtypes. Purpose. Our aims were (1) to describe the manipulative skills of people according to the different subtypes of MS, (2) to analyze the correlation between dexterity and self-perception variables, and (3) to identify possible predictors of functionality. Study Design. A descriptive cross-sectional study. Methods. 30 individuals with MS. The measurement tools used were the ABILHAND, the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT), the Nine-Hole Peg Test, and the Box and Block Test. Results. All subtypes of MS obtained lower scores for manipulative dexterity compared to normal skill levels, with individuals with primary progressive MS displaying the lowest values. However, the analysis of differences between the different subtypes did not reveal statistically significant intragroup differences. In addition, differences were found regarding the effect size of practically all the variables analyzed for both manipulative dexterity (PPT, NHPT, and BBT) and the self-perception of ADLs (ABILHAND), for which high values (dr=0.72) and very high values (dr=1.46) were obtained. Conclusions. Although no significant differences were found between the different types of MS, the assessment of manual dexterity and perceived efficacy of daily activities must be considered as prognostic factors in the progression of the disease. These findings may help support further research on targeted interventions to improve dexterity deficiencies, as well as promote an improved quality of therapeutic interventions.
Caesarean Section Delivery and Risk of Poor Childhood Growth
Authors: Saaka Mahama , Hammond Addae Yaw
Published: May 2020

Background. Though emerging evidence indicates caesarean section (CS) brings about late initiation of breastfeeding, early cessation of breastfeeding, and a higher risk of developing obesity, little is documented on the association between CS birth and stunted growth. This study assessed caesarean section delivery and the risk of poor postnatal childhood growth. Methods. A retrospective cohort study design was used to collect the requisite data on a sample of 528 mothers having children between the ages of 6 to 24 months. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results. After controlling for potential confounding factors, linear growth as measured by height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) was significantly higher by 0.121 standard units in children born through normal vaginal delivery, compared to their counterparts born through caesarean section (beta coefficients (β) = 0.121, p=0.002). The mode of delivery also had a statistically significant impact on infant feeding practices. Whereas 70.4% of babies delivered via vagina initiated breastfeeding within one hour of delivery, only 52.7% of babies born through CS did the same. Vaginally delivered babies were 2.1 times more likely to initiate breastfeeding within one hour of delivery ((Crude odds ratio (COR) = 2.13, p<0.001). Compared to CS babies, vaginally delivered babies were 3.2 times more likely not to have been fed with prelacteal feeds such as water and sugar solutions. Vagina delivered babies were 1.8 times more likely to receive adequate neonatal feeding than their counterparts who were delivered through CS (COR = 1.76, p=0.003). Conclusions. This study has found an association between CS delivery and stunting, an adverse outcome that clinicians and patients should weigh when considering in particular elective CS that seeks to avoid the pain associated with a vaginal birth.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Mechanical Parts Based on Digital Holography
Authors: Dai Yaohui , Wu Haiyu , Zhu Gang , Yang Yan
Published: May 2020

In reconstruction of the off-axis digital hologram of diffuse reflection objects, the position of the positive first-order image cannot be accurately obtained because of the low quality of the reconstruction image. This paper focuses on the above problem and proposes a method for marking the first-order image of the 1-FFT surface based on the fast Fourier transform (1-FFT). The parameters of angle of illumination light were investigated, and the maximum relative measurement error is 5.6% by standard objects. The multiaperture stitching technique in cylindrical coordinates is applied to digital holography technology, and the particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to transform the nonlinear equations into optimization problems to solve the splicing parameters. Finally, the 3D display of a typical rotary three-dimensional mechanical part is successfully realized with holography stitching using the above method.
Existence Results for a Class of p-Laplacian Fractional Differential Equations with Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Pak SunAe , Jong KumSong , O KyuNam , Choi HuiChol
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we investigate the existence and uniqueness of solutions for a class of integral boundary value problems of nonlinear fractional differential equations with p-Laplacian operator. We obtain some existence and uniqueness results concerned with our problem by using Schaefer’s fixed-point theorem and Banach contraction mapping principle. Finally, we present some examples to illustrate our main results.
Development of a Three-Stage Hybrid Model by Utilizing a Two-Stage Signal Decomposition Methodology and Machine Learning Approach to Predict Monthly Runoff at Swat River Basin, Pakistan
Authors: Sibtain Muhammad , Li Xianshan , Nabi Ghulam , Azam Muhammad Imran , Bashir Hassan
Published: May 2020

Precise and reliable hydrological runoff prediction plays a significant role in the optimal management of hydropower resources. Nevertheless, the hydrological runoff practically possesses a nonlinear dynamics, and constructing appropriate runoff prediction models to deal with the nonlinearity is a challenging task. To overcome this difficulty, this paper proposes a three-stage novel hybrid model, namely, CVS (CEEMDAN-VMD-SVM), by coupling the support vector machine (SVM) with a two-stage signal decomposition methodology, combining complete ensemble empirical decomposition with additive noise (CEEMDAN) and variational mode decomposition (VMD), to obtain inclusive information of the runoff time series. Hydrological runoff data of the Swat River, Pakistan, from 1961 to 2015 were taken for prediction. CEEMDAN decomposes the runoff time series into subcomponents, and VMD performs further decomposition of the high-frequency component obtained after CEEMDAN decomposition to improve the prediction activity. Afterward, the SVM algorithm was applied to the decomposed subcomponents for the prediction purpose. Finally, four statistical indices are utilized to measure the performance of the CVS model compared with other hybrid models including CEEMDAN-VMD-MLP (multilayer perceptron), CEEMDAN-SVM, VMD-SVM, CEEMDAN-MLP, VMD-MLP, SVM, and MLP. The CVS model performs better during the training period by reducing RMSE by 71.28% and 40.06% compared with MLP and CEEDMAD-VMD-SVM models, respectively. However, during the testing period, the error reductions include RMSE by 68.37% and 35.33% compared with MLP and CEEDMAD-VMD-SVM models, respectively. The results highlight that the CVS model outperforms other models in terms of accuracy and error reduction. The research also highlights the superiority of other hybrid models over standalone in predicting the hydrological runoff. Therefore, the proposed hybrid model is applicable for the nonlinear features of runoff time series with feasibility for future planning and management of water resources.
Effect of Social Networking Sites on the Quality of Life of College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from a City in North India
Authors: Saini Neeru , Sangwan Garima , Verma Madhur , Kohli Adarsh , Kaur Manmeet , Lakshmi P. V. M.
Published: May 2020

Introduction. With the advent and extensive use of the Internet and smartphones, social networking has become a pervasive part of human interaction. The use of these social networking sites or the Internet affects the physical, mental, and spiritual health of the people. Hence, there is need to understand how the time spent on social networking is affecting the quality of life (QOL) as a whole, especially among college-going students who are most likely users of social networking sites (18–21 years). Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 220 college-going students (18–21 years) in Chandigarh in 2012. The data were collected using a pretested self-administered questionnaire, adapted from Young’s Internet usage questionnaire. Appropriate statistical analysis was done. Results. Almost all (98%) of the respondents use the Internet. As compared to nondaily users of social networking sites, daily users were better able to handle stress related to (1) relationships (moderate to severe stress among daily users vs. nondaily users, 15.2% vs. 30.5%) and (2) work (moderate to severe stress among daily users vs. nondaily users, 18.2% vs. 35.4%). The daily users of social networking sites feel significantly more satisfied with their classmates, the way they handle the problems, their physical appearance, and their accomplishments in their life. Conclusion. Social networking sites are steadily penetrating in the lives of adolescents in India. The advantages on quality of life for daily users of social networking sites versus nondaily users are enormous. Also currently, Internet use might not have reached the levels where it embarks on the existing state of health; therefore, continuous and critical observation of the changing trends is warranted.
Loss of Hepatocyte-Specific PPARγ Expression Ameliorates Early Events of Steatohepatitis in Mice Fed the Methionine and Choline-Deficient Diet
Authors: Cordoba-Chacon Jose
Published: May 2020

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide. To date, there is not a specific and approved treatment for NAFLD yet, and therefore, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms that lead to the progression of NAFLD. Methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diets are used to reproduce some features of NAFLD in mice. MCD diets increase the expression of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ, Pparg) and the fatty acid translocase (CD36, Cd36) which could increase hepatic fatty acid uptake and promote the progression of NAFLD in mice and humans. In this study, we assessed the contribution of hepatocyte-specific PPARγ and CD36 expression to the development of early events induced by the MCD diet. Specifically, mice with adult-onset, hepatocyte-specific PPARγ knockout with and without hepatocyte CD36 overexpression were fed a MCD diet for three weeks. Hepatocyte PPARγ and/or CD36 expression did not contribute to the development of steatosis induced by the MCD diet. However, the expression of inflammatory and fibrogenic genes seems to be dependent on the expression of hepatocyte PPARγ and CD36. The expression of PPARγ and CD36 in hepatocytes may be relevant in the regulation of some features of NAFLD and steatohepatitis.
Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking among Patients with Different Histologic Types of Kidney Cancer
Authors: Gansler Ted , Fedewa Stacey A. , Flanders W. Dana , Pollack Lori A. , Siegel David A. , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: May 2020

Background:

Cigarette smoking is causally linked to renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, associations for individual RCC histologies are not well described. Newly available data on tobacco use from population-based cancer registries allow characterization of associations with individual RCC types.

Methods:

We analyzed data for 30,282 RCC cases from 8 states that collected tobacco use information for a National Program of Cancer Registry project. We compared the prevalence and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) of cigarette smoking (current vs. never, former vs. never) among individuals diagnosed between 2011 and 2016 with clear cell RCC, papillary RCC, chromophobe RCC, renal collecting duct/medullary carcinoma, cyst-associated RCC, and unclassified RCC.

Results:

Of 30,282 patients with RCC, 50.2% were current or former cigarette smokers. By histology, proportions of current or formers smokers ranged from 38% in patients with chromophobe carcinoma to 61.9% in those with collecting duct/medullary carcinoma. The aPRs (with the most common histology, clear cell RCC, as referent group) for current and former cigarette smoking among chromophobe RCC cases (4.9% of our analytic sample) were 0.58 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.50–0.67] and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.81–0.95), respectively. Other aPRs were slightly increased (papillary RCC and unclassified RCC, current smoking only), slightly decreased (unclassified RCC, former smoking only), or not significantly different from 1.0 (collecting duct/medullary carcinoma and cyst-associated RCC).

Conclusions:

Compared with other RCC histologic types, chromophobe RCC has a weaker (if any) association with smoking.

Impact:

This study shows the value of population-based cancer registries' collection of smoking data, especially for epidemiologic investigation of rare cancers.
The Early Detection Research Network: A National Infrastructure to Support the Discovery, Development, and Validation of Cancer Biomarkers
Authors: Srivastava Sudhir , Wagner Paul D.
Published: May 2020

In 2000, the NCI (Rockville, MD) established the Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) to identify, develop, and validate biomarkers to improve the detection of early-stage cancers and risk assessment. This consortium of more than 300 investigators at academic institutions and in the private sector is working collaboratively to bring biomarkers and imaging methods to clinical fruition. Although significant roadblocks have hindered the field of biomarker discovery and validation, the EDRN has helped overcome many of them by setting well-defined strategies and milestones focused on solving defined unmet clinical needs. The EDRN has implemented measures to improve biomarker discovery and validation, such as data sharing, use of common data elements, generating multidisciplinary and multi-institutional collaborations within a cohesive and productive team environment, and putting emphasis on quality control and data replication for all candidate biomarkers for reaching a “go” or “no go” decision. A measure of the success of the EDRN is the number of biomarkers tests or devices approved by the FDA to which EDRN investigators have made significant contributions and the number of biomarkers tests developed by EDRN investigators that are available in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments laboratories.

See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, “NCI Early Detection Research Network: Making Cancer Detection Possible.”
MTL-CEBPA, a Small Activating RNA Therapeutic Upregulating C/EBP-α, in Patients with Advanced Liver Cancer: A First-in-Human, Multicenter, Open-Label, Phase I Trial
Authors: Sarker Debashis , Plummer Ruth , Meyer Tim , Sodergren Mikael H. , Basu Bristi , Chee Cheng Ean , Huang Kai-Wen , Palmer Daniel H. , Ma Yuk Ting , Evans T.R. Jeff , Spalding Duncan R.C. , Pai Madhava , Sharma Rohini , Pinato David J. , Spicer James , Hunter Sarah , Kwatra Vineet , Nicholls Joanna P. , Collin David , Nutbrown Robert , Glenny Helen , Fairbairn Sonia , Reebye Vikash , Voutila Jon , Dorman Stephanie , Andrikakou Pinelopi , Lloyd Peter , Felstead Steve , Vasara Jenni , Habib Robert , Wood Chris , Saetrom Pal , Huber Hans E. , Blakey David C. , Rossi John J. , Habib Nagy
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

Transcription factor C/EBP-α (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha) acts as a master regulator of hepatic and myeloid functions and multiple oncogenic processes. MTL-CEBPA is a first-in-class small activating RNA oligonucleotide drug that upregulates C/EBP-α.

Patients and Methods:

We conducted a phase I, open-label, dose-escalation trial of MTL-CEBPA in adults with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with cirrhosis, or resulting from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or with liver metastases. Patients received intravenous MTL-CEBPA once a week for 3 weeks followed by a rest period of 1 week per treatment cycle in the dose-escalation phase (3+3 design).

Results:

Thirty-eight participants have been treated across six dose levels (28–160 mg/m2) and three dosing schedules. Thirty-four patients were evaluable for safety endpoints at 28 days. MTL-CEBPA treatment–related adverse events were not associated with dose, and no maximum dose was reached across the three schedules evaluated. Grade 3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in nine (24%) patients. In 24 patients with HCC evaluable for efficacy, an objective tumor response was achieved in one patient [4%; partial response (PR) for over 2 years] and stable disease (SD) in 12 (50%). After discontinuation of MTL-CEBPA, seven patients were treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs); three patients had a complete response with one further PR and two with SD.

Conclusions:

MTL-CEBPA is the first saRNA in clinical trials and demonstrates an acceptable safety profile and potential synergistic efficacy with TKIs in HCC. These encouraging phase I data validate targeting of C/EBP-α and have prompted MTL-CEBPA + sorafenib combination studies in HCC.
Case Fatality Rate of Cancer Patients with COVID-19 in a New York Hospital System
Authors: Mehta Vikas , Goel Sanjay , Kabarriti Rafi , Cole Daniel , Goldfinger Mendel , Acuna-Villaorduna Ana , Pradhan Kith , Thota Raja , Reissman Stan , Sparano Joseph A. , Gartrell Benjamin A. , Smith Richard V. , Ohri Nitin , Garg Madhur , Racine Andrew D. , Kalnicki Shalom , Perez-Soler Roman , Halmos Balazs , Verma Amit
Published: May 2020

Patients with cancer are presumed to be at increased risk from COVID-19 infection–related fatality due to underlying malignancy, treatment-related immunosuppression, or increased comorbidities. A total of 218 COVID-19–positive patients from March 18, 2020, to April 8, 2020, with a malignant diagnosis were identified. A total of 61 (28%) patients with cancer died from COVID-19 with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 37% (20/54) for hematologic malignancies and 25% (41/164) for solid malignancies. Six of 11 (55%) patients with lung cancer died from COVID-19 disease. Increased mortality was significantly associated with older age, multiple comorbidities, need for ICU support, and elevated levels of D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, and lactate in multivariate analysis. Age-adjusted CFRs in patients with cancer compared with noncancer patients at our institution and New York City reported a significant increase in case fatality for patients with cancer. These data suggest the need for proactive strategies to reduce likelihood of infection and improve early identification in this vulnerable patient population.

Significance:

COVID-19 in patients with cancer is associated with a significantly increased risk of case fatality, suggesting the need for proactive strategies to reduce likelihood of infection and improve early identification in this vulnerable patient population.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 890
Reduced Diuretic Dose in Patients Treated With Eplerenone
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Eschalier Romain , Duarte Kevin , Damman Kevin , Gustafsson Finn , Schou Morten , Girerd Nicolas , Fay Renaud , Tala Stéphane , Pitt Bertram , Zannad Faiez , Rossignol Patrick
Published: May 2020

Background:

Loop diuretics are used for congestion relief, and dose adaptations are usually a consequence of the clinicians’ clinical judgement about the congestive status of the patient. In EPHESUS (Eplerenone in Patients With Systolic Dysfunction After Myocardial Infarction), many patients required diuretics for congestion relief. We thus hypothesized that blinded allocation to eplerenone would lead clinicians to reduce loop diuretics, as a consequence of the improvement in patients’ status.

Methods:

Cox and mixed-effects models were used over a median follow-up of 1.3 years in 6632 patients.

Results:

A total of 6632 patients were included; at baseline, 3352 (50.5%) did not have diuretics, 2195 (33.1%) had diuretic doses between 1 and 40 mg/day, and 1085 (16.4%) had diuretic doses >40 mg/day. Patients with higher furosemide equivalent doses had a worse clinical status. Both baseline and follow-up incremental loop diuretic doses were associated with worse prognosis. Eplerenone treatment was associated with lower prescribed loop diuretic doses throughout the follow-up; lower doses were observed at 90 days and decreased further at 180 days and beyond. Eplerenone treatment led to a mean furosemide equivalent dose reduction of −2.2 mg/day (−2.9 to −1.6) throughout the follow-up. Eplerenone was effective in reducing morbidity and mortality regardless of the baseline loop diuretic dose used: hazard ratio for the outcome of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization was 0.83 ([95% CI, 0.75–0.92];
P
for interaction, 0.54).

Conclusions:

Eplerenone treatment led to a loop diuretic dose reduction during follow-up without evidence of treatment effect modification by loop diuretics. These findings suggest that eplerenone reduces congestive signs and symptoms, which enables clinicians to reduce loop diuretic doses.
Gut Microbiota–Derived Short-Chain Fatty Acids Promote Poststroke Recovery in Aged Mice
Authors: Lee Juneyoung , d’Aigle John , Atadja Louise , Quaicoe Victoria , Honarpisheh Pedram , Ganesh Bhanu P. , Hassan Ahmad , Graf Joerg , Petrosino Joseph , Putluri Nagireddy , Zhu Liang , Durgan David J. , Bryan Robert M. , McCullough Louise D. , Venna Venugopal Reddy
Published: May 2020

Rationale:

The elderly experience profound systemic responses after stroke, which contribute to higher mortality and more severe long-term disability. Recent studies have revealed that stroke outcomes can be influenced by the composition of gut microbiome. However, the potential benefits of manipulating the gut microbiome after injury is unknown.

Objective:

To determine if restoring youthful gut microbiota after stroke aids in recovery in aged subjects, we altered the gut microbiome through young fecal transplant gavage in aged mice after experimental stroke. Further, the effect of direct enrichment of selective bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was tested as a more targeted and refined microbiome therapy.

Methods and Results:

Aged male mice (18–20 months) were subjected to ischemic stroke by middle cerebral artery occlusion. We performed fecal transplant gavage 3 days after middle cerebral artery occlusion using young donor biome (2–3 months) or aged biome (18–20 months). At day 14 after stroke, aged stroke mice receiving young fecal transplant gavage had less behavioral impairment, and reduced brain and gut inflammation. Based on data from microbial sequencing and metabolomics analysis demonstrating that young fecal transplants contained much higher SCFA levels and related bacterial strains, we selected 4 SCFA-producers (
Bifidobacterium longum
,
Clostridium symbiosum
,
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii
, and
Lactobacillus fermentum
) for transplantation. These SCFA-producers alleviated poststroke neurological deficits and inflammation, and elevated gut, brain and plasma SCFA concentrations in aged stroke mice.

Conclusions:

This is the first study suggesting that the poor stroke recovery in aged mice can be reversed via poststroke bacteriotherapy following the replenishment of youthful gut microbiome via modulation of immunologic, microbial, and metabolomic profiles in the host.
Avoidant social style among wild crested macaque males (Macaca nigra) in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Tyrrell Maura , Berman Carol M. , Duboscq Julie , Agil Muhammad , Sutrisno Try , Engelhardt Antje
Published: May 2020

Although it is well established that female crested macaques (Macaca nigra) display very tolerant social styles, less is known about the extent to which crested macaque males can be characterized by the social style concept. We examined core social style traits and other measures of social interactions in three groups of wild crested macaque males in Tangkoko Reserve, Indonesia. Comparisons with males of other macaque species suggest that they display a mixture of tolerant and despotic indicators, a pattern inconsistent with tolerant, despotic or uniformly intermediate designations. Their apparent avoidance of affiliative interactions and reconciliation involving contact suggest that their relationships also contrast with the typically affiliative and relaxed social style of female crested macaques. Rather than labeling them as distinctly tolerant or despotic, we describe the social style of crested males as ‘avoidant’, which may reflect tense relationships due to high levels of risky reproductive competition.
Two new species of the genus Sinodorcadion Gressitt, 1939 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae)
Authors: ZHAO SHUAI , XIE GUANGLIN , WANG WENKAI
Published: May 2020

Two new species from China are described and illustrated, Sinodorcadion chinense Xie & Wang sp. nov. from Hubei and Sinodorcadion zenghuaae Xie & Wang sp. nov. from Guangxi. A key to species of the genus is presented.
Synthesis and Characterization of Strontium Cerium Mixed Oxide Nanoparticles Using Plant Extract
Authors: Kasirajan K. , Karunakaran M.
Published: May 2020

Green synthesis of nanomaterials is an emphasis of recent developments. Herein, a facile and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of SrO–CeO2 mixed oxide NPs using ionic liquid (IL) assisted an ethanolic solution of Pedalium murex (PM) plant extract.
NPs synthesized at room temperature using an ionic liquid (IL) as a mediator for the nucleation and growth process. SrO–CeO2 mixed oxide NPs system displaying nano rod like structure with 10–15 nm and high surface area that are confirmed by XRD, and SEM studies. GC-MS
spectroscopy confirms the presence of N-Hexadecanoic acid (29%), 6-Octadecenoic acid, (Z) present in the plant extract that are capable to convert the corresponding metal ion precursor to SrO–CeO2 mixed oxide NPs. In FTIR the Ce–O and SrCO3 stretching bands
were observed at 451 and 856 cm–1 respectively. Raman spectroscopy give stretching frequency at 457 and 159 cm–1 that proofs the presence of CeO2 and SrO present in the mixed oxide. The band gap energy of the SrO–CeO2 mixed oxide
NPs was estimated as 3.17 eV from the UV-DRS spectroscopy. The anti-bacterial studies performed against a set of bacterial strains the result showed that SrO–CeO2 mixed oxide NPs more susceptible for gram negative (G–) bacteria then gram positive (G+) bacteria. A unique
feature of the antioxidant behavior of NPs reduces the concentration of DPPH radical up to 89%. The toxicology behavior of SrO–CeO2 mixed oxide NPs found due to the high oxygen site vacancies, ROS formation, smallest particle size and higher surface area.
Electrical Modeling of Two Tube Vocal Tract for Voice Pathology Detection
Authors: Mittal Vikas , Sharma R. K.
Published: May 2020

Voice pathology is interrelated to a vocal folds complication, and the vocal tract area which is attached to vocal folds shows a variable shapes in case of voice pathology. This variable shapes are tested to make the division of healthy and pathological voices. So, Length and area of
vocal tract are used for finding electrical parameters using transmission line theory by considering the vocal tract as a sequence of tubes. The proposed work is used voice database from the Saarbrucken Voice Database (SVD) and real-time data from the Maharishi Markandeshwar (M.M) hospital,
Mullana. The proposed method achieves a higher accuracy of 91.7 percent with electrical parameters compared to 88.2 percent with the acoustic parameters and 85.3 percent with physical parameters in the detection of voice pathology.
Role of Dipping Cycle on Mn Doped ZnO Thin Films Prepared by Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction Method
Authors: Devi K. Rathi , Selvan G. , Karunakaran M. , Kanna G. Rajesh , Kasirajan K.
Published: May 2020

In this work, Mn doped Zinc Oxide (ZnO) thin films were coated onto glass substrates by low cost SILAR technique by altering dipping cycle such as 40, 60, 80 and 100. The film thickness was estimated using weight gain method and it revealed that the film thickness increased with dipping
cycle. The structural, morphological, elemental and FTIR properties of the coated Mn doped ZnO films were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), EDAX and FTIR spectrophotometer respectively. The prepared films were found to be hexagonal structure with polycrystalline
in nature with preferential orientation along (002) plane. X-ray line profile analysis was used to evaluate the micro structural parameters. The crystallite size values are increased with increase of dipping cycle. Morphological results showed that the dipping cycle has a marked effect on
morphology of the prepared Mn doped ZnO thin films. EDAX studies showed that the presence of Zinc, Oxygen and Mn content.
Effect of Surface Modification by CuO on Surface Morphology, Electrical Properties and Gas Response of ZnO Thick Films
Authors: Deore M. K. , Gaikwad V. B. , Kajale D. D. , Jain J. H.
Published: May 2020

The screen printing technique was used for the preparation of ZnO thick films. The films were dipped into 0.01 M aq. solution of (CulCl2 · 2H2O) for 10, 15, 20 and 30 min time interval for the surface modification. The dispersed CuCl2 on the film
surface oxidized during heating at 500 °C and converted into CuO. SEM coupled with EDAX analysis showed the morphology of surface and elemental composition of the films. The micrographs of the films dipped at different time interval show the very interesting changes. The EDAX result shows
variation in Zn/O and Cu/Zn ratio with different concentration of Cu. The toxic gases such as Cl2, H2S, CO and LPG etc. were used to study the gas response of the films at different temperatures. The pure film shows the poor response to H2S gas at 300 °C
while surface modified film shows a good response to the same gas at 100 °C temperature for 100 ppm level gas concentration. The main characteristics of the films such as the selectivity, response and recovery time were studied and are presented in this paper.
Why Are Radar Data so Difficult to Assimilate Skillfully?
Authors: Fabry Frédéric , Meunier Véronique
Published: May 2020

Although radar is our most useful tool for monitoring severe weather, the benefits of assimilating its data are often short lived. To understand why, we documented the assimilation requirements, the data characteristics, and the common practices that could hinder optimum data assimilation by traditional approaches. Within storms, radars provide dense measurements of a few highly variable storm outcomes (precipitation and wind) in atmospherically unstable conditions. However, statistical relationships between errors of observed and unobserved quantities often become nonlinear because the errors in these areas tend to become large rapidly. Beyond precipitating areas lie large regions for which radars provide limited new information, yet whose properties will soon shape the outcome of future storms. For those areas, any innovation must consequently be projected from sometimes distant precipitating areas. Thus, radar data assimilation must contend with a double need at odds with many traditional assimilation implementations: correcting in-storm properties with complex errors while projecting information at unusually far distances outside precipitating areas. To further complicate the issue, other data properties and practices, such as assimilating reflectivity in logarithmic units, are not optimal to correct all state variables. Therefore, many characteristics of radar measurements and common practices of their assimilation are incompatible with necessary conditions for successful data assimilation. Facing these dataset-specific challenges may force us to consider new approaches that use the available information differently.
Effects of resin pre-coating on interfacial bond strength and toughness of laminar CFRP with and without short aramid fibre toughening
Authors: Wang Binhua , Ding Guangzhi , Wang Gang , Kang Sisi
Published: May 2020

The brittle adhesive layer in carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates was strengthened by using short aramid fibers in this study. To ensure the feasibility and effectiveness of short aramid fiber interfacial toughening at the interface between the carbon-fiber face sheets, the self-prepared short aramid fibre tissue and the wettability treatment technology with resin pre-coating were applied to enable short aramid fibres to be well embedded in the uneven regions in the CFRP fabrics with fibres oriented at 0° and 90° to form a strong pulling resistance. The ultimate load and the mode I interlaminar fracture toughness have been improved by 75% and 103.9% from the double cantilever beam mode I crack propagation tests, respectively. The reinforcing mechanisms within the “composite adhesive layer” as a result of short aramid fibres are discussed together with detailed scanning electron microscopy observations and comparison test results.
Gender dynamics in banana seed systems and impact on banana bunchy top disease recovery in Cameroon
Authors: Nkengla-Asi Lilian , Omondi Aman Bonaventure , Che Simo Vincent , Assam Elizabeth , Ngatat Sergine , Boonabaana Brenda
Published: May 2020

Enhancing opportunities for women and men in banana production is vital for promoting gender equity in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the gendered differences in access to and decision-making over banana production resources and services in banana bunchy top disease affected areas in Cameroon. A mixed methods approach was used, comprising an intra-household survey ( n = 109 households). Six sex disaggregated focus group discussions and key informant interviews were organized to collect primary data in three communities in Ambam District in Southern Cameroon. These data were used to compare men and women in resource access and production within households and villages. Men had greater say in decision-making over productive resources and information services even when women were more involved in actual seed and site selection. Planting materials were mainly sourced from old fields although men were more likely to buy banana seeds than women farmers. In practical terms, access to and decision-making over production resources and services by women in the banana seed systems is vital for equitable outcomes. Disease pressure on banana production experienced in southern Cameroon may influence gendered access to resources upsetting resource access equity. In theoretical terms, the study reveals dimensions of gender linked differences in resource control even where participation was evident. Thus, it indicates the need for in-depth understanding of power and social relations within households and the communities. This study reveals the nexus of disease challenge and resource access in banana systems. The study will be of interest to development practitioners, researchers and extension agents.
The Invisible Hand of the State: A Critical Historical Analysis of Prison Gangs in California
Authors: Weide Robert D.
Published: May 2020

This article provides a critical historical analysis of the formation and proliferation of some of the earliest and most well-known prison gangs in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the conflicts between them. This analysis provides an alternative explanation for prison gang formation that contrasts with existing pathological perspectives on prison gangs by examining the role of the prison staff and administration in the formation and proliferation of prison gangs and the provocation of conflicts between them. The historical narrative and analysis is constructed from existing literature, qualitative research using both formal and informal interviews, and descriptive data acquired from CDCR Annual Reports.
Change in schistosomiasis-related liver disease with repeated praziquantel treatment in school children in rural Zambia
Authors: Strahan Rodney , McAdam David , Paul Eldho
Published: May 2020

Repeated praziquantel treatment for schistosomiasis is an effective method to reduce disease burden. Ultrasonographic methods were used to assess the severity of schistosoma mansoni-related liver disease and demonstrate improvement following treatment. We compared data from 733 children in 2010 and 972 children in 2018 to determine the effect of repeated praziquantel treatment on prevalence of liver disease. Three age groups were compared across three liver disease classifications (normal, mild, severe). From 2010 to 2018, there was a significant reduction in prevalence of severe liver disease in all age groups ( P = 0.03 for 5–10 years, P < 0.001 for 11–15 years and 16–20 years). In both male and female students, the proportion having a normal liver significantly increased ( P < 0.001) from 2010 to 2018, in the 11–15-year-olds and 16–20-year-olds, demonstrating that liver disease significantly reduced in these age groups. This study demonstrates a reduction in schistosomiasis-related morbidity with repeated praziquantel treatment.
Positive, but Not Negative, Self-Perceptions of Aging Predict Cognitive Function Among Older Adults
Authors: Brown Kellie E. , Kim Jeehoon , Stewart Tara , Fulton Erika , McCarrey Anna C.
Published: May 2020

Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) refer to attitudes about one’s aging process and are linked to physical health and longevity. How SPA correlates with cognitive function in older adulthood is less well known. 136 older adults were administered a multifaceted SPA measure, The Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ), in addition to a demographic form and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Positive and negative subscales of the B-APQ were correlated with aspects of cognitive function. Regression analyses revealed that only the positive B-APQ subscales predicted mental status ( β = .19, p < .05), short-delay memory ( β = .16, p < .05), processing speed ( β = −.21, p < .05), and two measures of executive function ( β = −.21, p < .01; β = .18, p < .05). This is the first study to demonstrate that positive dimensions of SPA relate to cognitive function in older adulthood.
Adaptive multi-dimensional Taylor network tracking control for a class of switched nonlinear systems with input nonlinearity
Authors: Zhu Shan-Liang , Duan De-Yu , Chu Lei , Wang Ming-Xin , Han Yu-Qun , Xiong Peng-Cheng
Published: May 2020

In this paper, a multi-dimensional Taylor network (MTN)-based adaptive tracking control approach is proposed for a class of switched nonlinear systems with input nonlinearity. Firstly, the input nonlinearity is assumed to be bounded by a sector interval. Secondly, with the help of MTNs approximating the unknown nonlinear functions, a novel adaptive MTN control scheme has the advantages of low cost, simple structure and real time feature is developed via backstepping technique. It is shown that the tracking error finally converges to a small domain around the origin and all signals in the closed-loop system are bounded. Finally, two examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Modeling and experimental investigation on a direct steam generation solar collector with flat plate thermal concentration
Authors: Liang Jingkang , Ji Xu , Han Jingyang , Wang Yunfeng
Published: May 2020

Currently, steam generation using solar energy mostly relies on optical concentration, which is a costly system, to generate the high temperature needed for water evaporation. Here, the development of a low-cost and scalable approach based on thermal concentration for solar steam generation is reported. The system was demonstrated to be capable of generating 100–120°C steam under ambient air conditions without optical concentration. A solar thermal efficiency could be achieved up to 13% at an average solar irradiance of only 670 W m−2. The new solar steam generation system, with its simple structure, great effectiveness, and low cost, holds the promise of significantly expanding the application domain of solar thermal systems.
Relationships between Korean parents’ marital satisfaction, parental satisfaction, and parent–child relationship quality
Authors: Yoo Jieun
Published: May 2020

Research about parental marital satisfaction and parent–child relationships is well established, but the effects of marital satisfaction on parental satisfaction require more explanation in a Korean sample. In total, 2,070 participants (51.0% mothers, 49.0% fathers) from a nationally representative sample of Korean people were selected from the 2015 Fact-Finding Survey in Families, and structural equation modeling was performed to examine the relationships between marital satisfaction, parent–child relational quality, and parental satisfaction. In support of the spillover hypothesis, marital satisfaction was significantly correlated with parental satisfaction and affected it directly and indirectly via positive and negative parent–child relationship quality. In addition, mediational pathways differed according to sex. The implications of the findings and directions for future research were discussed.
Counter-archiving Facebook
Authors: Ben-David Anat
Published: May 2020

The article proposes archival thinking as an analytical framework for studying Facebook. Following recent debates on data colonialism, it argues that Facebook dialectically assumes a role of a new archon of public records, while being unarchivable by design. It then puts forward counter-archiving – a practice developed to resist the epistemic hegemony of colonial archives – as a method that allows the critical study of the social media platform, after it had shut down researcher’s access to public data through its application programming interface. After defining and justifying counter-archiving as a method for studying datafied platforms, two counter-archives are presented as proof of concept. The article concludes by discussing the shifting boundaries between the archivist, the activist and the scholar, as the imperative of research methods after datafication.
Comparative study of intravenous thrombolysis with rt-PA and urokinase for patients with acute cerebral infarction
Authors: Sun Fan , Liu Heng , Fu Hui-xiao , Zhang Shuo , Qian Xu-dong , Li Jia-jia , Zhu Yun-bo , Zhang Xiao-xuan , Zhang Jian , Qiu Hai-peng , Kang Ling-ling , Hu Ya-jun , Zhao Liang , Mi Yan-juan , Gao Yan-jun , Dou Zhi-jie , Ma Zheng
Published: May 2020

Objective

Cerebral infarction has a poor prognosis and causes a serious burden on families and society. Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) and urokinase (UK) are commonly used thrombolytic agents in the clinic. However, direct and powerful clinical trial evidence to determine the therapeutic effect of rt-PA and UK on intravenous thrombolysis is lacking.

Methods

In this study, 180 patients with acute cerebral infarction were treated with rt-PA or UK. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, Barthel index, bleeding complications, and biomarkers were evaluated.

Results

No significant differences in NIHSS or Barthel scores were found between the groups. However, UK increased the risk of intracranial haemorrhage compared with rt-PA. rt-PA had increased activity in reducing serum levels of MMP-9 than UK.

Conclusion

Intravenous thrombolysis with rt-PA and UK in the time window of acute cerebral infarction can achieve similar therapeutic effects, but rt-PA can further reduce the risk of cerebral haemorrhage and is relatively safer than UK.
Turner syndrome with rapidly progressive puberty: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yuan Xuewen , Zhu Ziyang
Published: May 2020

This report describes a clinically rare and atypical case of 46,X,idic(X)(q21.32)/45,X-type Turner syndrome with rapidly progressive puberty development. After 11 months of treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH), the child’s height increased. After 18 months of treatment with rhGH, the child showed secondary sex characteristics. The child was followed up for 1 year after the appearance of the secondary sex characteristics, and regular menses were still present. This case indicates that modern molecular biology techniques should be used rationally to further investigate the existence of X-chromosome translocations and occult chimeras to prevent misdiagnosis.