bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF THE bap AND eno GENES ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DISINFECTANTS AGAINST COAGULASE-NEGATIVE STAPHYLOCOCCI
Authors: Xue Yijing , Lo Danyuan , Chang Chihcheng , Huang Mingyang , Chien Weling , Lei Yanching , Su Yaochi , Hsu Peichuan , Lai Jyhmirn
Published: June 2020

This study sought to determine the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), povidone iodine (PI), and chlorhexidine and the differences in these values among coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNSs) that harbor or do not harbor biofilm-related genes (eno, bap, and ica). Using the limiting dilution technique, the MBCs against three different disinfectants were estimated and compared using statistical methods. The results showed that the biofilm-gene-positive CNS isolates exhibited higher tolerance ([Formula: see text], upper-tailed test) to 2[Formula: see text]mg[Formula: see text]L[Formula: see text] DDAC and 10[Formula: see text]mg[Formula: see text]L[Formula: see text] povidone iodine ([Formula: see text], upper-tailed test). Different resistance capacities were found among these three biofilm formation-related genes. The isolates that contained the bap gene exhibited a higher tolerance level. This observation was confirmed by logistic regression models, which revealed that the bap (odds ratio [Formula: see text]) and eno (odds ratio [Formula: see text]) genes significantly affected the survival capacity. This study demonstrated that biofilm-gene-positive CNS isolates exhibited increased survival in the presence of higher concentrations of all three disinfectants and that both the bap and eno genes could affect the survival capacity. Among the three genes, the bap gene had the strongest effect on the survival capacity of CNSs in the presence of all three disinfectants. The appropriate use of disinfectants can control these biofilm-gene embedded CNSs more efficiently.
The large sieve inequality with square moduli for quadratic extensions of function fields
Authors: Baier Stephan , Kumar Singh Rajneesh
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we establish a version of the large sieve inequality with square moduli for imaginary quadratic extensions of rational function fields of odd characteristics.
Consultation and Joint Endeavor Among All Stakeholders: China’s Stance on Multilateralism and the United Nations
Authors: Ruipeng Mao
Published: June 2020

Multilateralism is one of the key notions in China’s diplomatic discourse. Unlike the European Union, China tends to define multilateralism as a consultation process amongst all related members of the international community, so that their fundamental interests and appeals can be fully heard and considered. In the Chinese view, multilateralism features inclusive participation, UN leadership, and the goal of democratization of international relations. It is believed that, as a historical trend, multilateralism is not only crucial for tackling various global challenges, but it also helps foster a favorable international environment for China’s sustainable development. Multilateralism has been deeply ingrained in China’s foreign policy, exemplified by the country’s increasing support for the UN over the past two decades. Notably, both China’s financial contribution to the UN and the number of personnel sent on UN peacekeeping missions have grown rapidly in recent years. Also, China has been advocating the notion of a “community of shared future for mankind” on UN platforms, hoping to share its experience of development with the world. As China deepens its engagement with international organizations, however, the United States is making every effort to constrain China’s influence in the UN. In the future, China needs to work closely with supporters of multilateralism, especially developing countries, so as to play a greater role in the UN.
From the Editor: It’s About Others
Authors: Kelly Robert G.
Published: June 2020

Hopefully by the time you read this the COVID-19 pandemic will be in the world’s rearview mirror, although its echoes are sure to impact us for a long time I fear.
Nobel Laureates at ECS Meetings: Part 2
Authors: Lewis John
Published: June 2020

ECS has been privileged over its 118-year history to have 30 Nobel Laureates (representing 14 Chemistry and eight Physics Nobel Prizes) participate at Society meetings. Their involvement ranges from giving plenary, keynote, and invited talks, to serving on panels, addressing ECS leadership groups, co-authoring innumerable presentations, and giving tours of their labs. Even more notable is that many of these distinguished minds shared their research with ECS before they won, illustrating the importance of the electrochemical and solid state sciences to the scientific community over the past 100 plus years.
Computational Quantum Chemical Explorations of Chemical/Material Space for Efficient Electrocatalysts
Authors: Keith John A.
Published: June 2020

Computational quantum chemistry can play a critical role not only justifying but guiding the atomic scale design of electrocatalysts. This article gives a cursory overview of how our group thinks about computational screening for hypothetical catalyst sites that would be suitable for energetically efficient shuttling of protons, electrons, and/or hydrides. I will explain how computational electrocatalysis models can used to search through systems of hypothetical reaction pathways, to determine which electrochemical conditions of pH and applied potential are most suitable for minimizing overpotentials, and then how to use alchemical perturbation approximations to rapidly screen through wide ranges of chemical/materials space to identify novel catalyst sites and design principles that warrant further study by experiment.
Fault Diagnosis for Discrete Event Systems Using Partially Observed Petri Nets
Authors: Dandan Ye , Jiliang Luo , Hongye Su
Published: June 2020

This study proposes a fault diagnosis method of discrete event systems on the basis of a Petri net model with partially observable transitions. Assume that the structure of the Petri net model and the initial marking are known, and the faults can be modeled by its unobservable transitions. One of the contributions of this work is the use of the structure information of Petri net to construct an online fault diagnoser which can describe the system behavior of normal or potential faults. By modeling the flow of tokens in particular places that contain fault information, the variation of tokens in these places may be calculated. The outputs and inputs of these places are determined to be enabled or not through analyzing some special structures. With the structure information, traversing all the states is not required. Furthermore, the computational complexity of the polynomial allows the model to meet real-time requirements. Another contribution of this work is to simplify the subnet model ahead of conducting the diagnostic process with the use of reduction rules. By removing some nodes that do not contain the necessary diagnostic information, the memory cost can be reduced.
La opción de propiedad pública en el rescate de grandes empresas
Authors: Saavedra Eduardo
Published: June 2020

Lo que se pretende con este artículo es entrar a la acción quitando todo prejuicio ideológico, proponiendo que si el Estado las va a rescatar, el plan de salvataje considere la propiedad pública de estas empresas, sin restricciones. Continuar leyendo...
Políticas realizadas, evaluación y propuestas para enfrentar la crisis de la pandemia
Authors: García Carlos
Published: June 2020

En esta ocasión revisaremos las medidas de política económica que se han implementado para enfrentar la crisis del COVID 19 y las opciones que quedan. Continuar leyendo...
YAP Enhances Tumor Cell Dissemination by Promoting Intravascular Motility and Reentry into Systemic Circulation
Authors: Benjamin David C. , Kang Joon Ho , Hamza Bashar , King Emily M. , Lamar John M. , Manalis Scott R. , Hynes Richard O.
Published: June 2020

The oncogene YAP has been shown previously to promote tumor growth and metastasis. However, how YAP influences the behavior of tumor cells traveling within the circulatory system has not been as well explored. Given that rate-limiting steps of metastasis are known to occur while tumor cells enter, travel through, or exit circulation, we sought to study how YAP influences tumor cell behavior within the circulatory system. Intravital imaging in live zebrafish embryos revealed that YAP influenced the distribution of tumor cells within the animal following intravenous injection. Control cells became lodged in the first capillary bed encountered in the tail, whereas cells overexpressing constitutively active YAP were able to travel through this capillary plexus, reenter systemic circulation, and seed in the brain. YAP controlled transit through these capillaries by promoting active migration within the vasculature. These results were corroborated in a mouse model following intravenous injection, where active YAP increased the number of circulating tumor cells over time. Our results suggest a possible mechanism whereby tumor cells can spread to organs beyond the first capillary bed downstream from the primary tumor. These results also show that a specific gene can affect the distribution of tumor cells within an animal, thereby influencing the global pattern of metastasis in that animal.

Significance:

These findings demonstrate that YAP endows tumor cells with the ability to move through capillaries, allowing them to return to and persist in circulation, thereby increasing their metastatic spread.

See related commentary by Davidson, p. 3797
DIAPH1 Mutation as a Novel Cause of Autosomal Dominant Macrothrombocytopenia and Hearing Loss
Authors: Karki Nabin Raj , Ajebo Germame , Savage Natasha , Kutlar Abdullah
Published: June 2020

Macrothrombocytopenia (MTP) is a group of rare disorders characterized by giant platelets, thrombocytopenia, and variable association with abnormal bleeding. Inherited MTP are frequently misdiagnosed as immune thrombocytopenia. Associated second-organ manifestation can help narrow down syndromic MTPs. We describe a case of autosomal dominant sensorineural hearing loss and MTP caused by a gain of function mutation in DIAPH1. This mutation causes altered megarkaryopoiesis and platelet cytoskeletal deregulation. Although hearing loss and MTP were likely progressive, clinically significant bleeding was not observed. DIAPH1-related MTP can be distinguished clinically from MYH9 mutation by the absence of cataracts and glomerular disease.
Postinjury Bladder Overdistension Deteriorates the Lower Urinary Tract’s Storage Function in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Takahashi Ryosuke , Kimoto Yasusuke , Maki Tomoko , Eto Masatoshi
Published: June 2020

Introduction: A recent article has reported that postinjury bladder overdistension (OD) deteriorates lower urinary tract function in the mouse spinal cord injury (SCI) model. However, there have been no reports examining the effect of postinjury bladder OD on lower urinary tract function in human SCI patients. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of postinjury bladder OD during the acute bladder-areflexia phase on the subsequent lower urinary tract storage function in patients with SCI. Methods: Thirty-one patients with OD (OD group) and 19 patients without OD (non-OD group) during the acute bladder-areflexia phase were included in the study. All patients were confirmed to be completely paralyzed. Their lower urinary tract function was retrospectively evaluated through urodynamic studies 1, 3, and 5 years after injury. Qualiveen-30 questionnaire was used for the evaluation of quality of life. Results: No significant difference was observed in the maximum cystometric capacity between the OD and non-OD groups in their urodynamic evaluation; however, the maximum bladder pressure was significantly higher, and the bladder compliance was significantly lower in the OD group. The incidence of detrusor overactivity tended to be higher in the OD group, but no significant difference was observed. The use of anti-muscarinics was significantly higher in the OD group. No significant differences were observed in Quali­veen-30 scores between both groups. Conclusions: These results suggest that postinjury bladder OD during the acute phase deteriorates lower urinary tract storage function in patients with SCI during the later phase. Thus, it is assumed that a well-planned regular intermittent catheterization in the early spinal shock phase would be important for control of patients’ subsequent storage function.
Onset and Severity of Early Disruptive Behavioral Disorders in Treatment-Seeking Substance Use Disorder Patients with and without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: González Rafael A. , Vélez-Pastrana María C. , Blankers Matthijs , Bäcker Amanda , Konstenius Maija , Holtmann Martin , Levin Frances R. , Noack Moritz , Kaye Sharlene , Demetrovics Zsolt , van de Glind Geurt , van den Brink Wim , Schellekens Arnt ,   ICASA Group
Published: June 2020

Aims: This study addressed the age of onset of conduct disorder (CD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in treatment-seeking substance use disorder (SUD) patients with and without adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its association with early onset of SUD. Methods: We examined data from the 2nd International ADHD in Substance Use Disorders Prevalence Study, including 400 adults in SUD treatment from Puerto Rico, Hungary, and Australia. ADHD, SUD, and CD/ODD were assessed with the Conners Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV, the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and the K-SADS, respectively. Cox regression analyses modeled time to emergence of CD/ODD separately for SUD patients with and without adult ADHD. Linear regression models examined associations between age of onset of SUD and presence of ADHD and adjusted for sex, age, and country. To assess the mediating role of CD/ODD on the association of ADHD with onset of SUD, adjusted regression models were estimated. Results: Treatment-seeking SUD patients with ADHD presented an earlier onset of CD/ODD compared with those without ADHD. CD/ODD symptom loads were higher among the SUD and ADHD group. Age of first substance use and SUD were significantly earlier in SUD patients with ADHD, and these findings remained significant after adjustment for demographics and coexisting CD/ODD. Conclusions: ADHD is associated with earlier onset of SUD as well as with an earlier onset of more frequent and more severe disruptive behavioral disorders. These findings may inform preventive interventions to mitigate adverse consequences of ADHD.
Observations on breeding behaviour of a pair of endangered Egyptian Vultures Neophron percnopterus (Linnaeus, 1758) over three breeding seasons in the plains of Punjab, India
Authors: Charn Kumar  , Amritpal Singh Kaleka  , Thind Sandeep Kaur
Published: June 2020

The present study has been conducted to document information on breeding behaviour of Egyptian Vultures Neophrons percnopterus from Punjab.  This study is based on 688 hours of video records documenting breeding behaviour of a pair of endangered Egyptian Vultures Neophrons percnopterus occupying the same nesting site over three consecutive breeding seasons from 2015 to 2017. The site is located in the hollow of a ventilation window of the Space Observatory in Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab. During the third breeding period (February to August 2017), the nest activity has been extensively video-recorded in egg laying and incubation period, and chick rearing period using a Dome CCTV Camera. Both parents participated in nest building, and of the total recorded incubation time of 339.39h over 23 days the nest was attended for 199.35 and 139.46h by the female and male respectively, and unattended for 0.58h. The incubation period was 42 to 43 days, and the egg laying/hatching intervals between eggs/chicks was five days. A total of six young ones hatched and fledged from three broods of two eggs each. All chicks survived to fledging and no mortality or siblicide of younger chick occurred due to aggression/starvation by elder chick. The high fledging success rate indicates a healthy habitat and food source in the nesting area.
A checklist of angiosperm flora of low elevation lateritic hills of northern Kerala, India
Authors: K.A. Sreejith , V.B. Sreekumar , P. Prashob , S. Nita , M.P. Prejith , M.S. Sanil
Published: June 2020

An inventory to prepare the checklist of angiosperm species in the lateritic hillocks of northern Kerala was conducted in five sampling sites during April 2013–March 2015.  In total, we recorded 364 genera with 535 species, of which 334 are native and 201 are non-native.  Native species were represented in 102 families, namely, Poaceae (28), Fabaceae (25), Acanthaceae (22), Rubiaceae (17) Euphorbiaceae (14), Commelinaceae (11), Phyllanthaceae (7), etc., whereas, non-native species were represented in 99 families.  Among the native species herbs are the predominant habit with 147 species (44%).  Out of the 72 endemic species, three taxa namely, Syzygium travancoricum, Santalum album and Hopea ponga are red listed species documented from the study area.  Twenty-seven invasive species were also recorded and major threats to the laterite ecosystems are by Lantana camara, Mikania micrantha, Pennisetum polystachyon, Ipomoea spp., and Senna spp.  Most part of the laterite has been converted to plantations, building sites and mining sites.  The indiscriminate mining for laterite, soil and demolishing the hillocks have severely threatened the very existence of the flora.
Present status of the genus Sphrageidus Maes, 1984 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Lymantriinae) from India
Authors: Kaleka Amritpal Singh , Singh Devinder , Bali Gagan Preet Kour
Published: June 2020

The surveys to different localities of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand yielded three species of genus Sphrageidus Maes, namely S. similis (Fuessly), S. simlensis (Gupta) and S. xanthorrhoea (Kollar) of subfamily Lymantriinae. The external morphological characters particularly wing maculation and venation along with genitalia characteristics have been studied and illustrated in detail.  The male genitalic features like distinct saccus, ring-like juxta, simple valva, aedeagus with a hook or reversed spine at the apex and distinct wing venation, i.e., absence of vein M2 in hindwing completely conform the characterization of the genus. In the present studies, the species simlensis has been placed under genus Sphrageidus Maes making a new combination as Sphrageidus simlensis (Gupta) for its proper placement. The genus diagnosis has also been updated. The external morphological characters including wing maculation, venation and particularly the genitalic features proved significant from taxonomic point of view in all the three species.
Early stages of Nilgiri Grass Yellow Eurema nilgiriensis (Yata, 1990) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), with a note on its range extension in the Kerala part of the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Valappil Balakrishnan , V.K.Chandrasekharan
Published: June 2020

Complete documentation of the early stages of Eurema nilgiriensis (Yata) on the larval host plant Ventilago bombaiensis (Rhamnaceae) is presented in this paper.  In addition to this, notes on the range extensions of this species in southern Western Ghats in Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, and Palakkad districts in Kerala is also provided. Field records from the northern Kerala part of the Western Ghats and the complete biology are reported for the first time since its description in 1990. Photographic records from seven locations since 2011 were confirmed by comparing with the original descriptions and in consultation with the author of the   species. Eggs collected from field were reared at home, and every stage observed is also reported, as well as the discovery of the host plant Ventilago bombaiensis.  It is concluded that the species is widespread in forested areas at elevations from 70m to 1,000m.
A review of the bacular morphology of some Indian bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera)
Authors: Srinivasulu Bhargavi , Kaur Harpreet , Shah Tariq Ahmed , Gundena Devender , Asad Gopi , Raman Sreehari , Srinivasulu Chelmala
Published: June 2020

Bacular studies play a significant role in the case of bats and other mammals since it is considered an important taxon-specific character, thus helping in species discrimination. Structure of the baculum (os penis) also aids in examining and understanding cryptic diversity in bats. The baculum has been used in taxonomic studies of bats but such studies for Indian bats are few and far between. It was felt necessary to put together a comprehensive document depicting the bacular morphology of bats in India so as to be helpful for future bat studies. The penises of the bats were excised, treated with KOH, and then dyed with alizarin red to extract the bacula. The extracted bacula were measured using an oculometer, photographed, and preserved in glycerol. Of the total of 47 species of bats (belonging to nine families) collected and studied during the past decade, we present the bacular morphology of 44 species from peninsular India, Andaman Islands, and Jammu and Kashmir. Bacular morphology of eight taxa, namely, Eonycteris spelaea, Rhinolophus pusillus, R. lepidus monticola, R. cognatus, Hipposideros cf. grandis, Myotis peytoni, M. horsfieldii dryas, and M. longipes are presented here for the first time from India.
In-Hospital Delays in Stroke Thrombolysis
Authors: Darehed David , Blom Mathias , Glader Eva-Lotta , Niklasson Johan , Norrving Bo , Eriksson Marie
Published: June 2020

Background and Purpose:

Intravenous thrombolysis is a well-established treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Our aim was to quantify the effect of each minute delay in door-to-needle time (DNT) on 90-day survival, intracerebral hemorrhagic complication <36 hours, and functional outcomes at 3 months, in routine clinical practice.

Methods:

Our nationwide registry-based study included 14 132 adult patient admissions with ischemic stroke receiving intravenous thrombolysis from 2010 to 2017. Outcomes were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results:

Median DNT was 47 minutes, with an improvement from 65 to 38 minutes during the study. Median age was 74 years, and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 8 points. We found a significant impact of each minute delay in DNT with reduced odds of survival by 0.6%, increased odds of intracerebral hemorrhagic and worse activities of daily living by 0.3%, and worse living conditions and mobility by 0.4%.

Conclusions:

Improving DNT is a key factor in achieving good outcomes after stroke. We estimate that in Sweden alone in 2017, compared with 2010, the shorter DNT achieved have saved 38 lives, avoided 8 intracerebral hemorrhagic transformations, and spared, respectively, 36, 51, and 52 patients from a worsening in activities of daily living, living conditions, and mobility. DNT is sensitive for interventions and should be targeted in quality improvement efforts.
Reference range for ADAMTS13 antigen, activity and anti-ADAMTS13 antibody in the healthy adult Singapore population
Authors: Tso ACY , Sum CLL , Ong KH
Published: June 2020

INTRODUCTION ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin Type 1 motif, member 13) plays a fundamental role in the regulation of haemostasis and thrombosis. Its deficiency leads to an accumulation of ultra-large von Willebrand multimers, inducing spontaneous platelet aggregation, thrombosis in the microvasculature, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a condition with 90% mortality when left untreated. Prompt quantification of ADAMTS13 antigen, activity and autoantibody plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of TTP and can help differentiate it from other thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs). Reference ranges for ADAMTS13 are generally derived from Caucasian patients. Given that polymorphism in the ADAMTS13 gene can be associated with variable ADAMTS13 levels, we aimed to establish the first reference range in Singapore and provide a crucial laboratory test for institutions here and elsewhere. METHODS 150 healthy voluntary donors (75 men, 75 women) aged 21–60 years, with an ethnic mix mirroring Singapore’s population profile, were recruited. ADAMTS13 antigen, activity and autoantibody levels were measured using the fluorescence resonance energy transfer-vWF73 and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methodologies. RESULTS Levels (activity 0.65–1.79 IU/mL, antigen 0.36–1.17 IU/mL, autoantibody 1.4–12.5 U/mL) were not statistically different between the genders and various age groups. CONCLUSION TTP and TMAs are encountered in a wide range of specialties. The availability of new assays in Singapore will aid clinicians in the timely management of these conditions. Standardising reference ranges established for Singapore against World Health Organization standards allows harmonisation of measurements between laboratories and for future research collaborations.
Incidence and predictors of respiratory adverse events in children undergoing procedural sedation with intramuscular ketamine in a paediatric emergency department
Authors: Lee JL , Tham LP
Published: June 2020

INTRODUCTION Although ketamine is one of the commonest medications used in procedural sedation of children, to our knowledge, there is currently no published report on predictors of respiratory adverse events during ketamine sedation in Asian children. We aimed to determine the incidence of and factors associated with respiratory adverse events in children undergoing procedural sedation with intramuscular (IM) ketamine in a paediatric emergency department (ED) in Singapore. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted of all children who underwent procedural sedation with IM ketamine in the paediatric ED between 1 April 2013 and 31 October 2017. Demographics and epidemiological data, including any adverse events and interventions, were extracted electronically from the prospective paediatric sedation database. The site of procedure was determined through reviewing medical records. Descriptive statistics were used for incidence and baseline characteristics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine significant predictors. RESULTS Among 5,476 children, 102 (1.9%) developed respiratory adverse events. None required intubation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Only one required bag-valve-mask ventilation. The incidence rate was higher in children aged less than three years, at 3.6% compared to 1.0% in older children (odds ratio [OR] 3.524, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.354–5.276; p < 0.001). Higher initial ketamine dose (adjusted OR 2.061, 95% CI 1.371–3.100; p = 0.001) and the type of procedure (adjusted OR 0.190 (95% CI 0.038–0.953; p = 0.044) were significant independent predictors. CONCLUSION The overall incidence of respiratory adverse events was 1.9%. Age, initial dose of IM ketamine and type of procedure were significant predictors.
Comparison of early and on-demand maternal feeding after Caesarean delivery: a prospective randomised trial
Authors: Ozbasli E , Takmaz O , Dede FS , Gungor M
Published: June 2020

INTRODUCTION This study aimed to compare early and on-demand maternal feeding after Caesarean delivery in terms of gastrointestinal complaints and patient satisfaction. METHODS A total of 262 women with uncomplicated singleton term pregnancies who underwent a Caesarean section under regional anaesthesia were randomised to a soft food diet served at Postoperative Hour 2 (early feeding group) or eating whenever they wanted to upon return to the ward (on-demand group). Patient satisfaction scores at the time of discharge and gastrointestinal complaints were compared. RESULTS The fed-early group comprised 133 (50.8%) women and the on-demand group comprised 129 (49.2%) women. Major characteristics and surgical procedures were comparable between the two groups. No significant between-group differences in demographic criteria or surgical procedures were evident (p > 0.05). The mean time to the first feeding was 120.00 ± 00.00 minutes for the early feeding group as compared to 236.59 ± 107.74 minutes for the on-demand feeding group (p = 0.001). Satisfaction levels did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.366). Duration to first breastfeeding, analgesia on the ward, passage of flatus, defecation, mobilisation and urination after catheter removal did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Early initiation of solid food in low-risk women after Caesarean delivery under regional anaesthesia was associated with high satisfaction and did not increase gastrointestinal complaints. We suggest having flexibility in terms of postoperative feeding time. This may shorten hospitalisation time and reduce hospitalisation costs.
Comparing ‘Religion’ and ‘Nonreligion’: towards a Critique of Modernity
Authors: Horii Mitsutoshi
Published: June 2020

This essay starts with reference to “grapefruits” in Oliver Freiberger’s (2019) Considering Comparison and to “apples” and “oranges” in Bruce Lincoln’s (2018) Apples and Oranges: Explorations In, On and With Comparison. It disagrees with Freiberger when he compares “grapefruits” with some generic categories in Religious Studies including “shrine.” The category of “shrine” resembles more “fruits,” for example, because two shrines could have completely different genealogies, just like apples and oranges, but still belong to the same generic category. Then, the essay compares the categories of “religion” and “tree.” The boundary between “religion” and “nonreligion” is as arbitrary as that of “tree” and “non-tree.” At the same time, “religion” and “nonreligion” share common characteristics just like “tree” and “non-tree” do. Given this, it concludes with the suggestion that, when the “religiousness” of ostensibly “nonreligious” modernity is articulated, the category “religion” functions as a useful rhetorical tool to subvert modernity’s claim of universality and factual reality.
The Child’s Best Interests and the Politics of Adoptions from Care in Norway
Authors: Tefre Øyvind S.
Published: June 2020

This paper examines how Norway turned to a more active policy on adoption in the child welfare system. It examines the full public records from all four times that the government and Storting debated adoption from care, over the period 2002–2013. I analyse the empirical and normative arguments that shaped policy, through a discourse theoretical framework (Habermas, 1996) to distinguish different types of arguments. The Article contributes an empirical case for analysing the normative aspects of social and welfare policy. The findings show that an active adoption policy is justified by strengthening of child-centred perspectives. First, research and expert discourse gained influence in the framing of adoption policy over time. Second, the ethical response to this knowledge base has been to shift attention from shared family needs to the child’s individual and developmental needs. There are signs that legislators view adoption in relation to children as independent legal subjects with rights.
Towards an Understanding of Children’s Perceptions of Physical Punishment in the Family Context
Authors: Walton Brooke , J. Saunders Bernadette
Published: June 2020

This qualitative synthesis explores how children perceive physical punishment in the family context. A search of four online databases identified eight qualitative studies. Findings revealed that children provided detailed accounts about their experiences of physical punishment, and they associated physical punishment with both emotional and physical pain. Children justified the use of physical punishment based on their precipitating behaviour, their status, and the intergenerational transmission of physical punishment. Children suggested alternative discipline to physical punishment, and urged caregivers to respect them. Children also recognised that physical punishment escalated in severity and negatively influenced the parent-child relationship. The results highlight the benefit of including children in research, the need to understand the factors that shape children’s perspectives and, most importantly, the ongoing influence of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (uncrc) (1989), to ensure that children’s human rights are recognised, and more widely upheld worldwide.
Children as Growing Rights Subjects – The Significance of Teachers’ Actions
Authors: Isenström Lisa
Published: June 2020

The overarching ambition of this paper is to explore how teachers’ actions shape children’s growth as rights-subjects. This is done by addressing the question: which rights-subjects are privileged for children by teachers’ different rights-teaching mentalities? The paper draws on observation and interview data from fieldwork in three Year 1 classes in Swedish primary schools. Theoretically framed by a Foucauldian governmentality perspective, rights-learning situations were analysed through the lens of teachers’ rights-teaching mentalities and governing techniques. The findings show how teachers’ different actions privilege different rights-subjects for the children, and demonstrate how the teachers’ actions in everyday interaction in the classroom play a significant role in this process. It is argued that rights-learning, and growing as a rights-subject, does not primarily happen in designated children’s human rights events at school, but rather occurs continuously, day after day, in ordinary school practice.
An annotated checklist of the chondrichthyan fishes inhabiting the northern Gulf of Mexico Part 1: Batoidea
Authors: JONES CHRISTIAN M. , DRIGGERS WILLIAM B. III , HANNAN KRISTIN M. , HOFFMAYER ERIC R. , JONES LISA M. , RAREDON SANDRA J.
Published: June 2020

Herein we consolidate the information available concerning the biodiversity of batoid fishes in the northern Gulf of Mexico, including nearly 70 years of survey data collected by the National Marine Fisheries Service, Mississippi Laboratories and their predecessors. We document 41 species proposed to occur in the northern Gulf of Mexico. However, the validity of several of these reports and their associated data is questioned. In addition, we provide information and remarks concerning the distribution, conservation status, taxonomy and recorded history for each species covered.
A new Cymothales Gerstaecker from the Gabonese rainforest (Neuroptera Myrmeleontidae)
Authors: BADANO DAVIDE
Published: June 2020

Nine species of Cymothales, one of the most characteristic African antlion genera, are known from the Guineo-Congolian rainforests. A new species, Cymothales massaronei sp. nov. is described here from Gabon. Cymothales massaronei sp. nov. is characterized by the fifth tarsomere equal in length to the first tarsomere, but differs from all of the congeners with this character in the shape and markings of wings, shape of antenna and body pattern.
A remarkable new genus and species of Hansenauropodidae (Myriapoda, Pauropoda) from the seashore of Hainan Island, China
Authors: BU YUN
Published: June 2020

Psammopauropus macrospinus gen. et sp. n., a remarkable new genus and species of the pauropod family Hansenauropodidae is described from the marine littoral habitat of Hainan Island, South China. It has one pair of dorsal spines on the pygidium differentiated from seta a1, large globular seta st on pygidium, and globular distal setae on the tarsi by which Psammopauropus can be easily distinguished from all other genera of the family. In addition, the adaptive characters of the littoral pauropods are preliminary discussed. This is the first record of the family Hansenauropodidae from China.
LSTM-based soft sensor design for oxygen content of flue gas in coal-fired power plant
Authors: Pan Hongguang , Su Tao , Huang Xiangdong , Wang Zheng
Published: June 2020

To address problems of high cost, complicated process and low accuracy of oxygen content measurement in flue gas of coal-fired power plant, a method based on long short-term memory (LSTM) network is proposed in this paper to replace oxygen sensor to estimate oxygen content in flue gas of boilers. Specifically, first, the LSTM model was built with the Keras deep learning framework, and the accuracy of the model was further improved by selecting appropriate super-parameters through experiments. Secondly, the flue gas oxygen content, as the leading variable, was combined with the mechanism and boiler process primary auxiliary variables. Based on the actual production data collected from a coal-fired power plant in Yulin, China, the data sets were preprocessed. Moreover, a selection model of auxiliary variables based on grey relational analysis is proposed to construct a new data set and divide the training set and testing set. Finally, this model is compared with the traditional soft-sensing modelling methods (i.e. the methods based on support vector machine and BP neural network). The RMSE of LSTM model is 4.51% lower than that of GA-SVM model and 3.55% lower than that of PSO-BP model. The conclusion shows that the oxygen content model based on LSTM has better generalization and has certain industrial value.
Establishing reference values for the pubofemoral distance in normal infant medial hips by ultrasound
Authors: Ban Yongguang , Luan Qinhua , Shi Miao , Sun Bo , Li Tianyou , Wang Yanzhou , Lin Xiangtao , Teng Jianbo
Published: June 2020

Background

Measuring the pubofemoral distance (PFD) is important for evaluating the effectiveness of hip reduction in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). However, reference PFD values have not been established in normal infants.

Purpose

To investigate variations in PFD values measured in normal infant medial hips stratified by age, laterality, and gender.

Material and Methods

A total of 240 infants diagnosed with Graf type Ia and/or Graf type Ib hips by ultrasonography were stratified into eight age groups: 0–1 month; 1–2 months; 2–3 months; 3–4 months; 4–5 months; 5–6 months; 6–7 months; and 7–12 months. The bilateral medial hips were scanned with transinguinal ultrasound. The PFD was defined as the distance between the lateral edge of the superior ramus of pubic bone and the medial edge of the femoral head. Inter-observer reproducibility was assessed.

Results

Among the 240 infants, there were 371 Graf type Ia hips and 109 Graf type Ib hips. Mean ± SD bilateral PFD values of eight groups were measured separately. There were no significant differences in mean PFD values for left or right hips (t = 0.946, P = 0.345) or mean bilateral PFD values in male and female infants (t = 1.445, P = 0.149). Mean PFD values increased linearly with age (left: r = 0.680, P < 0.0001; right: r = 0.682, P < 0.0001). Inter-observer reproducibility was excellent.

Conclusion

This study established reference PFD values from the medial hip in infants aged 0–12 months. PFD values increased with age, but were not significantly influenced by laterality or gender. These data provide detailed information that can support follow-up of infants treated for DDH.
Micro RNA-363 inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by directly targeting sperm-associated antigen 5
Authors: Zhang Lingmin , Wang Li , Lu Ning , Wang Jia , Yan Rong , Yan Honglin , Zhang Jia , Zhang Mingxin
Published: June 2020

Objective

Micro RNA (miR)-363 has many important biological functions in cancers, but its roles in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unclear.

Methods

We used reverse transcription PCR to quantify the expression of miR-363 in 80 ESCC tissues and analyzed its relationship with clinicopathological factors and overall survival. The effects of miR-363 on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion were detected using the MTT assay, flow cytometry, and Transwell invasion assays, respectively. Further, we investigated the post-transcriptional regulation of sperm-associated antigen 5 (SPAG5) expression by miR-363 using luciferase reporter assays. Finally, the effects of SPAG5 on miR-363 were studied by SPAG5 overexpression.

Results

miR-363 expression was decreased in both ESCC specimens and cell lines, compared with controls, and correlated with lymph node metastasis and tumor differentiation. Low miR-363 expression was identified as an independent prognostic factor for ESCC. miR-363 overexpression decreased ESCC cell proliferation and invasion and increased apoptosis, while the opposite was seen after miR-363 inhibition. Moreover, SPAG5 was identified as a direct target of miR-363, and the reintroduction of SPAG5 restored miR-363-induced effects.

Conclusions

miR-363 acts as a tumor suppressor by post-transcriptionally regulating SPAG5 expression, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ESCC.
Preparation of benzoxazine-modified halloysite nanotubes and its application on epoxy/benzoxazine composites
Authors: Shen Zhiqiang , Liu Yun , Li Jing , Xu Li , Liu Guoji
Published: June 2020

Benzoxazine monomer (named as B-aptes) was synthesized from 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH-550), bisphenol A (BPA), and paraformaldehyde. Subsequently, functionalized halloysite nanotubes were obtained by introducing B-aptes onto the surface of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). Then, benzoxazine-modified halloysite nanotubes (B-HNTs) were used to combine with BPA epoxy resin to prepare the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA)/B-HNTs composites. The homogeneous dispersion state of modified HNTs in the cured composite matrix was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to investigate polymerization behaviors of ternary composites. The results showed that the ternary composite possessed lower polymerization temperature compared with the neat DGEBA/benzoxazine. According to the results of thermogravimetric analysis, the thermal stability of DGEBA/benzoxazine copolymers was improved by the modified HNTs, the char yield increased with the increase of HNTs mass ratio. The results of mechanical tests and dynamic mechanical analysis displayed that the DGEBA/B-HNTs composites possessed promoted mechanical properties.
The effectiveness of a modified advance care planning programme
Authors: Deng Renli , Zhang Jianghui , Chen Liuliu , Miao Jiarui , Duan Jiazhong , Qiu Yeyin , Leung Doris , Chan Helen , Lee Diana TF
Published: June 2020

Background:

Frailty is a natural consequence of the aging process. With the increasing aging population in Mainland China, the quality of life and end-of-life care for frail older people need to be taken into consideration. Advance Care Planning has also been used worldwide in long-term facilities, hospitals and communities to improve the quality of end-of-life care, increase patient and family satisfaction, and reduce healthcare costs and hospital admissions in Western countries. However, it has not been practiced in China.

Research objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified Advance Care Planning intervention in certainty of end-of-life care, preferences for end-of-life care, quality of life concerns, and healthcare utilization among frail older people.

Research design:

This study used a quasi-experimental design, with a single-blind, control group, pretest and repeated posttest approach.

Participants and research context:

A convenience sample of 74 participates met the eligibility criteria in each nursing home. A total of 148 frail older people were recruited in two nursing homes in Zhejiang Province, China.

Ethical considerations:

The study received ethical approval from the Clinical Research Ethics Committee, the Faculty of Medicine, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, CREC Ref. No: 2016.059.

Findings:

The results indicated the Advance Care Planning programme was effective at increasing autonomy in decision making on end-of-life care issues, decreasing decision-making conflicts over end-of-life care issues, and increasing their expression about end-of-life care.

Discussion:

This study promoted the participants’ autonomy and broke through the inherent custom of avoiding talking about death in China.

Conclusion:

The modified Advance Care Planning intervention is effective and recommended to support the frail older people in their end-of-life care decision in Chinese society.
Airway managed by emergency physicians or anaesthesiologists in trauma patients: A retrospective cohort analysis of outcomes
Authors: Tang Tsz Ha , Yang Marc LC , Chan On Yee , Chan Lily PS , Ho Hiu Fai
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

In some trauma centres, anaesthesiologists have the primary responsibility of managing airway in trauma resuscitation. However, as emergency physicians establish a separate specialty with airway management and endotracheal intubation being one of the core skills, role delineation within trauma members may vary. In this cohort study, we aim to determine the difference in mortality of trauma patients requiring intubation in the emergency department between emergency physicians and anaesthesiologists.

Methods:

We screened all 1588 patients in the hospital trauma registry from 2015 to 2018. We included all patients requiring endotracheal intubation and aged 18 or above but excluded those with pregnancy, presented with cardiac arrest and secondarily transferred from other hospitals. A total of 349 eligible patients were sorted into two cohorts according to the physicians who performed intubations (anaesthesiologists = 205 patients, emergency physicians = 144 patients). Patients’ baseline demographics, 30-day all-cause mortality and other predefined secondary outcomes were compared by statistical tests. Stepwise logistic regression of 30-day all-cause mortality was performed.

Results:

Our study has shown that intubation by emergency physicians was not associated with higher 30-day all-cause mortality after potential confounders were controlled by logistic regression (adjusted odds ratio = 1.253, p = 0.607). Both groups also did not differ in other clinical important secondary outcomes, including proportion of successful intubations, use of surgical airway or rescue manoeuvres, respiratory and airway complications, mortality in intensive care or high-dependency unit, post-intubation cardiac arrest, post-intubation hypotension and post-intubation hypoxia.

Conclusion:

Endotracheal intubation by emergency physicians is not associated with increased 30-day all-cause mortality when compared to anaesthesiologists after accounting for confounders.
Particle detachment due to wheel rotation
Authors: Song Jinwei , Qian Hua , Zheng Xiaohong
Published: June 2020

Particle detachment induced by a rotating wheel was investigated theoretically and experimentally. The developed theoretical models were used to reveal how the particle detaches from a wheel surface to the surrounding air. The corresponding experiments were carried out to validate proposed models. Two groups of spherical particles were considered, i.e. silicon dioxide and aluminium oxide particles. Different forces and force moments acting on individual particles were analysed. The criteria for the rolling detachment of particles were considered. The detachment diameters under various conditions were calculated. The results show that the particle detachment was dominated by the removal and resistant forces acting on particles, including the gravity force, adhesion force, hydrodynamic force and centrifugal force. Different relevant parameters can affect particle detachment through these forces, including surface roughness, wheel speed, particle size and properties. A higher wheel speed, larger particle sizes and higher wheel surface roughness were shown to have a conducive influence on particle detachment. The resistant and removal force moments could be affected by the particle properties at the same time; therefore, the detachment diameters of the aluminium oxide particles are similar to those of silicon dioxide. This study can contribute towards the estimation of particle emissions from vehicles.