bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
De Novo Damaging Variants, Clinical Phenotypes, and Post-Operative Outcomes in Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Boskovski Marko T. , Homsy Jason , Nathan Meena , Sleeper Lynn A. , Morton Sarah , Manheimer Kathryn B. , Tai Angela , Gorham Joshua , Lewis Matthew , Swartz Michael , Alfieris George M. , Bacha Emile A. , Karimi Mohsen , Meyer David , Nguyen Khanh , Bernstein Daniel , Romano-Adesman Angela , Porter George A. , Goldmuntz Elizabeth , Chung Wendy K. , Srivastava Deepak , Kaltman Jonathan R. , Tristani-Firouzi Martin , Lifton Richard , Roberts Amy E. , Gaynor J. William , Gelb Bruce D. , Kim Richard , Seidman Jonathan G. , Brueckner Martina , Mayer John E. , Newburger Jane W. , Seidman Christine E.
Published: June 2020

Background:

De novo genic and copy number variants are enriched in patients with congenital heart disease, particularly those with extra-cardiac anomalies. The impact of de novo damaging variants on outcomes following cardiac repair is unknown.

Methods:

We studied 2517 patients with congenital heart disease who had undergone whole-exome sequencing as part of the CHD GENES study (Congenital Heart Disease Genetic Network).

Results:

Two hundred ninety-four patients (11.7%) had clinically significant de novo variants. Patients with de novo damaging variants were 2.4 times more likely to have extra-cardiac anomalies (
P
=5.63×10
−12
). In 1268 patients (50.4%) who had surgical data available and underwent open-heart surgery exclusive of heart transplantation as their first operation, we analyzed transplant-free survival following the first operation. Median follow-up was 2.65 years. De novo variants were associated with worse transplant-free survival (hazard ratio, 3.51;
P
=5.33×10
−04
) and longer times to final extubation (hazard ratio, 0.74;
P
=0.005). As de novo variants had a significant interaction with extra-cardiac anomalies for transplant-free survival (
P
=0.003), de novo variants conveyed no additional risk for transplant-free survival for patients with these anomalies (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.96;
P
=0.06). By contrast, de novo variants in patients without extra-cardiac anomalies were associated with worse transplant-free survival during follow-up (hazard ratio, 11.21;
P
=1.61×10
−05
) than that of patients with no de novo variants. Using agnostic machine-learning algorithms, we identified de novo copy number variants at 15q25.2 and 15q11.2 as being associated with worse transplant-free survival and 15q25.2, 22q11.21, and 3p25.2 as being associated with prolonged time to final extubation.

Conclusions:

In patients with congenital heart disease undergoing open-heart surgery, de novo variants were associated with worse transplant-free survival and longer times on the ventilator. De novo variants were most strongly associated with adverse outcomes among patients without extra-cardiac anomalies, suggesting a benefit for preoperative genetic testing even when genetic abnormalities are not suspected during routine clinical practice.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01196182.
Cangrelor, Tirofiban, and Chewed or Standard Prasugrel Regimens in Patients With ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Gargiulo Giuseppe , Esposito Giovanni , Avvedimento Marisa , Nagler Michael , Minuz Pietro , Campo Gianluca , Gragnano Felice , Manavifar Negar , Piccolo Raffaele , Tebaldi Matteo , Cirillo Plinio , Hunziker Lukas , Vranckx Pascal , Leonardi Sergio , Heg Dik , Windecker Stephan , Valgimigli Marco
Published: June 2020

Background:

Standard administration of newer oral P2Y
12
inhibitors, including prasugrel or ticagrelor, provides suboptimal early inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. We aimed to investigate the effects of cangrelor, tirofiban, and prasugrel, administered as chewed or integral loading dose, on IPA in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods:

The FABOLUS-FASTER trial (Facilitation Through Aggrastat or Cangrelor Bolus and Infusion Over Prasugrel: A Multicenter Randomized Open-Label Trial in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Referred for Primary Percutaneous Intervention) is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, open-label, randomized study. A total of 122 P2Y
12
-naive patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction were randomly allocated (1:1:1) to cangrelor (n=40), tirofiban (n=40) (both administered as bolus and 2-hour infusion followed by 60 mg of prasugrel), or 60-mg loading dose of prasugrel (n=42). The latter group underwent an immediate 1:1 subrandomization to chewed (n=21) or integral (n=21) tablets administration. The trial was powered to test 3 hypotheses (noninferiority of cangrelor compared with tirofiban using a noninferiority margin of 9%, superiority of both tirofiban and cangrelor compared with chewed prasugrel, and superiority of chewed prasugrel as compared with integral prasugrel, each with α=0.016 for the primary end point, which was 30-minute IPA at light transmittance aggregometry in response to 20 μmol/L adenosine diphosphate.

Results:

At 30 minutes, cangrelor did not satisfy noninferiority compared with tirofiban, which yielded superior IPA over cangrelor (95.0±8.9 versus 34.1±22.5;
P
<0.001). Cangrelor or tirofiban were both superior to chewed prasugrel (IPA, 10.5±11.0;
P
<0.001 for both comparisons), which did not provide higher IPA over integral prasugrel (6.3±11.4;
P
=0.47), despite yielding higher prasugrel active metabolite concentration (ng/mL; 62.3±82.6 versus 17.1±43.5;
P
=0.016).

Conclusions:

Cangrelor provided inferior IPA compared with tirofiban; both treatments yielded greater IPA compared with chewed prasugrel, which led to higher active metabolite concentration but not greater IPA compared with integral prasugrel.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02978040; URL:
https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu
; EudraCT 2017-001065-24.
Retrospective Study of Risk Factors for Myocardial Damage in Patients With Critical Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Wuhan
Authors: Li Lingzhi , Zhang Shudi , He Bing , Chen Xiaobei , Zhao Qingyan
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 threatens human health, and the mortality rate is higher in patients who develop myocardial damage. However, the possible risk factors for myocardial damage in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) are not fully known.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Critical type patients were selected randomly from 204 confirmed COVID‐19 cases occurring in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from February 1, 2020 to February 24, 2020. Univariate analyses were used to compare the 2 groups: the myocardial damage group and the non–myocardial damage group. A total of 82 critical patients with COVID‐19 were recruited: 34 with myocardial damage and 48 without myocardial damage. A total of 30 patients died in the myocardial damage group, and 20 died in the non–myocardial damage group. In univariate analysis, the proportion of elderly patients (>70 years old, 70.59% versus 37.50%;
P
=0.003) and patients with cardiovascular disease (41.18% versus 12.50%;
P
=0.003) was higher among myocardial damage patients than among non–myocardial damage patients. Multivariate analysis showed that age >70 years old (hazard ratio [HR], 2.44; 95% CI, 1.01–5.40), CRP (C‐reactive protein) >100 mg/L (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 0.94–3.92), lactate dehydrogenase >300 U/L (HR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.03–6.90), and lactic acid >3 mmol/L (HR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.57–6.75) were independent risk factors for myocardial damage in patients with COVID‐19.

CONCLUSIONS

Old age (>70 years old), CRP >100 mg/L, lactate dehydrogenase >300 U/L, and lactic acid >3 mmol/L are high‐risk factors related to myocardial damage in critical patients with COVID‐19.
New Baltic amber soldier beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera: Cantharidae) with some taxonomic notes

Authors: KAZANTSEV SERGEY V.
Published: June 2020

Five new species of soldier beetles from the subfamilies Cantharinae and Silinae, Lycocerus elzbietae sp. nov., L. jonasi sp. nov., Rhagonycha acarigera sp. nov., Sucinorhagonycha groehni sp. nov. and Podosilis gedaniensis sp. nov., are described from Baltic amber. A female of Electronycha prussica Kazantsev, 2013 is described and illustrated for the first time. Attribution of Podistra (Absidia) kloevedali Fanti & Damgaard, 2018 to the genus Podistra Motschulsky, 1838 and to the subgenus Absidia Mulsant, 1862 is discussed.
Phylogenetic overview of flat wasps (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) reveals Elektroepyrinae, a new fossil subfamily

Authors: COLOMBO WESLEY D. , PERKOVSKY EVGENY E. , AZEVEDO CELSO O.
Published: June 2020

The flat wasps, Bethylidae, are cosmopolitan and one of the most diverse families of Chrysidoidea. Bethylidae have 2,920 described extant species and almost 90 fossil species. The oldest geological record of the family is the Lower Cretaceous, from Lebanese and Spanish ambers and Transbaikalian rock fossils. Here we describe and illustrate one new fossil subfamily of Bethylidae: †Elektroepyrinae subfam. nov. represented by †Elektroepyris Perrichot & Nel from the lowermost Eocene Oise amber (France), which was cladistically assessed against all other eight subfamilies of Bethylidae. The new taxon is easily distinguished from other subfamilies by the forewing venation with the third abscissa of Cu present. Phylogenetic analyses support the monophyly of all subfamilies of Bethylidae, with a matrix with 69 morphological characters and 22 terminal taxa from where †Elektroepyrinae subfam. nov. emerged as independent lineage from all other subfamilies.
Three new South American species of Callianthe (Malveae, Malvoideae, Malvaceae) from Atlantic Forest and a new combination

Authors: GRINGS MARTIN , BOLDRINI ILSI IOB
Published: June 2020

Three new species of Callianthe (Malvaceae) from southern Brazil and northeastern Argentina are described, and illustrated: C. flava, C. maritima, and C. sulcatarinensis. Morphological descriptions, distribution maps, photographs, ecological notes, and a table comparing these species to two morphologically similar species, C. amoena and C. muelleri-friderici, are presented. Two of the three newly-described species, C. maritima and C. sulcatarinensis, so far are considered endemic and according to IUCN criteria, fit into the categories Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU), respectively. A new combination C. costicalyx, based on Abutilon costicalyx, also is proposed.
Myrcia amplifolia (Myrtaceae), a new species from the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia, Brazil

Authors: FERNANDES THIAGO , SANTOS MATHEUS FORTES , BRAGA JOÃO MARCELO ALVARENGA
Published: June 2020

Myrcia amplifolia, a new species from the coastal forest of southern Bahia, eastern Brazil, is here described and compared with morphologically similar species. Additionally, a morphological plate, distribution map and conservation assessment of the species are presented. We assign the new species to Myrcia sect. Calyptranthes with a reasonable reliability due to the combination: presence of cataphylls, inflorescences sympodially branching at the base and calyptrate flowers. Myrcia amplifolia seems to be closely related to M. carioca, from which it can be distinguished through the leaf blades strongly coriaceous (vs. chartaceous in M. carioca), leaf venation very slightly raised and barely conspicuous abaxially (vs. venation strongly raised and conspicuous abaxially), inflorescences with a shorter main axis (75–110 mm long vs. 130–270 mm long), and shorter first lateral branch (3.3–19 mm long vs. 48–95 mm long), and the calyptra acuminate (vs. rounded or shortly apiculate). It is also similar to M. boanova, differing by the leaf blades significantly larger (31–60 × 10–20 cm vs. 7–13 × 4.1–5 cm in M. boanova) and strongly coriaceous (vs. chartaceous), and the calyptra acuminate (vs. rounded) and smaller (2.3–2.6 × ca. 1.8 mm vs. 3.5–3.7 × 3.5–4 mm).
Effect of Ammonia Fiber Expansion (AFEX) and Silane Treatments of Corncob Granules on the Properties of Renewable Resource Based Biocomposites
Authors: Huda Masud S. , Balan Venkatesh , Drzal Lawrence T. , Chundawat Shishir P. S. , Dale Bruce E. , Misra Manjusri
Published: June 2020

Development of economically and ecologically attractive composite technologies is possible through the use of renewable biomass based resources such as polymeric matrices and reinforcement filler materials. The processability and physical properties of these composite materials are
very important parameters for product performance. This study develops the enabling technology needed to transform corncobs, an abundant agricultural residue from the corn grain industry, into reinforcement filler material for manufacturing biocomposites. We have successfully fabricated biocomposite
materials from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and corncob granules (CCG) that were produced by a microcompounding molding system. To ensure appropriate interfacial interactions between the matrix and composite material, surface properties of the biocomposite filler must be modified accordingly. CCG-matrix
adhesion was promoted by surface modifications using ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX), liquid ammonia treatment, and silane treatment. The final composite materials have improved mechanical and thermomechanical properties such as high flexural properties, high impact strength, and modulus at
higher temperature. The surface morphology, as indicated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), showed good dispersion of CCG in the PLA matrix. Modification of the CCG surface showed an improved adhesion and dispersion within the matrix. Overall, the results demonstrated the potential of
CCG as reinforcement filler material for a renewable source based polymeric matrix.
Effect of Thermal Cycling on Transformation Behavior of Ti–24Nb–1Mo Alloy (at.%)
Authors: Lim Jin-Hwan , Choi Mi-Seon , Nam Tae-Hyun
Published: June 2020

The effect of thermal cycling on the transformation behavior of a Ti–24Nb–1Mo alloy was investigated by means of electrical resistivity measurement, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), tensile test and Vickers hardness tests. Electrical resistivity
changes were not observed in all alloys. It indicates that thermally induced martensitic transformation does not take place in the alloys. After thermal cycling between 298 K and 77 K, clear X-ray diffraction peaks corresponding to ωath phase, which did not exist before
thermal cycling, were observed. Volume fraction of ωath phase increased as increasing the number of thermal cycling. ωath phase formed during thermal cycling increased hardness of the alloy. Although thermally induced martensitic transformation
did not occur in the alloys, superelastic deformation behavior was observed in the alloys. The superelastic recovery ratio decreased from 81% to 41% by increasing the number of thermal cycling, which came from the increase in the volume fraction of ωath phase.
Synthesis Optimization of Guanidinium Dinitramide (GDN)
Authors: Kim Wooram , Park Mijeong , Jeon Jong-Ki , Jo Youngmin
Published: June 2020

Dinitramide anion [−N(NO2)2] salt composed of resonance structure is a plausible oxidizing agents, as efficient propellant. Among them, guanidinium dinitramide (GDN) is an organic compound improving the stability against moisture, as well long term storage.
An additional advantage composed guanidinium ion is the reaction efficient via the decomposed by-product during pyrognostics, maximum yield of 99%. The types of GDN (GDN-I, II, III, IV, V) were synthesized using several starting material such as guanidine acetate, chloride, carbonate, nitrate
and sulfate under hydrodeprivation. In this work, the intermediates formed in these processes were closely identified and their thermal properties, and chemical structure were examined. The absorption peaks by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) were found guanidinium infrared frequencies (3452,
3402, 3354, 3278, 1642 cm−1) and dinitramide infrared frequencies (3208, 1570, 1492, 1416, 1337, 1179, 1000 cm−1). The activation energy of GDN samples were obtained Ea = 53.26 Kcal/mole (GDN-I), 50.94 Kcal/mole (GDN-II), 52.34 Kcal/mole
(GDN-III), 62.19 Kcal/mole (GDN-IV), 55.32 Kcal/mole (GDN-V) from exothermic at over 153°C.
Electrospun Alumina-Nanofiber-Supported Pt–Sn Catalyst for Propane Dehydrogenation
Authors: Choi Yi Sun , Oh Kyeongseok , Koh Hyoung-Lim
Published: June 2020

Alumina nanofibers (ANFs) were successfully fabricated using electrospinning technology. ANF samples were then calcined at temperatures ranging from 900–1200°C, denoted ANF-900 through ANF-1200 in accordance with their calcination temperatures. Using a wet process, each ANF
sample was impregnated with Pt (3 wt%) and Sn (4.5 wt%), followed by drying at 110°C and calcining at 580°C. After they were impregnated with Pt and Sn, ANFs were tested for catalytic activity with the propane dehydrogenation (PDH) reaction. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts
were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption–desorption. PDH catalytic activity of the ANFs was evaluated by comparing propane conversion and propylene selectivity. The results indicate
that calcination of ANF prior to catalyst impregnation is crucial to enhancing catalytic activity and that calcination temperature influences catalytic activity. Among the ANF series, ANF-900 achieved the highest catalytic activity.
Characterization and Compatibility of High Oxygen Permeable Ophthalmic Biomaterial Containing Silane with Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Min-Jae , Sung A.-Young
Published: June 2020

This research is conducted to analyze the compatibility of used monomers and produce the high functional hydrogel ophthalmic polymer containing silane and nanoparticles. Vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) and cobalt oxide nanoparticles are used as additives for the basic combination of silicone
monomer (Sil-H) and methyl methacrylate (MMA). And also, the materials are copolymerized with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the cross-linking agent, photo polymerization initiator (2H2M) as the initiator. It is judged that the lenses of all combinations are optically excellent
and thus have good compatibility. Measurement of the optical and physical characteristics of the manufactured hydrophilic ophthalmic polymer are different in each case. Especially VTMS with cobalt oxide nanoparticle increases the oxygen permeability by the addition of cobalt nanoparticles.
These materials are considered to make synergy effect each other, so it can be used in functional hydrogel ophthalmic lenses.
Electrochemical Properties of Sn/C Nanoparticles Fabricated by Pulse Wire Evaporation for Lithium Secondary Batteries
Authors: Ju Jin-Hoon , Park Sang-Hui , Park Sang-Hee , Lee Han-Gyeol , Choi Hyon-Kwang , Cho Gyu-Bong
Published: June 2020

In this work, bare Sn and carbon-coated Sn nanoparticles were prepared by a pulsed wire evaporation process. The effect of binder and pressing ratio on electrochemical properties of Sn/C composite electrodes was investigated to enhance the structural stability of Sn anode. The electrode
containing the polyamide-imide (PAI) binder with high tensile strength (52 MPa) exhibited higher coulombic efficiency and better cycle performance compared to the electrode with the conventional polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) binder. The 5%-pressed Sn/C electrode with the proper porosity in
the electrode demonstrated the best cycle performance corresponding to 45% of capacity retention ratio until 100 cycles.
Theoretical Study of Phenoxaphosphine-Based Blue Organic Light-Emitting Diode Exhibiting Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence
Authors: Lee JaMin , Lee Sae Won , Kim Young Sik
Published: June 2020

We designed novel thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials by combining the electron donors spiro[acridine-9,9′-fluorene] (D1) and 9,9-diphenyl acridan (PAC) with the electron acceptor phenoxaphosphine (OPO) unit (2D1-OPO and 2PAC-OPO) and used those property
to compare it with that of the reference material using dimethylacridan (Ac) as an electron donor (Ac-OPO) for blue organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). To calculate electron distribution of highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMO), lowest occupied molecular orbital (LUMO), lowest singlet
(S1) energy and lowest triplet (T1) excitation states, density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT calculation have been used. The calculated energy difference (ΔEST) between the S1 and T1 states
of 2D1-OPO (0.125 eV) and 2PAC-OPO (0.153 eV) were as small as that of Ac-OPO (0.127 eV). The results showed that 2D1-OPO is a good candidate for blue OLED emitter because it has an emission wavelength of 441.0 nm as well as a sufficiently small ΔEST value and large
oscillator intensity value.
Hole Mobility Calculation for Monolayer Molybdenum Tungsten Alloy Disulfide
Authors: Wu Ming-Ting , Yang Cheng-Hsien , Chung Yun-Fang , Chen Kuan-Ting , Chang Shu-Tong
Published: June 2020

A simple band model using higher order non-parabolic effect was adopted for single layer molybdenum tungsten alloy disulfide (i.e., Mo1−xWxS2). The first-principles method considering 2 × 2 supercell was used to study band structure
of single layer alloy Mo1−xWxS2 and a simple band (i.e., effective mass approximation model, EMA) model with higher order non-parabolic effect was used to fit the first-principle band structures in order to calculate corresponding the hole
mobility. In addition, we investigate the alloy scattering effect on the hole mobility of Mo1−xWxS2.
The Medially-Invasive Cholesteatoma: An Aggressive Subtype of a Common Pathology
Authors: Casazza Geoffrey , Carlson Matthew L. , Shelton Clough , Gurgel Richard K.
Published: June 2020

Objective:

Describe the outcomes of treatment for patients with cholesteatomas that are medially invasive to the otic capsule, petrous apex, and/or skull base.

Study Design:

Retrospective case series

Setting:

Two tertiary care academic centers.

Patients:

Patients surgically managed for medially-invasive cholesteatoma at two tertiary care institutions from 2001 to 2017.

Interventions:

Surgical management of medially-invasive cholesteatomas.

Main Outcome Measures:

The presenting symptoms, imaging, pre- and post-operative clinical course, and complications were reviewed.

Results:

Seven patients were identified. All patients had pre-operative radiographic evidence of invasive cholesteatoma with erosion into the otic capsule beyond just a lateral semicircular canal fistula. Five patients had a complex otologic history with multiple surgeries for recurrent cholesteatoma including three with prior canal wall down mastoidectomy surgeries. Average age at the time of surgery was 41.3 years (range 20-83). Two patients underwent a hearing preservation approach to the skull base while all others underwent a surgical approach based on the extent of the lesion. Facial nerve function was maintained at the pre-operative level in all but one patient. No patient developed cholesteatoma recurrence.

Conclusions:

The medially-invasive cholesteatoma demonstrates an aggressive, endophytic growth pattern, invading into the otic capsule or through the perilabyrinthine air cells to the petrous apex. Surgical resection remains the best treatment option for medially-invasive cholesteatoma. When CSF leak is a concern, a subtotal petrosectomy with closure of the ear is often necessary.
Gazing into the World of Tattoos: An Invitation to Reconsider how we Conceptualize Religious Practices
Authors: Barras Amélie , Saris Anne
Published: June 2020

Debates around the visibility of religious symbols – including whether and how to regulate them—have been quite vivid in recent years in Canada, and particularly in the province of Quebec. These discussions often focus on minority religious symbols and are based on the premise that symbols can be removed or modified. In fact, Saba Mahmood (2006, 2009) argues that using the term “symbol” precludes de-facto our ability to entertain the possibility that these symbols cannot be removed or modified.

Drawing on 15 interviews with religiously tattooed individuals and tattoo artists in Montreal and Toronto, this article explores the practice of religious tattooing. Interestingly, this practice has been overlooked in debates on the regulation of religious symbols, as well as in the scholarly literature covering those debates. In this article, we are interested in thinking about why this is. We also argue that looking at the practice of religious tattooing helps give further credence to Mahmood’s criticism. It broadens our understanding of religious practices, including alerting us to the importance of the idea of ‘lived religion’ in comprehending how these practices can be an essential part of who someone is. While religious tattoos have largely escaped legal regulation, we conclude with a discussion of how they nonetheless remain the object of a regulatory gaze.
Globalisation and social work education in the Republic of Ireland: Towards informed transnational social work for transnational problems such as COVID-19
Authors: Flynn Susan
Published: June 2020

Critically informed commentary is employed to examine globalisation and social work education in the Republic of Ireland. This is extended in analysis by a tripartite conceptual framework. The emphasis is on preparing practitioners for transnational practice, in response to global social interdependencies and transnational social problems such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The concern is that social work education risks being outpaced by changes imposed through intensifying globalisation. The article is timely and opportune as advances towards universalism and global interconnectedness in social work are underway. To date, the need to promote better global awareness, within Irish social work curricula, remains.
Analytical modeling of laminated composite plates integrated with piezoelectric layer using Trigonometric Zigzag theory
Authors: Chanda Aniket , Sahoo Rosalin
Published: June 2020

The analytical solution for static analysis of laminated composite plate integrated with piezoelectric fiber reinforced composite actuator is obtained using a recently developed Trigonometric Zigzag theory. The kinematic field consists of five independent field variables accommodating non-linear variation of transverse shear strains through the thickness of the laminated composite plate. The principle of minimum potential energy is adopted to derive the governing equations of equilibrium. Navier’s solution technique is employed to convert the system of coupled partial differential equations into a system of algebraic equations. The electric potential is assumed to vary linearly through the thickness of the piezoelectric layer. The analytical formulation also does not include voltage as an additional primary variable. The response in the form of deflection and stresses are obtained for smart composite plates subjected to electro-mechanical loads and compared with the elasticity solutions and available results reported by other researchers in the existing literature. The transverse shear stresses are accurately determined by an efficient post-processing technique of integrating the equilibrium equations of elasticity. Parametric studies on actuation in the response of the smart composite plate are also presented graphically in order to have a clear understanding of the static behavior.
HIF-1α Mediates Osteoclast-Induced Mandibular Condyle Growth via AMPK Signaling
Authors: Tang Y. , Hong C. , Cai Y. , Zhu J. , Hu X. , Tian Y. , Song X. , Song Z. , Jiang R. , Kang F.
Published: June 2020

During the mandibular condylar growth, the absorption of calcified cartilage matrix induced by osteoclasts is crucial for the continuous endochondral osteogenesis. Meanwhile, recent studies showed that subchondral bone resided within the low-oxygen microenvironment, and our previous study revealed that hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1α (HIF-1α) promoted osteoclastogenesis under hypoxia. However, whether HIF-1α regulates the function of osteoclasts in the mandibular condyle cartilage remains elusive. Our study indicated that severe deformity of the mandibular condyle was displayed in 10-wk-old osteoclast-specific HIF-1α conditional knockout (CKO) mice, accompanied by shortened length of condylar process and disorganized fibrocartilage. In 1-, 2-, and 4-wk-old CKO mice, the size of the hypertrophic layer and chondrocytic layer was significantly thickened. In the chondrocytic layer, chondrocytes were atrophied, showing a form of apoptosis in 4-wk-old CKO mice. Furthermore, an increase in the thickness of the fibrous and proliferating layer was observed in 10-wk-old CKO mice, as well as a significant decrease in that of the chondrocytic and hypertrophic chondrocyte layers. Interestingly, the articular surface of the condylar process abnormally presented a horizontal concave shape, and a disk-like acellular connective tissue appeared. In addition, genetic ablation of HIF-1α blunted cartilage matrix loss by subchondral osteoclast deficiency, resulting in a high subchondral bone mass phenotype, accompanied with a decreased number of blood vessels, alkaline phosphatase staining, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Mechanistically, the number of osteoclasts in the center of the condyle in CKO mice was significantly reduced by attenuated expression of adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. These findings reveal a novel influence of HIF-1α function in osteoclasts on maintenance of osteoclast-induced resorption of calcified cartilage matrix via AMPK signaling, as well as subchondral bone formation through VEGF-dependent angiogenesis in bone marrow.
Price No Object!: The Impact of Power Distance Belief on Consumers’ Price Sensitivity
Authors: Lee Hyejin , Lalwani Ashok K. , Wang Jessie J.
Published: June 2020

The role of culture in consumers’ price search and behavior has received limited attention in the literature. In the present research, the authors examine how the cultural dimension of power distance belief (PDB)—the extent to which people accept and endorse hierarchy—influences consumers’ price sensitivity. The authors propose that consumers high (vs. low) in PDB are less price sensitive because they have a higher need for closure, which motivates them to “seize and freeze” on a current offer and quickly arrive at the final purchase decision rather than search for a better price. Accordingly, the relationship between PDB and price sensitivity is moderated by variables that alter consumers’ need for closure, such as social density. Six studies (and five more summarized in the Web Appendices) using a variety of operationalizations of the key variables provide robust support for the relationship between PDB and price sensitivity and shed light on the underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Counteracting Throwaway Culture in Daily Clinical Practice
Authors: Fuchs Jeffrey W. , Fuchs Joseph R.
Published: June 2020

Since his election in March 2013, Pope Francis has brought significant attention to the concept of “throwaway culture.” This moral paradigm—which has been defined by Francis in various speeches and the encyclical Laudato si’—characterizes a present-day culture in which food, disposable objects, and even human beings themselves are “discarded as ‘unnecessary.’” As Catholic physicians, it is our duty to ensure that we are working to counteract throwaway culture in our daily clinical practice by embracing and exhibiting a culture of encounter. When throwaway culture is discussed within the context of medical practice, it is easy to think of major life and systemic issues including abortion, assistive reproductive technology, physician assisted suicide, and so on. However, rejection of throwaway culture has much broader implications for Catholic physicians. We are called to resist this perverse culture whenever we experience a situation that requires special attention to the respect of human dignity. In this article, we present two common situations encountered in clinical practice in which it is essential to counteract throwaway culture and embrace a culture of encounter: in working with patients who are isolation settings and those who require translation services. Various studies are cited which demonstrate a lack of respect for human dignity that can be seen when working with these patient populations, and recommendations are provided which illustrate how to embrace a culture of encounter in each scenario. The authors conclude that through adoption of a culture of encounter, Catholic physicians as a community can be role models for coworkers, trainees, and students, promoting a culture in which we validate human dignity and ensure the quality and just care of even our most vulnerable patients.

Pope Francis had defined a “throwaway culture” in which “Human life, the person, are no longer seen as a primary value to be respected and safeguarded.” In this article we present two common situations encountered in clinical practice in which it is essential to counteract throwaway culture and embrace a culture of encounter: in working with patients who are isolation settings and those who require translation services. We conclude that, as Catholic physicians, it is our duty to ensure that we are working to counteract throwaway culture in our daily clinical practice by embracing and exhibiting a culture of encounter.
Cannabis knowledge and implications for health: Considerations regarding the legalization of non-medical cannabis
Authors: Zamengo Luca , Frison Giampietro , Zwitser Guus , Salomone Alberto , Freeman Tom P
Published: June 2020

Cannabis contains over a hundred of different cannabinoids, of which Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most well studied. The use of high-potency cannabis, containing high concentrations of THC and low concentrations of CBD, has been linked to adverse health outcomes, particularly for adolescents and young adults. Recently, an increase in cannabis potency has been observed in jurisdictions that legalized the sale of cannabis for non-medical purposes. Moreover, an increase of cannabis use and cannabis-related emergency treatment have also been observed in these jurisdictions. At the same time, risk perception regarding cannabis use has decreased in these populations. Trivializing language and an increased appearance of commercial cannabis in the public space may lead to a generalized underestimation of the risks of cannabis use. New regulation models principally focus on the creation of a legal cannabis market economy, the diversion of profits from illegal markets, and the reduction of costs associated with prohibition. However, an approach that specifically focuses on the rights to the health and safety of the individual should be considered in order to reduce the risks associated with cannabis legalization. Such an approach should promote and protect individual and social health and safety, establish a strict quality control of legal cannabis products regulated according to THC and CBD content, and eliminate all sorts of incentives to use, thus providing a more consistent, sustainable, and ethical framework for the legalization of non-medical cannabis use.
Energy Consumption, Carbon Emission, and Well-Being in Africa
Authors: Olubiyi Ebenezer Adesoji
Published: June 2020

The link among energy use, human welfare, and carbon emission has been a topical issue in the literature. In Africa, energy consumption has been on the increase owing to the production and consumption of sophisticated consumer goods and home appliances. Increased energy use triggers carbon emission that is detrimental to human welfare. This study investigates this puzzle in emerging African countries by utilizing panel vector autoregressive and system generalized method of moments (SYS-GMM) in the context of a mix of theories. The results indicate a unidirectional causality running from FUEL, COAL to per capita income (PCI). A unidirectional causality running from mortality rate (MOR) to COAL and CO2 was observed. There is a bidirectional relationship between MOR and energy use. The SYS-GMM results show that the effects of energy consumption on well-being are diverse. Increase in coal consumption reduces unemployment rate while electricity consumption reduces infant mortality rate. Fuel consumption aggravates incidence of mortality rate. CO2 reduces unemployment but worsens infant mortality rate. Electricity consumption reduces infant mortality rate. Hence, for the purpose of policy harmonization tailored toward improving well-being in the emerging economies of Africa, it is recommended that more of coal consumption and efficient use of electricity must be encouraged.
Bioactive and superabsorbent cellulosic dressing grafted alginate and Carthamus tinctorius polysaccharide extract for the treatment of chronic wounds
Authors: El-Ghoul Yassine , Alminderej Fahad M
Published: June 2020

Diabetic foot ulcers have a negative impact on the lives of patients and are highly vulnerable to infection, leading to amputation too often. It is essential that the patient with a diabetic foot ulcer receives the best possible care. Herein, we developed a new functionalized cellulosic wound dressing with high-improved healing properties, able to be a serious alternative for diabetic acute wounds. First, a bioactive polysaccharide was extracted from the Carthamus tinctorius plant. Then a new crosslinked polymer-based alginate/ C. tinctorius polymer extract was prepared and checked for combined antimicrobial and tissue regeneration properties. Afterward, the efficiency of the textile functionalization process was optimized through studying the influence of different grafting parameters: curing conditions and the concentration of the impregnating solution. The drop method wettability technique exhibited significant improvement in the hydrophilicity behavior of treated textile samples, which increased with the grafting rate. Attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis or differential thermal analysis were investigated to test whether the chemical permanent grafting resisted the severe standard washing conditions. The tensile strength characteristics showed that the grafting does not affect the original mechanical properties of treated textile dressings. A morphological study via scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the permanent textile finishing performance and permitted us to assess its chemical grafting approach onto the treated surfaces. The biological and the bacteriological investigations of functionalized dressings proved that the functional biomaterial could be used as a medical bioactive device with improved biological properties.
Design and simulation of flexible jute antenna with performance validation on bending and soaking conditions
Authors: Pandimadevi M , Tamilselvi R , Parisa Beham M
Published: June 2020

Recently, there has been an abrupt increase in the integration of community antenna to flexible, textile and wearable applications. The proposed work introduces the design of a flexible wearable patch antenna using a jute fiber substrate for better performance. The antenna has been designed and simulated with jute substrate at the operating frequency of 3.23 GHz. The antenna has been fabricated and tested under normal, wet, on-hand and bending conditions using a vector network analyzer. The various parameters such as reflection coefficient parameter and voltage standing wave ratio of the fabricated antenna are measured and compared with the simulation results. The tested results show that the performance of the antenna under normal, wet, on-hand and bending conditions is almost approximately equal. Due to better performance in soaking and bending conditions as well as low cost and adequate availability of jute material, the proposed antenna can be used in various applications such as biomedical, military, radio location, ground radar, search and rescue applications, and more.
Book review: Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo, Good Economics for Hard Times: Better Answers to Our Biggest Problems
Authors: Kumar Arun
Published: June 2020

Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo, Good Economics for Hard Times: Better Answers to Our Biggest Problems. New Delhi, Juggernaut Books, 2019, x + 403 pp., ₹699. ISBN: 9789353450700
Remaining useful life prediction for the air turbine starter based on empirical mode decomposition and relevance vector machine
Authors: Guo Runxia , Liu Zhenghua , Wei Ye
Published: June 2020

An air turbine starter (ATS) is used to start the aero-engine before an aircraft takes off, which plays a significant role in the reliable operation of the aero-engine and is critical to the flight security, so it is vital to monitor the health and predict the remaining useful life (RUL) for the ATS. This paper proposes a fusion framework based on the combination of empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and relevance vector machine (RVM). EMD is used to smooth out the non-stationary data by pattern decomposition, and the multiple intrinsic mode functions (IMF) which can effectively reflect the fault characteristics, are carefully selected from all IMFs by kurtosis index technique. RVM is used to train the selected smooth IMFs samples and establish a regression model for remaining useful life prediction. In addition, the subtraction clustering technique is introduced to reduce the samples scale and speed up the RVM’s training efficiency. The effectiveness of the proposed fusion framework is illustrated via an experiment of ATS, and the results show that the proposed method has satisfactory prediction performance.
Reflections on public administration education with a case of Bangladesh
Authors: Azizuddin Muhammad , Hossain Akram
Published: June 2020

The paper aims to review public administration education in the higher education institutions in Bangladesh, and their role in ensuring modern public services. Most universities in the country offer public administration degrees; however, minimal contributions to nationbuilding have been observed. The study asks: what are the pitfalls behind this? How to address the limitations? This is a qualitative study with gleaned data, using inductive content analysis to investigate the phenomenon with three case universities indicating the link between curriculum and learning delivery at the universities in Bangladesh. The research finds that poor development-oriented public administration education has little correlation to national development. The education system is traditional, where typical cultural features are nonchalance and indifference towards domestic demands. The discipline cannot create a distinctive identity and position in academia, which has consequences for the advancement of the administrative system in a developing country like Bangladesh. A research-informed curriculum with innovative pedagogical approach might be an alternative. The paper enlightens both academics and practitioners, as literature on public administration education in Bangladesh has been scarce. It calls for higher education institutions to reassess public administration education, teaching methods and research for national development.
Kidney Transporters and Drug-Induced Injury in Drug Development
Authors: Radi Zaher A.
Published: June 2020

Influx and efflux kidney tubular transporters are major determinants of the disposition of xenobiotics, including pharmaceutical drugs. On the basolateral membrane of proximal tubular cells, there are influx transporters, such as organic cation transporters. On the apical membrane of proximal tubular cells, there are efflux transporters, such as multidrug and toxin extrusion proteins. The secretion process across the apical membrane into the lumen occurs via efflux transporters which plays an important role in serum creatinine (sCr) elimination in urine. The interference of a pharmaceutical drug with transporters can lead to changes in sCr with no alterations in biomarkers or light microscopic evidence indicative of renal injury. Identification of transporters that influence drug disposition, toxicity, and overall nonclinical safety assessment is important in drug discovery and development programs. This mini review describes some key aspects of kidney tubular transporters and drug-induced renal toxicities in safety risk assessment and drug development.
Auditory Quality‐of‐Life Measures in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury and Normal Pure Tone Audiometry
Authors: Knoll Renata M. , Lubner Rory J. , Brodsky Jacob R. , Wong Kevin , Jung David H. , Remenschneider Aaron K. , Herman Seth D. , Kozin Elliott D.
Published: June 2020

Auditory complaints are commonly reported following traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, few studies have examined patient‐reported auditory symptomatology and quality‐of‐life metrics in individuals with TBI. We hypothesize that following TBI, individuals can experience auditory symptoms even with hearing thresholds in the normal range. Adult patients with normal auditory thresholds and a history of TBI were evaluated for subjective hearing loss, tinnitus, aural fullness, hyperacusis, and autophony. Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, and Hyperacusis Questionnaire were administered. Thirty‐one patients were prospectively recruited. Twenty‐eight TBI participants (90%) reported ≥1 auditory symptoms at the time of survey intake. Mild to severe handicap in the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory was reported in 71.4% and 40% of the participants with hearing loss and tinnitus, respectively. Hyperacusis handicap was considered significant in 41.1% of the participants who complained of hyperacusis and completed the survey. Despite normal hearing thresholds, individuals with TBI experience decrements in auditory quality‐of‐life metrics. Level of evidence: 3.
Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Outcomes: Does Treatment at a High‐Volume Center Confer Survival Benefit?
Authors: Teitelbaum Jordan I. , Issa Khalil , Barak Ian R. , Ackall Feras Y. , Jung Sin‐Ho , Jang David W. , Abi Hachem Ralph
Published: June 2020

Objective

To determine whether treatment of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) at a high‐volume facility affects survival.

Study Design

Retrospective database analysis.

Setting

National Cancer Database (2004‐2014).

Subjects and Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried for sinonasal SCC from 2004 to 2014. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics and classification, resection margins, treatment regimen, and facility case‐specific volume—averaged per year and grouped in tertiles as low (0%‐33%), medium (34%‐66%), and high (67%‐100%)—were compared. Overall survival was compared with Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results

A total of 3835 patients treated for sinonasal SCC between 2004 and 2014 were identified. Therapeutic options included surgery alone (18.6%), radiotherapy (RT) alone (29.1%), definitive chemoradiation (15.4%), surgery with adjuvant RT (22.8%), and combinations (14.1%) of the aforementioned treatments. Patients who underwent surgery with adjuvant RT had better overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.74; P <. 001; 95% CI, 0.63‐0.86). As for treatment volume per facility, 7.4% of patients were treated at a low‐volume center, 17.5% at a medium‐volume center, and 75.1% at a high‐volume center. Univariate analysis showed that treatment at a high‐volume facility conferred a significantly better overall survival (HR, 0.77; P =. 002). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, adjusting for age, sex, tumor classification, and treatment regimen, demonstrated that patients who underwent treatment at a high‐volume facility (HR, 0.81; P <. 001) had significantly improved survival.

Conclusion

This study shows a better overall survival for sinonasal SCC treated at high‐volume centers. Further study may be needed to understand the effect of case volume on the paradigms of sinonasal SCC management.