bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Mostar and Edge Mostar Indices of Graphs
Authors: Ghalavand Ali , Ashrafi Ali Reza , Hakimi-Nezhaad Mardjan
Published: April 2021

LetGbe a graph with edge setEGande=uv∈EG. Definenue,Gandmue,Gto be the number of vertices ofGcloser touthan tovand the number of edges ofGcloser touthan tov, respectively. The numbersnve,Gandmve,Gcan be defined in an analogous way. The Mostar and edge Mostar indices ofGare new graph invariants defined asMoG=∑uv∈EGnuuv,G−nvuv,GandMoeG=∑uv∈EGmuuv,G−mvuv,G, respectively. In this paper, an upper bound for the Mostar and edge Mostar indices of a tree in terms of its diameter is given. Next, the trees with the smallest and the largest Mostar and edge Mostar indices are also given. Finally, a recent conjecture of Liu, Song, Xiao, and Tang (2020) on bicyclic graphs with a given order, for which extremal values of the edge Mostar index are attained, will be proved. In addition, some new open questions are presented.
Pure Traveling Wave Solutions for Three Nonlinear Fractional Models
Authors: Li Qinjun , Soybaş Danyal , Ilhan Onur Alp , Singh Gurpreet , Manafian Jalil
Published: April 2021

Three nonlinear fractional models, videlicet, the space-time fractional

1
+
1

Boussinesq equation,

2
+
1

-dimensional breaking soliton equations, and SRLW equation, are the important mathematical approaches to elucidate the gravitational water wave mechanics, the fractional quantum mechanics, the theoretical Huygens’ principle, the movement of turbulent flows, the ion osculate waves in plasma physics, the wave of leading fluid flow, etc. This paper is devoted to studying the dynamics of the traveling wave with fractional conformable nonlinear evaluation equations (NLEEs) arising in nonlinear wave mechanics. By utilizing the oncoming

exp

−
Θ

q

-expansion technique, a series of novel exact solutions in terms of rational, periodic, and hyperbolic functions for the fractional cases are derived. These types of long-wave propagation phenomena played a dynamic role to interpret the water waves as well as mathematical physics. Here, the form of the accomplished solutions containing the hyperbolic, rational, and trigonometric functions is obtained. It is demonstrated that our proposed method is further efficient, general, succinct, powerful, and straightforward and can be asserted to install the new exact solutions of different kinds of fractional equations in engineering and nonlinear dynamics.
Evaluation of In Vivo Antiulcer Activity of Hydro‐Methanol Extract and Solvent Fractions of the Stem Bark of Ficus thonningii (Moraceae) on Rodent Models
Authors: Adane Habtalem , Atnafie Seyfe Asrade , Kifle Zemene Demelash , Ambikar Digambar
Published: April 2021

Introduction. The stem bark of Ficus thonningii is used by Ethiopian traditional healers and the community for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. Thus, the current study was aimed at evaluating the antiulcer effect of hydro‐methanol extract and solvent fractions of F. thonningii. Methods. The stem bark of F. thonningii was collected and shed dried. Then, the stem bark was extracted by 80% hydro‐methanol solvents and dried. The part of the dried hydro‐methanol extract was further fractionated with n‐hexane, chloroform, and distilled water. Dose‐dependent pylorus ligation, curative indomethacin‐induced, and time‐dependent ethanol‐induced ulcer models were evaluated for the hydro‐methanol extract and solvent fractions. Statistical analysis was done by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. The analyses were carried out using one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison tests. The result was considered significant when p < 0.05. Results. The extract of F. thonningii showed a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in total acidity at all the tested doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg). All the tested doses of the hydro‐methanol extract significantly reduced the gastric volume as compared to the vehicle (NC) (p < 0.01). The gastric pH was significantly (p < 0.05) increased by 200 and 400 mg/kg. Similarly, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.05) lowered gastric ulceration as compared to the NC. The hydro‐methanol extract and aqueous fractions of F. thonningii at 200 mg/kg showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the ulcer index on a repeated dose of the hydro‐methanol and solvent fractions. Ulcer healing effect on indomethacin‐induced ulcer was not significant (p > 0.05) for all tested doses of the hydro‐methanol extract. Conclusion. The study demonstrated that the stem bark of F. thonningii has a potential antiulcer activity that might be due to antisecretory or cytoprotective effects.
Prevention of Vascular Calcification by Magnesium and Selected Polyphenols
Authors: Mehansho Haile , Majeti Satya , Tzeghai Gabe
Published: April 2021

Arterial vascular calcification (VC) represents formation of calcium phosphate deposits on the interior of arteries, which could restrict blood flow leading to heart health problems, including morbidity and mortality. VC is a complex and tightly regulated process that involves transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to bone-like cells and subsequent deposition of calcium as hydroxyapatite. Natural bioactives, including quercetin (Q), curcumin (C), resveratrol (R), and magnesium (Mg), have been reported to inhibit VC. Thus, we conducted an in vitro study using rat vascular smooth muscle cells (rVSMCs) to evaluate the protective effect of natural bioactives found in OptiCel, that is, Mg combined with polyphenols (PPs), Q, C, and R. Calcification was induced by culturing rVSMCs in a high phosphate (HP) medium. The addition of Mg and Q + C + R separately decreased the HP-induced calcium deposition by 37.55% and 42.78%, respectively. In contrast, when Mg was combined with Q, C, and R, the inhibition of calcium deposition was decreased by 92.88%, which is greater than their calculated additive inhibition (80.33%). These results demonstrate that the combination of Mg with selected PPs (Q, C, and R) is more effective than when used separately. The findings also suggest the combination has a synergistic effect in inhibiting VC, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Thus, regular consumption of these natural bioactives could have a beneficial effect in reducing the development of heart diseases.
Migration Characteristics of Boring Mud in Roadway Floor Anchor Wire Hole and Test in Coal Mine
Authors: Zhang Hui , Han Weihai , Xu Youlin , Zhu Mengzhi , Liu Zhanyang , Wang Zhenfeng
Published: April 2021

Given the difficulty in drilling the anchor holes in the roadway floor of the coal mine, the characteristics of slag movement in the process of positive and negative circulation drilling are analyzed. It is concluded that the interaction between the three zones of drilling and slag is the fundamental reason restricting the rapid drilling of the anchor cable hole in the floor, and it is proposed that the pump reverse circulation drilling can effectively prevent the formation of the three zones of drilling and slag. According to the actual situation, the relationship between drilling depth, vacuum degree of the pump, and the velocity of drilling fluid and the volume of drilling slag is obtained. The results show that the pump suction reverse circulation is feasible for the rapid drilling of the anchor hole of the floor. A set of pump suction reverse circulation drilling systems has been developed, and floor anchor wire hole drilling and slag discharge operation at the same time were realized. The field test shows that the effective drilling time of the anchor cable hole in the depth of 5.6 m can be controlled within 30 min, which solves the problem of deep hole drilling in the anchor hole of the bottom plate and purifies the working environment.
Inhibition of Notch Signaling Promotes the Differentiation of Epicardial Progenitor Cells into Adipocytes
Authors: Liu Bin , Wang Dinghui , Xiong Tianhua , Liu Yajie , Jing Xiaodong , Du Jianlin , She Qiang
Published: April 2021

Background. The role of Notch signaling pathway in the differentiation of epicardial progenitor cells (EPCs) into adipocytes is unclear. The objective is to investigate the effects of Notch signaling on the differentiation of EPCs into adipocytes. Methods. Frozen sections of C57BL/6J mouse hearts were used to observe epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), and genetic lineage methods were used to trace EPCs. EPCs were cultured in adipogenic induction medium with Notch ligand jagged-1 or γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT. The adipocyte markers, Notch signaling, and adipogenesis transcription factors were determined. Results. There was EAT located at the atrial–ventricular groove in mouse. By using genetic lineage tracing methods, we found that EPCs were a source of epicardial adipocytes. EPCs had lipid droplet accumulation, and the expression of adipocyte markers FABP-4 and perilipin-1 was upregulated under adipogenic induction. Activating the Notch signaling with jagged-1 attenuated the adipogenic differentiation of EPCs and downregulated the key adipogenesis transcription factor peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), while inhibiting the signaling promoted adipogenic differentiation and upregulated PPAR-γ. When blocking PPAR-γ, the role of Notch signaling in promoting adipogenic differentiation was inhibited. Conclusions. EPCs are a source of epicardial adipocytes. Downregulation of the Notch signaling pathway promotes the differentiation of EPCs into adipocytes via PPAR-γ.
A Rare Case of Recurrent Klebsiella pneumoniae Liver Abscess
Authors: Amoateng Magdelene , Osei-Bagyina Pius , Varughese Reba , Mathew Achsah , Malhotra Ishan
Published: April 2021

Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess (KPLA) is an emerging syndrome with the initial cases described in Taiwan in the 1980s. There is high mortality with this condition, and immediate aggressive treatment is necessary. Diabetes mellitus (D.M.) is the single most important risk factor for developing KPLA. Here, we describe a rare case of recurrent cryptogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae pyogenic liver abscess (KPLA) in a young man with poorly controlled type 1 D.M.
New Estimates of Solution to Coupled System of Damped Wave Equations with Logarithmic External Forces
Authors: Alkhalifa Loay , Zennir Khaled
Published: April 2021

In the paper, we consider new stability results of solution to class of coupled damped wave equations with logarithmic sources in

ℝ

n

. We prove a new scenario of stability estimates by introducing a suitable Lyapunov functional combined with some estimates.
Dissecting Clonal Hematopoiesis in Tissues of Patients with Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Venanzi Alessandra , Marra Andrea , Schiavoni Gianluca , Milner Sara G. , Limongello Roberto , Santi Alessia , Pettirossi Valentina , Ultimo Simona , Tasselli Luisa , Pucciarini Alessandra , Falini Lorenza , Sciabolacci Sofia , Martelli Maria Paola , Sportoletti Paolo , Ascani Stefano , Falini Brunangelo , Tiacci Enrico
Published: April 2021

Clonal hematopoiesis predisposes to hematologic malignancies. However, clonal hematopoiesis is understudied in classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), a mature B-cell neoplasm exhibiting the most abundant microenvironment. We analyzed clonal hematopoiesis in 40 cHL cases by sequencing microdissected tumor cells and matched normal cells from blood and/or lymph nodes. Five patients had blood and/or tissue clonal hematopoiesis. In three of five patients (all failing first-line therapy), clonal hematopoiesis spread through the tissue microenvironment extensively, and featured mutant DNMT3AR882H, KRASG60D, and DNMT3AR882H+TET2Q1274* in 33%, 92%, and 60% of nonneoplastic cells, respectively. In the latter case, DNMT3A/TET2-mutant clonal hematopoiesis seeded the neoplastic clone, which was infected by the Epstein–Barr virus and showed almost no other somatic mutations exome-wide. In the former case, DNMT3A-mutant clonal hematopoiesis did not originate the neoplastic clone despite dominating the blood and B-cell lineage (∼94% leukocytes; ∼96% mature blood B cells), yet led to NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia 6 years after therapy for cHL. Our results expand to cHL the spectrum of hematologic malignancies associated with clonal hematopoiesis.

Significance:

Clonal hematopoiesis can be present in the cHL tissue, can give rise to the tumor clone, and can spread to large parts of its microenvironment. Even when massive, clonal hematopoiesis does not always give rise to the neoplastic clone of multiple myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms occurring in the same patient.
Consensus Decision‐Making for the Management of Antiplatelet Therapy before Non‐Cardiac Surgery in Patients Who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Second‐Generation Drug‐Eluting Stents: A Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Choongki , Kim Jung‐Sun , Kim Hyeongsoo , Ahn Sung Gyun , Cho Sungsoo , Lee Oh‐Hyun , Park Jong‐Kwan , Shin Sanghoon , Moon Jae Youn , Won Hoyoun , Suh Yongsung , Cho Jung Rae , Cho Yun‐Hyeong , Oh Seung‐Jin , Lee Byoung‐Kwon , Hong Sung‐Jin , Shin Dong‐Ho , Ahn Chul‐Min , Kim Byeong‐Keuk , Ko Young‐Guk , Choi Donghoon , Hong Myeong‐Ki , Jang Yangsoo
Published: April 2021

Background

Although antiplatelet therapy (APT) has been recommended to balance ischemic‐bleeding risks, it has been left to an individualized decision‐making based on physicians' perspectives before non‐cardiac surgery. The study aimed to assess the advantages of a consensus among physicians, surgeons, and anesthesiologists on continuation and regimen of preoperative APT in patients with coronary drug‐eluting stents.

Methods and Results

A total of 3582 adult patients undergoing non‐cardiac surgery after percutaneous coronary intervention with second‐generation stents was retrospectively included from a multicenter cohort. Physicians determined whether APT should be continued or discontinued for a recommended period before non‐cardiac surgery. There were 3103 patients who complied with a consensus decision. Arbitrary APT, not based on a consensus decision, was associated with urgent surgery, high bleeding risk of surgery, female sex, and dual APT at the time of preoperative evaluation. Arbitrary APT independently increased the net clinical adverse event (adjusted odds ratio [OR
adj
], 1.98; 95% CI, 1.98–3.11), major adverse cardiac event (OR
adj
, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.31–7.34), and major bleeding (OR
adj
, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.45–3.76) risks. The association was consistently noted, irrespective of the surgical risks, recommendations, and practice on discontinuation of APT.

Conclusions

Most patients were treated in agreement with a consensus decision about preoperative APT based on a referral system among physicians, surgeons, and anesthesiologists. The risk of perioperative adverse events increased if complying with a consensus decision was failed.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03908463.
Conspecific scarring on wild belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) in Cunningham Inlet
Authors: Ham Jackson R. , Lilley Malin K. , Manitzas Hill Heather M.
Published: April 2021

Intra-specific aggression is not frequently observed in wild cetaceans, including belugas. One proxy, identified in past research, that indicates past aggressive behaviour is the presence of rake marks (scars left on skin by the teeth of conspecifics). Behavioural observations of belugas, compared to bottlenose dolphins, suggest that belugas engage in less physically aggressive behaviour; yet, a detailed study of beluga aggressive behaviour remains to be conducted. Beluga intra-specific aggression was assessed by scoring photographs taken from July to August in 2015 at Cunningham Inlet, Canada for the presence/absence and body location of rake marks. Of the 252 belugas analysed, 44% had rake marks. The results suggest that physical aggression occurs comparatively less with only half of the observed beluga population having rake marks compared to almost all bottlenose dolphins previously surveyed. We suggest social structure, skin pigmentation, and/or species-specific behaviours as explanations for the differences in rake marks among species.
Tokens for Reconciliation?
Authors: Desplanque Simon
Published: April 2021

In 2017, Ken Burns and Lynn Novick released their latest documentary series, The Vietnam War, with a clear goal in mind: proposing a narrative that would “heal the wounds” generated by the war in the United States. This paper dwells on the role devoted to the “Viet’ vets” in this series. We argue that these veterans played a crucial role in this reconciliatory undertaking since they served as main conveyors of a critical vision of the war, close to what some scholars have called the “orthodox school”. In this regard, the emphasis put on them is indicative of a much broader mutation: the sacralisation of these “Viet’ vets” in official narratives and their progressive rehabilitation in U.S. popular culture.
Effects of CGRP-Primed Dental Pulp Stem Cells on Trigeminal Sensory Neurons
Authors: Michot B. , Casey S.M. , Gibbs J.L.
Published: April 2021

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are important in tooth physiology, contributing to development, repair, regeneration, and immunomodulatory processes. However, their role in inflammatory mechanisms underlying pulpitis is not well understood. We evaluated the influence of DPSCs stimulated with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a proinflammatory neuropeptide, on the expression of mediators released from DPSCs and the effect of these mediators on sensory neuron activity. Human DPSCs were treated with either control media or media containing CGRP (10−8 M) for 7 d, and the conditioned media (CM) containing DPSC-released mediators was collected. The expression of cytokines and chemokines from DPSCs was evaluated by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The effects of the CM from CGRP-primed DPSCs (primed DPSC-CM) were evaluated on sensory afferents by using primary cultures of mouse trigeminal neurons and an organotypic model of cultured human pulp slices. Mouse trigeminal neurons and human pulp explants were pretreated for 24 h with control or primed DPSC-CM and then stimulated with capsaicin. Afferent activity was measured by quantifying the response to capsaicin via live cell calcium imaging in mouse neurons and CGRP released from pulp explants. Gene expression analysis showed that primed DPSCs overexpressed some proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including chemokines CXCL1 and CXCL8, which are both agonists of the receptor CXCR2 expressed in sensory neurons. Primed DPSC-CM increased human pulp sensory afferent activity as compared with control DPSC-CM. Similarly, primed DPSC-CM increased the intensity of calcium responses in cultured mouse trigeminal neurons. Furthermore, the CXCR2 antagonist SB225002 prevented trigeminal neuron sensitization to capsaicin induced by primed DPSC-CM. In conclusion, mediators released by DPSCs, primed with the proinflammatory mediator CGRP, induce neuronal sensitization through CXCR2 receptor. These data suggest that DPSCs might contribute to pain symptoms that develop in pulpitis.
Delivery of Alkaline Phosphatase Promotes Periodontal Regeneration in Mice
Authors: Nagasaki A. , Nagasaki K. , Kear B.D. , Tadesse W.D. , Thumbigere-Math V. , Millán J.L. , Foster B.L. , Somerman M.J.
Published: April 2021

Factors regulating the ratio of pyrophosphate (PPi) to phosphate (Pi) modulate biomineralization. Tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) is a key promineralization enzyme that hydrolyzes the potent mineralization inhibitor PPi. The goal of this study was to determine whether TNAP could promote periodontal regeneration in bone sialoprotein knockout mice ( Ibsp−/− mice), which are known to have a periodontal disease phenotype. Delivery of TNAP was accomplished either systemically (through a lentiviral construct expressing a mineral-targeted TNAP-D10 protein) or locally (through addition of recombinant human TNAP to a fenestration defect model). Systemic TNAP-D10 delivered by intramuscular injection at 5 d postnatal (dpn) increased circulating alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in Ibsp−/− mice by 5-fold at 30 dpn, with levels returning to normal by 60 dpn when tissues were evaluated by micro–computed tomography and histology. Local delivery of recombinant human TNAP to fenestration defects in 5-wk-old wild type (WT) and Ibsp−/− mice did not alter long-term circulating ALP levels, and tissues were evaluated by micro–computed tomography and histology at postoperative day 45. Systemic and local delivery of TNAP significantly increased alveolar bone volume (20% and 37%, respectively) and cementum thickness (3- and 42-fold) in Ibsp−/− mice, with evidence for periodontal ligament attachment and bone/cementum marker localization. Local delivery significantly increased regenerated cementum and bone in WT mice. Addition of 100-μg/mL bovine intestinal ALP to culture media to increase ALP in vitro increased media Pi concentration, mineralization, and Spp1 and Dmp1 marker gene expression in WT and Ibsp−/− OCCM.30 cementoblasts. Use of phosphonoformic acid, a nonspecific inhibitor of sodium Pi cotransport, indicated that effects of bovine intestinal ALP on mineralization and marker gene expression were in part through Pi transport. These findings show for the first time through multiple in vivo and in vitro approaches that pharmacologic modulation of Pi/PPi metabolism can overcome periodontal breakdown and accomplish regeneration.
Integrating Assistive Technology Into a Teacher Preparation Program
Authors: Park Jiyeon , Bagwell Ashley F. , Bryant Diane P. , Bryant Brian R.
Published: April 2021

Assistive technology (AT), a major source of adapted educational services, has been accepted as a valuable tool for students with disabilities in schools. Teacher readiness is a key factor in determining a student’s successful inclusion, but many general and special education teachers are not fully prepared to implement AT in schools. In this study, special and general education preservice teachers received introductory instruction on AT, including lecture, demonstration of AT devices, discussion, and hands-on experience, at the Assistive and Instructional Technology (AIT) Lab. After the AIT Lab orientation, preservice teachers in both special and general education responded with higher scores regarding their preparedness to implement AT and more positive perspectives toward AT. The results showed that the AIT orientation was particularly beneficial to general education preservice teachers in their preparation for implementing AT.
Mixed-Reality Simulation With Preservice Teacher Candidates: A Conceptual Replication
Authors: Walters Sharon M. , Hirsch Shanna E. , McKown Georgia , Carlson Alex , Allen Abigail A.
Published: April 2021

Given the critical importance of discrete instructional practices in special education, teacher candidates must be prepared to implement them upon entering the classroom. In preservice teacher education programs, field placements and clinical experiences rarely provide enough opportunities for preservice teachers to gain the proficiency needed to provide effective instruction. In this study, a randomized control research design was used to investigate the effects of a mixed-reality simulation experience compared with traditional classroom practice in the implementation of a system of least prompts. Results suggest that mixed-reality simulation with additional coaching supports significantly improved preservice teachers’ implementation of the prompting sequence. Social validity data collected offer insights into the use of mixed-reality simulation in practice with preservice teachers. Limitations and suggestions for future work are discussed.
Lordly Management and its Discontents: ‘Human Resource Management’ in Pakistan
Authors: Saqib Syed Imran , Allen Matthew MC , Wood Geoffrey
Published: April 2021

New institutionalism increasingly informs work on comparative human resource management (HRM), downplaying power and how competing logics play out, and potentially providing an incomplete explanation of how and why ‘HRM’ and associated practices vary in different national contexts. We examine HRM in Pakistan’s banking industry and assess how managers’ espoused views of HRM practices reflect prevailing ones in dominant HRM models, and how they differ from early-career professionals’ perceptions of these practices. The cultural script of ‘seth’ (a neo-feudalist construction of authority) influences managers’ implementation of HRM policies and competes with the espoused HRM logic. We argue that managers will pursue a ‘seth’ logic when managing employees, as it reproduces existing power differentials within companies. By doing so, they render HRM unrecognizable from dominant models. Indeed, by using the term ‘HRM’, much of the existing, new institutionalism-influenced literature rationalizes a particular view of organizations and management that is inappropriate and analytically misleading in emerging economies.
An ultrasonic sensor based automatic braking system to mitigate driving exhaustion during traffic congestion
Authors: Arsalan Muhammad , Akbar Faraz
Published: April 2021

Traffic congestion has been the most tiresome encounter since the initiation of vehicle advancement. Many braking systems have been designed by researchers in previous studies, but this study is primarily focused on a braking system that is affordable to all because it is based on a simple Arduino-controlled system. Moreover, it is assistive on everyday traffic commutes rather than highway driving, which is relatively rare for normal drivers. As more and more vehicles crowd the roads, the more problematic it is becoming for the drivers, which is ultimately leading toward increment in the frontal car accidents. In this study, an electro-mechanical braking system has been deployed that assists the driver during the jam-packs by measuring the exact distance between the driven and forthcoming vehicle or any obstacle by applying the brakes without the driver pressing the brake pedal to ultimately bring the vehicle to a halt without any fear of vehicle collision. An ultrasonic sensor is used at the front bumper grille that measures the distance between the two closing vehicles. The total time to halt the vehicle has been calculated as 0.6 s, while the critical distance for the sensor has been set as 1-m. Furthermore, the stepper motor drivers are set at the maximum current output of 2.5 amps with a 12-volt battery connected in parallel to the motors. It is found that theoretical stopping time is in good agreement with the experimental stopping time to completely press the brake pedal and halt the car.
A Pathway to Technology Integration: Eliciting Consumer’s Behavioural Intention to Use Paytm Services
Authors: Mehta Pooja , Singla Himanshu , Saha Raiswa , Tyagi Shivani
Published: April 2021

The present study integrates the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the innovation diffusion theory (IDT) for analysing consumers’ intention to make use of Paytm services. It is a cross-sectional study; the data was gathered from 259 Internet consumers. The statistical tools, including structural equation modelling (SEM), are applied to understand the inter-construct relationships. The intention to use Paytm is positively influenced by a perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and social influence. Moreover, the moderating effects of perceived risk (PR) are found to be significant on the associations among social influence, perceived ease of use and Paytm usage intentions. This study will help digital wallet service providers (DWSP), who focus on identifying the important factors for accelerating the use of mobile wallets. The findings will also facilitate the government to devise ways for augmenting cashless fund movement in the economy. Besides explaining the phenomenon of Paytm usage intentions, the study reveals the moderating role of PR with respect to various antecedents, thereby filling the gap in the existing literature.
Being Uncertain: Rural-Living Cardiac Patients’ Experience of Seeking Health Care
Authors: Lowe Erin , Banner Davina , Estefan Andrew , King-Shier Kathryn
Published: April 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Secondary prevention strategies reduce disease progression to heart failure. Rural cardiac patients typically have less access to health care resources to support them in managing secondary prevention, and services to improve quality of life tend to be lacking in rural settings. The study aim was to examine the process that rural cardiac patients go through to access health care and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) following myocardial infarction (MI). In-depth interviews with 11 post-MI participants using Straussian grounded theory were undertaken. Analysis revealed a linear process from hospital discharge to maintaining health. There were five elements: comfort with health information, relationship with health care providers, social support, taking ownership, and availability of/for CR. The core category was “being uncertain.” Findings can be used to identify ways to improve access and address uncertainty stemming from a lack of perceived information and supports following discharge.
Computational Methods for Structure-to-Function Analysis of Diet-Derived Catechins-Mediated Targeting of In Vitro Vasculogenic Mimicry
Authors: Uthamacumaran Abicumaran , Suarez Narjara Gonzalez , Baniré Diallo Abdoulaye , Annabi Borhane
Published: April 2021

Background:

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is an adaptive biological phenomenon wherein cancer cells spontaneously self-organize into 3-dimensional (3D) branching network structures. This emergent behavior is considered central in promoting an invasive, metastatic, and therapy resistance molecular signature to cancer cells. The quantitative analysis of such complex phenotypic systems could require the use of computational approaches including machine learning algorithms originating from complexity science.

Procedures:

In vitro 3D VM was performed with SKOV3 and ES2 ovarian cancer cells cultured on Matrigel. Diet-derived catechins disruption of VM was monitored at 24 hours with pictures taken with an inverted microscope. Three computational algorithms for complex feature extraction relevant for 3D VM, including 2D wavelet analysis, fractal dimension, and percolation clustering scores were assessed coupled with machine learning classifiers.

Results:

These algorithms demonstrated the structure-to-function galloyl moiety impact on VM for each of the gallated catechin tested, and shown applicable in quantifying the drug-mediated structural changes in VM processes.

Conclusions:

Our study provides evidence of how appropriate 3D VM compression and feature extractors coupled with classification/regression methods could be efficient to study in vitro drug-induced perturbation of complex processes. Such approaches could be exploited in the development and characterization of drugs targeting VM.
The postcolonial migration state
Authors: Sadiq Kamal , Tsourapas Gerasimos
Published: April 2021

The evolution of migration policymaking across the Global South is of growing interest to International Relations. Yet, the impact of colonial and imperial legacies on states’ migration management regimes outside Europe and North America remains under-theorised. How does postcolonial state formation shape policies of cross-border mobility management in the Global South? By bringing James F. Hollifield’s framework of the contemporary ‘migration state’ in conversation with critical scholarship on postcolonialism, we identify the existence of a ‘postcolonial paradox,’ namely two sets of tensions faced by newly independent states of the Global South: first, the need to construct a modern sovereign nation-state with a well-defined national identity contrasts with weak institutional capacity to do so; second, territorial realities of sovereignty conflict with the imperatives of nation-building seeking to establish exclusive citizenship norms towards populations residing both inside and outside the boundaries of the postcolonial state. We argue that the use of cross-border mobility control policies to reconcile such tensions transforms the ‘postcolonial state’ into the ‘postcolonial migration state,’ which shows distinct continuities with pre-independence practices. In fact, postcolonial migration states reproduce colonial-era tropes via the surveillance and control of segmented migration streams that redistribute labour for the global economy. We demonstrate this via a comparative study of post-independence migration management in India and Egypt, which also aims to merge a problematic regional divide between scholarship on the Middle East and South Asia. We urge further critical interventions on the international politics of migration that prioritise interregional perspectives from the broader Global South.
Pain intensity and physical performance among individuals with fibromyalgia in mid-to-late life: The influence of depressive symptoms
Authors: Serpas Dylan G , Zettel-Watson Laura , Cherry Barbara J
Published: April 2021

This study investigated the mediating role of depressive symptoms among 147 middle-aged and older adults with FM in the relationship between pain intensity and 4 objective measures of physical performance: Fullerton Advanced Balance scale (FAB), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), 30-Second Chair Stand (30SCS), and 8-Foot Up and Go Test (8FUPGT). Asymptotic mediation analyses revealed that depressive symptoms fully mediated the relationship between pain intensity and FAB (95% CI [−0.40, −0.10]) and 8FUPGT (CI [0.02, 0.11]) and partially mediated the relationship to 6MWT (CI [−9.15, −2.20]) and 30SCS (CI [−0.29, −0.06]). Findings support the evaluation of co-morbid depression in FM.
Short report on research trends during the COVID-19 pandemic and use of telehealth interventions and remote brain research in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Su Wan-Chun , Srinivasan Sudha , Cleffi Corina , Bhat Anjana
Published: April 2021

Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the delivery of face-to-face (F2F) therapeutic interventions and neuroimaging assessments for children with autism spectrum disorder has been disrupted. To resume interventions and assessments, many services are now using telehealth-based online platforms. Using the Zoom conferencing platform, our research group has been providing creative play-based interventions to school-age children with autism spectrum disorder. The feedback on this telehealth intervention experience has been generally positive (mean satisfaction score: 4.4 on a 5-point Likert-type scoring range) and our preliminary data from six children with autism spectrum disorder suggest training-related improvements in gross motor, balance, and imitation skills. Despite the positive results, it remains to be explored if the effects of telehealth interventions are similar to those of F2F interventions. Neuroimaging techniques could provide objective measures of intervention effects. However, this will require researchers to resume neuroimaging research while adopting safe public health protocols to control the risk of COVID-19 transmission. In this short report, we summarize existing safety protocols for F2F neuroimaging research, our own experiences of safely conducting alternative, on-site and off-site neuroimaging data collection, as well as the potential opportunities of using online data sharing and low-cost, remote neuroimaging/electrophysiological techniques to continue brain research during the pandemic.

Lay abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruption in F2F healthcare delivery and neuroimaging research, especially when involving vulnerable populations such as children with autism spectrum disorder. Given the easy access to multiple video conferencing platforms, many healthcare services have moved to an online delivery format (i.e. telehealth). It is important to monitor the behavioral and neural effects of telehealth interventions and resume neuroimaging research while adopting public health safety protocols to control the risk of COVID-19 transmission. We summarize existing safety protocols and our own experience from in-person functional near-infrared spectroscopy neuroimaging data collection (on-site, at home, and in outdoor settings), as well as potential opportunities of using online data sharing and low-cost, remote neuroimaging/electrophysiological techniques to continue brain research during the pandemic.
Taking care of business: The routines and rationales of early-career musicians in the Dutch and British music industries
Authors: Everts Rick , Haynes Jo
Published: April 2021

This article explores a small sample of musicians in two European musical contexts – the Netherlands and the UK. It examines the relationship between the conditions of national music industries and the strategies used to negotiate a career in music and the extent to which musicians frame their careers as entrepreneurs. Interview data from two projects with early-career musicians form the basis of our secondary comparative analysis. We argue that their strategizing can be framed as a set of responses to their local structural conditions. However, neither set of responses produces market advantage. Instead, traditional power and economic relations that reinforce the logic of the hegemonic mainstream industry tend to prevail, whereby only a very small fraction of the aspiring musicians can sustain themselves financially in music.
The impact of social norms on navigating race in a racially diverse context
Authors: Meyers Chanel , Williams Amanda , Pauker Kristin , Apfelbaum Evan P.
Published: April 2021

To date, research has primarily focused on the colorblind norms and behaviors of majority-White participants in majority-White contexts. Extending this work to more diverse samples and contexts, across four studies, we examine whether colorblind norms link to the colorblind behavior of racially diverse participants living in a racially diverse (i.e., heterogeneous) context. Findings suggest that participants living in a racially diverse context did not endorse colorblind beliefs (Study 1) and norms (Study 2), and instead behaved in race-conscious ways and overwhelmingly used race in a photo identification task. Furthermore, in Study 3, we find that colorblind norms are largely activated by the belief that talking about race is prejudiced. When participants were exposed to a social norm that linked talking about race to prejudice, colorblind behavior became more prevalent. Finally, in Study 4, we see that greater diversity of one’s context is correlated to less endorsement of colorblindness.
Police as cop show viewers
Authors: Stephenson Antony
Published: April 2021

Despite the popularity of Australian television drama and reality series featuring police, there has been a paucity of research into what these programs communicate about real world policing. These ‘cop shows’ are productive forms of public relations for police agencies, particularly the co-produced reality TV variety, and as such are valuable broadcasting and policing commodities. As complex audio-visual texts, cop shows can generate myriad meanings and messages. As cultural objects these programs also rely upon and generate expressions of national identity. Drawing on 25 interviews with policing students and serving and retired police officers, this qualitative research provides insight into how prospective, current and retired police interpret televisual representations of the profession. It was found that interviewees more deeply embedded in the police culture were more cynical of the public relations messages and contested the role of women, while aspirants to the profession were more likely to endorse depictions of a diverse work force. Although interviewees regarded Australian cop shows as reflecting national attributes and cultural context, they reflected on aspects of cop shows produced in other countries to articulate what locally produced cop shows were not.
How ethical challenges of covert observations can be met in practice
Authors: Podschuweit Nicole
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to bring into the ethical debate on covert research two aspects that are neglected to date: the perspective of the research subjects and the special responsibility of investigators towards their observers. Both aspects are falling behind, especially in quantitative social research. From a methodological point of view, quantitative forms of covert observation involve a great distance between the researcher and the research subjects. When human observers are involved, the focus is usually on the reliable application of the measuring instrument. Therefore, herein, a quantitative study is used as an example to show how the protection needs of both the observed persons and the observers can be met in practice. The study involved 40 student observers who covertly captured everyday conversations in real-world settings (e.g. in cafés or trains) by a highly standardised observation scheme. The study suggests that the anonymity of the research subjects and their trust in the observers are crucial for their subsequent consent. However, many participants showed only little or even no interest in the written information they were provided. Further, this study strongly emphasises how mentally stressful covert observations are to the observers. Almost all observers were worried in advance that the people they were observing would prematurely blow their cover and confront them. Role-playing and in-depth discussions in teams are good strategies to alleviate such and other fears and to prepare student assistants well for their demanding work in the field.
Effects of Angular Resolution and b Value on Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Knee Joint
Authors: Zhao Qi , Ridout Rees P. , Shen Jikai , Wang Nian
Published: April 2021

Objective

To investigate the influences of the diffusion gradient directions (angular resolution) and the strength of the diffusion gradient ( b value) on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics and tractography of various connective tissues in knee joint.

Design

Two rat knee joints were scanned on a preclinical 9.4-T system using a 3-dimensional diffusion-weighted spin echo pulse sequence. One protocol with b value of 500, 1500, and 2500 s/mm2 were acquired separately using 43 diffusion gradient directions. The other protocol with b value of 1000 s/mm2 was performed using 147 diffusion gradient directions. The in-plane resolution was 45 µm isotropic. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were compared at different angular resolution. Tractography was quantitatively evaluated at different b values and angular resolutions in cartilage, ligament, meniscus, and growth plate.

Results

The ligament showed higher FA value compared with growth plate and cartilage. The FA values were largely overestimated at the angular resolution of 6. Compared with FA, MD showed less sensitivity to the angular resolution. The fiber tracking was failed at low angular resolution (6 diffusion gradient directions) or high b value (2500 s/mm2). The quantitative measurements of tract length and track volume were strongly dependent on angular resolution and b value.

Conclusions

To obtain consistent DTI outputs and tractography in knee joint, the scan may require a proper b value (ranging from 500 to 1500 s/mm2) and sufficient angular resolution (>14) with signal-to-noise ratio >10.
New insights into crisis communication from an “inside” emic perspective during COVID-19
Authors: Macnamara Jim
Published: April 2021

As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world, requiring emergency management by health authorities and providers, it created flow-on crises and “crisis contagion” for organizations ranging from international airlines and tourism operators to local businesses, schools, and universities. In addition to the risks directly associated with the health emergency, many organizations were plunged into crisis because of severe restrictions to their operations and income losses. This analysis examines crisis communication in an organization faced with major financial losses, staff redundancies, and disruption. It analyses how these and necessary crisis responses were communicated to stakeholders, using situational crisis communication theory (SCCT), as its analytical framework. While noting alternative perspectives such as crisis and emergency risk communication (CERC) theory, SCCT is identified as the most widely applied theory of crisis communication, and thus warrants ongoing review in an era of media fragmentation, disinformation, and low public trust. Furthermore, this analysis provides a relatively rare “inside” ( emic) perspective through ethnography and autoethnography conducted by a senior decision-maker in the organization studied, which expands traditional outside ( etic) perspectives and offers new insights into crisis communication.
Saw-scaled viper envenoming complicated with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Pirasath Selladurai , Gajan Dilani , Guruparan Mahesan , Murugananthan Arumugam , Gnanathasan Ariaranee
Published: April 2021

The saw-scaled viper ( Echis carinatus) is considered to be a venomous snake which is especially seen in Northern Sri Lanka. Systemic manifestations are rare and reported complications include coagulopathy and renal impairment. The cardiac toxicity following snakebites is rare and cardiac involvement following the saw-scaled viper bites is extremely rare. Here, we describe a patient with acute myocardial infarction following systemic envenoming by saw-scaled viper in Northern Sri Lanka, which was successfully managed per ward protocol following national guidelines.
Improving Iowa Research Network Patient Recruitment for an Advance Care Planning Study
Authors: Schmidt Megan E. , Daly Jeanette M. , Xu Yinghui , Levy Barcey T.
Published: April 2021

Introduction/Objectives

In February 2019, recruitment began in Iowa Research Network offices for a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) funded Advance Care Planning (ACP) study to be conducted in 7 primary care practice-based research networks across the United States and Canada. The main study trained clinicians and nursing staff in serious illness care conversations and requested they refer eligible patients. Eligible patients were those with serious illness or frailty expected to live 1 to 2 years. Clinicians indicated it was difficult to identify eligible patients. This study aimed to find better methods for increasing patient recruitment for the ACP study.

Methods

Research staff brainstormed and implemented strategies to increase patient referrals from clinicians. Participating offices used Epic for their medical record and the Gagne Index was used to generate a list of eligible patients in Epic SlicerDicer. When patients from the Epic SlicerDicer report appeared on the schedule, clinicians and nursing staff were notified that they might be eligible for ACP. Clinicians and nursing staff were asked to complete a survey identifying their perception of implemented strategies. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was conducted to compare referral numbers before and after the Gagne Index/Epic SlicerDicer intervention.

Results

Seven clinicians referred patients prior to and 11 after the Gagne Index/Epic SlicerDicer intervention. Clinicians referred a total of 120 patients; 31 patients prior to and 89 patients after the Gagne Index/Epic SlicerDicer implementation ( P = .002). Survey results indicated that several strategies facilitated clinician referrals, including patients identified as potentially appropriate on the schedule, quarterly meetings with researchers, and e-mails with a list of potentially eligible patients.

Conclusions

Notifying clinical staff about potential study participants increased patient referrals in this ACP study. Research staff must have time, funding, and patience to support clinical staff who are expected to refer patients to studies.