bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Event-by-event fluctuations clusterization and entropy production in AA collisions at AGS and SPS energies
Authors: Ali Bushra , Khan Shaista , Chandra Anuj , Ahmad Shakeel
Published: April 2019

Event-by-event (ebe) fluctuations in mean pseudorapidity values of relativistic charged particles in full phase space are studied by analyzing experimental data on [Formula: see text] collisions at 14.5A, 60A and 200A GeV/c and [Formula: see text] collisions at 200A GeV/c. The findings are compared with the prediction of A Multi-Phase Transport (AMPT) model and those obtained from the analysis of correlation free Monte-Carlo events. Fluctuations in mean pseudorapidity distributions are noted to be in excess to that expected from the statistically independent particle emission. The observed dependence of the fluctuation strength measure parameter, [Formula: see text] on the beam energy and number of participating target nucleons indicate that nucleus–nucleus collisions cannot be treated as simple superposition of multiple nucleon–nucleon interactions. Presence of clusters or jet-like phenomena in multihadron final states are searched for on ebe basis by using the concept of Jaynes Shannon entropy. The findings indicate the presence of cluster-like objects in the experimental data with their size and frequency increasing with increasing beam energy. These observations in turn suggest that the clustering or jet-like algorithm adopted in the present study may be used as a tool for triggering different classes of events.
Contextualizing Entrepreneurial Legitimacy: The Interplay of Internal and External Social Representations
Authors: Radu-Lefebvre Miruna , Loué Christophe , Redien-Collot Renaud
Published: April 2019

Entrepreneurial legitimacy has been described as a trigger of entrepreneurial career choice and motivation, meaning that the propensity of an individual to engage in an entrepreneurial career increases with the social legitimacy of the career. However, more than a predictor of entrepreneurial success, entrepreneurial legitimacy is a complex social construct that determines the diffusion of entrepreneurial culture in different countries. This article aims to contribute to contextualizing entrepreneurial legitimacy by acknowledging its social genesis and dynamics, and by showing the variety of social interactions that it encompasses. The article examines the discursive strategies that entrepreneurs use to gain legitimacy among their audiences, and studies the representations and expectations attached to the figure of the entrepreneur by current and aspiring students in a Master’s program in Entrepreneurship. We gather the views of three social groups that actively engage in the social construction of entrepreneurial legitimacy in order to identify their convergent and divergent social representations of what it means to “be an entrepreneur.” Based on a questionnaire survey of 529 French participants and on 30 qualitative interviews, we present and compare the social representations of French entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship held by SME entrepreneurs and current and potential students in a Master’s in entrepreneurship program. We found that entrepreneurial legitimacy is a collective outcome of various social representations circulating in the public space that affects entrepreneurs’ ability to develop their businesses and their identities, along with their willingness and capacity to promote the entrepreneurial spirit in society.
A new approach to design the ruled surface
Authors: Taş Ferhat , İlarslan Kazım
Published: April 2019

This paper considers a kind of design of a ruled surface. The design interconnects some concepts from the fields of computer-aided geometric design (CAGD) and kinematics. Dual unit spherical Bézier-like curves on the dual unit sphere (DUS) are obtained by a novel method with respect to the control points. A dual unit spherical Bézier-like curve corresponds to a ruled surface by using Study’s transference principle and closed ruled surfaces are determined via control points and also, integral invariants of these surfaces are investigated. Finally, the results are illustrated by several examples and the motion interpolation was shown as an embodiment of this method.
Restriction and dimensional reduction of differential operators
Authors: Nikolov Petko A. , Petrov Nikola P.
Published: April 2019

We consider the restriction of a differential operator (DO) [Formula: see text] acting on the sections [Formula: see text] of a vector bundle [Formula: see text] with base [Formula: see text], in the language of jet bundles. When the base of [Formula: see text] is restricted to a submanifold [Formula: see text], all information about derivatives in directions that are not tangent to [Formula: see text] is lost. To restrict [Formula: see text] to a DO [Formula: see text] acting on sections [Formula: see text] of the restricted bundle [Formula: see text] (with [Formula: see text] the natural embedding), one must choose an auxiliary DO [Formula: see text] and express the derivatives non-tangent to [Formula: see text] from the kernel of [Formula: see text]. This is equivalent to choosing a splitting of certain short exact sequence of jet bundles. A property of [Formula: see text] called formal integrability is crucial for restriction’s self-consistency. We give an explicit example illustrating what can go wrong if [Formula: see text] is not formally integrable.

As an important application of this methodology, we consider the dimensional reduction of DOs invariant with respect to the action of a connected Lie group [Formula: see text]. The splitting relation comes from the Lie derivative of the action, which is formally integrable. The reduction of the action of another group is also considered.
Dialectic Synthesis: Application to Human Trafficking
Authors: Mordeson John N. , Mathew Sunil , Binu M.
Published: April 2019

We place the concept of dialectic synthesis in a fuzzy logic setting. Our purpose is to use the triplet thesis–antithesis–synthesis in applications to human trafficking and modern slavery. We are particularly interested in a country’s government’s response to its vulnerability to these situations.
Bipolar Fuzzy Preorder, Alexandrov Bipolar Fuzzy Topology and Bipolar Fuzzy Automata
Authors: Singh Anupam K.
Published: April 2019

This work is dedicated to finding the connection between bipolar fuzzy preorders (BFPs) and Alexandrov bipolar fuzzy topologies (ABFT). Likewise, we demonstrate that for any bipolar fuzzy preordered space (BFPS) an ABFT will be constructed. On the other hand, for any ABFT, tend to create a BFPS thereon set. Subsequently, the acquired outcomes are utilized as a part of the investigation of bipolar fuzzy automata theory with the help of BFPS.
Intersection space cohomology of three-strata pseudomanifolds
Authors: Essig J. Timo
Published: April 2019

The theory of intersection spaces assigns cell complexes to certain stratified topological pseudomanifolds depending on a perversity function in the sense of intersection homology. The main property of the intersection spaces is Poincaré duality over complementary perversities for the reduced singular (co)homology groups with rational coefficients. This (co)homology theory is not isomorphic to intersection homology, instead they are related by mirror symmetry. Using differential forms, Banagl extended the intersection space cohomology theory to 2-strata pseudomanifolds with a geometrically flat link bundle. In this paper, we use differential forms on manifolds with corners to generalize the intersection space cohomology theory to a class of 3-strata spaces with flatness assumptions for the link bundles. We prove Poincaré duality over complementary perversities for the cohomology groups. To do so, we investigate fiber bundles on manifolds with boundary. At the end, we give examples for the application of the theory.
Spin-Based Imprecise 4-2 Compressor for Energy-Efficient Multipliers
Authors: Taheri MohammadReza , Sharifi Fazel , Shafiabadi MohammadAli , Mahmoodi Hamid , Navi Keivan
Published: April 2019

The 4-2 compressor has been widely employed in the design of multipliers. The considerable impact of 4-2 compressors on the efficiency of multipliers has created significant research interests in design of new compressor structures. In the vast range of error resilient applications, multiplication plays an important role in performing computation. Imprecise (approximate) realization of multiplication results in considerable area, power and delay efficiency at the cost of negligible computational errors. In this paper, an imprecise 4-2 compressor is presented. Spintronic devices as promising alternative technologies for silicon-based FET are considered for implementation of the proposed design. All designs are simulated exhaustively at the circuit level and application level. The conducted simulations indicate the superiority of the proposed design compared with the related state-of-the-art in all aspects. The proposed design has more than two and three times lower power and power delay product, respectively, compared to the best previous design.
Determination of the Slip Constant in the Beavers‐Joseph Experiment for Laminar Fluid Flow through Porous Media Using a Meshless Method
Authors: Mierzwiczak Magdalena , Fraska Agnieszka , Grabski Jakub K.
Published: April 2019

In the paper, a numerical simulation of the Beavers‐Joseph experiment is presented. The simulation is based on a meshless method which is called the Trefftz method with the special purpose Trefftz functions. The porous medium is modeled as a regular array of fibers. Three kinds of arrays are taken under consideration: triangular, square, and hexagonal. Firstly, the permeability of the fibrous porous medium is determined by consideration of flow between an infinite array of fibers. In the next step the considered region is divided into two parts. The first half of the channel is a porous medium modeled by a regular array of fibers and the second part which is a free fluid flow region. In the paper, the slip constant existing in the Beavers‐Joseph boundary condition is determined in terms of the volume fraction of fibers.
Monitoring the Thaw Slump-Derived Thermokarst in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Using Satellite SAR Interferometry
Authors: Hu Bo , Wu Yang , Zhang Xingfu , Yang Bing , Chen Junyu , Li Hui , Chen Xiongle , Chen Zhiwei
Published: April 2019

Thaw slumps are well-developed within a 10 km wide zone along the Qinghai-Tibet engineering corridor, especially along the Qinghai-Tibet highway and railway. Previous studies have focused on thaw slump instability such as its origin development, headwall retrogression rate, failure scale, and thermal regime, yet the intrinsic dynamic process of surface movement is relatively less known. In this study, we used InSAR based on the L-band ALOS PALSAR images acquired from January 2007 to October 2010 to investigate the distribution of thaw-induced slope failures containing retrogressive thaw slumps and active layer detachment failures along the Qinghai-Tibet highway (QTH). Our InSAR analysis reveals that the maximum annual average sedimentation rates are even up to -35 mm·yr−1 in the slope direction to the K3035 thaw slump, and the K3035W active layer detachment failure developed on the west side of K3035. The distribution, failure extent, and stability of the slope failures obtained by our InSAR analysis all agree well with the field investigations. Our study illustrates that InSAR is an effective tool for studying the distribution and processes of the thaw slump-derived thermokarst and provides useful references for evaluating permafrost degradation in response to climate warming and external disturbance on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau.
Ultrasound Assisted Green Synthesis of Silver and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Fenugreek Seed Extract and Their Enhanced Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Deshmukh Aarti R. , Gupta Arvind , Kim Beom Soo
Published: April 2019

This study reports a facile and ecofriendly approach for the ultrasound assisted synthesis of silver and iron oxide nanoparticles and their enhanced antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The fenugreek seed extract was used as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent in the synthesis of nanoparticles. The transmission electron microscopy results showed that nanoparticles synthesized by ultrasonication have a smaller size (~20 nm) as compared to the nanoparticles fabricated by magnetic stirring (~40 nm). The color change of the solution from milky white to brown suggested the formation of silver nanoparticles which was confirmed by the presence of an absorbance peak at 396 nm. The results of powder X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the crystallinity and elements present in nanoparticles synthesized using fenugreek seed extract. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that the fenugreek seed phytochemicals were coated on the nanoparticle surface. Thermal gravimetric analysis showed the thermal degradation and stability of nanoparticles. Magnetization study of iron oxide nanoparticles confirmed the superparamagnetic nature. The silver nanoparticles showed antibacterial activities against both gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, while no antibacterial activities were observed for iron oxide nanoparticles. The ultrasound assisted nanoparticles showed higher stability and antibacterial and antioxidant activity compared with the nanoparticles fabricated by magnetic stirring.
Strict‐Sense Nonblocking Conditions for the log2⁡N − 1 Multirate Switching Fabric for the Discrete Bandwidth Model
Authors: Rajewski Remigiusz
Published: April 2019

The article discusses the strict‐sense nonblocking conditions derived for the log2⁡N − 1 multirate switching fabric for the discrete bandwidth model at the connection level. Architecture of the log2⁡N − 1 switching fabric was described in previous study; however, conditions for the multirate discrete bandwidth model as well as comparison with different structures have not been published before. Both sufficient and necessary conditions were introduced and proved in this study. A few numerical examples which help to understand an idea of the multirate bandwidth model for the log2⁡N − 1 switching fabrics were delivered as well. Additionally a comparison of achieved results to the banyan switching structures and a comparison of the costs of all mentioned in this study structures expressed as the number of optical elements were done.
Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus among Patients at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Kassa Andargachew , Woldesemayat Endrias Markos
Published: April 2019

Background. The burden of noncommunicable disease (NCD) in Africa is on a remarkable rise exacerbating the poor public health status affected by the existing but yet unsolved communicable disease. In Ethiopia, there is a paucity of evidence regarding prevalence and risk factors to NCD. Objective. This study sought to determine the prevalence of risk factors of NCDs, prevalence of DM and HTN, and risk factors associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). Method. This is an institution based cross-sectional study conducted on a sample of 411 clients attending a university-based comprehensive specialized hospital in Southern Ethiopia. The data was collected by using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire and observational checklist. Frequency, proportions, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 20. Result. We identified 64.2% of the clients had at least one of the risk factors to the NCDs. One-third (33.3%) had physical inactivity, whereas 20.2% had a BMI of ≥ 25%. The prevalence of DM and HTN was 12.2% and 10.5%, respectively. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that age ≥ 60 years, physical inactivity, higher BMI, and cigarette smoking were risk factors for at least one of the NCDs. Conclusion. The prevalence of DM and prevalence of HTN were high. The magnitudes of risk factors to NCDs among the study population were substantial. Higher BMI, physical inactivity, low fruit and vegetable consumption, alcohol use, khat chewing, and cigarette smoking were among the prevailing risk factors identified.
Influence of Incremental Impact on the Damage of Coal‐Rock under Unidirectional Constraint
Authors: Zhao Hongbao , Zhang Huan , Li Jinyu , Ju Nansong , Wen Zhijie
Published: April 2019

Taking the briquette sample as research object, the influence of the incremental impulse (momentum) on the damage of coal‐rock under different uniaxial axial pressure was studied by using the self‐developed pendulum impact dynamic loading test device, cooperating with the ultrasonic detection device. Meanwhile, the influence of constant impulse on the damage degree of coal‐rock was compared. The results show that the damage degree of coal‐rock increases with the increase of the impulse, and the damage fitting curve is upward concave, indicating that the coal sample tends to accelerating failure. Moreover, with the increase of axial pressure, the variation gradient of the damage degree of coal‐rock tends to moderate and the cumulative damage degree decreases under the same impulse, and the impact resistance of coal‐rock increases. When the impulse is constant, the damage degree of coal‐rock increases with the number of impact, and the damage curve is upward convex, indicating that coal‐rock has a tendency to slow down the damage. The cumulative damage degree of coal‐rock decreases with the increase of axial pressure, and the number of impact needed to destroy coal‐rock is increased. In addition, the damage model of coal‐rock was proposed, and the criterion of coal‐rock damage was obtained, which shows that the damage degree of coal‐rock increases with the increase of impact load and decreases with the increase of static axial load.
High Glucose Enhances the Odonto/Osteogenic Differentiation of Stem Cells from Apical Papilla via NF-KappaB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Yanping , Wang Yanqiu , Lu Yadie , Yu Jinhua
Published: April 2019

Objective. The transport and metabolism of glucose are important during mammalian development. High glucose can mediate the biological characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the role of high glucose in the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) is unclear. Materials and Methods. SCAPs were isolated and identified in vitro. Then, SCAPs were cultured in normal α-MEM and high glucose α-MEM separately. MTT assay was applied to observe the proliferation of SCAPs. ALP activity, alizarin red staining, real-time RT-PCR, and western blot were used to detect the odonto/osteogenic capacity of SCAPs as well as the participation of NF-κB pathway. Results. SCAPs in 25mmol/L glucose group expressed the maximum proteins of RUNX2 and ALP as compared with those in 5, 10, and 15 mmol/L groups. MTT assay showed that 25 mmol/L glucose suppressed the proliferation of SCAPs. ALP assay, alizarin red staining, real-time RT-PCR, and western blot showed 25 mmol/L high glucose can obviously enhance the odonto/osteogenic capacity of SCAPs. Moreover, the NF-κB pathway was activated in 25mmol/L glucose-treated SCAPs and the odonto/osteogenic differentiation was inhibited following the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusions. High glucose can enhance the odonto/osteogenic capacity of SCAPs via NF-κB pathway.
A Modified Spectral PRP Conjugate Gradient Projection Method for Solving Large‐Scale Monotone Equations and Its Application in Compressed Sensing
Authors: Guo Jie , Wan Zhong
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we develop an algorithm to solve nonlinear system of monotone equations, which is a combination of a modified spectral PRP (Polak‐Ribière‐Polyak) conjugate gradient method and a projection method. The search direction in this algorithm is proved to be sufficiently descent for any line search rule. A line search strategy in the literature is modified such that a better step length is more easily obtained without the difficulty of choosing an appropriate weight in the original one. Global convergence of the algorithm is proved under mild assumptions. Numerical tests and preliminary application in recovering sparse signals indicate that the developed algorithm outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art similar algorithms available in the literature, especially for solving large‐scale problems and singular ones.
Bacteriological Assessment of the Indoor Air of Different Hospitals of Kathmandu District
Authors: Kunwar Arzu , Tamrakar Samyukta , Poudel Shyaron , Sharma Sony , Parajuli Pramila
Published: April 2019

Nosocomial infection is the infection that has been caught in a hospital and is potentially caused by organisms that are not susceptible to antibiotics. Nosocomial infections are transmitted directly or indirectly through air and may cause different types of infections. This study was undertaken with an objective to determine the prevalence of nosocomial bacteria present in hospital indoor environment. A total of 16 air samples were taken from general wards and emergency wards of 8 different hospitals using an impactor air sampler in nutrient agar, mannitol salt agar, blood agar, cetrimide agar, and MacConkey agar. The bacteriological agents were isolated and identified by cultural characteristics, Gram staining, and biochemical tests, and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined using CLSI Guideline, 2015. According to the European Union Guidelines to Good Manufacturing Practices, the hospitals were under C- and D-grade air quality. According to the European Commission, most of the hospitals were intermediately polluted. Out of 16 indoor air samples, 47.18% ofStaphylococcus aureusand 1.82%Pseudomonasspp. were isolated. CoNS,Streptococcusspp.,Micrococcusspp., andBacillusspp. and Gram-negative bacteriaE.coliandProteusspp. were identified. The bacterial load was found to be high in the emergency ward (55.8%) in comparison to that in the general ward (44.2%). There is statistically no significant difference between bacterial load and 2 wards (general and emergency) of different hospitals and among different hospitals. The most effective antibiotic against S. aureuswas gentamicin (81.81%) and ofloxacin (81.81%). Among the antibiotics used forPseudomonasspp., ceftriaxone (83.3%) and ofloxacin (83.3%) were effective. High prevalence ofS. aureusand Gram-negative bacteria was found in this study; it is therefore important to monitor air quality regularly at different hospitals to prevent HAI.
A Mathematical Model to Study the Mechanical Information Induced by Lifting-Thrusting Needle
Authors: Yu Yi , Yao Wei , Ding Guanghong
Published: April 2019

Focusing on the mechanical effect of traditional Chinese acupuncture, this study builds a mathematical model that simulates the mechanical process of lifting-thrusting needle. Analytic and numerical solutions are obtained to explore the mechanical information (displacement, strain, stress, and energy) in the skin tissue. Our results show that (1) needle manipulation leads to tissue displacement and mechanical stress field, but the needle should be inserted into the right position (about π/ω cm around the acupoint, where ω is the angular frequency) and enough depth (about 2 cm in lower limbs) to achieve effective mechanical stimuli; (2) the tissue displacement decays with an increase of distance from the stimulus position, more rapidly at higher frequencies; (3) there is an inverse relationship between the area of the ‘effective influence region’ (where shear strain > 0.2) and the stimulus frequency, which means larger needle movement is needed at higher frequencies to achieve a better curative effect; (4) more energy is required to maintain high frequency manipulation. This study proposes a preliminary comprehension of the mechanical response around the needle during the acupuncture process.
Higd1a Protects Cells from Lipotoxicity under High-Fat Exposure
Authors: Li Tong , Xian Wen-jing , Gao Yang , Jiang Shuai , Yu Qi-hong , Zheng Qi-chang , Zhang Yong
Published: April 2019

Hypoxia-inducible gene domain family member 1A (Higd1a) has recently been reported to protect cells from hypoxia by helping to maintain normal mitochondrial function. The potential induction of Higd1a under high-fat exposure and whether it could protect cells from oxidative stress attracted our attention. Initially, 0.4 mM oleic acid and 0.2 mM palmitate were added to the growth media of HepG2 and LO2 cells for 72 hours. We discovered increased Higd1a expression, and knocking down Higd1a impaired mitochondrial transmembrane potential and induced cell apoptosis. We then identified that elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) is responsible for increased Higd1a expression. Furthermore, we found that ROS promoted Higd1a expression by upregulating HIF-1a and PGC-1a expressions, and these two proteins could exert synergistic effects in inducing Higd1a expression. Taken together, these data suggest that Higd1a plays positive roles in protecting cells from oxidative stress, and ROS could induce Higd1a expression by upregulating PGC-1a and HIF-1a expressions.
A Dynamic Scheduling Method for Logistics Tasks Oriented to Intelligent Manufacturing Workshop
Authors: Xu Wenxiang , Guo Shunsheng , Li Xixing , Guo Chen , Wu Rui , Peng Zhao
Published: April 2019

Aiming at the logistics dynamic scheduling problem in an intelligent manufacturing workshop (IMW), an intelligent logistics scheduling model and response method with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) based on the mode of “request‐scheduling‐response” were proposed, and they were integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) to meet the demands of dynamic and real time. Correspondingly, a mathematical model was developed and integrated with a double‐level hybrid genetic algorithm and ant colony optimization (DLH‐GA‐ACO) to minimize the finish time with the minimum AGVs and limited time. The mathematical model optimized the logistics scheduling process on two dimensions which include the sequence of tasks assigned to an AGV and the matching relation between transfer tasks and AGVs (AGV‐task). The effectiveness of the model was verified by a set of experiments, and comparison among DLH‐GA‐ACO, hybrid genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization (H‐GA‐PSO), and tabu search algorithm (TSA) was performed. In the experiments, the DLH‐GA‐ACO ran in a distributed environment for a faster computing speed. According to the comparisons, the superiority and effectiveness of DLH‐GA‐ACO on dynamic simultaneous scheduling problem were proved and the intelligent logistics scheduling model was also proved to be an effective model.
A Prognostic Tool for Individualized Prediction of Graft Failure Risk within Ten Years after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Stamenic Danko , Rousseau Annick , Essig Marie , Gatault Philippe , Buchler Mathias , Filloux Matthieu , Marquet Pierre , Prémaud Aurélie
Published: April 2019

Identification of patients at risk of kidney graft loss relies on early individual prediction of graft failure. Data from 616 kidney transplant recipients with a follow-up of at least one year were retrospectively studied. A joint latent class model investigating the impact of serum creatinine (Scr) time-trajectories and onset of de novo donor-specific anti-HLA antibody (dnDSA) on graft survival was developed. The capacity of the model to calculate individual predicted probabilities of graft failure over time was evaluated in 80 independent patients. The model classified the patients in three latent classes with significantly different Scr time profiles and different graft survivals. Donor age contributed to explaining latent class membership. In addition to the SCr classes, the other variables retained in the survival model were proteinuria measured one-year after transplantation (HR=2.4, p=0.01), pretransplant non-donor-specific antibodies (HR=3.3, p<0.001), and dnDSA in patient who experienced acute rejection (HR=15.9, p=0.02). In the validation dataset, individual predictions of graft failure risk provided good predictive performances (sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of graft failure prediction at ten years were 77.7%, 95.8%, and 85%, resp.) for the 60 patients who had not developed dnDSA. For patients with dnDSA individual risk of graft failure was not predicted with a so good performance.
Autonomic Responses to Emotional Stimuli in Children Affected by Facial Palsy: The Case of Moebius Syndrome
Authors: Nicolini Ylenia , Manini Barbara , De Stefani Elisa , Coudé Gino , Cardone Daniela , Barbot Anna , Bertolini Chiara , Zannoni Cecilia , Belluardo Mauro , Zangrandi Andrea , Bianchi Bernardo , Merla Arcangelo , Ferrari Pier Francesco
Published: April 2019

According to embodied simulation theories, others’ emotions are recognized by the unconscious mimicking of observed facial expressions, which requires the implicit activation of the motor programs that produce a specific expression. Motor responses performed during the expression of a given emotion are hypothesized to be directly linked to autonomic responses associated with that emotional behavior. We tested this hypothesis in 9 children (Mage=5.66) affected by Moebius syndrome (MBS) and 15 control children (Mage=6.6). MBS is a neurological congenital disorder characterized by underdevelopment of the VI and VII cranial nerves, which results in paralysis of the face. Moebius patients’ inability to produce facial expressions impairs their capacity to communicate emotions through the face. We therefore assessed Moebius children’s autonomic response to emotional stimuli (video cartoons) by means of functional infrared thermal (fIRT) imaging. Patients showed weaker temperature changes compared to controls, suggesting impaired autonomic activity. They also showed difficulties in recognizing facial emotions from static illustrations. These findings reveal that the impairment of facial movement attenuates the intensity of emotional experience, probably through the diminished activation of autonomic responses associated with emotional stimuli. The current study is the first to investigate emotional responses in MBS children, providing important insights into the role of facial expressions in emotional processing during early development.
Phytochemical and Safety Evaluation of Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth
Authors: Larbie Christopher , Owusu Nyarkoh Christabel , Owusu Adjei Clement
Published: April 2019

Tecoma stans (yellow bell) is a popular ornamental plant mostly found in the tropical regions. It is reported to have significant pharmacological activity and has gained attention by natives of various cultures. This study focused on the phytoconstituents screening, antioxidant activity, and heavy metal analysis as well as the acute and subchronic toxicity of the hydroethanolic leaf extract (TSE) using standard methods. The presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, coumarins, and terpenoids in the raw leaf of the plant was observed while the hydroethanolic extract contained coumarins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, and flavonoids. The DPPH percentage scavenging activity of the crude extract was 64.32% while the fractions, ethyl acetate (55.26%), methanol (60.72%), and hydro (36.97%.), gave varying activities. The UV-Vis and FT-IR indicated the presence of alcohols, phenols, alkanes, alkenes, carbonyls (general), aliphatic amines, aromatics, ketones, ethers, esters, carboxylic acids, alkyl halides, saturated aliphatic acids, 1° and 2° amines, amides, and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes. The heavy metal analysis showed a high level of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in the raw leaf. The median acute toxicity (LD50) of the extract was determined to be <5000mg/kg body weight in mice. Subchronic use for 28 days resulted in significant weight gain, reduction in platelet levels, decrease in WBCs, and increase in blood glucose compared to the normal. TSE caused no adverse effects on vital organs. No mortality was recorded. The hydroethanolic extract of T. stans could therefore be considered safe in moderate doses.
Analysis of the Possibility of Using Energy Harvesters to Power Wearable Electronics in Clothing
Authors: Dąbrowska Anna , Greszta Agnieszka
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study is to analyze the state-of-art knowledge of the use of energy harvesters (EHs) to power the wearables of clothing. The study discusses some examples of clothing with incorporated different types of EHs, harvesting energy from body movement (based on piezoelectric, electromagnetic, and electrostatic phenomena) from temperature differences, as well as from solar radiation. In the performed analysis, particular attention was focused on the design of EHs, their principle of operation, advantages, disadvantages, and restrictions on use. Low energy requirements of wearable electronics (e.g., sensors and diodes) implemented to clothing indicate the possibility of using miniaturized EHs as a power source for such elements. Each of the discussed EH has both disadvantages and advantages. Therefore, the selection of EH should be preceded by a detailed analysis of the conditions of the garment use, its destination, the user’s physical activity, and the energy needs of the electronic devices incorporated in clothing. Despite a variety of research studies aimed at developing new EH, relatively few of them concern their implementation in the structure of clothing and tests of their functionality in the foreseeable conditions of use. In view of the above, these issues have been addressed in this publication based on the available literature.
Establishment and Characterization of Histologically and Molecularly Stable Soft-tissue Sarcoma Xenograft Models for Biological Studies and Preclinical Drug Testing
Authors: Cornillie Jasmien , Wozniak Agnieszka , Li Haifu , Wang Yannick , Boeckx Bram , Gebreyohannes Yemarshet K. , Wellens Jasmien , Vanleeuw Ulla , Hompes Daphne , Stas Marguerite , Sinnaeve Friedl , Wafa Hazem , Lambrechts Diether , Debiec-Rychter Maria , Sciot Raf , Schöffski Patrick
Published: April 2019

Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) represent a heterogeneous group of rare, malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin. Reliable in vivo sarcoma research models are scarce. We aimed to establish and characterize histologically and molecularly stable patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models from a broad variety of STS subtypes. A total of 188 fresh tumor samples from consenting patients with localized or advanced STS were transplanted subcutaneously in NMRI-nu/nu–immunodeficient mice. Once tumor growth was observed, the material was passaged to a next generation of mice. A patient-derived tumor sample was considered “successfully engrafted” whenever the sample was transplanted to passage 1. A PDX model was considered “established” when observing stable morphologic and molecular features for at least two passages. With every passage, histologic and molecular analyses were performed. Specific genomic alterations and copy-number profile were assessed by FISH and low coverage whole-genome sequencing. The tumor engraftment rate was 32% (61/188) and 188 patient samples generated a total of 32 PDX models, including seven models of myxofibrosarcoma, five dedifferentiated liposarcoma, five leiomyosarcoma, three undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, two malignant peripheral nerve sheet tumor models, and single models of synovial sarcoma and some other (ultra)rare subtypes. Seventeen additional models are in early stages of engraftment (passage 1–2). Histopathologic and molecular features were compared with the original donor tumor and were stable throughout passaging. The platform is used for studies on sarcoma biology and suited for in vivo preclinical drug testing as illustrated by a number of completed and ongoing laboratory studies.
Chromosomal Evolution in the Amolops mantzorum Species Group (Ranidae; Anura) Narrated by Repetitive DNAs
Authors: Liu Ya , Song Menghuan , Luo Wei , Xia Yun , Zeng Xiaomao
Published: April 2019

In an attempt to analyze the organization of repetitive DNAs in the amphibian genome, 7 microsatellite motifs and a 5S rDNA sequence were synthesized and mapped in the karyotypes of 5 Amolops species. The results revealed nonrandom distribution of the microsatellite repeats, usually in the heterochromatic regions, as found in other organisms. These microsatellite repeats showed rapid changes among Amolops species, documenting the recent evolutionary history within this lineage. In contrast, 5S rDNA was localized in chromosomes 5 of all species, suggesting that these chromosomes are homologous within the monophyletic clade. Furthermore, the heteromorphic X and Y sex chromosomes (chromosomes 5) of A.mantzorum, had identical patterns of 5S rDNA, indicating that the subtelocentric Y resulted from a pericentric inversion. Several microsatellite repeats were found in the heteromorphic sex chromosomes, verifying the association of repetitive DNAs with sex chromosome differentiation in A. mantzorum.
Heart Transplantation With Donation After Circulatory Death
Authors: Niederberger Petra , Farine Emilie , Raillard Mathieu , Dornbierer Monika , Freed Darren H. , Large Stephen R. , Chew Hong C. , MacDonald Peter S. , Messer Simon J. , White Christopher W. , Carrel Thierry P. , Tevaearai Stahel Hendrik T. , Longnus Sarah L.
Published: April 2019

Heart transplantation remains the preferred option for improving quality of life and survival for patients suffering from end-stage heart failure. Unfortunately, insufficient supply of cardiac grafts has become an obstacle. Increasing organ availability with donation after circulatory death (DCD) may be a promising option to overcome the organ shortage. Unlike conventional donation after brain death, DCD organs undergo a period of warm, global ischemia between circulatory arrest and graft procurement, which raises concerns for graft quality. Nonetheless, the potential of DCD heart transplantation is being reconsidered, after reports of more than 70 cases in Australia and the United Kingdom over the past 3 years. Ensuring optimal patient outcomes and generalized adoption of DCD in heart transplantation, however, requires further development of clinical protocols, which in turn require a better understanding of cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury and the various possibilities to limit its adverse effects. Thus, we aim to provide an overview of the knowledge obtained with preclinical studies in animal models of DCD heart transplantation, to facilitate and promote the most effective and efficient advancement in preclinical research. A literature search of the PubMed database was performed to identify all relevant preclinical studies in DCD heart transplantation. Specific aspects relevant for DCD heart transplantation were analyzed, including animal models, graft procurement and storage conditions, cardioprotective approaches, and graft evaluation strategies. Several potential therapeutic strategies for optimizing graft quality are identified, and recommendations for further preclinical research are provided.
Differences in Cost of Care by Palliation Strategy for Infants With Ductal-Dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow
Authors: Goldstein Bryan H. , O’Byrne Michael L. , Petit Christopher J. , Qureshi Athar M. , Dai Dingwei , Griffis Heather M. , France Ashton , Kelleman Michael S. , McCracken Courtney E. , Mascio Christopher E. , Shashidharan Subi , Ligon R. Allen , Whiteside Wendy , Wallen W. Jack , Agrawal Hitesh , Aggarwal Varun , Glatz Andrew C.
Published: April 2019

Background:

In infants with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow, initial palliation with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stent or modified Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt have comparable mortality but discrepant length of stay, procedural complication rates and reintervention burdens, which may influence cost. The relative economic impact of these palliation strategies is unknown.

Methods and Results:

Retrospective study of infants with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow palliated with PDA stent (n=104) or BT shunt (n=251) from 2008 to 2015 at 4 centers of the Congenital Catheterization Research Collaborative. Inflation-adjusted inpatient hospital costs were calculated for first year of life using Pediatric Health Information System data. Costs derived from outpatient catheterizations not in Pediatric Health Information System were imputed. Costs were compared using propensity score-adjusted multivariable models, to account for baseline differences between groups. After propensity score adjustment, first year of life costs were significantly lower in PDA stent ($215 825 [190 644–244 333]) than BT shunt ($249 855 [230 693–270 609]) patients (
P
=0.05). After addition of imputed costs, first year of life costs were not significantly different between PDA stent ($226 403 [200 274–255 941]) and BT shunt ($252 072 [232 955–272 759]) groups (
P
=0.15). Patient characteristics associated with higher costs included: younger gestational age, genetic syndrome, noncardiac diagnoses, procedural complications, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, duration of ventilation, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay and reintervention (
P
≤0.02 for all).

Conclusions:

In this first multicenter comparative cost study of PDA stent or BT shunt as palliation for infants with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow, adjusted for baseline differences, PDA stent was associated with lower to equivalent costs over the first year of life. Combined with previous evidence suggesting clinical noninferiority, these findings suggest that PDA stent provides competitive health care value.
Effect of Public Reporting on the Utilization of Coronary Angiography After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Nathan Ashwin S. , Shah Rohan M. , Khatana Sameed A. , Dayoub Elias , Chatterjee Paula , Desai Nimesh D. , Waldo Stephen W. , Yeh Robert W. , Groeneveld Peter W. , Giri Jay
Published: April 2019

Background:

Public reporting of cardiovascular outcomes has been associated with risk aversion for potentially lifesaving procedures and may have spillover effects on nonreported but related procedures.

Methods and Results:

A cross-sectional analysis of the utilization of coronary angiography among patients presenting with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between 2005 and 2011 in states with public reporting of percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes (New York and Massachusetts) versus neighboring states without public reporting of percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes (Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, Maryland, and Rhode Island) was performed using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. We analyzed 50 125 admission records with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between 2005 and 2011. The unadjusted rate of coronary angiography for patients presenting with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in states with public reporting versus without public reporting was not different (20.8% versus 22.8%,
P
=0.35). We found no statistically significant difference in the adjusted likelihood of coronary angiography in states with public reporting, though the point estimate suggested decreased utilization (odds ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.66–1.06;
P
=0.14). There was no difference in the adjusted likelihood of in-hospital mortality for patients presenting with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in states with public reporting compared to states without public reporting (odds ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.78–1.23;
P
=0.88).

Conclusions:

Public reporting of percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes was associated with a nonstatistically significant reduction in the utilization of diagnostic coronary angiography, a nonreported but related procedure, for patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Empagliflozin and the Risk of Heart Failure Hospitalization in Routine Clinical Care
Authors: Patorno Elisabetta , Pawar Ajinkya , Franklin Jessica M. , Najafzadeh Mehdi , Déruaz-Luyet Anouk , Brodovicz Kimberly G. , Sambevski Steven , Bessette Lily G. , Santiago Ortiz Adrian J. , Kulldorff Martin , Schneeweiss Sebastian
Published: April 2019

Background:

The EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial (Empagliflozin Cardiovascular Outcome Event Trial in Type 2 diabetes Mellitus Patients) showed that empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, reduces the risk of hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) by 35%, on top of standard of care in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and established cardiovascular disease. The EMPRISE (Empagliflozin Comparative Effectiveness and Safety) study aims to assess empagliflozin’s effectiveness, safety, and healthcare utilization in routine care from August 2014 through September 2019. In this first interim analysis, we investigated the risk of HHF among T2D patients initiating empagliflozin versus sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor.

Methods:

Within 2 commercial and 1 federal (Medicare) claims data sources in the United States, we identified a 1:1 propensity score–matched cohort of T2D patients ≥18 years old initiating empagliflozin or sitagliptin from August 2014 through September 2016. The HHF outcome was defined as a HF discharge diagnosis in the primary position (HHF-specific); a broader definition was based on a HF discharge diagnosis in any position (HHF-broad). Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were estimated controlling for over 140 baseline characteristics in each data source and pooled by fixed-effects meta-analysis.

Results:

After propensity-score matching, we identified 16,443 patient pairs who initiated empagliflozin or sitagliptin. Average age was approximately 59 years, almost 54% of the participants were males, and approximately 25% had records of existing cardiovascular disease. Compared with sitagliptin, the initiation of empagliflozin decreased the risk of HHF-specific by 50% (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.28–0.91), and the risk of HHF-broad by 49% (HR, 0.51;95% CI, 0.39–0.68), over a mean follow-up of 5.3 months. The results were consistent in patients with and without baseline cardiovascular disease, and for empagliflozin at both the 10- and 25-mg daily doses; analyses comparing empagliflozin versus the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor class, and comparing sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor versus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor classes also produced consistent findings.

Conclusions:

The first interim analysis from EMPRISE showed that compared with sitagliptin, the initiation of empagliflozin was associated with a decreased risk of HHF among patients with T2D as treated in routine care, with and without a history of cardiovascular disease.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT03363464.