bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constraining extended scalar sectors at the LHC and beyond
Authors: Ilnicka Agnieszka , Robens Tania , Stefaniak Tim 
Published: April 2018

We give a brief overview of beyond the Standard Model (BSM) theories with an extended scalar sector and their phenomenological status in the light of recent experimental results. We discuss the relevant theoretical and experimental constraints, and show their impact on the allowed parameter space of two specific models: the real scalar singlet extension of the Standard Model (SM) and the Inert Doublet Model. We emphasize the importance of the LHC measurements, both the direct searches for additional scalar bosons, as well as the precise measurements of properties of the Higgs boson of mass 125 GeV. We show the complementarity of these measurements to electroweak and dark matter observables.
Digital Educational Games
Authors: Heintz Stephanie , Law Effie L.-C. 
Published: April 2018

Our main research question is how the choice of game type influences the success of digital educational games (DEGs), where success is defined as significant domain-specific knowledge gain (learning outcome) with positive player experience.
We propose a methodological framework to address this question. The comparison of different game types is based on the previously developed Game Elements-Attributes Model (GEAM) and the Game Genre Map, which summarise game features and their relations. In addition, we present a research model considering the impact of player characteristics on learning outcome and player experience as well as their interrelation.
Two empirical studies were conducted with 280 students. The application domain was computer programming. Study 1 compared three DEGs of the Mini-Game genre, differing in a single GEAM attribute—time pressure vs. puzzle solving and abstract vs. realistic settings. Study 2 compared DEGs of different genres, which vary in the implementation of several GEAM attributes. None of the player characteristics were found to be statistically significant factors. For both studies, significant differences were found in learning outcomes, for Study 2 also in some of the player experience dimensions. GEAM was demonstrated as a promising framework for games user research.
State anxiety disorganizes finger movements during musical performance
Authors: Kotani Shuntaro , Furuya Shinichi 
Published: April 2018

Skilled performance, in many situations, exposes an individual to psychological stress and fear, thus triggering state anxiety and compromising motor dexterity. Suboptimal skill execution in people under pressure affects the future career prospects of trained individuals, such as athletes, clinicians, and musicians. However, it has not been elucidated in what manner state anxiety affects multijoint movements and thereby degrades fine motor control. Using principal component analysis of hand kinematics recorded by a data glove during piano performances, we tested whether state anxiety affects the organization of movements of multiple joints or merely constrains the amplitude of the individual joints without affecting joint movement coordination. The result demonstrated changes in the coordination of movements across joints in piano performances by experts under psychological stress. Overall, the change was characterized by reduction of synergistic movements between the finger responsible for the keypress and its adjacent fingers. A regression analysis further identified that the attenuation of the movement covariation between the fingers was associated with an increase in temporal error during performance under pressure. In contrast, neither the maximum nor minimum angles of the individual joints of the hand were susceptible to induced anxiety. These results suggest that degradation of fine motor control under pressure is mediated by incoordination of movements between the fingers in skilled piano performances. NEW & NOTEWORTHY A key issue in neuromuscular control of coordinated movements is how the nervous system organizes multiple degrees of freedom for production of skillful motor behaviors. We found that state anxiety disorchestrates the organization of finger movements so as to decrease synergistic motions between the fingers in musical performance, which degrades fine motor control. The findings are important to shed light on mechanisms underlying loss of motor dexterity under pressure.
Pulmonary Effective Arterial Elastance as a Measure of Right Ventricular Afterload and Its Prognostic Value in Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Left Heart Disease
Authors: Tampakakis Emmanouil , Shah Sanjiv J. , Borlaug Barry A. , Leary Peter J. , Patel Harnish H. , Miller Wayne L. , Kelemen Benjamin W. , Houston Brian A. , Kolb Todd M. , Damico Rachel , Mathai Stephen C. , Kasper Edward K. , Hassoun Paul M. , Kass David A. , Tedford Ryan J. 
Published: April 2018

Background:
Patients with combined post- and precapillary pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease have a worse prognosis compared with isolated postcapillary. However, it remains unclear whether increased mortality in combined post- and precapillary pulmonary hypertension is simply a result of higher total right ventricular load. Pulmonary effective arterial elastance (Ea) is a measure of total right ventricular afterload, reflecting both resistive and pulsatile components. We aimed to test whether pulmonary Ea discriminates survivors from nonsurvivors in patients with pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease and if it does so better than other hemodynamic parameters associated with combined post- and precapillary pulmonary hypertension.

Methods and Results:
We combined 3 large heart failure patient cohorts (n=1036) from academic hospitals, including patients with pulmonary hypertension due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (n=232), reduced ejection fraction (n=335), and a mixed population (n=469). In unadjusted and 2 adjusted models, pulmonary Ea more robustly predicted mortality than pulmonary vascular resistance and the transpulmonary gradient. Along with pulmonary arterial compliance, pulmonary Ea remained predictive of survival in patients with normal pulmonary vascular resistance. The diastolic pulmonary gradient did not predict mortality. In addition, in a subset of patients with echocardiographic data, Ea and pulmonary arterial compliance were better discriminators of right ventricular dysfunction than the other parameters.

Conclusions:
Pulmonary Ea and pulmonary arterial compliance more consistently predicted mortality than pulmonary vascular resistance or transpulmonary gradient across a spectrum of left heart disease with pulmonary hypertension, including patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and pulmonary hypertension with a normal pulmonary vascular resistance.
Incidence, Predictors, and Outcomes Associated With Hypotensive Episodes Among Heart Failure Patients Receiving Sacubitril/Valsartan or Enalapril
Authors: Vardeny Orly , Claggett Brian , Kachadourian Jessica , Pearson Scott M. , Desai Akshay S. , Packer Milton , Rouleau Jean , Zile Michael R. , Swedberg Karl , Lefkowitz Martin , Shi Victor , McMurray John J.V. , Solomon Scott D. 
Published: April 2018

Background:
In PARADIGM-HF (Prospective Comparison of Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor With Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure), heart failure treatment with sacubitril/valsartan reduced the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization compared with enalapril but resulted in more symptomatic hypotension. Concern on hypotension may be limiting use of sacubitril/valsartan in appropriate patients.

Methods and Results:

We characterized patients in PARADIGM-HF by whether they reported hypotension during study run-in periods (enalapril, followed by sacubitril/valsartan) and after randomization and assessed whether hypotension modified the efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan. Of the 10 513 patients entering the enalapril run-in, 136 (1.3%) experienced hypotension and 93 (68%) were unable to continue to the next phase; of 9419 patients entering the sacubitril/valsartan run-in period, 228 (2.4%) patients experienced hypotension and 51% were unable to successfully complete the run-in. After randomization, 388 (9.2%) participants had 501 hypotensive events with enalapril, and 588 (14.0%) participants had 803 hypotensive events with sacubitril/valsartan (
P
<0.001). There was no difference between randomized treatment groups in the number of participants who discontinued therapy because of hypotension. Individuals with a hypotensive event in either group were older, had lower blood pressure at randomization, and were more likely to have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Participants with hypotensive events during run-in who were ultimately randomized derived similar efficacy from sacubitril/valsartan compared with enalapril as those without hypotensive events (
P
interaction>0.90).

Conclusions:
Hypotension was more common with sacubitril/valsartan relative to enalapril in PARADIGM-HF but did not differentially affect permanent discontinuations. Patients with hypotension during run-in derived similar benefit from sacubitril/valsartan compared with enalapril as those who did not experience hypotension.
Critical Role of Flavin and Glutathione in Complex I–Mediated Bioenergetic Failure in Brain Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Kahl Anja , Stepanova Anna , Konrad Csaba , Anderson Corey , Manfredi Giovanni , Zhou Ping , Iadecola Costantino , Galkin Alexander 
Published: April 2018

Background and Purpose—
Ischemic brain injury is characterized by 2 temporally distinct but interrelated phases: ischemia (primary energy failure) and reperfusion (secondary energy failure). Loss of cerebral blood flow leads to decreased oxygen levels and energy crisis in the ischemic area, initiating a sequence of pathophysiological events that after reoxygenation lead to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) brain damage. Mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress are known to be early events in I/R injury. However, the biochemical mechanisms of mitochondria damage in I/R are not completely understood.

Methods—
We used a mouse model of transient focal cerebral ischemia to investigate acute I/R-induced changes of mitochondrial function, focusing on mechanisms of primary and secondary energy failure.

Results—
Ischemia induced a reversible loss of flavin mononucleotide from mitochondrial complex I leading to a transient decrease in its enzymatic activity, which is rapidly reversed on reoxygenation. Reestablishing blood flow led to a reversible oxidative modification of mitochondrial complex I thiol residues and inhibition of the enzyme. Administration of glutathione-ethyl ester at the onset of reperfusion prevented the decline of complex I activity and was associated with smaller infarct size and improved neurological outcome, suggesting that decreased oxidation of complex I thiols during I/R-induced oxidative stress may contribute to the neuroprotective effect of glutathione ester.

Conclusions—
Our results unveil a key role of mitochondrial complex I in the development of I/R brain injury and provide the mechanistic basis for the well-established mitochondrial dysfunction caused by I/R. Targeting the functional integrity of complex I in the early phase of reperfusion may provide a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent tissue injury after stroke.
“Event Calendars” in the Early Imperial Era: A Re-Assessment (關於秦漢“質日”的新考察)
Authors: Wei (陳偉) Chen 
Published: April 2018

The article explores the newly discovered calendrical materials from the Qin and Han eras to argue that the so-called “event calendars” were used by local authorities to monitor and control the efficiency of subordinate officials’ performance. The analysis is based on a new interpretation of the Qin record on the conduct of shrine services (tablet 8−138+8−174+8−522+8−523) and the “Statute on the checking of convicts” from the Yuelu Academy collection of Qin manuscripts.
文章梳理秦漢時期簡牘資料，從對于里耶“行廟”文書（由8−138、8−174、8−522、8−523等四個殘片綴合而成）和岳麓秦簡《獄校律》(232−236號簡）的分析着手，認爲“質日”是當時官府督察、考核官吏工作效率的一種文書。
Effects of bismuth breast shielding on iodine quantification in dual-energy computed tomography: an experimental phantom study
Authors: Jang Hyunsik , Hur Jin , Choi Byoung Wook , Im Dong Jin , Hong Yoo Jin , Kim Young Jin , Lee Hye-Jeong 
Published: April 2018

Background Although the bismuth breast shield can reduce radiation exposure to the breast during dual-energy computed tomography (DECT), it can potentially affect material quantification on DECT due to artifacts. Purpose To evaluate the effects of bismuth breast shielding on iodine quantification and radiation exposure in DECT. Material and Methods Small balloons were made with 0.2%, 0.6% and 1.0% blended iodinated contrast (370 mg/mL of iodine) with water. The balloons were located at both anterior and posterior lungs in an adult anthropomorphic chest phantom. DECT was performed with and without breast shielding. Afterwards, iodine concentration values were measured for each balloon on the iodine maps. Absorbed radiation doses in the breast were measured with the optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter. Results After shielding, we obtained significantly decreased iodine quantification for all three concentrations with 0.78 ± 0.13 to 0.46 ± 0.13 mg/mL, 2.31 ± 0.17 to 1.68 ± 0.19 mg/mL, and 3.82 ± 0.10 to 2.84 ± 0.20 mg/mL at the anterior location, and 0.72 ± 0.11 to 0.48 ± 0.09 mg/mL, 2.24 ± 0.13 to 1.87 ± 0.21 mg/mL, and 3.75 ± 0.16 to 3.15 ± 0.14 mg/mL at the posterior location for the 0.2%, 0.6%, and 1.0% balloons, respectively ( P = 0.001 for all). After shielding, absorbed radiation doses to the breast significantly decreased by 14.8% (4.32 ± 0.33 to 3.68 ± 0.30 mGy; P = 0.005). Conclusion Although using the bismuth breast shield may decrease radiation exposure to the breast on DECT, it may also significantly affect iodine quantification.
A Method for the Study of Cryoglobulin Solubilization Curves at 37°C. Preliminary Studies and Application to Plasma Exchange in Cryoglobulinemic Syndromes
Authors: Valbonesi M. , Florio G. , Montani F. , Mosconi L. 
Published: April 2018

A simple method for the study of kinetic solubility curves of cryoglobulins is presented. In its first application to the study of 21 patients with cryoglobulinemia, it was possible to ascertain that clinical condition roughly correlates with decreased solubility whereas no correlation is found with per cent cryocrit. In the group of patients we studied, 6 underwent plasma exchange treatment when glomerulonephritis, acute renal insufficiency, cerebritis and polyneuropathy appeared: in these patients, following 2 to 5 apheretic sessions, solubility increased showing a sort of correlation with clinical benefits determined by treatment. The preliminarity of this study is underlined.
New Perspectives in Myringoplasty
Authors: Kohn F.E. , Feijen J. , Feenstra L. 
Published: April 2018

Until 1950 the treatment of a perforated eardrum consisted of covering the drum permanently with artificial material. Since then a surgical technique to establish a functional reconstruction of the eardrum was developed (myringoplasty). A survey of the biological grafting materials used in this technique is given. Biodegradable and non-degradable synthetic materials may prove to be a valuable supplement of the existing biological grafting materials. Artificial eardrums made from several biodegradable poly(α-hydroxy acids) and poly(α-amino acids) and made from a number of microporous poly(tetrafluorethylene) membranes and from a microporous bisphenol-A poly(carbonate) membrane were implanted into the ears of rats and dogs and as a reference subcutaneously. The implants were histologically examined for periods up to one year. From the biodegradable polymers studied poly(β-benzyl-L-aspartate-co-L-leucine) 50/50 evoked the least tissue reaction and the newly formed eardrums were the best in terms of thickness and overall integrity. The formation of a reinforced eardrum may be accomplished by the support of an inert, very thin, highly porous poly(tetrafluoroethylene membrane) preferably implanted as a composite graft with a biodegradable polymer.
Effect of Dialyzer Membranes on in Vitro Generation of Eicosanoids
Authors: Schultze G. , Wagner K. , Neumayer H.-H. , Fitzner R. , Molzahn M. 
Published: April 2018

Eicosanoids are potent substances released from blood cells after contact with foreign materials. Eicosanoid generation, in addition to complement fragment formation, may be a valuable indicator of the biocompatibility of dialyzer membranes. In the present in vitro study, eicosanoid generation induced by several different flat dialyzer membranes [polyacrylonitrile (PAN), cuprammonium cellulose (CC), and polycarbonate (PC)] was evaluated and compared using blood from non-uremic healthy volunteers. Generation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) was greatest with PC followed by PAN and CC. The formation of C3a des arg with PAN was less than with either CC or PC. Our results suggest that dialyzer membranes affect complement activation and eicosanoid generation differently; biocompatibility as expressed by a low level of complement fragment formation does not necessarily translate into biocompatibility when considering eicosanoid generation.
Leukocyte Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Activity in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Nishimoto K , Kishimoto T. , Yamagami S. , Sugimura T. , Mori K. , Tanaka H. , Maekawa M. , Okada K. , Matsuo O. 
Published: April 2018

Plasma fibrinopeptide Bβ15–42 was significantly high in undialyzed and hemodialyzed chronic renal failure (CRF) patients, indicating that the fibrinolytic system as well as the coagulation system is stimulated. There are two kinds of plasminogen activators (PA) for the fibrinolytic system: urokinase (UK) and tissue-type PA (t-PA). PA activity of peripheral leukocytes from healthy volunteers, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients and hemodialysis (HD) patients was measured and compared. Peripheral leukocyte PA in the euglobulin fraction was purified using zinc-chelate-Sepharose 6B column and Concanavalin A-Sepharose column chromatography. The different PA activity was quantitatively identified by electrophoretic enzymography and was confirmed using antibody against UK and t-PA. PA activity of peripheral leukocytes was significantly higher in HD patients on the cupro-ammonium processing membrane dialyzer than in CAPD patients and healthy volunteers. All PA activity in the three groups was UK, and t-PA was not detected. This suggested that the inflammatory response was continuously induced in HD patients, resulting in the induction of PA activity of the leukocytes and plasma, and that different mechanisms were involved for the synthesis or secretion of UK and t-PA.
Particle Spallation and Plasticiser (DEHP) Release from Extracorporeal Circuit Tubing Materials
Authors: Hoenich N.A. , Thompson J. , Varini E. , McCabe J. , Appleton D. 
Published: April 2018

Particle spallation and plasticiser (DEHP) release from medical grade polyvinylchloride (PVC), co-extruded PVC-polyurethane (PIVIPOL)R and an experimentally produced co-extruded PVC-ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) has been studied when used with manually occluded and self-occluding peristaltic pumps over a six hour pumping period. The shore hardness of the tubings studied were similar but the luminal coating thickness differed (0.2 mm polyurethane, 0.99 mm EVA). The pattern of particle release was similar for all materials on the pump type used with the majority of particles released being less than 5 microns in diameter. The number of particles greater than 5 microns released was independent of the tubing material but depended on the pump type. Particle release with self-occluding pumps was significantly higher (p<0.001) than for the manually occluded pump. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the particles released originate from the repeated compression and flexing of the insert during pumping which leads to material structural failure. The higher release observed in the case of self-occluding pumps is suggestive of over-occlusion by the springs utilised in the pump. DEHP release (ppm) over a six hour period while perfused at 300 ml/min was significantly reduced for co-extruded tubing (0.56 ± 0.05 mg (PVC-polyurethane) and 0.12 ± 0.04 mg (PVC-EVA) compared with PVC (0.74 ± 0.05 mg).
Minimization of Hemolysis in Centrifugal Blood Pumps: Influence of Different Geometries
Authors: Schima H. , MÜller M.R. , Papantonis D. , Schlusche C. , Huber L. , Schmidt C. , Trubel W. , Thoma H. , Losert U. , Wolner E. 
Published: April 2018

Centrifugal blood pumps are of substantial importance for intraoperative extracorporeal circulation and for temporary cardiac assist. Their development and improvement raises many specific questions, especially on mechanical blood properties, flow distribution, and the resulting biocompatibility. In this comprehensive study the influence of various pump geometries on blood trauma was investigated. For this purpose analytical calculations, hydrodynamic performance, numerical simulation, in vitro hemolysis tests and in vivo experiments were used. The gap between rotor and housing was found to be crucial showing a distinct minimum of hemolysis at a gap of 1.5 mm (in vitro increase of plasma free hemoglobin per 100 ml plasma an hour: ΔfHb/hour = 2.4±0.83 mg%/h at 1.5 mm versus 12 ± 2.2 mg%/h at 2.5 mm; p < 0.05). Housing diameter and shape of the vanes were of less importance for blood traumatization (d = 60 mm: ΔfHb/hour = 6.36 ± 1.8 mg%/h; d = 70 mm: fHb = 7.1 ± 1.9 mg%/h; straight radial vanes: 5.2 ± 1.8 mg%/h; straight inclined vanes: 6.8 ± 1.2 mg%/h; flexed vanes: 6.1 ± 2.0 mg%/h). Three animal experiments confirmed the optimization of geometry, with a mean fHb of 2.5 to 3.2 mg% in steady state. Hydrodynamic efficiency revealed to be a necessary, but not a sufficient and sensitive criterion for hemolysis minimization (e.g. changes of η < 10% for changes of fHb > 500%). Numerical simulation gives an improved insight in flow distribution, but can not yet be applied for quantification of blood trauma. The study supports theories on mechanical hemolysis predicting a hemolysis at shear levels of less than 500N/m2 depending on exposure time. With the methods used it was possible to develop a pump with very low hemolysis potential. For further reduction of blood trauma and correlated thrombus formation basic studies on cell damage in recirculating blood and also advanced flow studies in rotary pumps would be desirable.