bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonphysical effects of exergames on child and adolescent well‐being: a comprehensive systematic review
Authors: Joronen Katja , Aikasalo Anna , Suvitie Anne
Published: November 2016

Background

Exergames have the potential to promote physical activity among children and adolescents. They also have other important benefits, but knowledge about other than the physical effects of exergaming remains thin.

Aim

To report the findings of a review of ten studies on the nonphysical effects of exergames on child and adolescent well‐being.

Data Sources

A broad search strategy was employed to identify relevant studies in CINAHL Ebsco Host, Ovid MEDLINE, Psycinfo ProQuest, Eric ProQuest, Scopus and Cochrane Library. The search timeframe was from January 2004 to April 2015.

Review Methods

A comprehensive systematic review without meta‐analysis was conducted on 10 quantitative, qualitative and mixed‐methods intervention studies. The quality of these studies was assessed following the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute. The data were analysed using a narrative synthesis approach.

Results

Exergaming was found to have some positive effects on self‐concept, situational interest and motivation, enjoyment, psychological and social well‐being, symptomatology and different learning experiences. However, two studies reported no effect on self‐efficacy, and one study showed no intervention effect on self‐esteem. The only follow‐up study indicated that the enjoyment effect lasted for a few months.

Conclusion

Most of the studies reviewed found that exergaming had positive effects. However, more research evidence is still needed. In particular, there is a need for better‐validated instruments and follow‐up research.
Dolomitization, gypsum calcitization and silicification in carbonate–evaporite shallow lacustrine deposits
Authors: Bustillo Mª Angeles , Armenteros Ildefonso , Huerta Pedro
Published: November 2016

This paper describes and interprets the mineral and facies assemblages that occur in carbonate–evaporite shallow lacustrine deposits, considering the importance of the processes pathway (i.e. dolomitization, gypsum calcitization and silicification). The Palaeogene deposits of the Deza Formation (Almazán Basin, central‐northern Spain) are selected as a case study to determine the variety of physicochemical processes taking place in carbonate–evaporite shallow lakes and their resulting diagenetic features. Dolostones are the predominant lithology and are composed mainly of dolomite with variable amounts of secondary calcite (5 to 50%), which mainly mimic lenticular gypsum (pseudomorphs). Five morphological types of dolomite crystal were identified as follows: dolomite tubes, dolomite cylinders, rhombohedral dolomite, spheroidal and quasi‐rhombohedral dolomite, and cocoon‐shaped dolomite. The dolomite cylinders and tubes are interpreted as the dolomitized cells of a widespread microbial community. The sequence of diagenetic processes started with growth of microlenticular interstitial gypsum in a calcareous mud deposited on the playa margin mudflats, and that sometimes included microbial sediments. Immediately following growth of gypsum, dolomite replaced the original calcite (or possibly aragonite) muds, the microbial community and the gypsum. Partial or total replacement of gypsum by dolomite was related mainly to the biomineralization of endolithic microbial communities on gypsum crystals. Later calcitization took place under vadose, subaerial exposure conditions. The development of calcrete in distal alluvial settings favoured the release of silica and subsequent silicification on the playa margin mudflats. Stable isotope compositions of calcite range from −9·02 to −5·83‰ δ13CPDB and −7·10 to 1·22‰ δ18OPDB; for the dolomite, these values vary from −8·93 to −3·96‰ δ13CPDB and −5·53 to 2·4‰ δ18OPDB. Quartz from the cherts has δ18OSMOW values ranging from 27·1 to 31·1‰. Wide variation and relatively high δ18OSMOW values for dolomite indicate evaporitic and closed hydrological conditions; increased influx of meteoric waters reigned during the formation of secondary calcite spar.
Kernel Density Estimation on a Linear Network
Authors: McSwiggan Greg , Baddeley Adrian , Nair Gopalan
Published: November 2016

This paper develops a statistically principled approach to kernel density estimation on a network of lines, such as a road network. Existing heuristic techniques are reviewed, and their weaknesses are identified. The correct analogue of the Gaussian kernel is the ‘heat kernel’, the occupation density of Brownian motion on the network. The corresponding kernel estimator satisfies the classical time‐dependent heat equation on the network. This ‘diffusion estimator’ has good statistical properties that follow from the heat equation. It is mathematically similar to an existing heuristic technique, in that both can be expressed as sums over paths in the network. However, the diffusion estimate is an infinite sum, which cannot be evaluated using existing algorithms. Instead, the diffusion estimate can be computed rapidly by numerically solving the time‐dependent heat equation on the network. This also enables bandwidth selection using cross‐validation. The diffusion estimate with automatically selected bandwidth is demonstrated on road accident data.
Screening of living organ donors for endemic infections: Understanding the challenges and benefits of enhanced screening
Authors: Rosen Amanda , Ison Michael G.
Published: November 2016

Living organ donor candidates are screened for medical and psychosocial contraindications to donation. One important goal of this process is to prevent donor‐derived infectious diseases transmissions. These transmissions are exceptionally rare, but have the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network now requires each recovery hospital to develop a protocol for evaluating living donors for tuberculosis and other geographically defined endemic pathogens, including Trypanosoma cruzi (the causative pathogen of Chagas’ disease), Strongyloides stercoralis, and West Nile Virus (WNV), in addition to universal screening for blood‐borne pathogens. Enhanced screening requirements were developed in response to the changing epidemiology and endemicity of these diseases, as well as recent case reports of donor‐derived disease transmission. Living organ donor disease screening presents a number of unique challenges to clinicians and policy‐makers, including deciding which donors to test, which testing modality to use, when to test, and appropriate interpretation of results. This review will analyze the epidemiology of T. cruzi, S. stercoralis, and WNV, the assays available for screening for these diseases, and the subsequent impact on the living organ donor process.
Thalidomide for steroid‐dependent chronic disseminated candidiasis after stem cell transplantation: A case report
Authors: Rammaert Blandine , Candon Sophie , Maunoury Christophe , Bougnoux Marie‐Elisabeth , Jouvion Grégory , Braun Thorsten , Correas Jean‐Michel , Lortholary Olivier
Published: November 2016

Chronic disseminated candidiasis (CDC) is a rare and difficult‐to‐treat invasive fungal disease occurring mainly after prolonged and profound neutropenia. We describe the case of a 59‐year‐old man successfully treated with thalidomide for CDC recurrences after an autologous transplantation. We add evidence of the effectiveness of immunomodulatory drugs to manage inflammatory reconstitution immune syndrome‐related refractory CDC.
Variability of respiratory rate measurements in children suspected with non‐severe pneumonia in north‐east Tanzania
Authors: Muro Florida , Mosha Neema , Hildenwall Helena , Mtei Frank , Harrison Nicole , Schellenberg David , Olomi Raimos , Reyburn Hugh , Todd Jim
Published: November 2016

Objective

Measurement of respiratory rate is an important clinical sign in the diagnosis of pneumonia but suffers from interobserver variation. Here, we assess the use of video recordings as a quality assurance tool that could be useful both in research and in training of staff.

Methods

Respiratory rates (RR) were recorded in children aged 2–59 months presenting with cough or difficulty breathing at two busy outpatient clinics in Tanzania. Measurements were repeated at 10‐min intervals in a quiet environment with simultaneous video recordings that were independently reviewed by two paediatricians.

Results

Eight hundred and fifty‐nine videos were sent to two paediatricians; 148 (17.2%) were considered unreadable by one or both. For the 711 (82.8%) videos that were readable by both paediatricians, there was perfect agreement for the presence of raised RR with a kappa value (κ) of 0.85 (P < 0.001); and in 476 (66.9%) cases, both paediatricians agreed on the RR within 2 breaths per minute (±2 bpm). A reported illness of 5 days or more was associated with unreadable video recordings (OR = 3.44, CI: 1.5–6.08; P < 0.001). The multilevel model showed that differences between observers accounted for only 13% of the variability in RR.

Conclusion

Video recordings are reliable tools for quality assurance of RR measurements in children with suspected pneumonia. Videos with a clear view of respiratory movements may also be useful in training primary healthcare staff.
Beyond improvisation? The rise and rise of youth entrepreneurs in north India
Authors: Young Stephen , Kumar Satendra , Jeffrey Craig
Published: November 2016

This paper draws on qualitative fieldwork conducted in 2004–5, 2010 and 2012 to examine the recent expansion of higher education markets in north India. It focuses on a group of young men who attended university in the city of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Faced with dismal job prospects, they began to improvise, making money ad hoc by acting as small‐scale political brokers on campus. However, some of them subsequently utilised these improvisational skills to try and attain loftier economic ambitions. As India's education sector was liberalised, they honed in on an opportunity to establish their own profitable colleges. Our paper points to a paradox that resonates far beyond India; namely, that the continued expansion of private education is, in some cases, happening in spite of and even because of poor job growth. We also extend recent work on the theme of improvisation. By examining long‐run changes, we show that improvisation is not indelibly linked to the activities of ‘youth’, but rather a set of practices that they may perform and abandon as they move through the life course. As such, improvisation can serve as a staging post in the efforts of young people to obtain a more secure foothold in the economy.
Drone transportation of blood products
Authors: Amukele Timothy , Ness Paul M. , Tobian Aaron A.R. , Boyd Joan , Street Jeff
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

Small civilian unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) are a novel way to transport small goods. To the best of our knowledge there are no studies examining the impact of drone transport on blood products, describing approaches to maintaining temperature control, or component physical characteristics during drone transport.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Six leukoreduced red blood cell (RBC) and six apheresis platelet (PLT) units were split using sterile techniques. The larger parent RBC and PLT units, as well as six unthawed plasma units frozen within 24 hours of collection (FP24), were placed in a cooler, attached to the drone, and flown for up to 26.5 minutes with temperature logging. Ambient temperatures during the experimental window ranged between −1 and 18°C across 2 days. The difference between the ambient and unit temperatures was approximately 20°C for PLT and FP24 units. After flight, the RBC parent units were centrifuged and visually checked for hemolysis; the PLTs were checked for changes in mean PLT volumes (MPVs), pH, and PLT count; and the frozen air bubbles on the back of the FP24 units were examined for any changes in size or shape, as evidence of thawing.

RESULTS

There was no evidence of RBC hemolysis; no significant changes in PLT count, pH, or MPVs; and no changes in the FP24 bubbles. The temperature of all units was maintained during transport and flight.

CONCLUSION

There was no adverse impact of drone transport on RBC, PLT, or FP24 units. These findings suggest that drone transportation systems are a viable option for the transportation of blood products.
Next‐generation sequencing for blood group genotyping
Authors: Fichou Y. , Le Maréchal C. , Férec C.
Published: November 2016

In the field of immunohematology, blood group genotyping has become a very common approach for routine purpose to complement the gold standard serological studies, and to further guarantee the safety of patients. It has more recently explored the major advances in the available technologies for molecular analysis, including next‐generation sequencing (NGS). NGS, known as second‐generation technologies in its current format, has revolutionized the field of molecular genetics for the past decade. For the very recent years, a few pilot studies using various commercial platforms have paved the way towards blood group genotyping by NGS in both transfusion and obstetric medicine. Advantages and limitations have been reported, and future trends for improvements have been clearly identified. Third‐generation sequencing, which is interestingly characterized by the production of long reads that have been shown to cover up to several dozen kilobases, has also become available in the meantime. This novel technology shows great promises for clinical applications in the very next future, most importantly by resolving the challenging issue of characterizing gene conversion events occurring in genes of the Rh and MNS blood group systems. By considering recent and future advances in these technologies and their related bioinformatics resources, it is tempting to suggest that a routine, NGS‐based strategy will be soon available for blood group genotyping with high accuracy at a low cost. Clinical utility and clinical applications of this technology remain to be evaluated.
Current methods to manufacture human platelet lysates for cell therapy and tissue engineering: possible trends in product safety and standardization
Authors: Chou M.L. , Burnouf T.
Published: November 2016

Human platelet lysates (HPLs), obtained from therapeutic‐grade platelet concentrates (PC), are rich in growth factors and other bioactive molecules. HPL is increasingly evaluated as a substitute for foetal bovine serum (FBS), to likely become the next ‘gold standard’ supplement of growth media for clinical‐grade ex vivo propagation of human cells. HPL avoids the risks of immunological reactions against xenoproteins. HPL quality and safety benefit from the pathogen safety measures in place for producing PC for transfusion. Numerous studies support that HPL‐expanded mesenchymal stromal cells show improved proliferation and decreased doubling time than when using FBS‐supplemented media and maintain characteristic immunophenotype, differentiation capacity and T‐cell immunosuppressive effect. Several methods are used to prepare HPL; they differ in the selection and formulation of the starting PC, the consideration or not for blood groups, the pool size, the membrane lysis procedure, the depletion of fibrinogen, and the implementation or not of a pathogen inactivation step on PC materials or during manufacture. Allogeneic ‘off‐the‐shelf’ pooled HPLs, made from approximately fifty, or more, PC, are currently produced by blood establishments and/or available through commercial suppliers. Improved HPL standardization and safety profile, through larger pools and dedicated viral inactivation and removal treatments, is expected in the next few years, broadening applications in cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Systematic studies of the impact of the mode of production of HPL on the isolation and expansion of various human cell types should be encouraged.
Geographic distribution of blood collections in Haiti before and after the 2010 earthquake
Authors: Bjork A. , Jean Baptiste A. E. , Noel E. , Jean Charles N. P. D. , Polo E. , Pitman J. P.
Published: November 2016

Background

The January 2010 Haiti earthquake destroyed the National Blood Transfusion Center and reduced monthly national blood collections by > 46%. Efforts to rapidly scale‐up blood collections outside of the earthquake‐affected region were investigated.

Study Design and Methods

Blood collection data for 2004–2014 from Haiti's 10 administrative departments were grouped into four regions: Northern, Central, Port‐au‐Prince and Southern. Analyses compared regional collection totals during the study period.

Results

Collections in Port‐au‐Prince accounted for 52% of Haiti's blood supply in 2009, but fell 96% in February 2010. Haiti subsequently increased blood collections in the North, Central and Southern regions to compensate. By May 2010, national blood collections were only 10·9% lower than in May 2009, with 70% of collections coming from outside of Port‐au‐Prince. By 2013 national collections (27 478 units) had surpassed 2009 levels by 30%, and Port‐au‐Prince collections had recovered (from 11 074 units in 2009 to 11 670 units in 2013).

Conclusion

Haiti's National Blood Safety Program managed a rapid expansion of collections outside of Port‐au‐Prince following the earthquake. Annual collections exceeded pre‐earthquake levels by 2012 and continued rising annually. Increased regional collections provided a greater share of the national blood supply, reducing dependence on Port‐au‐Prince for collections.
EFFECTS OF IMAGE PLANE, PATIENT POSITIONING, AND FORAMINAL ZONE ON MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING MEASUREMENTS OF CANINE LUMBOSACRAL INTERVERTEBRAL FORAMINA
Authors: Zindl Claudia , Tucker Russell L. , Jovanovik Jelena , Gomez Alvarez Constanza , Price David , Fitzpatrick Noel
Published: November 2016

Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis has been suspected to have a dynamic component, especially regarding encroachment of the L7 nerve roots exiting the lumbosacral foramina. Angled cross‐sectional imaging of the neuroforamina has been found improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of stenosis in humans. In this anatomic study, foraminal apertures were evaluated by MRI at the entry, middle, and exit zones of the nerve roots in 30 dogs that were clinically affected by lumbosacral disease. Standard vs. oblique planar orientation and neutral vs. hyperextended positioning of the lumbosacral area were compared by measuring the median values for entry, middle, and exit zones. The neuroforaminal area acquired using oblique plane acquisition was significantly smaller than standard parasagittal measurements. Furthermore, standard parasagittal neuroforaminal dimensions in the hyperextended position were significantly smaller than standard parasagittal measurements in the neutral position. This statistical difference was even more pronounced for neuroforaminal dimension evaluated in the oblique plane and hyperextended position. Positioning of the dog during imaging has a significant effect on neuroforaminal dimension, corroborating the notion that spinal position may influence neural claudication in clinically affected patients. Reductions in neuroforaminal dimension are more evident on oblique planar image acquisition, suggesting that this approach may be more useful than parasagittal imaging as a tool for identifying subtle changes in L7 neuroforaminal dimensions in cases of canine lumbosacral stenosis.
Full‐scale maturation ponds working below a latitude of 43°S in a semiarid area: seasonal performance and removal mechanisms
Authors: Faleschini M. , Esteves J. L.
Published: November 2016

Stabilisation ponds are the most frequently used wastewater treatment technology in Argentina. This study focuses on the performance of two maturation ponds (MPs) that are part of the full‐scale sewage treatment system of Puerto Madryn. Seventy‐seven shots of surface water were analysed for organic matter, inorganic nitrogen, phytoplankton dynamics and bacterial removal. The system presented a clear evolution with respect to oxygenation and phytoplankton development. The treated wastewater reached values above 8 mg‐O2/L, an important organic matter removal, and this was accompanied by a strong increase in pH.
removal and oxidation, was active even during winter in the MPs, with average concentrations below 10 mg ‐
/L. Bacteriological removal resulted in a liquid that approached the WHO recommendations for unrestricted irrigation. These results show that is possible to generate treated wastewater in stabilisation ponds working in a semiarid and temperate region, with bacterial content and conductivity suitable for irrigation.
The Epidemiological Importance of Bats in the Transmission of Rabies to Dogs and Cats in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, Between 2005 and 2014
Authors: Castilho J. G. , de Souza D. N. , Oliveira R. N. , Carnieli P. , Batista H. B. C. R. , Pereira P. M. C. , Achkar S. M. , Macedo C. I.
Published: November 2016

In Brazil, rabies control in dogs and cats was pioneered by the state of São Paulo with the adoption of the Pan American Health Organization recommendations for prophylaxis and control, which led to a reduction in rabies cases from 1994 onwards. As a result of these measures, the rabies virus (RABV) genetic lineage associated with dogs has not been found in the state since 1998, and all the cases in domestic animals reported since then have been caused by bat‐associated lineages of RABV. In the light of this, this study sought to investigate rabies cases in dogs and cats in the state of São Paulo between 2005 and 2014 and identify the associated transmission cycles by characterizing the RABV lineages responsible for these cases. Nine samples from dogs (n = 5) and from cats (n = 4) were collected between 2005 and 2014. The tenth animal, a rabid cat, was analysed by a different laboratory. The N gene nucleotide sequences obtained were analysed with the neighbor‐joining algorithm and Kimura 2‐parameter model using the MEGA 6 program. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the genetic lineages identified in all the samples were those circulating in Brazilian bats. The findings of this study demonstrate that bats play an important role in the transmission of rabies to domestic animals in São Paulo state and that emphasis should be placed on the implementation of public policies to support surveillance of chiropterans for rabies.
Putative tissue location and function of the SLC5 family member SGLT3
Authors: Soták Matúš , Marks Joanne , Unwin Robert J.
Published: November 2016

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

This review summarizes the evidence on the localization, electrophysiological properties, agonist specificity and putative physiological role of sodium–glucose transporter 3 (SGLT3).

What advances does it highlight?

Published information is reviewed in some detail by comparing human and rodent isoforms, as well as advances in testing hypotheses for the physiological role of SGLT3 as a glucose sensor or incretin release mediator. We provide a critical overview of available published data and discuss a putative functional role for SGLT3 in human and mouse physiology.

Sodium–glucose transporter 3 (SGLT3) has attracted interest because of its putative role as a glucose sensor, rather than a sugar transporter, in contrast to its co‐family members SGLT1 and SGLT2. Significant progress has been made in characterizing the electrophysiological properties in vitro of the single human SGLT3 isoform and the two mouse isoforms, SGLT3a and SGLT3b. Although early reports indicated SGLT3 expression in the small intestinal myenteric and submucosal neurones, hypothalamic neurones, portal vein and kidney, a lack of reliable antibodies has left unanswered its exact tissue and cellular localization. Several hypotheses for a role of SGLT3 in glucose sensing, gastric emptying, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 release and post‐Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass remodelling have been explored, but so far there is only limited and indirect supportive evidence using non‐specific agonists/antagonists, with no firm conclusions. There are no published or available data in knockout animals, and translation is difficult because of its different isoforms in human versus rodent, as well as a lack of selective agonists or antagonists, all of which make SGLT3 challenging to study. However, its unique electrophysiological properties, ubiquitous expression at the mRNA level, enrichment in the small intestine and potential, but uncertain, physiological role demand more attention. The purpose of this overview and review of SGLT3 biology is to provide an update, highlight the gaps in our knowledge and try to signpost potential ways forward to define its likely function in vivo.
Sildenafil therapy for fetal cardiovascular dysfunction during hypoxic development: studies in the chick embryo
Authors: Itani Nozomi , Skeffington Katie L. , Beck Christian , Giussani Dino A.
Published: November 2016

Key points

Common complications of pregnancy, such as chronic fetal hypoxia, trigger a fetal origin of cardiovascular dysfunction and programme cardiovascular disease in later life.

Sildenafil treatment protects placental perfusion and fetal growth, but whether the effects of sildenafil transcend the placenta to affect the fetus is unknown.

Using the chick embryo model, here we show that sildenafil treatment directly protects the fetal cardiovascular system in hypoxic development, and that the mechanisms of sildenafil protection include reduced oxidative stress and increased nitric oxide bioavailability;

Sildenafil does not protect against fetal growth restriction in the chick embryo, supporting the idea that the protective effect of sildenafil on fetal growth reported in mammalian studies, including humans, is secondary to improved placental perfusion.

Therefore, sildenafil may be a good candidate for human translational antioxidant therapy to protect the chronically hypoxic fetus in adverse pregnancy.

There is a need for developing clinically translatable therapy for preventing fetal origins of cardiovascular disease in pregnancy complicated by chronic fetal hypoxia. Evidence shows that sildenafil protects placental perfusion and fetal growth. However, whether beneficial effects of sildenafil transcend onto the fetal heart and circulation in complicated development is unknown. We isolated the direct effects of sildenafil on the fetus using the chick embryo and hypothesised that sildenafil also protects fetal cardiovascular function in hypoxic development. Chick embryos (n = 11 per group) were incubated in normoxia or hypoxia (14% O2) from day 1 and treated with sildenafil (4 mg kg−1 day−1) from day 13 of the 21‐day incubation. Hypoxic incubation increased oxidative stress (4‐hydroxynonenal, 141.1 ± 17.6% of normoxic control), reduced superoxide dismutase (60.7 ± 6.3%), increased phosphodiesterase type 5 expression (167 ± 13.7%) and decreased nitric oxide bioavailability (54.7 ± 6.1%) in the fetal heart, and promoted peripheral endothelial dysfunction (70.9 ± 5.6% AUC of normoxic control; all P < 0.05). Sildenafil treatment after onset of chronic hypoxia prevented the increase in phosphodiesterase expression (72.5 ± 22.4%), protected against oxidative stress (94.7 ± 6.2%) and normalised nitric oxide bioavailability (115.6 ± 22.3%) in the fetal heart, and restored endothelial function in the peripheral circulation (89.8 ± 2.9%). Sildenafil protects the fetal heart and circulation directly in hypoxic development via mechanisms including decreased oxidative stress and enhanced nitric oxide bioavailability. Sildenafil may be a good translational candidate for human antioxidant therapy to prevent fetal origins of cardiovascular dysfunction in adverse pregnancy.
Consequences of maternal omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on respiratory function in rat pups
Authors: Tenorio‐Lopes Luana , Baldy Cécile , Jochmans‐Lemoine Alexandra , Mercier Océane , Pothier‐Piccinin Olivier , Seaborn Tommy , Joseph Vincent , Marc Isabelle , Kinkead Richard
Published: November 2016

Key points

Incomplete development of the neural circuits that control breathing contributes to respiratory disorders in pre‐term infants. Manifestations include respiratory instability, prolonged apnoeas and poor ventilatory responses to stimuli.

Based on evidence suggesting that omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFA) improves brain development, we determined whethern‐3 PUFA supplementation (via the maternal diet) improves respiratory function in 10–11‐day‐old rat pups.

n‐3 PUFA treatment prolonged apnoea duration but augmented the relative pulmonary surface area and the ventilatory response to hypoxia. During hypoxia, the drop in body temperature measured in treated pups was 1 °C less than in controls.n‐3 PUFA treatment also reduced microglia cell density in the brainstem.

Although heterogeneous, the results obtained in rat pups constitute a proof of concept thatn‐3 PUFA supplementation can have positive effects on neonatal respiration. This includes a more sustained hypoxic ventilatory response and a decreased respiratory inhibition during laryngeal chemoreflex.

Most pre‐term infants present respiratory instabilities and apnoeas as a result of incomplete development of the neural circuits that control breathing. Because omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFA) benefit brain development, we hypothesized thatn‐3 PUFA supplementation (via the maternal diet) improves respiratory function in rat pups. Pups receivedn‐3 PUFA supplementation from an enriched diet (13 g kg−1ofn‐3 PUFA) administered to the mother from birth until the experiments were performed (postnatal days 10–11). Controls received a standard diet (0.3 g kg−1ofn‐3 PUFA). Breathing was measured in intact pups at rest and during hypoxia (FiO2 = 0.12; 20 min) using whole body plethysmography. The duration of apnoeas induced by stimulating the laryngeal chemoreflex (LCR) was measured under anaesthesia. Lung morphology was compared between groups. Maternaln‐3 PUFA supplementation effectively raisedn‐3 PUFA levels above control levels both in the blood and brainstem of pups. In intact, resting pups,n‐3 PUFA increased the frequency and duration of apnoeas, especially in females. During hypoxia,n‐3 PUFA supplemented pups hyperventilated 23% more than controls; their anapyrexic response was 1 °C less than controls. In anaesthetized pups,n‐3 PUFA shortened the duration of LCR‐induced apnoeas by 32%. The relative pulmonary surface area ofn‐3 PUFA supplemented pups was 12% higher than controls. Althoughn‐3 PUFA supplementation augments apnoeas, there is no clear evidence of deleterious consequences on these pups. Based on the improved lung architecture and responses to respiratory challenges, this neonatal treatment appears to be beneficial to the offspring. However, further experiments are necessary to establish its overall safety.
Integration of Design for Manufacturing Methods With Topology Optimization in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Ranjan Rajit , Samant Rutuja , Anand Sam
Published: November 2016

Additive manufacturing (AM) processes are used to fabricate complex geometries using a layer-by-layer material deposition technique. These processes are recognized for creating complex shapes which are difficult to manufacture otherwise and enable designers to be more creative with their designs. However, as AM is still in its developing stages, relevant literature with respect to design guidelines for AM is not readily available. This paper proposes a novel design methodology which can assist designers in creating parts that are friendly to additive manufacturing. The research includes formulation of design guidelines by studying the relationship between input part geometry and AM process parameters. Two cases are considered for application of the developed design guidelines. The first case presents a feature graph-based design improvement method in which a producibility index (PI) concept is introduced to compare AM friendly designs. This method is useful for performing manufacturing validation of pre-existing designs and modifying it for better manufacturability through AM processes. The second approach presents a topology optimization-based design methodology which can help designers in creating entirely new lightweight designs which can be manufactured using AM processes with ease. Application of both these methods is presented in the form of case studies depicting design evolution for increasing manufacturability and associated producibility index of the part.
Tip-Over Stability Analysis for a Wheeled Mobile Manipulator
Authors: Guo Shuai , Song Tao , (Jeff) Xi Fengfeng , Mohamed Richard Phillip
Published: November 2016

A method is presented for tip-over stability analysis of a wheeled mobile manipulator. A wheeled mobile manipulator may tip over resulting from its operation. In this study, first a Newton–Euler formulation is applied to formulate the manipulator’s reaction forces and moments exerted onto the mobile platform. Tip-over criterion is derived to judge the system stability. Three load and motion analyses are carried on. The first static load deals with links and payload to show the effect of the horizontal position of the system’s center of gravity (CG). The second and third are the inertial forces resulting from joint speeds and accelerations, respectively. Case study is path planning with tip-over criterion result which can make the system stable along the path. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Simplified Decoupler-Based Multivariable Controller With a Gain Scheduling Strategy for the Exhaust Gas Recirculation and Variable Geometry Turbocharger Systems in Diesel Engines
Authors: Hong Seungwoo , Park Inseok , Shin Jaewook , Sunwoo Myoungho
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a simplified decoupler-based multivariable controller with a gain scheduling strategy in order to deal with strong nonlinearities and cross-coupled characteristics for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) systems in diesel engines. A feedback controller is designed with the gain scheduling strategy, which updates control gains according to engine operating conditions. The gain scheduling strategy is implemented by using a proposed scheduling variable derived from indirect measurements of the EGR mass flow, such as the pressure ratio of the intake, exhaust manifolds, and the exhaust air-to-fuel ratio. The scheduling variable is utilized to estimate static gains of the EGR and VGT systems; it has a large dispersion in various engine operating conditions. Based on the estimated static gains of the plant, the Skogestad internal model control (SIMC) method determines appropriate control gains. The dynamic decoupler is designed to deal with the cross-coupled effects of the EGR and VGT systems by applying a simplified decoupler design method. The simplified decoupler is beneficial for compensating for the dynamics difference between two control loops of the EGR and VGT systems, for example, slow VGT dynamics and fast EGR dynamics. The proposed control algorithm is evaluated through engine experiments. Step test results of set points reveal that root-mean-square (RMS) error of the gain-scheduled feedback controller is reduced by 47% as compared to those of the fixed gain controller. Furthermore, the designed simplified decoupler decreased the tracking error under transients by 14–66% in various engine operating conditions.
Dynamic Model-Based Fuzzy Controller for Maximum Power Point Tracking of Photovoltaic Systems: A Linear Matrix Inequality Approach
Authors: Vafamand Navid , Rakhshan Mohsen
Published: November 2016

In this paper, a new systematic approach for stability analysis and controller design of nonlinear solar photovoltaic (PV) power system is proposed. Based on a nonquadratic Lyapunov function (NQLF), a model-based dynamic nonparallel-distributed compensation (non-PDC) controller and descriptor representation, the problem of the output tracking is formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Furthermore, some slack LMI variables are introduced in the problem formulation which lead to more relaxed conditions. Finally, to illustrate the merits of the proposed approach, it is applied to a PV power system in which the reference voltage is calculated from the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method.
Flexible Thermal Ground Planes Fabricated With Printed Circuit Board Technology
Authors: Liew Li-Anne , Lin Ching-Yi , Lewis Ryan , Song Susan , Li Qian , Yang Ronggui , Lee Y. C.
Published: November 2016

Thermal ground planes (TGPs) are passive thermal management devices that utilize the phase-change of a working fluid to achieve high thermal conductivity and low thermal resistance. TGPs are flat, two-dimensional heat pipes—similar to vapor chambers—in which liquid is held within a capillary wick, and vapor is held in a sealed vapor layer. Heat is absorbed at an evaporator region, causing the liquid to evaporate. The heated vapor in the vapor core is carried via convection to a condenser region where it condenses as the heat is expelled from the TGP to an external heat sink. The condensed liquid is then pulled back to the evaporator via capillary forces in the wick. In numerous applications, mechanical flexibility of the TGP is required, as is low-cost manufacturing and viable integration routes with electronics. This work describes a flexible TGP (FTGP) fabricated using printed circuit board (PCB) technology, in which commercially available copper-cladded polyimide sheets are used as the casing material. The wick is composed of three layers of fine copper mesh electroplated or sintered together and coated with atomic layer deposited TiO2. A coarse nylon or polyether ether ketone (PEEK) mesh defines the vapor transport layer, and water is used as the working fluid. The perimeter of the device is heat-sealed with flouroethylene propylene (FEP), which has been found to provide a near-hermetic seal for several months and is suitable for flexible applications. This architecture allows the TGP to function with minimal reduction in heat transfer performance while bent by 90 deg, and full functionality is returned when the device is returned to its flat configuration. The FTGP's measured thermal resistance is about half that of an equivalent copper reference for input heat fluxes of 3–6 W/cm2. More than 30 copper-cladded polyimide FTGPs were fabricated and characterized using both simple qualitative and more involved quantitative test setups. The results show that the fabrication and assembly processes developed in this work are repeatable and the devices are durable.
Dosimetric characterization of MRI‐only treatment planning for brain tumors in atlas‐based pseudo‐CT images generated from standardT1‐weighted MR images
Authors: Demol Benjamin , Boydev Christine , Korhonen Juha , Reynaert Nick
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐only radiotherapy treatment planning requires accurate pseudo‐CT (pCT) images for precise dose calculation. The current work introduced an atlas‐based method combined with MR intensity information. pCT analyses and Monte Carlo dose calculations for intracranial stereotactic treatments were performed.

Methods:

Twenty‐two patients, representing 35 tumor targets, were scanned using a 3DT1‐weighted MRI sequence according to the clinical protocol. The MR atlas image was registered to the MR patient image using a deformable algorithm, and the deformation was then applied to the atlas CT. Two methods were applied. The first method (MRdef) was based on deformations only, while the second (MRint) also used the actual MR intensities. pCT analysis was performed using the mean (absolute) error, as well as an in‐house tool based on a gamma index. Dose differences between pCT and true CT were analyzed using dose–volume histogram (DVH) parameters, statistical tests, the gamma index, and probability density functions. An unusual case, where the patient underwent an operation (part of the skull bone was removed), was studied in detail.

Results:

Soft tissues presented a mean error inferior to 50 HUs, while low‐density tissues and bones presented discrepancies up to 600 HUs for hard bone. The MRdef method led to significant dose differences compared with the true CT (p‐value < 0.05; Wilcoxon‐signed‐rank test). The MRint method performed better. The DVH parameter differences compared with CT were between −2.9% and 3.1%, except for two cases where the tumors were located within the sphenoid bone. For these cases, the dose errors were up to 6.6% and 5.4% (D98andD95). Furthermore, for 85% of the tested patients, the mean dose to the planning target volume agreed within 2% with the calculation using the actual CT. Fictitious bone was generated in the unusual case using atlas‐based methods.

Conclusions:

Generally, the atlas‐based method led to acceptable dose distributions. The use of common T1 sequences allows the implementation of this method in clinical routine. However, unusual patient anatomy may produce large dose calculation errors. The detection of large anatomic discrepancies using MR image subtraction can be realized, but an alternative way to produce synthetic CT numbers in these regions is still required.
Band importance functions of listeners with cochlear implants using clinical maps
Authors: Bosen Adam K. , Chatterjee Monita
Published: November 2016

Band importance functions estimate the relative contribution of individual acoustic frequency bands to speech intelligibility. Previous studies of band importance in listeners with cochlear implants have used experimental maps and direct stimulation. Here, band importance was estimated for clinical maps with acoustic stimulation. Listeners with cochlear implants had band importance functions that relied more heavily on lower frequencies and showed less cross-listener consistency than in listeners with normal hearing. The intersubject variability observed here indicates that averaging band importance functions across listeners with cochlear implants, as has been done in previous studies, may not be meaningful. Additionally, band importance functions of listeners with normal hearing for vocoded speech that either did or did not simulate spread of excitation were not different from one another, suggesting that additional factors beyond spread of excitation are necessary to account for changes in band importance in listeners with cochlear implants.
Decision fractional fast Fourier transform Doppler compensation in underwater acoustic orthogonal frequency division multiplexing
Authors: Ma Xuefei , Zheng Caiyun
Published: November 2016

A method of compensating for Doppler distortions of underwater acoustic channels for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals is proposed. This method is based on symbol rebuilding. OFDM symbol rebuilding is performed after fractional fast Fourier transform (F-FFT) processing. A stochastic gradient-type adaptive algorithm is designed to learn the combiner weights for detection. Synthetic data and experimental data from a recent mobile acoustic communication experiment are used to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method, which represents a significant improvement over the F-FFT detection technique.
Results From Estonia’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
Authors: Kruusamäe Helena , Kull Merike , Mooses Kerli , Riso Eva-Maria , Jürimäe Jaak
Published: November 2016

Background:

The 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth, the first of its kind, aims to set baseline physical activity (PA) indicators using the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance grading system.

Methods:

A research work group analyzed and selected data for the grade assignment meeting (GAM). During the GAM, 17 leading researchers and policy experts from Estonia assessed the data and assigned grades for each of the 9 PA indicators. In addition, recommendations were provided for further actions to improve the grades.

Results:

Grades from A (highest) to F (lowest) were assigned as follows: 1) Overall PA (F); 2) Organized Sport (C); 3) Active Play [incomplete data (INC)]; 4) Active Transportation (INC); 5) Sedentary Behaviors (F); 6) Family and Peers (C); 7) School (C); 8) Community and the Built Environment (B); and 9) Government (C). An indicator was marked as incomplete (INC) when there was a lack of representative quality data.

Conclusions:

Evidence suggests that PA levels of Estonian children remain very low, despite moderately supportive social, environmental, and regulatory factors. There are many challenges to overcome in supporting and promoting PA of children and youth (eg, cross-sectional cooperation, implementing interventions, changing social norms, empowerment of parents and educational institutions).
Results From Portugal’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
Authors: Mota Jorge , Coelho-e-Silva Manuel João , Raimundo Armando M. , Sardinha Luís B.
Published: November 2016

Background:

This article describes the procedures and development of the first Portuguese Report Card on Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents.

Methods:

Comprehensive searches for data related to indicators of physical activity (PA) were completed by a committee of physical activity and sports specialists. Grades were assigned to each indicator consistent with the process and methodology outlined by the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card model.

Results:

Nine indicators of PA were graded. The following grades were assigned: Overall Physical Activity Levels, D; Organized Sport Participation, B; Active Play, D; Active Transportation, C; Sedentary Behaviors, D; Family and Peers, C; Schools, B; Community and the Built Environment, D; and Government, C.

Conclusions:

Portuguese children and adolescents do not reach sufficient physical activity levels and spend larger amounts of time spent in sedentary behaviors compared with recommendations. Effective policies of PA promotion and implementation are needed in different domains of young people’s daily lives.
Results From Finland’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
Authors: Tammelin Tuija H. , Aira Annaleena , Hakamäki Matti , Husu Pauliina , Kallio Jouni , Kokko Sami , Laine Kaarlo , Lehtonen Kati , Mononen Kaisu , Palomäki Sanna , Ståhl Timo , Sääkslahti Arja , Tynjälä Jorma , Kämppi Katariina
Published: November 2016

Background:

Finland’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth gathers and translates research results and assesses the status and promotion of physical activity (PA) among Finnish children and youth less than 18 years of age. This article summarizes the results and provides grades for 9 indicators.

Methods:

The working group evaluated the evidence and assigned grades of A (highest, 81% to 100%), B, C, D, or F (lowest, 0% to 20%) for 9 PA indicators using the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card development process.

Results:

The grades varied in Finland as follows: 1) Overall PA/fulfillment of recommendations = D, 2) Organized Sport Participation = C, 3) Active Play = C, 4) Active Transportation = B, 5) Sedentary Behaviors = D, 6) Family and Peers = C, 7) School = B, 8) Community and the Built Environment = B, 9) Government = B.

Conclusions:

Despite good policies and programs to promote PA in Finland, children and youth overall PA levels are low, whereas their time spent sedentary is high. More effective interventions, operation models, concrete tools as well as environmental solutions are needed to support the work toward more physically active childhood and youth.