bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the colic incidence in a horse population with or without inclusion of germinated barley in the diet
Authors: Troya L. , Blanco J. , Romero I. , Re M.
Published: April 2020

Sprouted cereals have a better digestibility and contain oligosaccharides that act as prebiotics improving and stabilising the intestinal flora. Supplementation with germinated malted barley could help to prevent the occurrence of colic in horses. The objective of this study was to determine if the inclusion of germinated barley as a supplement decreased the incidence of colic in a population of horses. An observational prospective study was designed to record the colic incidence of an equestrian centre horse population in Madrid (Spain). Data were collected during two 21 months periods, only including horses that were maintained at the centre for the whole time. Age, sex, housing and colic events were recorded during Period 1 (control period) and Period 2 (with germinated barley supplementation, Equinocol®). Sixty‐three horses were included in the study of which 43 were stabled 12 h/day (Group A) and 20 that lived at pasture all‐day long (Group B). Colic incidence of the total population, Group A and group B during Period 1 was 18.1, 23.9 and 5.7 cases/100 horses at risk‐year, respectively. With the inclusion of germinated barley, there was a significant decrease in the colic events in the total population (5.4 cases/100 horses at risk‐year) and group A (5.3 cases/100 horses at risk‐year). It was concluded that supplementation with germinated barley might decrease the appearance of colic in stabled horses. Further investigation is warranted to identify the potentially beneficial substances and the repeatability of the results.
Development of optimal water supply plan using integrated fuzzy Delphi and fuzzy ELECTRE III methods—Case study of the Gamasiab basin
Authors: Noori Amir , Bonakdari Hossein , Morovati Khosro , Gharabaghi Bahram
Published: April 2020

This paper presents a novel method for the development of an optimal water supply plan showcased using data from the Gamasiab basin, located in Kermanshah province, Iran, concerning new dams that are being constructed in this semi‐arid region. In this paper, a new group multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) plan is proposed by combining two MCDM methods based on the fuzzy Delphi and fuzzy ELECTRE III methods that convert the experts' opinions to triangular fuzzy numbers based on the level of uncertainty associated with various quantitative and qualitative criteria. Considering the opinions of four non‐stakeholder experts and data analysis using the fuzzy Delphi method, the criteria were evaluated. Then, by analysing the results using the fuzzy ELECTRE III method, the final ranking of scenarios is obtained. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the effect of uncertainty on the performance of the decision‐making system in scenarios ranking. The total expense, flood control, reservoir capacity and diversion and water transfer played a significant role in selecting the optimal scenario. Additionally, a hydrologic model was developed to evaluate the performance of the optimal scenario in terms of qualitative criteria. The data indicated that there was a good agreement between the results obtained from the hydrological model and the scenario ranking by the employed method. Altogether, a comparison of the proposed method with other MCDM methods, including fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy technique for order preference by simulation of ideal solution, indicated that the results of the employed method matched more closely to the local experts' opinion.
Helping Professors Grow as They Teach and Advise Graduate Students
Authors: DeVaney Sharon A. , Borr Mari , Lee Young‐A , Spangler Alice , Wilmarth Melissa J. , Anong Sophia
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this article is to share ideas from professors who are teaching graduate courses and advising graduate students. Also, the information could benefit graduate students and anyone who is thinking about earning a graduate degree. Each of the professors stated that an experience during their graduate studies helped them develop their teaching and advising style. Professors discussed the importance of including ethical behavior in their graduate courses and described approaches for including the information. One professor discussed obtaining a graduate degree completely online. The need to meet frequently with graduate students when they are working on their theses or dissertations was noted. Whether or not an adviser should include their graduate students as authors on their own publications was discussed.
Intercalibration of Mg Isotope Delta Scales and Realisation of SI Traceability for Mg Isotope Amount Ratios and Isotope Delta Values
Authors: Vogl Jochen , Rosner Martin , Kasemann Simone A. , Kraft Rebecca , Meixner Anette , Noordmann Janine , Rabb Savelas , Rienitz Olaf , Schuessler Jan A. , Tatzel Michael , Vocke Robert D.
Published: April 2020

The continuous improvement of analytical procedures using multi‐collector technologies in ICP‐mass spectrometry has led to an increased demand for isotope standards with improved homogeneity and reduced measurement uncertainty. For magnesium, this has led to a variety of available standards with different quality levels ranging from artefact standards to isotope reference materials certified for absolute isotope ratios. This required an intercalibration of all standards and reference materials, which we present in this interlaboratory comparison study. The materials Cambridge1, DSM3, ERM‐AE143, ERM‐AE144, ERM‐AE145, IRMM‐009 and NIST SRM 980 were cross‐calibrated with expanded measurement uncertainties (95% confidence level) of less than 0.030‰ for the δ25/24Mg values and less than 0.037‰ for the δ26/24Mg values. Thus, comparability of all magnesium isotope delta (δ) measurements based on these standards and reference materials is established. Further, ERM‐AE143 anchors all magnesium δ‐scales to absolute isotope ratios and therefore establishes SI traceability, here traceability to the SI base unit mole. This applies especially to the DSM3 scale, which is proposed to be maintained. With ERM‐AE144 and ERM‐AE145, which are product and educt of a sublimation–condensation process, for the first time a set of isotope reference materials is available with a published value for the apparent triple isotope fractionation exponent θapp, the fractionation relationship ln α(25/24Mg)/ln α(26/24Mg).
Patterns of infant‐only wake bouts and night feeds during early infancy: An exploratory study using actigraphy in mother‐father‐infant triads
Authors: Adams Elizabeth L. , Master Lindsay , Buxton Orfeu M. , Savage Jennifer S.
Published: April 2020

Background

Infants' ability to fall back to sleep without parental involvement may reduce nighttime feeding frequency.

Objective

We describe the associations between infant‐only wake bouts (“self‐soothing”) and nighttime feeds using actigraphy from 6 to 24 weeks of age.

Methods

Mother‐father‐infant triads (N = 20) wore sleep monitors, and mothers recorded infant night feeds, when infants were 6, 15 and 24 weeks of age. Actigraphy data were matched within‐families to quantify infant‐only wake bouts (infants woke; mothers/fathers remained asleep). Mixed models tested associations between infant‐only wake bouts and night feeding frequency.

Results

The proportion of infant‐only wake bouts/night increased from 6 to 15 weeks of age (6 weeks: 52% [95% CI: 45‐59]; 15 weeks: 64% [57‐71]; 24 weeks: 62% [55‐69]; P < .01). For every 10% increase in the proportion of infant‐only wake bouts/night, there were 0.36 fewer feeds/night (P < .01) at 24 weeks; these concurrent associations were not found at 6 and 15 weeks. The proportion of infant‐only wake bouts/night at 6 weeks predicted a faster rate of decline in the number of feeds/night from 6 to 24 weeks (P < .01).

Conclusion

Infants' ability to fall back to sleep without parent involvement at 6 weeks was associated with the trajectory of nighttime feeding frequency across early infancy.
Evaluation of the efficacy of topical sucralfate on healing haemorrhoidectomy incision wounds and reducing pain severity: A randomised clinical trial
Authors: Vejdan Amir K. , Khosravi Maliheh , Amirian Zahra , Daneshmand Maryam , Babak Bahman , Samira Khorashdi , Azin Seifi , Kosar Salehitorabi , Razie Khodadadzadeh
Published: April 2020

The healing of haemorrhoidectomy wounds is a main concern of surgeons and patients. Various modalities can improve the quality of wound care after surgery. Antibiotics and topical agents, such as solutions and ointments, have been evaluated. The current research investigates the effects of sucralfate ointment on wound healing (epithelialisation) and postoperative pain after open haemorrhoidectomy. This trial involves two groups of randomly collected patients (n = 40) who underwent open haemorrhoidectomy surgery by the Milligan‐Morgan method. A 10% topical sucralfate ointment was applied to the investigated group's wounds, while the control group patients used Vaseline as a placebo. The present work measured the two outcomes as follows: pain severity by a Visual Analogues Scale (VAS) score and epithelialisation by a surgeon's visual inspection. During the postoperative phase, the mean VAS was 3.70 for the investigated group and 6.90 for the control group. On the average, the completion of epithelialisation for the investigated group was on day 13 as opposed to day 20 for the control group. The topical application of sucralfate ointment on post‐haemorrhoidectomy wound is an effective method for the promotion of healing, also lessens the severity of pain, and reduces the need for analgesics.
Correlation between the grain size and phase structure, electrical properties in BiScO3‐PbTiO3‐based piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Dong Yazhu , Zhou Zhiyong , Liang Ruihong , Dong Xianlin
Published: April 2020

As one of the most promising candidates of high‐temperature piezoelectric sensors, BiScO3‐PbTiO3 (BS‐PT)‐based ceramics are commonly modified by end‐member substitution to modify the phase structures and electrical properties. In this work, BS‐PT‐based piezoelectric ceramics with various grain sizes (1.4‐3.7 μm) of the composition 0.98(0.36BiScO3‐0.64PbTiO3)‐0.02Bi(Sn1/3Nb2/3)O3 were prepared by conventional solid‐state reaction method at different sintering temperatures from 1100℃ to 1180℃. X‐Ray diffraction results show that the tetragonal phase content increases from 68.9% to 85.7% with the increasing sintering temperature. Transmission electron microscope characterizations reveal that micromorphology and domain morphology are sensitive to grain size. In addition, the dielectric and ferroelectric properties are almost independent on the sintering temperature, whereas an optimal piezoelectric constant d33 of 450 pC/N is achieved when the sintering temperature is 1120℃, which can be due to the suitable coexistence of the rhombohedral and tetrahedral phase, as well as the coexistence of nanodomains and subsize strip‐like domain. All of the results not only open a new window to improve d33 of piezoelectric ceramics but also help to further understand microstructure‐property relationships in piezoelectric ceramics.
Is there more than one way to cross the Caribbean Sea? Migratory strategies of Nearctic‐Neotropical landbirds departing from northern Colombia
Authors: Cano Natalia , Bayly Nicholas J. , Wilson Scott
Published: April 2020

For migratory landbird species, large expanses of open water or inhospitable areas provide unique challenges during migration. Research on the strategies that species use to navigate barriers can yield insights into the factors shaping the evolution of migration and facilitate the identification of critical staging areas prior to barrier crossing. One such barrier, the Caribbean Sea, has received little study but must be negotiated by ≈50 migratory landbirds as they fly from South America to North America in spring. Recent discoveries from the gray‐cheeked thrushCatharus minimus, which undertakes non‐stop flights >3000 km across the Caribbean Sea, raises the possibility that the breadth of potential strategies has been unappreciated thus far. We calculated fuel load and potential flight range in 9985 individuals of 16 species captured over 10 years at two stopover sites in northern Colombia to 1) evaluate the likely migratory strategy of these species as they depart northern Colombia in spring, and 2) evaluate the influence of family, diet, morphology and migratory distance on potential flight range. We found considerable variation in flight ranges and therefore strategies for crossing the Caribbean Sea/Gulf of Mexico barrier complex. In addition to gray‐cheeked thrush, non‐stop flights >2500 km were possible in yellow‐billed cuckooCoccyzus americanus, yellow warblerSetophaga petechiaand northern waterthrushParkesia noveboracensis. The remaining species were either capable of over‐water flights to the Yucatan Peninsula/Cuba (>1800 km) or shorter flights to middle Central America (>1000 km) and likely required one or more stopovers to reach North America. Predicted flight ranges were influenced by morphology but not by distance, diet or taxonomic group, providing a novel insight into the evolution of migratory strategies. Our study confirms the vital role northern Colombia performs in providing energy for migratory birds and highlights the Caribbean as a key migratory barrier for many species.
Dehydrocostus lactone inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis by PI3K/Akt/Bad and ERS signalling pathway in human laryngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Ren , Hao Ji , Wu Qingming , Guo Kaiwen , Wang Chao , Zhang Wei Kevin , Liu Wanxin , Wang Qiang , Yang Xinzhou
Published: April 2020

The anti‐cancer effect of dehydrocostus lactone (DHL) derived from Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipech against laryngeal carcinoma was assessed. The cytotoxic activity of DHL against laryngeal carcinoma is still obscure. Therefore, our study investigated the role of DHL in the growth inhibition of laryngeal carcinoma in vitro and in vivo, and the molecular mechanism of DHL‐induced apoptosis in cancer cells of the larynx. The results showed that DHL inhibits the viability, migration and proliferation of Hep‐2 and TU212 cells with little toxic effects on human normal larynx epithelial HBE cell line. Flow cytometry analysis (FAC) analysis and staining assay (Hoechst 33258) indicated that DHL stimulated Hep‐2 and TU212 cell apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner. Mechanistically, DHL is capable of inhibiting Hep‐2 and TU212 cell viability via promoting p53 and P21 function, meanwhile DHL dose‐dependently induces Hep‐2 and TU212 cells apoptosis via activating mitochondrial apoptosis by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/Bad pathway and stimulating endoplasmic reticulum stress‐mediated apoptosis pathway. In vivo, DHL inhibited the growth of the Hep‐2 nude mouse xenograft model and observed no significant signs of toxicity in the organs of nude mice. In vivo experiments further confirmed the anti‐cancer effect of DHL on laryngeal carcinoma cells in vitro, and DHL‐treated nude mice can reduce the volume of tumours. Together, our study indicated that DHL has the potential to inhibit human laryngeal carcinoma via activating mitochondrial apoptosis pathway by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/Bad signalling pathway and stimulating endoplasmic reticulum stress‐mediated apoptosis pathway, providing a strategy for the treatment of human laryngeal carcinoma.
Molecular and phenotypic characterization of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from carcass swabs and carcass drips of chickens slaughtered in the informal market in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Adigun Oluwatola , Gcebe Nomakorinte , Jambwa Kudakwashe , Fasina Folorunso , Adesiyun Abiodun A.
Published: April 2020

The study was conducted to characterize Staphylococcus aureus strains from swabs and drips of dressed chicken carcasses sold at outlets in six townships in the informal market in Gauteng province, South Africa, using molecular and phenotypic methods. Seven genes (6 toxins and 1 antimicrobial resistance) comprising staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA), B (SEB), C (SEC), D (SED), exfoliative toxin A, toxic shock syndrome toxin, and MecA encoding methicillin resistance were assayed using polymerase chain reaction. The resistance of the S. aureus strains to 18 antimicrobial agents was determined using the disk diffusion method. The frequency of detection of the six toxin genes was sea (52.2%), followed by seb (10.9%), sec (6.5%), sed (2.2%), eta (93.5%), and tst (19.6%). The mecA gene was detected in 4.3% of the isolates. The predominant profiles of toxin genes detected were sea‐eta (37.0%). All 63 isolates of S. aureus were resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents. The frequency of resistance was high to spectinomycin (98.4%), nalidixic acid (85.7%), and penicillin (84.1%), but low to gentamycin (1.6%) and cefotaxime (1.6%). The high frequency of toxin genes and antimicrobial resistance gene observed in S. aureus isolates from chicken could pose a challenge to food safety and may have therapeutic and zoonotic implications.
Amyloid‐β oligomers in cellular models of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Fontana Igor C. , Zimmer Aline R. , Rocha Andreia S. , Gosmann Grace , Souza Diogo O. , Lourenco Mychael V. , Ferreira Sergio T. , Zimmer Eduardo R.
Published: April 2020

Amyloid‐β (Aβ) dysmetabolism is tightly associated with pathological processes in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently, it is thought that, in addition to Aβ fibrils that give rise to plaque formation, Aβ aggregates into non‐fibrillar soluble oligomers (AβOs). Soluble AβOs have been extensively studied for their synaptotoxic and neurotoxic properties. In this review, we discuss physicochemical properties of AβOs and their impact on different brain cell types in AD. Additionally, we summarize three decades of studies with AβOs, providing a compelling bulk of evidence regarding cell‐specific mechanisms of toxicity. Cellular models may lead us to a deeper understanding of the detrimental effects of AβOs in neurons and glial cells, putatively shedding light on the development of innovative therapies for AD.

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Genetic spectrum of MCM3AP and its relationship with phenotype of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease
Authors: Dong Hai‐Lin , Wei Qiao , Li Jia‐Qi , Li Hong‐Fu , Bai Ge , Ma Huan , Wu Zhi‐Ying
Published: April 2020

Mutations in MCM3AP have recently been reported to cause autosomal recessive Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT). However, only nine CMT families with MCM3AP mutations have been reported and genotype‐phenotype correlation remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the genetic spectrum of MCM3AP and its relationship with phenotype of CMT. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed in the family and variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. Reverse transcription‐PCR (RT‐PCR) were performed in splicing analysis. We reported a novel splicing variant (c.5634‐1G>T) and a known missense variant (c.2633G>A, p.Arg878His). Functional studies showed that c.5634‐1G>T led to splicing defect and aberrant transcript eliminated by nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay. The symptom of the patient was less severe and slowly progressed with axonal peripheral neuropathy compared to the reported CMT patients. Genotype‐phenotype correlation analysis indicated that affected individuals with null mutations presented with delayed independent walking. The percentage of intellectual disability and loss of ambulation in the null group tended to be greater, although this failed to reach statistical significance. Our findings expand the genetic spectrum of MCM3AP and suggest that genotype‐phenotype correlation would help genetic counseling of MCM3AP in CMT patients.
Full‐face skin resurfacing using a combination of fractional and full spot ablative 2940 nm erbium laser
Authors: Mani Nasrin , Pajk Franja , Vizintin Zdenko
Published: April 2020

Background

Full‐field deep ablative laser resurfacing is a popular method for skin rejuvenation due to maximum improvement in a single treatment. However, it is associated with disadvantages such as pain, prolonged erythema, swelling, crusting, infections, pigmentary changes, and scarring. Patients are increasingly seeking less invasive options with comparable effect.

Aims

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of full‐face resurfacing using a combination of full spot and fractional erbium (Er:YAG) laser resurfacing.

Patients/Methods

About 109 patients, mostly females over 50 years old, were treated with a two‐phase protocol: full spot ablation (5 J/cm2, three passes) and fractional ablation (132 J/cm2, 5% coverage, three passes). We recorded time to re‐epithelization and duration of post‐treatment erythema. Any side effects observed at follow‐up or reported by the patient were recorded. Patient satisfaction questionnaire and blinded evaluation of pre‐ and post‐treatment photographs were used to assess efficacy.

Results

A single session was performed in 96% of cases. Postoperative re‐epithelization lasted on average 6.4 ± 2.9 days. Post‐treatment erythema lasted on average 13.8 ± 15.2 days. One patient had hyperpigmentation, one infection, one hypo‐pigmentation, and one ulcer. All side effects resolved without complications. According to the blinded assessment of photographs, 78% of patients showed improvement. About 97% of patients were satisfied with the results of the treatment.

Conclusions

A combination of fractional and full spot ablative Er:YAG laser is a safe and effective option for full‐face resurfacing.
Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles by using Ferula persica Willd. gum essential oil: production, characterization and in vitro anti-cancer effects
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Neda , Shomali Tahoora , Hosseinzadeh Saeid , Raouf Fard Fatemeh , Pourmontaseri Maryam , Fazeli Mehdi
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Synthesizing and characterization of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) by Ferula persica gum essential oil and investigating in vitro anti-cancer effects.

Methods

Characterization of NPs was performed. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis were determined on cancerous CT26 and non-cancerous Vero cells using MTT assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining, respectively. Clonogenic assay was also performed.

Key findings

The absorption peak in UV-visible spectroscopy was at 530 nm. In TEM image, Au NPs were spherical in shape with average size of 37.05 nm (78.6 nm in DLS analysis). Comparison of the FTIR spectrum of the Au NPs with the essential oil revealed the presence of compounds responsible for reducing and capping the gold ions. XRD pattern showed metal crystal structure. Au NPs exerted dose-dependent cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 0.0024 and 0.0307 mg/ml against CT26 and Vero cell lines, respectively. Au NPs induced apoptosis on both cell lines with statistically more intense effect on CT26 cells (P < 0.0001). Colony formation of CT26 and Vero cells was also inhibited in comparison to untreated cells (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Ferula persica gum can be successfully used for green production of Au NPs. Au NPs show in vitro anti-cancer activity including cytotoxic, apoptotic and antiproliferative effects.
BxCDP1 from the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is recognized as a novel molecular pattern
Authors: Hu Long‐Jiao , Wu Xiao‐Qin , Li Hai‐Yang , Wang Yuan‐Chao , Huang Xin , Wang Yan , Li Yu
Published: April 2020

The migratory plant‐parasitic nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is the causal agent of pine wilt disease, which causes serious damage to pine forests in China. Plant immunity plays an important role in plant resistance to multiple pathogens. Activation of the plant immune system is generally determined by immune receptors, including plant pattern recognition receptors, which mediate pattern recognition. However, little is known about molecular pattern recognition in the interaction between pines and B. xylophilus. Based on the B. xylophilus transcriptome at the early stages of infection and Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transient expression and infiltration of recombinant proteins produced by Pichia pastoris in many plant species, a novel molecular pattern (BxCDP1) was characterized in B. xylophilus. We found that BxCDP1 was highly up‐regulated at the early infection stages of B. xylophilus, and was similar to a protein in Pararhizobium haloflavum. BxCDP1 triggered cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana when secreted into the apoplast, and this effect was dependent on brassinosteroid‐insensitive 1‐associated kinase 1, but independent of suppressor of BIR1‐1. BxCDP1 also exhibited cell death‐inducing activity in pine, Arabidopsis, tomato, pepper, and lettuce. BxCDP1 triggered reactive oxygen species production and the expression of PAMP‐triggered immunity marker genes (NbAcre31, NbPTI5, and NbCyp71D20) in N. benthamiana. It also induced the expression of pathogenesis‐related genes (PtPR‐3, PtPR‐4, and PtPR‐5) in Pinus thunbergii. These results suggest that as a new B. xylophilus molecular pattern, BxCDP1 can not only be recognized by many plant species, but also triggers innate immunity in N. benthamiana and defence responses of P. thunbergii.
Underdiagnosis of VT due to cycle length variation among cardiac sarcoidosis patients having ICD: Problem with stability discriminator
Authors: Bera Debabrata , Pavri Behzad B. , Saggu Daljeet Kaur , Devidutta Soumen , Yalagudri Sachin , Subramanian Muthiah , Sridevi Chennapragada , Narasimhan Calambur
Published: April 2020

Background

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is recommended for patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT) due to cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). Programming supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) discriminators (onset, stability, and morphology/template match) is generally recommended to minimize inappropriate therapies. However, VT in patients with CS is known to show cycle length variability (CLV) and pleomorphism.

Objective

To determine whether the stability criterion, designed to prevent inappropriate therapy during atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rates, could potentially lead to incorrect classification of VT as SVT and inappropriately delay or inhibit ICD therapy.

Methods

Cases of biopsy‐proven CS with VT were analyzed. For patients with implanted devices, all recorded electrograms of tachycardia episodes and ICD therapies were analyzed at last follow up.

Results

A total of 142 patients were included (mean age 38 years, 87 males). One hundred and three of 142 patients had implanted devices (ICD or CRT‐D). Thirty eight of 103 (36.9%) patients received appropriate ICD therapies over 3 ± 2.2 years follow up. Four of 38 (10.5%) of patients experienced delayed‐detection or underdetection of VT related to CLV, resulting in VT counters being repeatedly “reset” (classified as “unstable” rhythms). Retrospective analysis of other VT episodes in 70 of 103 (68%) patients revealed that 25 of 80 (31.3%) episodes had > 50 ms cycle length oscillations.

Conclusion

Among CS patients with VT, CLV is a common occurrence seen in two‐thirds of VT episodes. Routine programming of the stability criterion may result in underdetection of VT in a subset of such patients. We recommend that the stability criterion should be programmed “OFF” for patients with CS, unless the patient has documented atrial fibrillation.
Current tools measuring anxiety in parents of food‐allergic children are inadequate
Authors: Soller Lianne , To Sharon , Hsu Elaine , Chan Edmond S.
Published: April 2020

Background

In the context of food allergy, excessive parental anxiety can be maladaptive and lead to unnecessary restriction of social activities. No validated tool exists to measure food allergy–associated anxiety (FAAA). This study sought to explore factors associated with parental FAAA, determine sensitivity and specificity of using generic state anxiety measure—State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) versus FAAA, and determine whether validated tools for generalized anxiety or food allergy–specific quality of life (QoL) could be used as surrogates for FAAA.

Methods

Canadian parents of food‐allergic children completed an online survey. Without a validated tool for FAAA, a visual analogue scale was used to assess parent‐reported FAAA. Multivariable linear regression was performed with FAAA as the outcome. Sensitivity and specificity analysis of state anxiety vs. FAAA, and factor analysis of state anxiety and QOL, was performed to determine whether these could be used as surrogates for FAAA.

Results

A total of 548 of 1244 parents (44.1%) completed the survey. Factors positively associated with FAAA included parental burden, risk perception, state anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty and perceived severity of child's food allergy; personal/family history of mental health was negatively associated. Sensitivity and specificity of state anxiety were 68.6% and 70.0%. Factor analysis revealed that state anxiety and QOL were correlated (r = 0.54, P < .001) but distinct constructs.

Conclusion

Our study identified factors associated with FAAA, and determined that generic anxiety and QOL tools do not accurately categorize parents with self‐reported high FAAA. Future research will develop a validated screening tool to help allergists identify anxious parents and provide psychosocial resources.
Patient–therapist congruent exchanges engaged with the potential‐to‐experience is associated with better outcome of psychotherapy
Authors: Bar Mor , Saad Amit , Slonim‐Atzil Dana , Tuval‐Mashiach Rivka , Gour Tamir , Baron Noga , Mendlovic Shlomo
Published: April 2020

Background

The concept of potential‐to‐experience is a major component in psychodynamic theory and assumed to be an important component of psychotherapeutic technique. However, as this assumption has never been empirically tested, the relationship between such interventions and treatment outcome is unclear. The aim of this pilot study is to explore the relationship between patient–therapist congruence of potential‐to‐experience engaged statements and the outcome of psychodynamic treatments.

Methods

Transcripts of 90 sessions from good‐ and poor‐outcome treatments (N = 18) were encoded using the MATRIX – a novel content analysis tool of psychodynamic psychotherapy. Based on fixed algorithms, this observer‐coding system is designed to identify different types of clinical interventions, including those which focus on the potential‐to‐experience. Total number of MATRIX codes analysed was 11,125. We compared the total congruence/incongruence ratio of such statements in good and poor treatments. The importance of the congruence/incongruence ratio of the potential‐to‐experience statements was measured by applying general linear models to classify treatment outcome.

Results

The congruence/incongruence ratio of the potential‐to‐experience engaged statements was significantly higher in good treatments. In the best model for classifying treatment outcome based on the congruence/incongruence ratios of several parameters, the congruence/incongruence ratio of the potential‐to‐experience engaged statements was the single most important predictor.

Discussion

Maintaining the congruence of potential‐to‐experience engaged statements within the therapeutic session is associated with better clinical outcome. This provides an initial empirical indication to the importance of the potential‐to‐experience discourse in psychotherapy praxis.

Practitioner points

The concept of potential‐to‐experience is a major component in psychodynamic theory and assumed to be an important component of psychotherapeutic technique.

The current results suggest that the ability of both patient and therapist to maintain the congruence of potential‐to‐experience statements within the session may improve clinical outcomes.

These findings suggest a practical approach for a better management of the therapeutic process. Mainly, it recommends therapists to implement a very careful, active listening to potential‐to‐experience‐related content throughout the session, while highlighting the patient’s associations for their potential to become new modus operandi.

Moreover, the current study presents an integrative, micro‐level tool that enables the translation of complex theoretical concepts in psychotherapy into measurable constructs, aiming at the creation of a bridge between clinical theory and evidence‐based practice.
Levetiracetam‐induced pediatric toxic epidermal necrolysis successfully treated with etanercept
Authors: Estébanez Andrea , Sáez‐Martín Luis Carlos , Muñoz Juan Ignacio , Silva Esmeralda , Monrabal Alicia , Monteagudo Carlos , Ramón María Dolores
Published: April 2020

Successful management of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) with tumor necrosis factor‐α inhibitors has been described in adults, but few cases have been reported in children. To date, only four pediatric cases of TEN treated with infliximab and one with etanercept have been published. We present the case of an 8‐year‐old boy diagnosed with TEN induced by levetiracetam, successfully treated with etanercept, systemic corticosteroids, and intravenous immunoglobulin.
Pediatric liver transplantation from a living donor in mitochondrial disease: Good outcomes in DGUOK deficiency?
Authors: Hassan Shahzeb , Mahmoud Ali , Mohammed Taha Osman , Mohammad Saeed
Published: April 2020

DGUOK deficiency is an autosomal recessive mitochondrial disorder characterized by hepatic and neurological manifestations. In patients with liver failure, the decision to perform LT can be difficult due to the likelihood of progressive neurological disease. We present a case of a 9‐month‐old boy who had DGUOK deficiency (E227K/R118H genotype) intact neurological status and liver failure. His MRI indicated extensive white matter changes, which created hesitation to perform LT. After a multidisciplinary evaluation, he underwent LT from a living donor at 11 months of age. Six years post‐transplant, he has had no significant complications and no progression of neurological symptoms. Our case supports that even in the presence of neurological MRI findings, but in the absence of significant neurological symptoms, LT represents a viable option in DGUOK‐deficient patients who have the E227K/R118H mutation combination along with liver failure.
Psychophysiological responses to eye contact in a live interaction and in video call
Authors: Hietanen Jonne O. , Peltola Mikko J. , Hietanen Jari K.
Published: April 2020

Another person's gaze directed to oneself elicits autonomic arousal and facial reactions indicating positive affect in its observer. These effects have only been found to occur with mutual, live eye contact and not in response to direct gaze pictures or when the observer believes that the live person cannot see them. The question remains whether the physical presence of the other person is necessary for these effects. We measured psychophysiological responses to another person's direct versus averted gaze in three conditions: live interaction, bidirectional video call, and watching a mere video. Autonomic arousal was measured with skin conductance responses and facial reactions with facial electromyography. In the live and video call conditions, but not in the mere video condition, direct gaze increased autonomic arousal in comparison to averted gaze. In all three conditions, however, direct gaze elicited positive affective facial reactions. Therefore, an experience of being seen is essential for the autonomic reactions but not for the facial responses that are elicited by another person's direct gaze. Most importantly, the results suggest that the physical presence or proximity of the other person is not necessary for these psychophysiological responses to eye contact.
An Optimal Design for Hierarchical Generalized Group Testing
Authors: Malinovsky Yaakov , Haber Gregory , Albert Paul S.
Published: April 2020

Choosing an optimal strategy for hierarchical group testing is an important problem for practitioners who are interested in disease screening with limited resources. For example, when screening for infectious diseases in large populations, it is important to use algorithms that minimize the cost of potentially expensive assays. Black and co-workers described this as an intractable problem unless the number of individuals to screen is small. They proposed an approximation to an optimal strategy that is difficult to implement for large population sizes. We develop an optimal design with respect to the expected total number of tests that can be obtained by using a novel dynamic programming algorithm. We show that this algorithm is substantially more efficient than the approach that was proposed by Black and co-workers. In addition, we compare the two designs for imperfect tests. R code is provided for practitioners.
Bringing new plasma donors back: testing the efficacy of telephone and e‐mail communications with first‐time donors
Authors: Thorpe Rachel , Masser Barbara M. , Nguyen Lilly , Gemelli Carley N. , Davison Tanya E.
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

As demand for plasma‐derived products grows, retention of voluntary nonremunerated plasmapheresis donors is crucial for many blood collection agencies. Currently, there is limited evidence of how to encourage first‐time plasmapheresis donors to return and establish a high‐frequency donation routine. This study tested the effectiveness of an intervention designed to increase retention of first‐time plasmapheresis donors, increase donation frequency, and reduce time to return.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 6788 first‐time plasmapheresis donors were randomly assigned to one of four conditions. Donors received an alternative e‐mail or the business‐as‐usual control e‐mail paired or not with a phone call. Outcomes were compared to the control e‐mail in intention‐to‐treat analyses.

RESULTS

Compared with control, donors in all intervention conditions were more likely to donate plasma as their first return donation in 6 months; however, there were no significant differences between intervention conditions. Rates of plasma donation in the alternative e‐mail, control e‐mail plus call, and alternative e‐mail plus call conditions were 17.0, 15.0, and 18.0% higher than control. While the extra donations obtained in the alternative e‐mail condition were cost neutral, the cost of one additional donation in the call conditions ranged from 20.14‐20.89 AUD (13.08‐13.56 USD).

CONCLUSION

Communications specifically designed to encourage first‐time plasmapheresis donors to view regular plasmapheresis donations as “easy”; to forward‐book more than one appointment; and to provide education about plasma are effective in encouraging donors to return to plasma, to donate more frequently, and to return faster.
Evaluating the influence of extending hydrologic time series in extreme quantile estimation
Authors: Jesus Lucas Filipe Lucena , Costa Veber , Fernandes Wilson
Published: April 2020

Reliable estimates of quantiles associated with mid‐to‐large return periods are required in the everyday practice of Hydrologic Engineering. However, the usually small samples pose numerous challenges for inferring such quantiles. Therefore, augmenting sample sizes via extension techniques could be beneficial for statistical inference. This paper attempts to provide a comprehensive assessment of the performance of a collection of such techniques in estimating rare and extreme quantiles. Regression models, such as the ordinary least squares (OLS) approach and the Generalised Linear Models (GLM), as well as techniques specifically designed for time series extension, such as the Maintenance of Variance (MOVE) family, were evaluated by means of Monte Carlo simulations. Results show that, for both two and three‐parameter distributional models and any level of association, the MOVE3 and MOVE4 techniques appear to provide the best balance between bias and precision of extreme quantile estimates.
Discussion: “Effect of Porous Medium in Stagnation Point Flow of Ferrofluid Due to a Variable Convected Thicked Sheet” [ASME J. Heat Transfer, 2019, 141 (11), p. 112602]
Authors: Awad M. M.
Published: April 2020

The current discussion is presented to increase the awareness among the readers of ASME Journal of Heat Transfer. Comments are presented on the paper by Imtiaz et al. [1], where the authors investigated the influences of porous medium and stagnation point flow on ferrofluid flow past a variable-thicked sheet. Correction for the definition of the stream function (ψ) is given. These correct relations of the stream function (ψ) satisfies the continuity equation. In addition, correction for the first boundary condition is given.
Internal Wind Pressures and Buckling Behavior of Large Cylindrical Floating-Roof Tanks Under Various Liquid Levels
Authors: Zhao Yang , Liu Qing , Cai Shuqi , Dong Shilin
Published: April 2020

In this paper, two practical large cylindrical floating-roof tanks with diameters of 60 m and 100 m are selected as research objects. Wind pressures on the internal wall of tank shells under various liquid levels are carefully investigated by both experimental and numerical methods, especially those around the sealing device. It is found that computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation gives similar but generally greater results than wind tunnel tests (WTTs), and that wind pressures around the sealing device increase with the rise of liquid level. Geometrically nonlinear analyses (GNA) are then performed to figure out the variation of buckling behavior of tank shells with the liquid level. Two buckling modes are specified, featured by large buckles in the unstiffened region and local short-wave buckles in the stiffened region, respectively. Buckling loads are found to increase stepwise with the liquid level, with critical heights roughly calculated by positions of stiffening rings. Finally, recommendations on liquid levels maintained in strong wind conditions are given, considering the safety of both sealing devices and tank shells.
Analytical Solutions for the Lateral-Torsional Buckling of Serpentine Interconnects in Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Feng Peng , Yuan Jianghong , Huang Yin , Li Xiangyu
Published: April 2020

Serpentine interconnects, as an integral part of island-bridge layouts, enable extremely large reversible deformation under the action of mechanical loads and are thus widely used in the emerging new field of stretchable electronics. In this paper, the lateral-torsional buckling is analytically studied for a simplified S-shaped serpentine structure that consists of five straight components rigidly connected at point joints. Simple analytic scaling laws between the dimensionless critical buckling load and the aspect ratio of the serpentine structure are newly derived and uniformly expressed in terms of generalized hypergeometric series for various types of boundary conditions, which can serve as the benchmark of numerical simulations. These scaling laws, fully verified by finite element analysis, may well capture the implied connection between stretching- and compression-induced buckling, the strong dependence of buckling modes on end conditions, and the monotonic/asymptotic properties of the critical load with respect to the aspect ratio of serpentine structures.
Numerical Study on Effect of Secondary Surface on Rectangular Vortex Generator
Authors: Kashyap Uddip , Das Koushik , Debnath Biplab Kumar , Kashyap Upasana , Saha Sandip K.
Published: April 2020

One way of achieving higher efficiency in electro-mechanical is by inducing vortices over the heated surface with the help of a vortex generator (VG). The strength of these vortices is proportionate to the amount of heat transported. In this paper, the evolution and propagation of the produced primary vortex behind a VG with the attached secondary surface (SS) are studied experimentally and numerically. The addition of SS is found to augment heat transfer significantly with an additional drag. The obtained experimental results complement the numerical predictions for the modified VG. Linear regression analysis is performed to optimize the geometry of SS for a higher heat extraction rate and lower drag. The SS placed at an optimum location increases the Nusselt number on the heated plate by 8.9%, with a decrement in the drag by 3.2%, compared to the reference case. The addition of SS produces a vortex of higher strength and propagates downstream at a slower rate. Moreover, it exposes the vortex to higher shear in the flow, which in turn enhances the heat transfer rate.
Nb-doped TiO2 coatings developed by high power impulse magnetron sputtering-chemical vapor deposition hybrid deposition process
Authors: Kulczyk-Malecka Justyna , Donaghy David , Delfour-Peyrethon Brice , Werner Matthew , Chalker Paul R. , Bradley James W. , Kelly Peter J.
Published: April 2020

Novel methods for the deposition of thin functional coatings, such as hybrid physical vapor deposition-chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technologies, have the potential to become an important means of overcoming the limitations of current processes, such as low deposition rates, associated with some sputtering processes, or limited material/precursor choices, associated with CVD processes. This work explores the potential of addressing these issues through the development of a hybrid system, which combines the latest magnetron sputtering technology, high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS), with plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technology. This system seeks to overcome the limitations of each technique and provide a new, flexible deposition tool for functional films, such as transparent conductive oxides. In this system, the plasma generated by the magnetron provides a source of electrons to drive the CVD precursor decomposition and reaction chemistry in the PECVD process. Consequently, only one power supply is required. Thus, niobium-doped titania coatings were deposited on glass and Si wafer substrates by this hybrid HiPIMS-CVD technique. The TiO2 coatings were deposited by CVD from a titanium (IV) tetraisopropoxide precursor via the vapor drawn method. The HiPIMS process provided not only the source of the Nb metal dopant to the functional films but also sustained the low temperature CVD process by supplying energetic plasma particles. Furthermore, since HiPIMS deposition rates are very sensitive to magnetic field strength and the degree of unbalance, by using a magnetron with variable magnetic field strength, it was possible to adjust the dopant content of the film without adjusting the power applied to the magnetron target. The effect of processing parameters (pulse frequency, peak powers, precursor flow rates, operating pressure, etc.) on generating a stable HiPIMS discharge across the process envelope has been studied. The composition and microstructure of the deposited coatings have been investigated, in respect to variable process parameters, such as substrate temperature and operating pressure.
A method for determining surface tension, viscosity, and elasticity of gels via ultrasonic levitation of gel drops
Authors: Shao X. , Fredericks S. A. , Saylor J. R. , Bostwick J. B.
Published: April 2020

A method for obtaining the elasticity, surface tension, and viscosity of ultrasonically levitated gel drops is presented. The drops examined were made of agarose, a hydrogel. In contrast to previous studies where fluid properties are obtained using ultrasonic levitation of a liquid drop, herein the material studied was a gel which has a significant elasticity. The work presented herein is significant in that gels are of growing importance in biomedical applications and exhibit behaviors partially determined by their elasticities and surface tensions. Obtaining surface tension for these substances is important but challenging since measuring this quantity using the standard Wilhelmy plate or DuNuoy ring methods is not possible due to breakage of the gel. The experiments were conducted on agarose gels having elasticities ranging from 12.2 to 200.3 Pa. A method is described for obtaining elasticity, surface tension, and viscosity, and the method is experimentally demonstrated for surface tension and viscosity. For the range of elasticities explored, the measured surface tension ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 N/m, and the viscosity ranged from 0.0084 to 0.0204 Pa s. The measurements of surface tension are, to the authors' knowledge, the first obtained of a gel using ultrasonic levitation.