bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between neighbourhood walkability and after‐school physical activity in Australian schoolchildren
Authors: Chalikavada Radhika , Broder Jonathan C. , O’Hara Rebecca L. , Xue Wenyue , Gasevic Danijela
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Physical inactivity is a risk factor for many noncommunicable diseases. As reported by the World Health Organisation, 81% of children worldwide are physically inactive. Environmental factors, such as neighbourhood walkability, can shape people's physical activity (PA) behaviour. This study explored the association between neighbourhood walkability and after‐school PA among Australian schoolchildren.

Methods

The Department for Education and Child Development (DECD) distributed the survey to 189 schools across South Australia to assess the health and well‐being of schoolchildren aged between 8 and 14 years. Neighbourhood was defined as an area corresponding to a four digit postcode, and its walkability was measured using Walk Score®. The association between neighbourhood walkability and after‐school PA was analysed using multinomial logistic regression adjusted for age, gender, SEIFA score, number of days of TV watching, number of times of eating junk food, neighbourhood safety and children's weight status.

Results

Children residing in highly walkable areas (walker's paradise) compared to car‐dependent areas had higher odds (OR(95%CI)) of engaging in after‐school PA three (1.216 (1.029, 1.436), P = .021), four (1.287 (1.064, 1.557), P = .009) and five times a week (1.230 (1.030, 1.133), P = .022) compared to children never participating in PA.

Conclusion

Living in highly walkable areas (walker's paradise), compared to living in car‐dependent areas was associated with higher levels of after‐school PA.

So what?

Creating walkable neighbourhoods with greater access to amenities, services and public transportation may help increase after‐school PA among schoolchildren.
Ultrasound‐guidance of peripheral venous catheterization in apheresis minimizes the need for central venous catheters
Authors: Söderström Anna , Nørgaard Maria S. , Thomsen Anna‐Marie E. , Sørensen Betina S.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Central venous catheters (CVC) can facilitate a reliable blood flow for apheresis procedures, but the placement is time‐consuming and costly and the incidence of catheter‐related complications is high. Ultrasound can aid nurses to insert peripheral venous catheters (PVC), which is safer for the patients.

Methods and materials

We evaluated the use of CVC vs PVC for all apheresis procedures 3 years after the implementation of structured training of apheresis nurses to perform ultrasound‐guided PVC. Ultrasound can visualize the needle tip and target vessel dynamically and guide peripheral venous catheterization with an increased success rate. Time consumption for PVC insertion was measured.

Results

In 10 months, we performed 1294 apheresis procedures on 227 patients, where 97.4% were performed with PVC. Hundred percent of extracorporeal photophoresis (off‐line ECP) and peripheral blood stem cell collections on adults were performed with PVC. Patients who were treated with CVC (n = 8) were either children, had poor peripheral blood flow due to dehydration or admitted to an intensive care unit and had CVC for other reasons. Time consumption for PVC placement with ultrasound was 11 minutes on average.

Conclusion

Training of apheresis nurses in ultrasound‐guided peripheral venous catheterization can enable close to 100% of apheresis procedures to be performed by PVC.
Erratum: “Martini Coarse‐Grained Model for Polyethylenimine” [J. Comput. Chem. 2019, 40, 607–618, DOI:10.1002/jcc.25747]
Authors: Mahajan Subhamoy , Tang Tian
Published: April 2020

Correction of calculation errors in the original article led to the change of bead type for the unprotonated beads in the coarse‐grained polyethylenimine model. The original model was still of good quality while the updated model showed better performance in describing the interaction between polyethylenimine and DNA.
Hypothermia in a Japanese subtropical climate: Retrospective validation study of severity score and mortality prediction
Authors: Ishimaru Naoto , Kinami Saori , Shimokawa Toshio , Seto Hiroyuki , Kanzawa Yohei
Published: April 2020

Introduction

This study aimed to clarify the accuracy of an in‐hospital mortality prediction score for patients with hypothermia. The score consists of five variables (age ≥70 years, mean arterial pressure <90 mm Hg, pH < 7.35, creatinine >1.5 mg/dL, and confusion). In contrast to the previously reported population in southern Israel, a desert climate, we apply the score system to a Japanese humid subtropical climate.

Methods

The study included patients with a principal diagnosis of hypothermia who were admitted to our community hospital between January 2008 and January 2019. Using the medical records from initial visits, we retrospectively calculated in‐hospital mortality prediction scores along with sensitivity and specificity.

Results

We recruited 69 patients, 67 of which had analyzable data. Among them, the in‐hospital mortality rate was 25.4%. Hypothermia was defined as mild (32‐35°C) in 34 cases (50.7%), moderate (28‐32°C) in 23 cases (34.3%), and severe (<28°C) in 10 cases (14.9%). The C‐statistics of the in‐hospital mortality prediction score was 0.703 (95% confidence interval, 0.55‐0.84) for thirty‐day survival prediction. After adjustment of the cutoff point of each item with ROC analysis and selection of the variants, the C‐statistics of the in‐hospital mortality prediction score rose to 0.81 (95% confidence interval, 0.69‐0.92).

Conclusion

The in‐hospital mortality prediction scores showed slightly less predictive value than those in the previous report. With some modification, however, the score system could still be applied efficiently in the humid Japanese subtropical climate. An appropriate management strategy could be established based on the predicted mortality risk.
Safety and efficacy of uninterrupted treatment with edoxaban or warfarin during the peri‐procedural period of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Naito Kazuya , Nakano Masataka , Iwasa Atsushi , Maeno Yoshio , Shintani Yoshiaki , Yamakawa Takeshi , Miyashita Kotaro , Oyama Keishiro , Nakai Daisuke , Katagiri Masaya , Kido Hideaki , Masuda Shinichiro , Kohashi Keiichi , Kawamata Tetsuya , Tanimoto Shuzou , Masuda Naoki , Ogata Nobuhiko , Isshiki Takaaki
Published: April 2020

Background

The real‐world safety and efficacy of uninterrupted anticoagulation treatment with edoxaban (EDX) or warfarin (WFR) during the peri‐procedural period of catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) are yet to be investigated.

Methods

We conducted a two‐center experience, observational study to retrospectively investigate consecutive patients who underwent CA for AF and received EDX or WFR. We examined the incidence of thromboembolic and bleeding complications during the peri‐procedural period.

Results

The EDX and WFR groups included 153 and 103 patients, respectively (total: 256 patients). Demise or thromboembolic events did not occur in either of the groups. The incidence of major bleeding in the EDX and WFR groups was 0.7% and 2.9%, respectively. The total incidence of major/minor bleeding in the EDX and WFR groups was 7.8% and 8.7%, respectively. Of note, the incidence of bleeding complications in the uninterrupted WFR strategy group was markedly high in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 (75%) or a HAS‐BLED score ≥3 (60%). Patients with eGFR ≥30 and a HAS‐BLED score ≤2 had a lower incidence of bleeding (<10%), regardless of the administered anticoagulation drug (EDX or WFR).

Conclusions

This study confirmed the safety and efficacy of uninterrupted anticoagulation therapy using EDX or WFR in real‐world patients undergoing CA for AF. Patients with severely impaired renal function and/or a higher bleeding risk during uninterrupted therapy with WFR were at a prominent risk of bleeding. Therefore, particular attention should be paid in the treatment of these patients.
Analysis and comparison of seed protein, oil, and sugars in edamame dried using two oven‐drying methods and mature soybeans
Authors: Jiang Guo‐Liang , Katuuramu Dennis N , Xu Yixiang , Ren Shuxin , Rutto Laban K
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Edamame, a vegetable soybean (Glycine max) grown mainly in Asia, has high nutritional and market value and is a relatively new crop to North America. By 2 years of field trials, we evaluated the seed composition traits in 54 genotypes to analyze the differences and relationship between edamame seeds dried by two oven‐drying methods and mature soybeans.

RESULTS

The genotypic differences were significant for all the traits investigated. Significant differences also existed between the two sets of dried edamame and mature seeds. Protein content in mature soybean averaged 426.8 g kg−1, and 432.8 g kg−1 and 405.6 g kg−1 for shelled‐dried and unshelled‐dried edamame respectively. Oil content in shelled‐dried and unshelled‐dried edamame averaged 206.3 g kg−1 and 212.6 g kg−1 respectively, and 195.8 g kg−1 for mature soybean. Sucrose content in mature soybean (60.2 g kg−1) was approximately 1.5 and 3 times that of unshelled‐dried and shelled‐dried edamame respectively. Mature soybean also exhibited the highest concentrations of stachyose and total sugars, followed by unshelled‐dried and shelled‐dried edamame. The broad‐sense heritability estimates of traits in mature soybean (49.41–89.16%) were higher than those of edamame (10.26–78.96%). Higher broad‐sense heritability was uncovered for protein and oil, but lower estimates for sugars, fiber, and ash. Positive correlations were detected between the two sets of edamame seeds and mature soybean for protein and oil (r = 0.63–0.88).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that indirect selection through mature seeds is helpful for the improvement of protein and oil in edamame, whereas the improvement of seed sugars in edamame is more challenging. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Processing of coconut sap into sugar syrup using rotary evaporation, microwave, and open‐heat evaporation techniques
Authors: Asghar Muhammad T , Yusof Yus A , Mokhtar Mohd N , Yaacob Mohammad E , Ghazali Hasanah M , Varith Jaturapatr , Chang Lee S , Manaf Yanty N
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Coconut sugar has a caramel color with a taste like brown sugar. It is commonly used as natural sweetener. However, coconut sugar has been produced from coconut sap using a traditional method that involves heating the sap at high temperature (>100 °C) in an open pan for a long period (3–5 h). This conventional method results in an over‐cooked sugar, which leads to quality deterioration in terms of both its physical and chemical properties. The current study aimed to investigate the processing of coconut sap into sugar syrup using alternative processing techniques such as rotary vacuum evaporation (RE) and microwave evaporation (ME), comparing them with open‐heat evaporation (OHE) technique.

RESULTS

Coconut sugar syrup produced by rotary evaporation at 60 °C and 250 mbar vacuum (RE‐60) required the shortest production time (12.2 min) and the lowest processing temperature (54.8 °C) when compared with ME (13 min and 103.2 °C) and OHE (46.8 min and 101.6 °C). It also had a light brownish color with a higher L* value (35.17) than the ME (29.84) and OHE (23.84) methods. It was found to contain higher amounts of monosaccharides (fructose and glucose) and lower amounts of disaccharides (sucrose). Furthermore, the amount of energy required for RE‐60 (0.35 kWh) was much less than for OHE (0.83 kWh).

CONCLUSION

This study provided an alternative processing method for the sugar processing industry to produce coconut sugar using the rotary evaporation method at 60 °C under 250 mbar vacuum with better physicochemical qualities, shorter processing time, and minimum input energy. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of the Composition of LDPE/LLDPE Blends via 13C NMR
Authors: Monwar Masud , Yu Youlu
Published: April 2020

Polyethylene film properties can be manipulated by blending linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) with low density polyethylene (LDPE) resin. The accurate determination of LDPE content in those blends, however, is challenging. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis has been traditionally used to determine the LDPE content, but the result can have significant error due to several limitations. Due to co‐crystallization, significant error can also result using temperature rising elution fractionation technique. In principle, the LDPE content would be determined by 13C NMR analysis if the short‐chain branch (SCB) content of the LDPE could be determined accurately. But unambiguous assignment of all peaks in the 13C NMR spectrum of a LDPE is difficult, if possible. Consequently, the SCB content of LDPE cannot be determined accurately. Therefore, a new approach is required to analyze the LDPE/LLDPE blend composition by 13C NMR on a routine basis. In this paper, a robust 13C NMR method to determine the LDPE content in LDPE/LLDPE blends is presented. By identifying unique LDPE peaks in the 13C NMR spectrum of a LDPE/LLDPE blend compared to that of LLDPE, the blend composition can be determined. The accuracy and precision of this method will also be discussed.
A Short‐Chain Branching Distribution Determination Technique for Polyethylene Using IR5‐Detected GPC
Authors: Yu Youlu
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a robust short‐chain branching (SCB) determination technique recently developed using IR5‐detected GPC (GPC‐IR5) for polyethylene resins is reported, wherein the IR5 detector is an infrared detector equipped with five filters set at different frequency ranges and a mercury‐cadmium‐telluride detector with thermoelectric cooling capability. Both intensity ratios of methyl/methylene and methyl/all C─H groups have very good linear relationship with the SCB content. Based on these relationships, an excel spreadsheet method is developed to deduce the SCB distribution across the molecular weight distribution using in‐house developed algorithms. The uncertainty of SCB determination using the GPC‐IR5 technique is found to be chromatographic signal‐to‐noise ratio dependent and can be explicitly expressed and calculated slice by slice. The SCB uncertainty is also found to be a function of experimental conditions and environment, which can affect not only the signals but also the noise levels at different IR bands. At a given polymer concentration, the higher the SCB content, the smaller the relative error bars. The SCB detection limit of this GPC‐IR5 technique is found to be at ≈0.5–1.0 SCB per 1000 TC for all samples tested. Some practical aspects for application of this technique are also discussed in this paper.
Development of an Integrated On‐Line 2D Analytical TREF‐High Throughput SEC Technique for Polyolefins Characterization
Authors: Yu Youlu , Hildebrand Melvin
Published: April 2020

Complete polymer compositional information of polyolefins is critically valuable in understanding the polymer structure‐processing‐property relationship, thus helping tailor‐design polymers with desired end‐use properties. In this paper, a robust on‐line 2D analytical TREF combined with high‐throughput SEC technique (2D aTREF‐hSEC) is described that can rapidly determine the bivariate distribution of chemical composition and molecular weight of polyethylene resins. Unlike Nakano and Goto's pioneering cross fractionation apparatus and the commercial CFC instrument, this 2D aTREF‐hSEC system has the following unique characteristics: First of all, the GPC injection volume is not limited by the dead volume of the full TREF column. It can be set at any desired values to ensure optimized separation in SEC. Second, the flow rates for the TREF and SEC unit are independently controlled, which add operational flexibility and help optimize the separation efficiency in both the TREF and the SEC dimension. Third, the 2D aTREF‐hSEC system runs continuously instead of stepwise. Once started, the TREF column elutes continuously without stopping to wait for the completion of downstream SEC elution before the next SEC injection, increasing the resolution in TREF dimension. Fourth, experimental time is significantly reduced thanks to the employment of high throughput SEC column. And finally, this 2D aTREF‐hSEC technique in principle can be applied equally well to characterize other semi‐crystalline polymers and potentially any polymers whose solubility is a function of temperature.
Bifurcation, chaos, and their control in a wheelset model
Authors: Li Junhong , Wu Huibin , Cui Ning
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we present an improved wheelset motion model with two degrees of freedom and study the dynamic behaviors of the system including the symmetry, the existence and uniqueness of the solution, continuous dependence on initial conditions, and Hopf bifurcation. The dynamic characteristics of the wheelset motion system under a nonholonomic constraint are investigated. These results generalize and improve some known results about the wheelset motion system. Meanwhile, based on multiple equilibrium analysis, calculation of Lyapunov exponents and Poincaré section, the chaotic behaviors of the wheelset system are discussed, which indicates that there are more complex dynamic behaviors in the railway wheelset system with higher order terms of Taylor series of trigonometric functions. This paper has also realized the chaos control and bifurcation control for the wheelset motion system by adaptive feedback control method and linear feedback control. The results show that the chaotic wheelset system and bifurcation wheelset system are all well controlled, whether by controlling the yaw angle and the lateral displacement or only by controlling the yaw angle. Numerical simulations are carried out to further verify theoretical analyses.
New phase noise X‐band VCO using perturbed dual‐mode SIW filter
Authors: Tran Binh‐Duong , Duong Tuan‐Viet , Duc‐Tan Tran , Tran Thi‐Tram , Vu Tuan‐Anh , Vu Chi‐Thanh
Published: April 2020

This letter discusses a complete implementation of high performance voltage‐controlled oscillators using enhanced group delay SIW filters. Through precisely adjusting the perturbing via‐hole position inside dual mode circular cavity resonator, phase noise of the oscillator can be minimized. The planar SIW X‐band voltage‐controlled oscillation prototypes were additionally analyzed, fabricated, and measured. Experimental results achieve the best phase noise reaching to −134.31 dBc/Hz@1 MHz. The advantages of this voltage‐controlled oscillator are simple design processes, planar compact structure, and improved figure of merit. A set of parameters that evaluate the performance of the proposed oscillator are used, and then compared with the existing ones.
AANEM ‐ IFCN Glossary of Terms in Neuromuscular Electrodiagnostic Medicine and Ultrasound
Authors: Dengler Reinhard , de Carvalho Mamede , Shahrizaila Nortina , Nodera Hiroyuki , Vucic Steve , Grimm Alexander , Padua Luca , Schreiber Stefanie , Kneiser Mary K. , Hobson‐Webb Lisa D. , Boon Andrea J. , Smith Benn E. , Litchy William J. , Li Yuebing , Lenihan Michael , Thompson V. Brandon , Stalberg Erik , Sanders Donald B. , Kincaid John C
Published: April 2020

Modern neuromuscular electrodiagnosis (EDX) and neuromuscular ultrasound (NMUS) require a universal language for effective communication in clinical practice and research and, in particular, for teaching young colleagues. Therefore, the AANEM and the IFCN have decided to publish a joint glossary as they feel the need for an updated terminology to support educational activities in neuromuscular EDX and NMUS in all parts of the world. In addition NMUS has been rapidly progressing over the last years and is now widely used in the diagnosis of disorders of nerve and muscle in conjunction with EDX. This glossary has been developed by experts in the field of neuromuscular EDX and NMUS on behalf of the AANEM and the IFCN and has been agreed upon by electronic communication between January and November 2019. It is based on the glossaries of the AANEM from 2015 and of the IFCN from 1999. The EDX and NMUS terms and the explanatory illustrations have been updated and supplemented where necessary. The result is a comprehensive glossary of terms covering all fields of neuromuscular EDX and NMUS. It serves as a standard reference for clinical practice, education and research worldwide.

Highlights

Optimal terminology in neuromuscular electrodiagnosis and ultrasound has been revisited.

A team of international experts have revised and expanded a standardized glossary.

This list of terms serves as standard reference for clinical practice, education and research.
The Role of Adipocytes and Adipocyte‐Like Cells in the Severity of COVID‐19 Infections
Authors: Kruglikov Ilja L. , Scherer Philipp E.
Published: April 2020

Coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19), caused by the highly pathogenic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), demonstrates high morbidity and mortality caused by development of a severe acute respiratory syndrome connected with extensive pulmonary fibrosis. In this Perspective, we argue that adipocytes and adipocyte‐like cells, such as pulmonary lipofibroblasts, may play an important role in the pathogenic response to SARS‐CoV‐2. Expression of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (the functional receptor for SARS‐CoV) is upregulated in adipocytes of patients with obesity and diabetes, which turns adipose tissue into a potential target and viral reservoir. This may explain why obesity and diabetes are potential comorbidities for COVID‐19 infections. Similar to the recently established adipocyte‐myofibroblast transition, pulmonary lipofibroblasts located in the alveolar interstitium and closely related to classical adipocytes demonstrate the ability to transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts that play an integral part of pulmonary fibrosis. This may significantly increase the severity of the local response to SARS‐CoV‐2 in the lung. To reduce the severity and mortality associated with COVID‐19, we propose to probe for the clinical response to thiazolidinediones, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ agonists that are well‐known antidiabetic drugs. Thiazolidinediones are able to stabilize lipofibroblasts in their “inactive” state, preventing the transition to myofibroblasts and thereby reducing the development of pulmonary fibrosis and stimulating its resolution.
Field analyses of lavender volatile organic compounds: performance evaluation of a portable gas chromatography–mass spectrometry device
Authors: Stierlin Émilie , Michel Thomas , Fernandez Xavier
Published: April 2020

Introduction

In situ analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by plants is an important challenge in chemical ecology. The traditional approach usually consists in trapping compounds using dynamic headspace extraction (DHS) in‐field, followed by gas chromatography analysis coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS and/or GC‐FID) in the laboratory.

Objectives

In this study, we evaluated the use of the new portable Torion T‐9 GC–MS system for rapid and in situ analysis of VOCs emitted by fine lavender and lavandin species.

Material and methods

All field analyses were performed using a person‐portable low‐thermal mass GC system coupled with a miniature toroidal ion trap mass analyser (ppGC‐ITMS): Torion T‐9 portable GC–MS. Subsequently, multivariate statistical analyses were performed to determine chemical differences between species.

Results

Thirty compounds were separated and detected in all lavender above‐ground samples in only 3 min of analysis.

Conclusions

The portable GC–MS device enabled a rapid in‐field distinction of Lavandula species based on their detected volatile profiles.
Attentional bias effect on post‐traumatic outcomes in children after earthquake: Mediation role of rumination
Authors: Alamdar Sadaf , Lv Yaodi , Guo Jiang , Lu Jiangfeng , Zhang Yuqing
Published: April 2020

After traumatic events, children with different types of attentional biases produce different psychological reactions with the help of the rumination process. A sample of 909 middle school students was taken from the Yunnan Ludian earthquake‐affected area. Measurement scales of the Chinese version of the Attention to Positive and Negative Information Scale (APNI), the Chinese version of the Children’s Revised Impact of Event Scale (CRIES), and the Revised Post‐traumatic Growth Inventory for Children (PTG‐C) were used to assess the attentional bias, risk of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and post‐traumatic growth (PTG), respectively. The effect of self‐reported attention bias was explored by using a structural equation model and bias‐corrected bootstrap test on children’s psychological reaction after trauma. The results show that there is a positive relationship between self‐reported negative attentional bias and PTSD symptoms partially mediated by intrusive rumination and the negative relationship between self‐reported positive attentional bias and PTSD symptoms. On the other hand, the relationship between self‐reported positive attentional bias and PTG was positive and partially mediated by deliberate rumination. Furthermore, intrusive rumination did not affect PTG indirectly but mediated the relation of deliberate rumination.
Effect of residue insertion on the stability of polyproline‐I and II structures: Circular dichroism spectroscopic analyses of block‐type oligo‐prolines (Pro)m‐Gly/Ala‐(Pro)n
Authors: Kakinoki Sachiro , Kitamura Makoto , Noguchi Yuri , Arichi Yuki
Published: April 2020

The molecular conformation of oligo‐proline peptides composed of two oligo‐proline block sequences and a non‐proline linker residue, designated as (Pro)
m‐Gly/Ala‐(Pro)
n peptides, was analyzed by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The CD spectra in water and trifluoroethanol indicated that the two oligo‐proline blocks were separated by an inserted residue independent of polyproline‐II (PP‐II). In addition, the stability of the (Pro)
m‐Gly/Ala‐(Pro)
n peptides was analyzed using a conformational transition system, during transition from PP‐II to polyproline‐I (PP‐I) in aliphatic alcohols, methanol (MeOH), and 1‐propanol (1‐PrOH). Interestingly, the PP‐II/PP‐I transition was inhibited after a Gly/Ala was inserted at the center of the oligo‐proline; the inhibitory effect of Ala was stronger than that of Gly. When the position of the inserted Ala moved towards the C‐terminal, the (Pro)
m‐Gly/Ala‐(Pro)
n peptides displayed a PP‐II/PP‐I transition in 1‐PrOH. Our results confirmed that (Pro)
m‐Gly/Ala‐(Pro)
n peptides prefer to form PP‐II hairpin conformations even in MeOH and 1‐PrOH. Thus, our findings suggest that the insertion of Gly/Ala acts as a stabilizer in PP‐II in proline‐rich peptides.
Study protocol for a multi‐centre parallel two‐group randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness and impact of a pain assessment and management program for respite workers supporting children with disabilities
Authors: Genik Lara M. , McMurtry C. Meghan , Barata Paula C. , Barney Chantel C. , Lewis Stephen P.
Published: April 2020

Objective

Pain is common and complex for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Secondary caregivers such as respite workers are lacking important pain‐related information which can impact care. Here, we outline a randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol testing the effectiveness of a pain training for respite workers supporting children with I/DD.

Methods/design

Organizations enrolled in the RCT were randomly assigned to receive a 3‐3.5 hours pain or family‐centered care training. Data were collected immediately before, after, and 4‐6 weeks following completion of the training. Outcomes are as follows: pain knowledge (primary), pain assessment and management perceptions (secondary), training evaluations (secondary), and use of pain assessment and management skills (tertiary). Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies are being used including questionnaires, rating scales, a standardized vignette, and focus groups.

Conclusions

Results from this trial will be used to further understand the impact of the pain training and inform next steps related to implementation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03421795.
Combination antifungal therapy for Scedosporium species in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Bentley Siân , Davies Jane C. , Carr Siobhán B. , Balfour‐Lynn Ian M.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To evaluate safety and efficacy of oral posaconazole and terbinafine for Lomentospora prolificans and Scedosporium apiospermum in children with cystic fibrosis.

Methods

Retrospective case review.

Results

There were five children (four girls), median age 15.0 years; three had S. apiospermum and two had L. prolificans. Treatment duration: median 5 months (range: 5‐18 m). In no patient was eradication achieved, with the follow‐up range being 6 months to 4 years. Effect on lung function was variable but encouraging. No adverse effects were reported, one child had transient elevation of liver enzymes.

Conclusions

While the combination therapy was well tolerated, it was unsuccessful at eradication.
Preparing Squeezed Spin States in a Spin–Mechanical Hybrid System with Silicon‐Vacancy Centers
Authors: Li Bo , Li Xiaoxiao , Li Pengbo , Li Tongcang
Published: April 2020

An experimentally feasible scheme for preparing the squeezed spin states in a novel spin–mechanical hybrid system is studied. The setup under consideration is realized by a single‐crystal diamond waveguide with negatively charged silicon‐vacancy (SiV) centers embedded. After studying the strain couplings between the SiV spins and the propagating phonon modes, analyses show that long‐range spin–spin interactions can be achieved under large detuning condition. Modeled as an effective one‐axis twisting Hamiltonian, these nonlinear spin–spin couplings can steer the system to the squeezed spin states in the practical situations. This proposal may have interesting applications in high‐precision metrology and quantum information processing.
Subgrouping‐based multicast transmission over high‐throughput satellite systems with beam cooperation
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Yang Mingchuan , Wei Yuming , Guo Qing
Published: April 2020

This paper investigates the multicast transmission for multicast services in high‐throughput satellite (HTS) systems. Considering the multibeam multicast feature of HTSs, cooperative transmission among beams is involved in to improve the efficiency of the multicast transmission. Since the multicast transmission rate depends on the worst user channel state, all the users experience an unreasonably low rate. In this situation, subgrouping techniques are employed to increase transmission rates of users. A subgrouping‐based multicast transmission problem aiming at maximizing the lowest transmission rate of the users is studied to guarantee fairness among users. We formulate the problem as a max–min optimization problem and propose two low‐complex subgrouping algorithms for this problem. Additionally, we also consider multicasting in a single beam and devise a two‐layer transmission scheme for it. In the performance evaluation part, besides the impact of parameters on subgrouping performance, we analyze the performance and the computational complexity of the proposed algorithms. The results indicate that the two subgrouping algorithms can achieve favorable performance with low complexity.
Consider ways to incorporate religion into interactions with students
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: April 2020

ARLINGTON, Va. — Religion is an often‐overlooked yet essential component of holistic student development, according to Steven Mosley, Program Manager at Northern Virginia Community College and an ordained reverend; and Aaron Sparkman, M.A.T., Director of Residential Community Standards at Liberty University. They spoke at the annual conference for the Association for Student Conduct Administration. They shared their practical tips on how to appropriately incorporate religious ideas in such areas as student conduct processes, student meetings, and peer interactions.
Wealth‐in‐people and practical rationality: Aspirations and decisions about money in South Africa
Authors: Bähre Erik
Published: April 2020

This article explores crucial decisions made by Sylvia, a Xhosa woman living in the townships of Cape Town, during a period of approximately thirty years. These decisions involved large sums of money and had important consequences for her own life, for those of her son and grandchild, and for the relationships she had with her first and second husbands and in‐laws. Sylvia's decisions continued to be influenced by gendered ways of belonging to ancestors and descendants but also show important changes in connecting wealth and people. The wealth‐in‐people approach offers important insights into how Sylvia's decisions are guided by power and control over people as well as by prestige. However, it also becomes evident that the wealth‐in‐people approach does not sufficiently explain or theorize the agency of people. By drawing on the philosophical notion of practical rationality as a complementary analytical perspective, I explore agency in relation to aspirations and the acquisition of new open‐ended values. The perspective offered by practical rationality increases our understanding of how individual decisions, especially complex decisions around money, are made because of their transformative potential and the aspiration to cultivate oneself.
Surface and mechanical analysis of metallized poly(dimethylsiloxane) gel for varifocal micromirrors
Authors: Franke Markus , Slowik Irma , Langer Enrico , Leo Karl , Richter Andreas
Published: April 2020

Varifocal micromirrors are alternative and miniaturized mirror systems that are used for imaging procedures in biomedical diagnostics, mirror‐based tunable lenses, or the correction of spherical aberration. In this study, we demonstrate a new concept for focal length variation by electrostatic mirror deformation of a compact and integrated electroactive polymer actuator based on metallized poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) gel thin films. The varifocal micromirrors have a lateral size of 70 × 70 μm2 and are capable of deforming in either convex or concave direction, depending on a defined surface treatment by O2‐plasma or UV/ozone of the PDMS prior to metallization by physical vapor deposition (PVD). Surface and interface analysis by wetting experiments, sputter depth‐profiling X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on cross‐sections processed with focused ion beam (FIB) as well as polymer and metal surfaces are used to understand and to improve the metal film growth and quality with respect to high reflectivity and conductivity. In addition to the high quality of the metallic mirror layer, the mirror displacement is important and inevitably depends on the gel stiffness of the actuator. Therefore, we investigate the gel mechanics and the performance of the actuator with rheology, confocal microscopy, and image formation on the electrically deformed mirrors. Our concept of varifocal micromirrors offers a wide range of applications for tunable mirror‐based optics due to their simple and compact design.
Injectable and Crosslinkable PLGA‐Based Microribbons as 3D Macroporous Stem Cell Niche
Authors: Barati Danial , Watkins Kira , Wang Zhibin , Yang Fan
Published: April 2020

Poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) has been widely used as a tissue engineering scaffold. However, conventional PLGA scaffolds are not injectable, and do not support direct cell encapsulation, leading to poor cell distribution in 3D. Here, a method for fabricating injectable and intercrosslinkable PLGA microribbon‐based macroporous scaffolds as 3D stem cell niche is reported. PLGA is first fabricated into microribbon‐shape building blocks with tunable width using microcontact printing, then coated with fibrinogen to enhance solubility and injectability using aqueous solution. Upon mixing with thrombin, firbornogen‐coated PLGA microribbons can intercrosslink into 3D scaffolds. When subject to cyclic compression, PLGA microribbon scaffolds exhibit great shock‐absorbing capacity and return to their original shape, while conventional PLGA scaffolds exhibit permanent deformation after one cycle. Using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) as a model cell type, it is demonstrated that PLGA μRB scaffolds support homogeneous cell encapsulation, and robust cell spreading and proliferation in 3D. After 28 days of culture in osteogenic medium, hMSC‐seeded PLGA μRB scaffolds exhibit an increase in compressive modulus and robust bone formation as shown by staining of alkaline phosphatase, mineralization, and collagen. Together, the results validate PLGA μRBs as a promising injectable, macroporous, non‐hydrogel‐based scaffold for cell delivery and tissue regeneration applications.
Iconic, threatened, but largely unknown: Biogeography of the Macaronesian dragon trees (Dracaena spp.) as inferred from plastid DNA markers
Authors: Durán Iván , Marrero Águedo , Msanda Fouad , Harrouni Cherif , Gruenstaeudl Michael , Patiño Jairo , Caujapé‐Castells Juli , García‐Verdugo Carlos
Published: April 2020

The genus Dracaena in Macaronesia comprises two threatened species of arborescent monocots that are often associated with one of the most intriguing biogeographic disjunctions: the Rand Flora pattern. Molecular information is, however, largely missing for the Macaronesian Dracaena taxa (“MDT”, hereafter), and the biogeographic or population genetic patterns of this lineage have not yet been thoroughly assessed. To fill this gap, we generated plastid DNA sequence data of 14 Dracaena populations representing the entire natural distribution of MDT (including mainland Morocco and all recognized subspecies), 9 additional populations of subspontaneous origin, and a set of related species of the genus. We performed phylogenetic, biogeographic, and population genetic analyses at different spatial scales and conducted a comparative review on plant haplotype diversity in Macaronesian plants. The results of our phylogenetic analyses indicated the monophyly of the MDT and an origin separate from a clade of geographically distant species that so far were postulated as their closest living relatives (D. cinnabari, D. ombet, D. schizantha, D. serrulata). The results of our phylogeographic analyses indicated that diversification within D. draco occurred throughout the Pleistocene and that wild peripheral populations (Madeira, mainland Morocco) may have a recent origin from Canarian source populations. Recent dispersals, coupled with remarkably low levels of haplotype diversity, probably account for the weak phylogeographic signal observed across wild populations. However, our results suggested that human‐assisted expansion of Dracaena inflates the extant phylogeographic signal by non‐random translocation of a specific subset of haplotypes. Our study demonstrates that many of the previous biogeographic scenarios on MDT are not supported by molecular data. Instead, our results highlight (i) the impact that human activity may have on the phylogeographic pattern of island plants, and (ii) the need of a deeper taxonomic sampling in future investigations on MDT and close relatives.
High incidence of dementia in Faroese‐born female residents in Denmark
Authors: Petersen Maria Skaalum , Lophaven Søren N. , Weihe Pál , Lynge Elsebeth
Published: April 2020

Introduction

To assess whether the incidence of dementia among immigrants in Denmark from the Faroe Islands is similar to that of the inhabitants of their new country.

Methods

Data on Faroese‐born immigrants in Denmark were retrieved from the Danish Central Population Register. Incident dementia cases were identified from the Danish National Patient Register. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were used to compare the dementia incidence in immigrants with the general Danish population.

Results

Female, first‐generation Faroese immigrants had double the risk of dementia compared with Danes (SIR 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8‐2.5); the excess risk prevailed even beyond 10 years in Denmark, and it affected all sub‐types of dementia. In male immigrants, only a modest, statistically non‐significant excess risk was seen (SIR 1.2, 95% CI 0.9‐1.6).

Discussion

The observation of an excess risk of dementia in women only but not in men of Faroese origin living in Denmark underscores the complexity of the etiology of dementia.
Ex vivo/in vitro protective effect of myricetin bulk and nano-forms on PhIP-induced DNA damage in lymphocytes from healthy individuals and pre-cancerous MGUS patients
Authors: Akhtar Shabana , Najafzadeh Mojgan , Isreb Mohammad , Newton Lisa , Gopalan Rajendran C. , Anderson Diana
Published: April 2020

2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo [4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is a central dietary mutagen, produced when proteinaceous food is heated at very high temperatures potentially causing DNA strand breaks. This study investigates the protective potential of a well-researched flavonoid, myricetin in its bulk and nano-forms against oxidative stress induced ex vivo/in vitro by PhIP in lymphocytes from pre-cancerous monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) patients and those from healthy individuals. The results from the Comet assay revealed that in the presence of myricetin bulk (10 µM) and myricetin nano (20 µM), the DNA damage caused by a high dose of PhIP (100 µM) was significantly (P < 0.001) reduced in both groups. However, nano has shown better protection in lymphocytes from pre-cancerous patients. Consistent results were obtained from the micronucleus assay where micronuclei frequency in binucleated cells significantly decreased upon supplementing PhIP with myricetin bulk (P < 0.01) and myricetin nano (P < 0.001), compared to the PhIP treatment alone. To briefly determine the cellular pathways involved in the protective role of myricetin against PhIP, we studied gene expression of P53 and ATR kinase (ATM- and Rad3-related), using the real-time PCR technique.
Emergency Responses to Covid-19 Outbreak: Experiences and Lessons from a General Hospital in Nanjing, China
Authors: Shen Yang , Cui Ying , Li Ning , Tian Chen , Chen Ming , Zhang Ye-Wei , Huang Ying-Zi , Chen Hui , Kong Qing-Fang , Zhang Qun , Teng Gao-Jun
Published: April 2020

Background

The novel coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused wide dissemination across the world. Global health systems are facing the unprecedented challenges. Here we shared the experiences and lessons in emergency responses and management from our hospital, a government-assigned regional anti-Covid-19 general hospital in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.

Methods

Our periodic strategies in dealing with Covid-19 were described in detail. An administrative response including the establishment of Emergency Leadership Committee that was in full charge of management was established. Modifications of infrastructure including the Fever Clinic, inpatient ward, outpatient clinic and operation room were carried out. Special arrangements for outpatient services, hospitalization and surgeries were introduced. Medical personnel training and patient educations were performed. Initiations of Covid-19 researches and application of information technology were introduced.

Findings

Since January 16, three cases have been confirmed in our hospital and no healthcare-associated infection was found. During the epidemics, 6.46% staffs suffered depression, 9.87% had anxiety, and 98% were satisfied with the infection control policy. Shortages in staffs and medical consumables, and limitation in space were the obstacles we encountered.

Interpretation

As the cost of in-hospital transmission is unbearable, our experiences and lessons suggested that prompt actions should be taken immediately to decrease or eliminate potential in-hospital transmission. Experience shared herein may be useful for those facilities that are and may encounter Covid-19.
Homogenization of streaks in a laminar boundary layer
Authors: Puckert Dominik K. , Wu Yongxiang , Rist Ulrich
Published: April 2020

The present work, based on experimental, numerical and theoretical investigations, introduces a method to homogenize streaks in the laminar boundary layer. The streaks are created by a spanwise array of roughness elements on the surface of a flat plate. A homogenization body in the form of a horizontal bar is added at a downstream location away from the roughness array to homogenize the velocity differences of the streaks in the laminar boundary layer. Measurements are done with hot-film anemometry and supported by numerical simulations and linear stability theory. The streak amplitude can be significantly reduced with the proposed homogenization body. Furthermore, the reduction in spanwise gradients of the mean velocity leads to a significant reduction in the sinuous instability of the streaky flow. The effects of the homogenization body on the displacement thickness and the observation of flow unsteadiness downstream of the homogenization body are discussed. The present work thus proposes and explores a passive technique to control undesired streaks in the laminar boundary layer.

Graphic abstract
On a Uniqueness Theorem of E. B. Vul
Authors: Sodin Sasha
Published: April 2020

We recall a uniqueness theorem of E. B. Vul pertaining to a version of the cosine transform originating in spectral theory. Then we point out an application to the Bernstein approximation problem with non-symmetric weights: a theorem of Volberg is proved by elementary means.
Unfolding the outcomes of surgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis—a prospective 5- and 10-year follow-up study
Authors: Tuomainen I. , Aalto T , Pesonen J. , Rade M. , Pakarinen M. , Leinonen V. , Kröger H. , Airaksinen O.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

In this prospective study, we aim to determine surgical outcomes in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) 10 years after surgery.

Methods

The study population consisted of 96 LSS patients who underwent decompressive surgery, 72 of whom participated in the 10-year follow-up. The patients completed a questionnaire preoperatively and 3 months, 5 years, and 10 years postoperatively. Outcome measures were satisfaction with the surgical outcomes, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the visual analog scale (VAS), the numeric rating scale (NRS-11), and walking ability quantified in meters. Postoperative improvements at 5 and 10 years were analyzed using linear mixed models. Furthermore, comparisons between postoperative time points were made for clinical courses of pain, disability, and walking ability.

Results

At the 10-year follow-up, 68% of the patients were satisfied with the surgical outcomes. All the measured outcomes showed statistically significant improvement from baseline to the 5- and 10-year follow-up. The mean VAS score was 9.8 mm higher at the 5-year follow-up and 7.8 mm at the 10-year follow-up compared to the 3-month follow-up point. Similarly, the mean ODI was 4.8% higher at the 10-year follow-up compared to the 3-month follow-up point.

Conclusion

This study reports the clinical course of pain, disability, and walking distance after LSS surgery with the 10-year follow-up. Based on our study results, patients with LSS could expect to have positive effects of their back surgery up to 10 years. However, minor worsening in pain and disability may occur and one-fourth of the patients may need a reoperation during the 10-year follow-up period.