bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The factors relevant to partial remission in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus after measles vaccination: A retrospective study
Authors: Bektaş Gonca , Önal Hasan , Adal Erdal
Published: February 2020

We aimed to identify the determinants of partial remission in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), and whether there is an influence of vaccination against measles on partial remission. This was a retrospective study consisting of consecutive patients diagnosed with type 1 DM followed‐up from 1 September 2010, through 30 November 2011. The study included children vaccinated within 3 months after diagnosis, and children unvaccinated during the first 12 months of the disease. The daily insulin dose, hemoglobin A1c, and C‐peptide levels, and whether children are in partial remission based on the insulin dose‐adjusted HbA1c were recorded at diagnosis and 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 36 months. A total of 55 children with type 1 DM were analyzed. Thirty‐one patients (56.4%) reached partial remission during the follow‐up period, whereas 24 of them did not. Patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis were less likely to reach partial remission than patients without DKA (odds ratio [OR], 0.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.062‐0.946; P = .038). Patients vaccinated against measles were more likely to be in partial remission than patients unvaccinated (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.35‐13; P = .011). Partial remission was significantly associated with the C‐peptide level and insulin dosage at diagnosis P = .002; P = .013, respectively). The lack of DKA, higher C‐peptide level, and lower insulin dosage at diagnosis, and vaccination against measles after diagnosis may have an influence on partial clinical remission in patients with new‐onset type 1 DM.
Development of epitope‐based peptide vaccine against novel coronavirus 2019 (SARS‐COV‐2): Immunoinformatics approach
Authors: Bhattacharya Manojit , Sharma Ashish R. , Patra Prasanta , Ghosh Pratik , Sharma Garima , Patra Bidhan C. , Lee Sang‐Soo , Chakraborty Chiranjib
Published: February 2020

Recently, a novel coronavirus (SARS‐COV‐2) emerged which is responsible for the recent outbreak in Wuhan, China. Genetically, it is closely related to SARS‐CoV and MERS‐CoV. The situation is getting worse and worse, therefore, there is an urgent need for designing a suitable peptide vaccine component against the SARS‐COV‐2. Here, we characterized spike glycoprotein to obtain immunogenic epitopes. Next, we chose 13 Major Histocompatibility Complex‐(MHC) I and 3 MHC‐II epitopes, having antigenic properties. These epitopes are usually linked to specific linkers to build vaccine components and molecularly dock on toll‐like receptor‐5 to get binding affinity. Therefore, to provide a fast immunogenic profile of these epitopes, we performed immunoinformatics analysis so that the rapid development of the vaccine might bring this disastrous situation to the end earlier.
The placenta‐brain‐axis
Authors: Rosenfeld Cheryl S.
Published: February 2020

All mammalian species depend on the placenta, a transient organ, for exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste between the mother and conceptus. Besides serving as a conduit for such exchanges, the placenta produces hormones and other factors that influence maternal physiology and fetal development. To meet all of these adaptations, the placenta has evolved to become the most structurally diverse organ within all mammalian taxa. However, commonalities exist as to how placental responses promote survival againstin uterothreats and can alter the trajectory of fetal development, in particular the brain. Increasing evidence suggests that reactions of the  placenta to variousin uterostressors may lead to long‐standing health outcomes, otherwise considered developmental origin of health and disease effects. Besides transferring nutrients and gases, the placenta produces neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine/epinephrine, that may circulate and influence brain development. Neurobehavioral disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders, likely trace their origins back to placental disturbances. This intimate relationship between the placenta and brain has led to coinage of the term, the placenta‐brain‐axis. This axis will be the focus herein, including how conceptus sex might influence it, and technologies employed to parse out the effects of placental‐specific transcript expression changes on later neurobehavioral disorders. Ultimately, the placenta might provide a historical record ofin uterothreats the fetus confronted and a roadmap to understand how placenta responses to such encounters impacts the placental‐brain‐axis. Improved early diagnostic and preventative approaches may thereby be designed to mitigate such placental disruptions.
Climatology of landfalling atmospheric Rivers and associated heavy precipitation over the Indian coastal regions
Authors: Dhana Laskhmi Douluri , Satyanarayana A.N.V.
Published: February 2020

The Indian coastal regions encountered frequently by extreme weather events such as heavy precipitation events (HPE). In the present study, an assessment has been made to understand the climatological relationship between atmospheric rivers (ARs) and HPEs for Indian coastal regions. For this purpose, India Meteorological Department gridded rainfall dataset, and four different reanalyses datasets for the occurrence of ARs were analysed for different seasons during 1980–2015. The influence of ARs towards the cause of HPEs was stronger over the West coast (WC) compared to the East coast of India (ECI). Over the WC the association between HPE with ARs is ~40% (for rainfall events >124.4·mm·day−1) than East coast (EC) by ~28%. The 64.4–124.4·mm·day−1 events are higher over the WC by ~18% compared to ~5% over the EC. While for the events (<64.4·mm·day−1), the percentage of occurrence is moreover the WC (~7%) compared to the EC (~2%). The study reveals that ARs is in good correlation with the occurrence of HPE. Using Poisson regression model, investigated the relationship between the AR totals in the summer and Northeast monsoon and the large‐scale climate indices. A sufficiently significant negative (positive) dependency observed between ARs and the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) (Indian Ocean Dipole [IOD] and Niño 3.4 indices) with a larger rate of AR occurrence associated with lower SOI values and larger frequency of AR occurrence associated with larger IOD and Niño 3.4 values for both the coasts of India.
Comparisons between marine productivity and terrestrial input records in the Gulf of California over the last 28 ka
Authors: Arellano‐Torres Elsa , Mora‐Rivera Astrid J. , Vázquez‐Romero Paola , Nava‐Sánchez Enrique H. , Kasper‐Zubillaga Juan José , Lozano‐García M. Socorro
Published: February 2020

We study the marine and terrestrial contributions in the Gulf of California (GC) to understand the relationship between continental climate and oceanographic variability over the last 28 ka. In Core AII125‐8‐JPC‐20, we examine aeolian and riverine inputs as nutrients for biological productivity. We use biogenic silica (%opal), total organic carbon (%TOC) and calcium carbonate (%CaCO3) as proxies for primary productivity, and lithic fraction distributions as proxies for terrigenous transport. At the core site, biogenic and lithic components are in phase at millennial‐scale in response to regional climate conditions. During the Late Pleistocene, the GC shelf area was above sea level and the western margin showed transient episodes of increased fluvial inputs. Episodic increases in %opal and reduced %TOC suggest upwelling events but ineffective C‐export to the sediment. During stadial events (Heinrich 2, Heinrich 1, Younger Dryas), regional declines in %opal, but increases in %CaCO3 and TOC, suggest efficient C‐export by carbonate organisms. During most of the Holocene, dust inputs are higher. Episodic increases in %TOC suggest higher C‐accumulation, although this is not controlled by siliceous or calcareous organisms. In the GC, besides upwelling and current advection, nutrient inputs driven by terrestrial climate have an impact on the biological C‐pump. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wavelet transforms in separation science for denoising and peak overlap detection
Authors: Wahab Muhammad Farooq , O'Haver Thomas C.
Published: February 2020

Wavelet transform is a versatile time‐frequency analysis technique, which allows localization of useful signals in time or space and separates them from noise. The detector output from any analytical instrument is mathematically equivalent to a digital image. Signals obtained in chemical separations that vary in time (e.g., high‐performance liquid chromatography) or space (e.g., planar chromatography) are amenable to wavelet analysis. This article gives an overview of wavelet analysis, and graphically explains all the relevant concepts. Continuous wavelet transform and discrete wavelet transform concepts are pictorially explained along with their chromatographic applications. An example is shown for qualitative peak overlap detection in a noisy chromatogram using continuous wavelet transform. The concept of signal decomposition, denoising, and then signal reconstruction is graphically discussed for discrete wavelet transform. All the digital filters in chromatographic instruments used today potentially broaden and distort narrow peaks. Finally, a low signal‐to‐noise ratio chromatogram is denoised using the procedure. Significant gains (>tenfold) in signal‐to‐noise ratio are shown with wavelet analysis. Peaks that were not initially visible were recovered with good accuracy. Since discrete wavelet transform denoising analysis applies to any detector used in separation science, researchers should strongly consider using wavelets for their research.
Success of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Using Mandibular Advancement During Sleep Endoscopy
Authors: Mulholland Graeme B. , Dedhia Raj C.
Published: February 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) effectively treats obstructive sleep apnea in select patients. Drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is required for HGNS candidacy. Data suggest that mandibular advancement (MA) devices and HGNS share similar target populations. We aimed to test the association between MA's effect on the velum and lateral walls during DISE in relation to the improvement in the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) with HGNS.

Study Design

Prospective case series

Methods

All patients completed preoperative polysomnography or home sleep study, DISE with MA prior to HGNS implantation, and full‐night efficacy sleep tests. Adult patients with body mass index (BMI) ≤ 35 and AHI ≥ 15 were included. Two independent reviewers scored DISE videos.

Results

Forty‐six patients were included from October 2015 to January 2019. Mean BMI (standard deviation) was 28.5 (3.7) kg/m2. Patients with a reduced airway response to MA had greater AHI improvement than patients with a robust response (21.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.4 to 29.0 vs. 4.9, 95% CI: −8.9 to 18.6; P = .03). Patients with complete baseline collapse at the velum and lateral walls (n = 11) had less response compared to those with partial collapse (n = 35) (AHI reduction of 4.4 [95% CI: −8.6 to 17.4] vs. 22.3 [95% CI: 15.1 to 29.6; P = .02]).

Conclusions

Patients having significant airway improvement in the upper pharynx with MA during DISE appear less likely to succeed with HGNS. This phenomenon might be secondary to the worsened baseline obstruction of the upper pharynx in such patients.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2020
A Novel Sonographic Scoring Model in the Prediction of Major Salivary Gland Tumors
Authors: Lo Wu‐Chia , Chang Chih‐Ming , Wang Chi‐Te , Cheng Po‐Wen , Liao Li‐Jen
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To create a sonographic scoring model in the prediction of major salivary gland tumors and to assess the utility of this predictive model.

Study Design

Retrospective case series, academic tertiary referral center.

Methods

Two hundred fifty‐nine patients who underwent ultrasound (US), US‐guided needle biopsies, and subsequent operations were enrolled. These data were used to build a predictive scoring model and the model was validated by 10‐fold cross‐validation.

Results

We constructed a sonographic scoring model by multivariate logistic regression analysis: 2.08 × (boundary) + 1.75 × (regional lymphadenopathy) + 1.18 × (shape) + 1.45 × (posterior acoustic enhancement) + 2.4 × (calcification). The optimal cutoff score was 3, corresponding to 70.2% sensitivity, 93.9% specificity, and 89.6% overall accuracy. The mean areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (c‐statistic) in 10‐fold cross‐validation was 0.90.

Conclusions

The constructed predictive scoring model is beneficial for patient counseling under US exam and feasible to provide us the guidance on which kind of needle biopsy should be performed in major salivary gland tumors.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 131:E157–E162, 2021
The impact of pronoun choices on consumer engagement actions: Exploring top global brands' social media communications
Authors: Labrecque Lauren I. , Swani Kunal , Stephen Andrew T.
Published: February 2020

To enhance the understanding of consumer engagement with brand content on social media, this study examines how pronoun choices affect different types of consumer engagement (e.g., likes, comments, shares) by simultaneously exploring five different pronoun types (first‐person singular, first‐person plural, second person, third‐person singular, and third‐person plural). Furthermore, this study explores how the effects of these linguistic (pronoun) choices vary across two brand classifications: characteristics (hedonic vs. utilitarian) and offerings (goods vs. services). The proposed multivariate Poisson regression model, analyzing 15,788 unique brand posts from Facebook over an 8‐month period, reveals differences in engagement due to pronoun usage across brand classifications. These results offer a deeper understanding of how the way brands talk to consumers on social media platforms influences consumers' attitudes (likes), propensity to engage with the brand (comments), and willingness to share branded content with their social networks (shares) across different brand classifications.
A Pilot Double‐Blind Randomized Trial of Perampanel for Essential Tremor
Authors: Handforth Adrian , Tse Winona , Elble Rodger J.
Published: February 2020

Background

Perampanel is a noncompetitive antagonist of alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole propionic acid glutamate receptors suggested to modulate tremor.

Objectives

To assess the efficacy and tolerability of perampanel for essential tremor.

Methods

This was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized, cross‐over trial involving 26 patients titrated to 8 mg/day or a lower maximally tolerated dose as monotherapy or adjunct to antitremor medication. Tremor was assessed at the beginning and end of each 14‐week treatment arm. The primary endpoint was change in the videotaped performance subscale of The Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale, scored by a blinded rater. Secondary endpoints included change in The Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale Activity of Daily Living and Quality of Life in Essential Tremor and Subject Global Impression of Change subscales.

Results

Data are available for 15 and 11 participants who completed placebo and perampanel arms, respectively. Perampanel was superior to placebo on the primary endpoint (P = 0.028), Activity of Daily Living (P = 0.009), and Subject Global Impression of Change (P = 0.016), but not Quality of Life (p = 0.48). Video scores were rated >50% improved in 3/11 on perampanel and 0/15 on placebo. Adverse events were more likely on perampanel (especially at >4 mg/day) than on placebo, leading to withdrawal (36% vs. 10%) and dose reduction (41% vs. 15%). Adverse events more common with perampanel included imbalance/falls (50% vs. 10%), dizziness (36% vs. 10%), and irritability (27% vs. 5%).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that perampanel exerts efficacy for some persons with essential tremor, but this population appears prone to adverse events.
MIR‐138‐5P inhibits the progression of prostate cancer by targeting FOXC1
Authors: Huang Hui , Xiong Ying , Wu Zhensheng , He Yuhui , Gao Xianglin , Zhou Zhangyan , Wang Tao
Published: February 2020

Background

Studies have suggested that micro‐RNAs (miRNAs) can function as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor in cancers. However, the role of MIR‐138‐5P (613394) in prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear.

Methods

Expression level of MIR‐138‐5P in PCa cell lines and normal cell line was analyzed with the quantitative real‐time PCR method. Cell counting kit‐8 assay, colony formation assay, wound‐healing assay, and transwell invasion assay were performed to analyze the biological functions of MIR‐138‐5P.

Results

We showed MIR‐138‐5P expression level was significantly decreased in PCa cell lines compared with the normal cell line. Overexpression of MIR‐138‐5P inhibits PCa cell proliferation, colony formation, cell migration, and cell invasion in vitro. Mechanistically, we showed Forkhead box C1 (FOXC1, 601090) was a direct target for MIR‐138‐5P in PCa. We confirmed that overexpression of FOXC1 partially reversed the effects of MIR‐138‐5P on PCa cell behaviors.

Conclusions

Collectively, we showed that MIR‐138‐5P functions as a tumor suppressor gene in PCa via targeting FOXC1.
Conference report on contractures in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions
Authors: Nuckolls Glen H. , Kinnett Kathi , Dayanidhi Sudarshan , Domenighetti Andrea A. , Duong Tina , Hathout Yetrib , Lawlor Michael W. , Lee Sabrina S. M. , Magnusson S. Peter , McDonald Craig M. , McNally Elizabeth M. , Miller Natalie F. , Olwin Bradley B. , Raghavan Preeti , Roberts Thomas J. , Rutkove Seward B. , Sarwark John F. , Senesac Claudia R. , Vogel Leslie F. , Walter Glenn A. , Willcocks Rebecca J. , Rymer William Z. , Lieber Richard L.
Published: February 2020

Limb contractures are debilitating complications associated with various muscle and nervous system disorders. This report summarizes presentations at a conference at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, Illinois, on April 19–20, 2018, involving researchers and physicians from diverse disciplines who convened to discuss current clinical and preclinical understanding of contractures in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, stroke, cerebral palsy, and other conditions. Presenters described changes in muscle architecture, activation, extracellular matrix, satellite cells, and muscle fiber sarcomeric structure that accompany or predispose muscles to contracture. Participants identified ongoing and future research directions that may lead to understanding of the intersecting factors that trigger contractures. These include additional studies of changes in muscle, tendon, joint, and neuronal tissues during contracture development with imaging, molecular, and physiologic approaches. Participants identified the requirement for improved biomarkers and outcome measures to identify patients likely to develop contractures and to accurately measure efficacy of treatments currently available and under development.
Optimal reference electrode placement for accessory and axillary nerve conduction studies
Authors: Day Timothy J.
Published: February 2020

Background

Various techniques are described for proximal motor nerve conduction studies (NCSs). We investigated alternative reference electrode (E2) locations for accessory and axillary NCSs.

Methods

Multi‐channel recordings were made from trapezius or deltoid referred to different sites, and from those sites referred to a remote electrode. Responses were compared using grouped statistics, and correlation analysis.

Results

For accessory NCSs, all belly:E2 montages showed comparable responses but axillary NCSs were more variable. Low amplitude contamination was seen at the sternum and contralateral acromion but greater distortion using other potential E2 sites. In both accessory and axillary studies, the ipsilateral acromion showed moderate activity, which correlated with the belly:remote response.

Conclusions

Variation in E2 electrode sites may significantly distort the measured compound muscle action potential (CMAP). For accessory and axillary NCS, a sternal reference has favorable characteristics. Other sites, such as ipsilateral acromion or deltoid insertion, may not yield a representative CMAP.
The role of bladder wall thickness in the evaluation of detrusor underactivity: Development of a clinical nomogram
Authors: De Nunzio Cosimo , Lombardo Riccardo , Cicione Antonio , Trucchi Alberto , Carter Simon , Tema Giorgia , Nacchia Antonio , Vicentini Carlo , Tubaro Andrea
Published: February 2020

Aims

The aim of our study was to investigate noninvasive predictors for detrusor underactivity (DUA) in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).

Methods

A consecutive series of patients aged 45 years or older with non‐neurogenic LUTS were prospectively enrolled. Patients underwent standard diagnostic assessment including International Prostatic Symptoms Score, uroflowmetry, urodynamic studies (cystometry and pressure‐flow studies), transrectal ultrasound of the prostate, and ultrasound measurements of the bladder wall thickness (BWT). Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate predictors of DUA, defined as a bladder contractility index < 100 mm H2O. A nomogram was developed based on the multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

Overall 448 patients with a mean age of 66 ± 11 years were enrolled. In a multivariable logistic age‐adjusted regression model BWT (odds ratio [OR]: 0.50 per mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30‐0‐66; P = .001) and Qmax (OR: 0.75 per mL/s; 95% CI, 0.70‐0.81; P = .001) were significant predictors for DUA. The nomogram based on the model presented good discrimination (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.82), good calibration (Hosmer‐Lemeshow test, P > .05) and a net benefit in the range of probabilities between 10% and 80%.

Conclusions

According to our results, BWT and Qmax can noninvasively predict the presence of DUA in patients with LUTS and BPE. Although our study should be confirmed in a larger prospective cohort, we present the first available nomogram for the prediction of DUA in patients with LUTS.
Wound healing improvement by curcumin‐loaded electrospun nanofibers and BFP‐MSCs as a bioactive dressing
Authors: Golchin Ali , Hosseinzadeh Simzar , Jouybar Aytak , Staji Masumeh , Soleimani Masoud , Ardeshirylajimi Abdolreza , Khojasteh Arash
Published: February 2020

Wound healing, one of the most complex processes of the body involving the cooperation of several important biomolecules and pathways, is one of the major therapeutic and economic issues in regenerative medicine. The present study aimed to introduce a novel electrospun curcumin (Cur)‐incorporated chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/carbopol/polycaprolactone nanofibrous composite for concurrent delivery of the buccal fat pad‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BFP‐MSCs) and Cur to a full‐thickness wound on the mouse model. Scaffolds were characterized structurally using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fluorescence microscopy imaging and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and toxicity of the scaffolds was also evaluated after BFP‐MSC seeding by SEM imaging and 3‐(4,5 dimethyiazol‐2‐1)‐2‐5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Then, its influence on the wound‐healing process was investigated as a wound dressing for a full‐thickness skin defect in mouse model. Results demonstrated that the designed composite scaffolds have the capability for cell seeding and support their growth and proliferation. Macroscopic and histopathological characteristics were evaluated at the end of the 7 and 14 days after surgery, and their results showed that our designed scaffold groups accelerated the wound‐healing process compared with the control group. Among those, scaffold/Cur, scaffold/Cur/BFP‐MSC and scaffold/BFP‐MSC groups demonstrated more wound repair efficacy. These results indicated that the combined grafts can be used to improve the wound‐healing process, and therefore, the electrospun nanofibers presented in this study, Cur and BFP‐MSC together, were demonstrated to have promising potential for wound‐dressing applications.
Effects of host‐directed therapies on the pathology of tuberculosis
Authors: Tsenova Liana , Singhal Amit
Published: February 2020

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), has co‐evolved with the human immune system and utilizes multiple strategies to persist within infected cells, to hijack several immune mechanisms, and to cause severe pathology and tissue damage in the host. This delays the efficacy of current antibiotic therapy and contributes to the evolution of multi‐drug‐resistant strains. These challenges led to the development of the novel approach in TB treatment that involves therapeutic targeting of host immune response to control disease pathogenesis and pathogen growth, namely, host‐directed therapies (HDTs). Such HDT approaches can (1) enhance the effect of antibiotics, (2) shorten treatment duration for any clinical form of TB, (3) promote development of immunological memory that could protect against relapse, and (4) ameliorate the immunopathology including matrix destruction and fibrosis associated with TB. In this review we discuss TB‐HDT candidates shown to be of clinical relevance that thus could be developed to reduce pathology, tissue damage, and subsequent impairment of pulmonary function. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Permeation of CO2 and N2 through glassy poly(dimethyl phenylene) oxide under steady‐ and presteady‐state conditions
Authors: Soniat Marielle , Tesfaye Meron , Mafi Amirhossein , Brooks Daniel J. , Humphrey Nicholas D. , Weng Lien‐Chun , Merinov Boris , Goddard William A. , Weber Adam Z. , Houle Frances A.
Published: February 2020

Glassy polymers are often used for gas separations because of their high selectivity. Although the dual‐mode permeation model correctly fits their sorption and permeation isotherms, its physical interpretation is disputed, and it does not describe permeation far from steady state, a condition expected when separations involve intermittent renewable energy sources. To develop a more comprehensive permeation model, we combine experiment, molecular dynamics, and multiscale reaction–diffusion modeling to characterize the time‐dependent permeation of N2 and CO2 through a glassy poly(dimethyl phenylene oxide) membrane, a model system. Simulations of experimental time‐dependent permeation data for both gases in the presteady‐state and steady‐state regimes show that both single‐ and dual‐mode reaction–diffusion models reproduce the experimental observations, and that sorbed gas concentrations lag the external pressure rise. The results point to environment‐sensitive diffusion coefficients as a vital characteristic of transport in glassy polymers.
Nutritional status, intake, and outcomes in critically ill children with bronchiolitis
Authors: Ng Glenn Y. H. , Ong Chengsi , Wong Judith J. M. , Teoh Oon Hoe , Sultana Rehena , Mok Yee Hui , Lee Jan Hau
Published: February 2020

Background

Optimal nutrition in children with severe bronchiolitis remains poorly described. We aimed to describe nutritional status and practices in children with severe bronchiolitis requiring admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and explore their associations with outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study on patients with bronchiolitis requiring PICU stay from 2009 to 2014. Demographics, medical data, and baseline weight‐for‐length Z‐scores (WLZ) were collected. In patients requiring more than 48 hours of PICU stay, nutritional intake data in the first 3 days of PICU stay were collected. Underfeeding and overfeeding were defined as the median energy intake of less than 80% and more than 120% of requirements, respectively. Protein adequacy was defined as intake of more than 1.5 g/kg/d. Primary and secondary outcomes of interest were the duration of PICU stay and mechanical ventilation (MV), respectively.

Results

Seventy‐four patients were included, with a median PICU stay of 4.9 days (interquartile range 2.0‐8.2). Low WLZ at baseline was associated with longer duration of PICU stay (adjusted β: 4.33 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49‐8.18]; P = .028) and MV days (adjusted β: 4.87 [95% CI, 1.56‐8.18]; P = .008) compared to appropriate WLZ. In patients with ≥48 hours PICU stay, protein adequacy was significantly associated with greater PICU (adjusted β coefficient, 6.35 [95% CI, 1.66‐11.0]; P = .009) and MV days (adjusted β coefficient, 5.22 [95% CI, 1.06‐9.38]; P = .015).

Conclusion

Among bronchiolitis patients admitted to the PICU, low WLZ at admission was associated with a longer duration of PICU stay and MV. Protein adequacy was associated with longer PICU and MV days in children with ≥48 hours of PICU stay.
Nocturnal hypoventilation in Down syndrome children with or without sleep apnea
Authors: Richard Nicolas , Beydon Nicole , Berdah Laura , Corvol Harriet , Aubertin Guillaume , Taytard Jessica
Published: February 2020

Background

There is a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children with Down syndrome (DS), sometimes associated with alveolar hypoventilation.

Objective

To compare transcutaneous partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PtcCO2) and pulse oximetry (SpO2) in children with DS and in control children with OSA.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective case‐control study involved children followed in Trousseau Hospital (Paris) Sleep Center. Polysomnography (PSG) recordings and clinical files of children with DS were reviewed to identify clinical signs of OSA and comorbidities associated with DS. Controls were children who presented with OSA of ENT origin without other comorbidities (exceptions: two overweight, one obese, and three with well‐controlled asthma). DS subjects and controls were matched for age and apnea hypopnea index.

Results

There were 28 children in each group. Mean PtcCO2 during sleep was significantly higher in patients with DS compared to controls (44 mm Hg vs 42 mm Hg, P = .001). Five (21%) patients with DS met the American Academy of Sleep medicine criteria for hypoventilation, compared to one (4%) in the control group. The mean PtcO2 during sleep was significantly lower in patients with DS (77 mm Hg vs 82 mm Hg, P = .003).

Conclusions

This is the first study to compare nocturnal gas exchange in children with DS to a control group of children with similar OSA. Our data demonstrate that children with DS have increased PtcCO2 regardless of the presence of OSA and its severity. This may be due to respiratory muscle hypotonia and/or ventilatory control alteration in patients with DS.
Investigation on Hump Mechanism in Amorphous SiZnSnO Thin‐Film Transistor Depending on Si Concentration
Authors: Lee Ji Ye , Lee Sang Yeol
Published: February 2020

For the amorphous SiZnSnO (a‐SZTO) thin‐film transistor (TFT), Si can suppress oxygen vacancies, mainly due to higher bonding strength with O compared with Zn or Sn in amorphous oxide ZnSnO semiconductors. When these devices are driven at a low power, a nonideal transfer characteristic of hump phenomenon is observed. As Si concentration increases, this phenomenon is also found even at high voltage. The Si doping changes not only the electrical performance but also the bandgap state. As the Si concentration increases, the conduction band (Ec) raises up to vacuum level. In general, when metal and semiconductor are contacted, a band bending phenomenon occurs at a contact interface due to different work function. This change in Ec caused by the bandgap change due to Si doping also affects the band bending that can form different barriers at the interface between the metal and the channel. When low drain‐to‐source voltage (Vds) is induced, band bending can act as a barrier and cause a hump. So, the hump phenomenon is carefully observed if low Vds is applied to TFT. To make a low‐power device, the work function difference between metal and semiconductor must be considered.
New mass spectrometry concepts for characterization of synthetic polymers and additives
Authors: Inutan Ellen D. , Meher Anil K. , Karki Santosh , Fischer Joshua L. , Imperial Lorelie F. , Foley Casey D. , Jarois Dean R. , El‐Baba Tarick J. , Lutomski Corinne A. , Trimpin Sarah
Published: February 2020

Rationale

New ionization processes have been developed for biological mass spectrometry (MS) in which the matrix lifts the nonvolatile analyte into the gas phase as ions without any additional energy input. We rationalized that additional fundamental knowledge is needed to assess analytical utility for the field of synthetic polymers and additives.

Methods

Different mass spectrometers (Thermo Orbitrap (Q‐)Exactive (Focus); Waters SYNAPT G2(S)) were employed. The formation of multiply charged polymer ions upon exposure of the matrix/analyte(/salt) sample to sub‐atmospheric pressure directly from the solid state and surfaces facilitates the use of advanced mass spectrometers for detection of polymeric materials including consumer products (e.g., gum).

Results

Astonishingly, using nothing more than a small molecule matrix compound (e.g., 2‐methyl‐2‐nitropropane‐1,3‐diol or 3‐nitrobenzonitrile) and a salt (e.g., mono‐ or divalent cation(s)), such samples upon exposure to sub‐atmospheric pressure transfer nonvolatile polymers and nonvolatile salts into the gas phase as multiply charged ions. These successes contradict the conventional understanding of ionization in MS, because can nonvolatile polymers be lifted in the gas phase as ions not only by as little as a volatile matrix but also by the salt required for ionizing the analyte through noncovalent metal cation adduction(s). Prototype vacuum matrix‐assisted ionization (vMAI) and automated sources using a contactless approach are demonstrated for direct analyses of synthetic polymers and plasticizers, minimizing the risk of contamination using direct sample introduction into the mass spectrometer vacuum.

Conclusions

Direct ionization methods from surfaces without the need of high voltage, a laser, or even applied heat are demonstrated for characterization of detailed materials using (ultra)high‐resolution and accurate mass measurements enabled by the multiply charged ions extending the mass range of high‐performance mass spectrometers and use of a split probe sample introduction device. Our vision is that, with further development of fundamentals and dedicated sources, both spatial‐ and temporal‐resolution measurements are within reach if sensitivity is addressed for decreasing sample‐size measurements.
Mass spectral fragmentation analyses of isotopically labelled hydroxy steroids using gas chromatography/electron ionization low‐resolution mass spectrometry: A practical approach
Authors: Kollmeier Annette Sophie , Parr Maria Kristina
Published: February 2020

Rationale

Gas chromatography coupled to electron ionization mass spectrometry (GC/EI‐MS) is used for routine screening of anabolic steroids in many laboratories after the conversion of polar groups into trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives. The aim of this work is to elucidate the origin and formation of common and subclass‐specific fragments in the mass spectra of TMS‐derivatized steroids. Especially in the context of metabolite identification or analysis of designer drugs, isotopic labelling is helpful to better understand fragment ion generation, identify unknown compounds and update established screening methods.

Methods

Stable isotope labelling procedures for the introduction of [2H9]‐TMS or 18O were established to generate perdeuterotrimethylsilylated, mixed deuterated and 18O‐labelled derivatives for 13 different hydroxy steroids. Fragmentation proposals were substantiated by comparison of the abundances of isotopically labelled and unlabelled fragment ions in unit mass resolution GC/MS. Specific fragmentations were also investigated by high‐resolution MS (GC/quadrupole time‐of‐flight MS, GC/QTOFMS).

Results

Methyl radical cleavage occurs primarily from the TMS groups in saturated androstanes and from the steroid nucleus in the case of enol‐TMS of oxo or α,β‐unsaturated steroid ketones. Loss of trimethylsilanol (TMSOH) is dependent on steric factors, degree of saturation of the steroid backbone and the availability of a hydrogen atom and TMSO group in the 1,3‐diaxial position. For the formation of the [M – 105]+ fragment ion, methyl radical cleavage predominates from the angular methyl groups in position C‐18 or C‐19 and is independent of the site of TMSOH loss. The common [M – 15 – 76]+ fragment ion was found in low abundance and identified as [M – CH3 – (CH3)2SiH – OH]+. For the different steroid subclasses further diagnostic fragment ions were discussed and structure proposals postulated.

Conclusions

Stable isotope labelling of oxo groups as well as derivatization with deuterated TMS groups enables the detection of structure‐related fragment ion generation in unit mass resolution GC/EI‐MS. This may in turn allow us to propose isomeric assignments that are otherwise almost impossible using MS only.
Cooperative path following of constrained autonomous vehicles with model predictive control and event‐triggered communications
Authors: Hung Nguyen T. , Pascoal Antonio M. , Johansen Tor A.
Published: February 2020

We present a solution to the problem of multiple vehicle cooperative path following (CPF) that takes explicitly into account vehicle input constraints, the topology of the intervehicle communication network, and time‐varying communication delays. The objective is to steer a group of vehicles along given spatial paths, at speeds that may be path dependent, while holding a feasible geometric formation. The solution involves decoupling the original CPF problem into two subproblems: (i) single path following of input‐constrained vehicles and (ii) coordination of an input‐constrained multiagent system. The first is solved by adopting a sampled‐data model predictive control scheme, whereas the latter is tackled using a novel distributed control law with an event‐triggered communication (ETC) mechanism. The proposed strategy yields a closed‐loop CPF system that is input‐to‐state‐stable with respect to the system's state (consisting of the path following error of all vehicles and their coordination errors) and the system's input, which includes triggering thresholds for ETC communications and communication delays. Furthermore, with the proposed ETC mechanism, the number of communications among the vehicles are significantly reduced. Simulation examples of multiple autonomous vehicles executing CPF maneuvers in 2D under different communication scenarios illustrate the efficacy of the CPF strategy proposed.
A 3D reactive collision avoidance algorithm for underactuated underwater vehicles
Authors: Wiig Martin S. , Pettersen Kristin Y. , Krogstad Thomas R.
Published: February 2020

Avoiding collisions is an essential goal of the control system of autonomous vehicles. This paper presents a reactive algorithm for avoiding obstacles in a three‐dimensional space, and shows how the algorithm can be applied to an underactuated underwater vehicle. The algorithm is based on maintaining a constant avoidance angle to the obstacle, which ensures that a guaranteed minimum separation distance is achieved. The algorithm can thus be implemented without knowledge of the obstacle shape. The avoidance angle is designed to compensate for obstacle movement, and the flexibility of operating in 3D can be utilized to implement traffic rules or operational constraints. We exemplify this by incorporating safety constraints on the vehicle pitch and by making the vehicle seek to move behind the obstacle, while also minimizing the required control effort. The underactuation of the vehicle induces a sway and heave movement while turning. To avoid uncontrolled gliding into the obstacle, we account for this movement using a Flow frame controller, which controls the direction of the vehicle's velocity rather than just the pitch and yaw. We derive conditions under which it is ensured that the resulting maneuver is safe, and these results are verified trough simulations and through full‐scale experiments on the Hugin HUS autonomous underwater vehicle. The latter demonstrates the performance of the proposed algorithm when applied to a case with unmodeled disturbances and sensor noise, and shows how the modular nature of the collision avoidance algorithm allows it to be applied on top of a commercial control system.
Controlling the Facet of ZnO during Wet Chemical Etching Its (0001¯) O‐Terminated Surface
Authors: Sun Mei , Yu Bocheng , Hong Mengyu , Li Zhiwei , Lyu Fengjiao , Li Xing , Li Zhihong , Wei Xianlong , Zhang Zheng , Zhang Yue , Chen Qing
Published: February 2020

Special surface plays a crucial role in nature as well as in industry. Here, the surface morphology evolution of ZnO during wet etching is studied by in situ liquid cell transmission electron microscopy and ex situ wet chemical etching. Many hillocks are observed on the (000) O‐terminated surface of ZnO nano/micro belts during in situ etching. Nanoparticles on the apex of the hillocks are observed to be essential for the formation of the hillocks, providing direct experimental evidence of the micromasking mechanism. The surfaces of the hillocks are identified to be {01} crystal facets, which is different from the known fact that {01} crystal facets appear on the (000) O‐terminated surface of ZnO after wet chemical etching. O2 plasma treatment is found to be the key factor for the appearance of {01} instead of {01} crystal facets after etching for both ZnO nano/micro belts and bulk materials. The synergistic effect of acidic etching and O‐rich surface caused by O2 plasma treatment is proposed to be the cause of the appearance of {01} crystal facets. This method can be extended to control the surface morphology of other materials during wet chemical etching.
Electrochemical CO2 and Proton Reduction by a Co(dithiacyclam) Complex
Authors: Iffland Linda , Siegmund Daniel , Apfel Ulf‐Peter
Published: February 2020

While [Ni(cyclam)]2+ and [Ni(dithiacyclam)]2+ complexes were shown to be potent electrocatalysts for the CO2 conversion, their respective Co complexes hitherto received only little attention. Herein, we report on the CoII complexes of the cyclam and dithiacyclam platform, describe their synthesis and reveal their rich solvent dependent coordination chemistry. We show that sulfur implementation into the cyclam moiety leads to a switch from a low spin CoII complex in [Co(cyclam)]2+ to a high spin form in [Co(dithiacyclam)]2+. Notably, while both complexes are capable to perform the reduction of CO2 to CO, H2 formation is generally preferred. Along this line, the complexes were shown to enable proton reduction from acetic acid. However, in comparison to [Co(cyclam)]2+, the altered electronics make [Co(dithiacyclam)]2+ complexes prone to deposit on the glassy carbon working electrode over time leading to an overall low faradaic efficiency for the reduction of protons or CO2.
Generalized piezoelectric thermoelasticity problems with strain rate and transient thermo‐electromechanical responses analysis
Authors: Li Chenlin , Guo Huili , Tian Xiaogeng , He Tianhu
Published: February 2020

Piezoelectric materials have become one of the most promising candidates for a new class of smart structures which are widely used as sensors and actuators in control systems due to their superior electromechanical performance and high‐efficiency in electro‐mechanical energy conversion. In recent years, although there are many papers of theoretical modeling of generalized piezoelectric thermoelasticity that considered the piezoelectric‐thermoelastic coupling of piezoelectric structures serving in the extreme fast heating environment (e.g. ultra‐fast laser), the strain relaxation effect has not been considered yet. This work aims to investigate the generalized piezoelectricity problem with strain rate with the aid of extended thermodynamic principles, and corresponding generalized variational theorem is also strictly formulated to provide a complete rationale for numerical method by using semi‐inverse method. For numerical evaluation, transient thermo‐electromechanical responses of a one‐dimensional semi‐infinite piezoelectric medium with one end subjecting to a sudden thermal loading are considered and solved by applying Laplace transformation methods. Then the transient responses of temperature, displacement, strain, stress and electric potential are obtained and illustrated graphically, and the influences of strain relaxation parameters on them are also analyzed and discussed.
Untangling Context and Composition
Authors: Leyland Alastair H. , Groenewegen Peter P.
Published: February 2020

This chapter contains a tutorial that helps to untangle contextual and compositional effects. We start from a typical, empty table and then proceed to fill this table. The example data set concerns patterns of incidence of cardiovascular disease in small areas in Scotland. The outcome or dependent variable is whether or not a survey respondent had self-reported doctor-diagnosed cardiovascular disease. The first step in the analysis is to estimate a null model. We then estimate the fixed effects of two individual-level variables, social class and smoking status, one by one. The final model looks at the fixed effects of all three variables. With these steps the empty table can be filled and we can interpret the results in terms of context and composition.

In this chapter, we describe the analysis of these data using MLwiN.
Exploration Through Process Drama with Kindergarten Children
Authors: Ødemotland Siv
Published: February 2020

Process drama refers to social, educational and artistic activity carried out by a teacher in a classroom. Specifically, process drama can be used to explore an everyday problem or a specific situation or theme through artistic activities or unscripted drama and play. A teacher may choose activities from a variety of drama conventions and create activities that challenge children to actively investigate questions, issues or dilemmas from different angles. Drama activities in kindergarten are closely related to children’s role-play, and the two mutually influence one another. For example, when participating in process drama, children may regard the activity as play that involves meaning, joy and excitement. This implies that process drama is one means of openly encouraging children to explore. The teacher’s own knowledge, skills and playfulness also influence this process.

Few research studies have examined the concept of process drama or the concept of exploration in process drama for children aged 3–6. This chapter will expand knowledge in this field by examining the following research question: How does exploration occur in the activities of process drama? Examples will be taken from the observations of an early childhood educational setting. This chapter will specifically examine how process drama can be performed in settings with children aged 3–6 and how exploration plays a part. Furthermore, the teacher’s role in the activities of process drama will be analysed and discussed. Vygotsky’s concepts of play and child development are crucial for this discussion. The chapter will therefore discuss possible practices and means of child engagement in exploration (Vygotsky LS: Play and its role in the mental development of the child. In: Bruner J, Jolly A, Sylva K (eds) Play: its role in development and evolution. Basic Books, New York, pp 537–554, 1967).