bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective Analysis of Large-Dose Intrapleural Alteplase for Complicated Pediatric Parapneumonic Effusion and Empyema
Authors: Taylor Jessica L. , Liu Meixia , Hoff David S. 
Published: October 2020

OBJECTIVES: Medical treatment of complicated parapneumonic effusion or empyema in pediatric patients includes antibiotics and pleural space drainage. Intrapleural fibrinolysis may facilitate pleural drainage; however, there is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal dosing regimen. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a large-dose intrapleural alteplase regimen in pediatric patients. Secondarily, this investigation sought to differentiate the clinical characteristics of responders and non-responders to intrapleural alteplase therapy.
METHODS: All patients with parapneumonic effusions treated with intrapleural alteplase between June 2003 and December 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Efficacy was assessed by comparing chest tube output, in mL/hr and mL/kg/hr, for 24 hours before and after the first dose of alteplase. Additional efficacy outcomes included duration of in situ chest tubes, a need for surgical intervention for pleural effusion, and length of hospital stay. Safety was assessed by frequency and severity of adverse events. Non-responders and responders were compared based on demographic and disease characteristics. Responders were defined as patients who did not require surgical intervention after intrapleural alteplase therapy.
RESULTS: Seventy-three patients, aged 0.5 to 22.5 years, received intrapleural alteplase to facilitate pleural drainage. Median alteplase dose was 7 mg (range, 3 to 10 mg; median 0.38 mg/kg). Chest tube output increased from 10.7 to 24.2 mL/hr (p = 0.006), and median length of hospital stay was 9 days. Eighty-four percent of patients were responders. The most common adverse events were pain (20.5%) and oxygen desaturation greater than 10% from baseline (16.4%). High-flow nasal cannula was the most common intervention for oxygen desaturation to 80% to 90%. Nine patients (12%) required a blood transfusion during the study.
CONCLUSION: Large-dose intrapleural alteplase is effective in facilitating pleural drainage in pediatric patients with complicated parapneumonic effusion or empyema. Common adverse effects include pain and oxygen desaturation. The potential for bleeding warrants clinical monitoring.
Evaluation of an Alternative Intravenous N-Acetylcysteine Regimen in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Pauley Kathryn A. , Sandritter Tracy L. , Lowry Jennifer A. , Algren D. Adam 
Published: October 2020

OBJECTIVE: Conventionally, intravenous N-acetylcysteine (IV-NAC) administration is a 3-bag regimen administered over the course of 21 hours, which increases the risk of reconstitution and administration errors. To minimize errors, an alternative IV-NAC regimen consists of a loading dose (150 mg/kg) followed by a maintenance infusion (15 mg/kg/hr) until termination criteria are met. The aim was to determine the clinical outcomes of an alternative IV-NAC regimen in pediatric patients.METHODS: A retrospective review of pharmacy dispensing records and diagnostic codes at a pediatric hospital identified patients who received alternative IV-NAC dosing from March 1, 2008, to September 10, 2012, for acetaminophen overdoses. Exclusion criteria included chronic liver disease, initiation of oral or other IV-NAC regimens, and initiation of standard IV-NAC infusion prior to facility transfer. Clinical and laboratory data were abstracted from the electronic medical record. Descriptive statistics were utilized. Clinical outcomes and adverse drug reaction incidences were compared between the alternative and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved IV-NAC regimens.RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients (mean age 13.4 ± 4.3 years; range: 2 months-18 years) with acetaminophen overdoses were identified. Upon IV-NAC discontinuation, 45 patients had normal alanine transaminase (ALT) concentrations, while 14 patients' ALT concentrations remained elevated (median 140 units/L) but were trending downward. Two patients (3.4%) developed hepatotoxicity (aspartate transaminase/ALT &gt; 1000 units/L). No patients developed hepatic failure, were listed for a liver transplant, were intubated, underwent hemodialysis, or died. Two patients (3.4%) developed anaphylactoid reactions. No known medication or administration errors occurred. Clinical outcome incidences of the studied endpoints with the alternative IV-NAC regimen are at the lower end of published incidence ranges compared to the FDA IV-NAC regimen for acetaminophen overdoses.CONCLUSIONS: This alternative IV-NAC regimen appears to be effective and well tolerated among pediatric patients when compared to the FDA-approved regimen. It may also result in fewer reconstitution and administration errors, leading to improved patient safety.
Impact of Clinical Pharmacist on the Pediatric Intensive Care Practice: An 11-Year Tertiary Center Experience
Authors: Tripathi Sandeep , Crabtree Heidi M. , Fryer Karen R. , Graner Kevin K. , Arteaga Grace M. 
Published: October 2020

OBJECTIVES: With increasing complexity of critical care medicine comes an increasing need for multidisciplinary involvement in care. In many institutions, pharmacists are an integral part of this team, but long-term data on the interventions performed by pharmacists and their effects on patient care and outcomes are limited. We aimed to describe the role of pediatric clinical pharmacists in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) practice.METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of pharmacy interventions in the PICU at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from 2003-2013, with a distinct period of increased pharmacist presence in the PICU from 2008 onward. We compared demographic and outcome data on patients who did and who did not have pharmacy interventions during 2 periods (2003–2007 and 2008–2013).RESULTS: We identified 27,773 total interventions by pharmacists during the 11-year period, of which 79.8% were accepted by the clinical team. These interventions were made on 10,963 unique PICU admissions and prevented 5867 order entry errors. Pharmacists' interventions increased year over year, including a significant change in 2008. Patients who required pharmacy involvement were younger, sicker, and had longer intensive care unit, hospital, and ventilator duration. Average central line infections and central line entry rates decreased significantly over the study period.CONCLUSIONS: Increased pharmacist presence in the PICU is associated with increased interventions and prevention of adverse drug events. Pharmacist participation during rounds and order entry substantially improved the care of critically sick children and should be encouraged.
Characterizing the Risk Factors Associated With Venous Thromboembolism in Pediatric Patients After Central Venous Line Placement
Authors: Wisecup Sarah , Eades Shannan , Turiy Yuliya 
Published: October 2020

OBJECTIVES: With the apparent increase in venous thromboembolism noted in the pediatric population, it is important to define which children are at risk for clots and to determine optimal preventative therapy. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors for venous thromboembolism in pediatric patients with central venous line placement.
METHODS: This was an observational, retrospective, case-control study. Control subjects were patients aged 0 to 18 years who had a central venous line placed. Case subjects had a central line and a radiographically confirmed diagnosis of venous thromboembolism.
RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were included in the study. Presence of multiple comorbidities, particularly the presence of a congenital heart defect (34.7% case vs. 14.7% control; p &lt; 0.005), was found to put pediatric patients at increased risk for thrombosis. Additionally, the administration of parenteral nutrition through the central line (34.7% case vs. 18.7% control; p = 0.03) and location of the line increased the risk for clot formation.
CONCLUSIONS: With increased awareness of central venous line–related thromboembolism, measures should be taken to reduce the number and duration of central line placements, and further studies addressing the need for thromboprophylaxis should be conducted.
Response of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Hybrids under Different Nutrient Management Practices during Boro Season
Authors: Show Biplab , Sana Megha , Pal Sukanta 
Published: October 2020

Aim: To study the effect of rice hybrids to different nutrient management practices to find out the most suitable nutrient management and variety for hybrid rice in new alluvial zone of west Bengal.
Study Design: The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with 20 treatment combinations with three replicates.
Place and Duration of Study: Rabi seasons of 2011-12 and 2012-13 at Regional-Research Sub-Station (RRSS) Chakdaha of BCKV under new alluvial zone of West Bengal.
Methods: Combinations having with five hybrid rice varieties viz., V1 (Winner), V2 (Champion) V3 (Raja), V4 (Karishma) V5 (KRH-2), and four nitrogen levels viz. N1 (150:75:75 N: P2O5: K2O Kg/ha), N2 (75%N of N1+ full dose of P2O5 & K2O as recommended in N1+ 25% N through FYM), N3 (50%N of N1+ full dose of P2O5 & K2O as recommended in N1+ 50% N through FYM), N4 (120:60:60 N: P2O5: K2O Kg/ha) Generally yield contributing characters were studied at maturity of the crop. For yield analysis samples were taken from each plot and yield attributes were calculated.
Results: Experimental results revealed that almost all the growth parameters and yield attributes gave significantly superior performance in the variety Champion with N1 level of fertilization. The maximum grain yield (7.49 t ha-1) was recorded in the variety V2 in combination with N1 level of nitrogen. Highest harvest index (52.23%) was noticed in same treatment combination.
Conclusion: It may be concluded that Champion can be recommended for South Bengal locations with N1 (i.e.150:75:75 N: P2O5: K2O Kg ha-1) nutrient level for maximum grain yield.
Enlightening Allostery: Designing Switchable Proteins by Photoreceptor Fusion
Authors: Mathony Jan , Niopek Dominik 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOptogenetics harnesses natural photoreceptors to non‐invasively control selected processes in cells with previously unmet spatiotemporal precision. Linking the activity of a protein of choice to the conformational state of a photosensor domain through allosteric coupling represents a powerful method for engineering light‐responsive proteins. It enables the design of compact and highly potent single‐component optogenetic systems with fast on‐ and off‐switching kinetics. However, designing protein‐photoreceptor chimeras, in which structural changes of the photoreceptor are effectively propagated to the fused effector protein, is a challenging engineering problem and often relies on trial and error. Here, recent advances in the design and application of optogenetic allosteric switches are reviewed. First, an overview of existing optogenetic tools based on inducible allostery is provided and their utility for cell biology applications is highlighted. Focusing on light‐oxygen‐voltage domains, a widely applied class of small blue light sensors, the available strategies for engineering light‐dependent allostery are presented and their individual advantages and limitations are highlighted. Finally, high‐throughput screening technologies based on comprehensive insertion libraries, which could accelerate the creation of stimulus‐responsive receptor‐protein chimeras for use in optogenetics and beyond, are discussed.
Hierarchical Disordered Colloidal Thin Films with Duplex Optical Elements for Advanced Anti‐Counterfeiting Coding
Authors: Bai Ling , Lim Yun , He Yuheng , Xiong Qirong , Hou Shuai , Zhang Jun , Duan Hongwei 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMultiscale structures are found in nature to impart brilliant structural colors with integrated properties of multiple optical elements. However, it remains challenging to build more than one optical element into artificial photonic materials in practical manufacturing. Here, hierarchical disordered photonic superstructures (HDPSs) with optical properties arising from tailored interplay of thin‐film interference (TFI) and coherent scattering from amorphous colloidal arrays (ACAs) are fabricated through the combined use of infiltration‐driven colloidal assembly and micro‐imprinting. Uniform thin ACA films with TFI effects (ACA‐TFIs) are first coated on premium glossy photo papers, displaying near‐isotropic colors under natural light and mixed colors upon specular lighting due to the duplex optical effects. Such collective effects are easily modulated by the film thicknesses of ACA‐TFIs. Also, micro‐imprinting that can remove a patterned monolayer of particles from ACA‐TFI films causes suppressed TFI in the imprinted regions, leading to HDPS films with encoded optical features. Collectively, HDPS anti‐counterfeiting labels with covert and sophisticated optical coding are achieved and their enhanced complexity results in infinite possible optical features that are virtually impractical to forge, opening new avenues to high‐level security applications.
Large‐Scale Sub‐1‐nm Random Gaps Approaching the Quantum Upper Limit for Quantitative Chemical Sensing
Authors: Zhang Nan , Hu Haifeng , Singer Matthew , Li Kuang‐hui , Zhou Lyu , Ooi Boon S. , Gan Qiaoqiang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMetallic nanostructures with nanogap features can confine electromagnetic fields into extremely small volumes. In particular, as the gap size is scaled down to sub‐nanometer regime, the quantum effects for localized field enhancement reveal the ultimate capability for light–matter interaction. Although the enhancement factor approaching the quantum upper limit has been reported, the grand challenge for surface‐enhanced vibrational spectroscopic sensing remains in the inherent randomness, preventing uniformly distributed localized fields over large areas. Herein, a strategy to fabricate high‐density random metallic nanopatterns with accurately controlled nanogaps, defined by atomic‐layer‐deposition and self‐assembled‐monolayer processes, is reported. As the gap size approaches the quantum regime of ≈0.78 nm, its potential for quantitative sensing, based on a record‐high uniformity with the relative standard deviation of 4.3% over a large area of 22 mm × 60 mm, is demonstrated. This superior feature paves the way towards more affordable and quantitative sensing using quantum‐limit‐approaching nanogap structures.
Theoretical Analysis of a 2D Metallic/Semiconducting Transition‐Metal Dichalcogenide NbS2//WSe2 Hybrid Interface
Authors: Golsanamlou Zahra , Sementa Luca , Cusati Teresa , Iannaccone Giuseppe , Fortunelli Alessandro 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA first‐principles theoretical study of a monolayer‐thick lateral heterostructure (LH) joining two different transition metal dichalcogenides, NbS2 and WSe2, is reported. The NbS2//WSe2 LH can be considered a prototypical example of a metal (NbS2)/semiconductor (WSe2) 2D hybrid heterojunction. First, realistic atomistic models of the NbS2//WSe2 LH are generated and validated, its band structure is derived, and it is subjected to a fragment decomposition and electrostatic potential analysis to extract a simple but quantitative model of this interfacial system. Stoichiometric fluctuations models are also investigated and found not to alter the qualitative picture. Then, electron transport simulations are conducted and they are analyzed via band alignment analysis. It is concluded that the NbS2//WSe2 LH appears as a robust seamless in‐plane 2D modular junction for potential use in optoelectronic devices going beyond the present miniaturization technology.
Catalytic Oxidation of Methane to Oxygenated Products: Recent Advancements and Prospects for Electrocatalytic and Photocatalytic Conversion at Low Temperatures
Authors: Sher Shah Md. Selim Arif , Oh Cheoulwoo , Park Hyesung , Hwang Yun Jeong , Ma Ming , Park Jong Hyeok 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMethane is an important fossil fuel and widely available on the earth's crust. It is a greenhouse gas that has more severe warming effect than CO2. Unfortunately, the emission of methane into the atmosphere has long been ignored and considered as a trivial matter. Therefore, emphatic effort must be put into decreasing the concentration of methane in the atmosphere of the earth. At the same time, the conversion of less valuable methane into value‐added chemicals is of significant importance in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Although, the transformation of methane to valuable chemicals and fuels is considered the “holy grail,” the low intrinsic reactivity of its CH bonds is still a major challenge. This review discusses the advancements in the electrocatalytic and photocatalytic oxidation of methane at low temperatures with products containing oxygen atom(s). Additionally, the future research direction is noted that may be adopted for methane oxidation via electrocatalysis and photocatalysis at low temperatures.
What Do you Mean by “Informed Consent”? Ethics in Economic Development Research†
Authors: Josephson Anna , Smale Melinda 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe ethical conduct of research requires the informed consent and voluntary participation of research participants. Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) work to ensure that these ethical standards are met. However, incongruities in perspective and practice exist across regions. In this article, we focus on informed consent as practiced by agricultural and applied economists, with emphasis on research conducted in low income and/or developing countries. IRB regulations are clear but heterogeneous, emphasizing process rather than outcome. The lack of IRBs and institutional reviews in some contexts and the particulars of the principles employed in others may fail to adequately protect research participants.
Virtually estimated endocranial volumes of the Krapina Neandertals
Authors: Cofran Zachary , Boone Madeleine , Petticord Marisa 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe Krapina rock shelter has yielded a large assemblage of early Neandertals. Although endocranial volume (ECV) has been estimated for four individuals from the site, several published values that appear in the literature warrant revisiting.Materials and MethodsWe used virtual methods, including high‐resolution surface models of fossils and 3D geometric morphometrics, to reconstruct endocasts and estimate ECV for five Krapina crania. We generated 10 reconstructions of each endocast to quantify missing data uncertainty. To assess the method and our ECV estimates, we applied these techniques to the Spy II Neandertal, and estimated ECV of a human reference endocast simulating the missing data of the Krapina fossils.ResultsWe obtained an average ECV estimate of 1,526 cm3 for Spy II, consistent with previous research. Estimated ECV of juveniles Krapina 1 and 2 average 1,419 and 1,286 cm3, respectively. Estimates for the relatively complete adults Krapina 3 and 6 range from 1,247 to 1,310 cm3 and 1,135 to 1,207 cm3, respectively, while the more fragmentary Krapina 5 averaged 1,397 cm3. The missing data simulation suggests more fragmentary crania yield more uncertain and possibly overestimated ECVs.ConclusionsWe have provided new estimates of brain size of the Krapina Neandertals, including the first estimates for Krapina 2. Brain size at Krapina was similar to other pre‐Würm Neandertals, within the range of but lower than the average of later Neandertals. Although the virtual approach overcomes many challenges of fossil preservation, our results are nevertheless subject to future revision.
Highly‐modified polylactide transparent blends with better heat‐resistance, melt strength, toughness and stiffness balance due to the compatibilization and chain extender effects of methacrylate‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate copolymer
Authors: Jiang Yujun , Li Zhaokun , Song Shixin , Sun Shulin , Li Quanming 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA core‐shell modifier with the cross‐linked acrylate and silicone copolymer as the core and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as the shell (PASi‐g‐PMMA) was used to toughen the brittle polylactide (PLA). In addition, the copolymer of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) (MG) was utilized to further enhance the modification efficiency of the PASi‐g‐PMMA. The MG copolymer played the double roles of compatibilizer and chain extender, which not only improved the interfacial adhesion between the PLA and PASi‐g‐PMMA particles, but also increased the molecular weight and chain entanglement of the PLA. Compared with the PASi‐g‐PMMA toughened PLA blend, the PLA/PASi‐g‐PMMA/MG blends showed much higher heat‐resistance, melt strength, transparency, toughness and stiffness balance. When the PASi‐g‐PMMA content was 20 wt%, 20 wt% MG increased the glass transition temperature (Tg), complex viscosity (η*), transparency, impact and tensile strength of PLA/PASi‐g‐PMMA blend from 60.1°C, 1.9 × 103 Pa·s, 76.1%, 748 J/m and 37 MPa to 71.5°C, 0.5 × 104 Pa·s, 78.4%, 860 J/m and 45 MPa for the PLA/PASi‐g‐PMMA/MG blend. This research provided a facile and practical method to overcome the shortcomings of the PLA and promoted its application in broader fields.
Fabrication of superhydrophobic transparent cyclic olefin copolymer (COC)‐SiO2 nanocomposite surfaces
Authors: Doganci Merve Dandan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA superhydrophobic cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) nanocomposite coating was produced with a very simple and easy method. Self‐cleaning superhydrophobic COC surfaces were obtained by only adding surface hydrophobized SiO2 nanoparticles by dip coating method. The influence of concentration of SiO2 and the coating temperatures on the wettability of the surfaces were investigated. The surface wettability of the coatings was examined with the contact angle measurements and the surface roughness and morphology were analyzed by using atomic force microscope and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Surfaces with certain amounts of COC and SiO2 showed superhydrophobic character with high water contact angle of 1690. Also, the obtained superhydrophobic surfaces show superior water repellent, high transparency, and self‐cleaning characteristics.
Microparticles and latexes prepared via suspension polymerization of a biobased vegetable oil and renewable carboxylic acid
Authors: Mai Anthony Q. , Davies Jackie , Nguyen Dan , Carranza Arturo , Vincent Michael , Pojman John A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNovel bio‐based microparticles and latexes are synthesized using green chemistry principles through the reaction of aconitic acid (a sugarcane byproduct) and epoxidized linseed oil (ELO). No volatile solvents have been used, and no initiators are present in this polymerization. Using different agitation techniques, we investigate the particles and latexes formed via suspension polymerization in contrast to bulk dispersion polymerization. With the addition of water and a small amount of surfactant to the ELO and aconitic system, a thermally stable material up to 250°C is created that exhibits adhesive and hydrophobic properties. These microparticle latexes are anticipated for applications in hydrophobic coating and personal care products.