bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A pilot study of heated and humidified low flow oxygen therapy: An assessment in infants with mild and moderate bronchiolitis (HHOT AIR study)
Authors: Chen Diana Y. , Zee Eric D. , Gildengorin Ginny , Fong Edward W. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundHeated and humidified high flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy has been used in children with severe bronchiolitis. No data exists in children with mild to moderate bronchiolitis requiring lower flows of heated and humidified oxygen therapy.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, randomized pilot study of standard dry oxygen (control) versus heated and humidified low flow nasal cannula (HHLFNC), <4 liters per minute (LPM) oxygen, (treatment) in healthy children ≤24 months old with bronchiolitis. Clinical assessments were made using Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument (RDAI), respiratory rate (RR), and oxygen saturation.ResultsThirty‐two children were enrolled (16 participants in each group). There was no significant difference in mean RDAI over time between groups. There was a significant difference in mean RDAI over time within control group, at hour 12, and treatment group, at hour 1, compared to baseline. RDAI in the treatment group was overall lower over time compared to control group. There was no significant difference in mean RR over time between or within groups, between mean length of stay and duration of oxygen requirement. Subgroup analyses showed lower RDAI in subjects that had RSV infection, male gender, and non‐black race.ConclusionsThe use of HHLFNC oxygen therapy may provide more comfort and may result in more rapid improvements in RDAI compared to standard dry oxygen therapy over time. HHFLNC is safe and well tolerated compared to standard dry oxygen. Larger studies are needed to assess the clinical efficacy of HHLFNC oxygen therapy.
Aerosolized agents for airway clearance in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Southern Kevin W. , Clancy John P. , Ranganathan Sarath 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe outlook for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) has improved considerably as a result of conventional therapies including aerosolized agents for airway clearance. These will continue to play a significant role in maintaining well‐being and improving survival, even as newer agents emerge that correct the underlying CF defect. In this review, we explore the evidence supporting the use of dornase alfa, hypertonic saline, and mannitol in improving mucus clearance in patients with CF from different age groups with differing disease severity. We also discuss the clinical use of these agents in the context of available international guidelines as well as practical considerations in the clinic, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and shared decision‐making. Unanswered questions regarding the optimal use of these agents are highlighted.
Severe asthma in children—a review of definitions, epidemiology, and treatment options in 2019
Authors: Ahmed Husam , Turner Steve 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSevere asthma is a relatively uncommon condition in children but one which causes morbidity, occasionally mortality, and is a challenging condition to manage. There are several definitions of severe asthma, which have a common theme of poor control despite high dose inhaled corticosteroid treatment. Depending on the definition chosen, the prevalence of severe childhood asthma may be up to 5% within populations with asthma. Collectively, there is some evidence that the treatments used in severe asthma are beneficial, but a solid evidence‐base is lacking for many treatments and some treatments have recognized side effects. Evidence supporting the use of maintenance oral prednisolone and intramuscular triamcinolone is weak. Response to systemic corticosteroids is heterogeneous and recognizing phenotypes or endotypes may identify those most likely to gain maximal benefit from treatment. For children aged 6 to 11 years, the anti‐IgE biologic omalizumab is effective and anti‐IL‐5 agent (mepolizumab) has recently been licenced in Europe (but not the US). Biologics, which are licenced for >11 year olds include omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, reslizumab, and dupilumab. There is plenty that the clinician can offer to the child and adolescent with severe asthma in 2019, including nontherapeutic and therapeutic interventions. To manage severe asthma, practitioners from broad specialities must establish and maintain a close therapeutic relationship with patients. Looking beyond 2019, more treatment options will emerge for severe childhood asthma, and clinical teams will need to continue weighing up benefits and harms.
Plant terpenes that mediate below‐ground interactions: prospects for bioengineering terpenoids for plant protection
Authors: Huang Ancheng C , Osbourn Anne 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPlants are sessile organisms that have evolved various mechanisms to adapt to complex and changing environments. One important feature of plant adaption is the production of specialised metabolites. Terpenes are the largest class of specialised metabolites, with over 80 000 structures reported so far, and they have important ecological functions in plant adaptation. Here, we review the current knowledge on plant terpenes that mediate below‐ground interactions between plants and other organisms, including microbes, herbivores and other plants. The discovery, functions and biosynthesis of these terpenes are discussed, and prospects for bioengineering terpenoids for plant protection are considered. © 2019 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Impact of acute oral exposure to thiamethoxam on the homing, flight, learning acquisition and short‐term retention of Apis cerana
Authors: Ma Changsheng , Zhang Yongkui , Sun Jia , Imran Muhammad , Yang Huipeng , Wu Jie , Zou Yi , Li‐Byarlay Hongmei , Luo Shudong 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTBackgroundThiamethoxam (TMX) represents the second generation of neonicotinoids that has been widely applied in agricultural activities, while how TMX alters the behavior of Apis cerana, an important native honey bee species in China, is not clear. We carried out three independent experiments to study the impact of acute oral treatment of 20 μL TMX at concentrations of 2.4 ppb (0.048 ng/bee) and 10 ppb (0.2 ng/bee) on the homing, flight, learning acquisition and short‐term retention ability of A. cerana. The homing ability was assessed by the catch‐and‐release method, the flight ability was assessed by flight mills, and the learning acquisition and short‐term retention were evaluated by the proboscis extension response method.ResultsWhen treated with 10 ppb of TMX, bees had a significantly higher average homing time, mean flight velocity, flying distance, and flying duration than the control, whereas 2.4 ppb concentration did not cause any significant effect on homing or flight ability. Bees treated with either 2.4 ppb or 10 ppb TMX had significantly lower learning acquisition and short‐term retention ability.ConclusionResults suggest that acute oral exposure to 10 ppb of TMX altered the short‐distance homing time, flight ability, and learning acquisition and short‐term retention ability. Our study also highlights the concern that acute oral exposure to a low concentration of 2.4 ppb could have consequences on the behavior of A. creana. Those multiple sublethal alterations on A. cerana's behavior indicate that TMX are likely having complex but negative consequences on bee health in the field. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Tyrocidine A interactions with saccharides investigated by CD and NMR spectroscopies
Authors: Juhl Dennis Wilkens , van Rensburg Wilma , Bossis Xavier , Vosloo J. Arnold , Rautenbach Marina , Bechinger Burkhard 
Published: March 2019

Tyrocidines are a family of cyclic decapeptides produced by the soil bacterium, Brevibacillus parabrevis. These antibiotic peptides can be used to prevent infections in agriculture and food industry but also to prepare antimicrobial lozenges, creams, and dressings for medical applications. It has been observed that the tyrocidines interact with saccharides such as cellulose from their soil environment, as well as sugars in culture media and glycans in fungal cell walls. Here, we investigated the interactions of tyrocidines with glucose, sucrose, and cellotetraose (as cellulose model) in a quantitative fashion utilising CD and NMR spectroscopy. The CD and NMR spectra of tyrocidine A (TrcA) were analysed as a function of solvent composition, and the spectral properties agree with the formation of oligomeric structures that are governed by β‐sheet secondary structures once the acetonitrile content of the solvent is increased. Saccharides seem to also induce TrcA spectral changes reverting those induced by organic solvents. The CD spectral changes of TrcA in the presence of glucose agree with new ordered H‐bonding, possibly β‐sheet structures. The amides involved in intramolecular H‐bonding remained largely unaffected by the environmental changes. In contrast, amides exposed to the exterior and/or involved in TrcA intermolecular association show the largest 1H chemical shift changes. CD and NMR spectroscopic investigations correlated well with TrcA‐glucose interactions characterized by a dissociation constant around 200 μM. Interestingly, the association of cellotetraose corresponds closely to the additive effect from four glucose moieties, while a much higher dissociation constant was observed for sucrose. Similar trends to TrcA for binding to the three saccharides were observed for the analogous tyrocidines, tyrocidine B, and tyrocidine C. These results therefore indicate that the tyrocidine interactions with the glucose monosaccharide unit are fairly specific and reversible.
Modulation of cerulein‐induced pancreatic inflammation by hydroalcoholic extract of curry leaf (Murraya koenigii)
Authors: Khurana Amit , Sikha Mary Swathi , Ramesh Kethavath , Venkatesh Pooladanda , Godugu Chandraiah 
Published: March 2019

This study was performed to study the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of hydroalcoholic extract of curry leaf (CLE) rich in carbazole alkaloids, against LPS‐induced inflammation in Raw 264.7 macrophages and cerulein‐induced acute pancreatitis, respectively. CLE was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Raw 264.7 cells were stimulated with LPS (2 μg/ml) and treated with CLE. The animals were treated with two doses of CLE (100 and 300 mg/kg). Plasma biochemistry, tissue lipid peroxidation, cytokines, and histological examination were evaluated. CLE was found to decently scavenge the activity of DPPH radical. It dose dependently suppressed nitrite production and oxidative stress in macrophages. CLE alleviated LPS‐induced inflammation in macrophages as evident from the results of various inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α). In vivo, CLE reduced cerulein‐induced pancreatic edema. CLE significantly abrogated the cerulein‐induced lipid peroxidation, nitrite, MPO, and GSH levels. The inflammatory cytokines and p65‐NFκB activity were significantly reduced by CLE. Mechanistically, CLE reduced the expression of NT, MPO, IL‐1β, ICAM‐1, and COX‐2, and increased the expression of Nrf2. It reduced distant organ damage markers as well. We report for the first time that CLE holds substantial potential for the prevention of acute pancreatitis.
Matrix‐assisted ionization mass spectrometry in targeted protein analysis – An initial evaluation
Authors: Skjærvø Øystein , Trimpin Sarah , Halvorsen Trine Grønhaug 
Published: March 2019

RationaleMatrix‐assisted ionization (MAI) is a relatively new ionization technique for analysis by mass spectrometry (MS). The technique is simple and has been shown to be less influenced by matrix effects than e.g. electrospray ionization (ESI). These features are of interest in the targeted analysis of proteins from biological samples.MethodsTargeted protein determination by MAI‐MS was evaluated using a triple quadrupole mass analyzer equipped with a stripped nanoESI source in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. The proteins were analyzed using the bottom‐up approach with stable isotopic labeled peptides as internal standards (IS). The MAI matrix was 3‐nitrobenzonitrile dissolved in acetonitrile. Aqueous sample and matrix solution were mixed in a 1:3 volume ratio. One microlitre of the dried matrix/analyte sample was introduced into the inlet of the mass spectrometer where ionization commences.ResultsSRM settings established for ESI‐SRM‐MS of the peptides here investigated were applicable in MAI‐SRM‐MS for all evaluated peptides except one that is poorly soluble in water. Addition of IS provided efficient correction at most levels (relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤28% (except lowest digest level), r2 ≥ 0.995). This was also true for the more complex biological matrices, diluted urine (1:1; RSD = 20% a synthetic peptide, NLLGLIEAK) and diluted digested serum (1:100; RSD = 7% digested cytochrome C). Biological matrix influenced the signal intensity unless sufficiently diluted.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that MAI‐SRM‐MS has promising potential in targeted protein determination by the bottom‐up approach because of its simplicity, ease of use, and speed. However, more data is needed to confirm the results prior to application in a clinical setting.
Adaptive multivariable finite‐time continuous fault‐tolerant control of rigid spacecraft
Authors: Zhao Xinyi , Zong Qun , Tian Bailing , Shao Shikai , You Ming , Liu Wenjing 
Published: March 2019

SummaryThe problem of fault‐tolerant attitude tracking control for rigid spacecraft in the presence of inertia uncertainties, actuator faults, and external disturbances is investigated in this paper. A novel adaptive finite‐time continuous fault‐tolerant control strategy is developed by combining the fast nonsingular terminal sliding mode surface and the adaptive multivariable super‐twisting algorithm, which improves the robustness while preserving high accuracy and finite‐time convergence. The main features of the control strategy are the double‐layer adaptive algorithm based on equivalent control, which ensures nonoverestimation of the control gain and the continuous controller, which maintains better property of chattering reduction. Finally, the efficiency of the proposed controller is illustrated by numerical simulations.
Measuring CEO personality: Developing, validating, and testing a linguistic tool
Authors: Harrison Joseph S. , Thurgood Gary R. , Boivie Steven , Pfarrer Michael D. 
Published: March 2019

Research SummaryWe introduce to the upper echelons literature a novel, linguistic measure of CEOs' Big Five personality traits that we specifically developed and validated using a sample of CEOs. We then provide a predictive test of the measure by applying it to a sample of more than 3,000 CEOs of S&P 1500 firms to explore the direct and interactive effects of CEOs' Big Five personality traits and firm performance on strategic change. Our validated, unobtrusive measure of CEOs' Big Five traits provides a strong foundation for future theory development on the firm‐level effects of CEOs' personality traits. Our specific findings also extend our understanding of how CEO personality influences firm‐level change and how both person and situation‐based factors interact to jointly influence firm strategy.
Managerial SummaryThis paper introduces a language‐based tool we developed to measure the Big Five personality traits (i.e., openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) of more than 3,000 CEOs of S&P 1500 firms. After describing our process to develop and validate the tool, we test it by examining how CEOs' Big Five traits influence strategic change, both in isolation and in combination with recent firm performance. Our results suggest that CEOs' personality traits have a meaningful impact on strategic change, but that the nature of these effects differs based on their firms' recent performance. Our tool also provides a strong basis for scholars seeking to measure the personality traits of large samples of public‐company executives.
Corporate social responsibility as a defense against knowledge spillovers: Evidence from the inevitable disclosure doctrine
Authors: Flammer Caroline , Kacperczyk Aleksandra 
Published: March 2019

Research SummaryWe examine whether companies respond to the threat of knowledge leakage by strategically increasing their engagement in corporate social responsibility (CSR). To obtain exogenous variation in the threat of knowledge leakage, we exploit a natural experiment provided by the rejection of the inevitable disclosure doctrine (IDD) by several U.S. states. Using a difference‐in‐differences methodology we find that, following the rejection of the IDD, companies significantly increase their CSR. Our proposed rationale is that CSR helps mitigate knowledge leakage by (i) reducing employees' propensity to join a rival firm, and (ii) reducing employees' propensity to disclose the firm's valuable knowledge even if they join a rival firm. Evidence from a laboratory experiment, an online experiment, and a survey of knowledge workers is supportive of these arguments.Managerial SummaryWe study the role of CSR in companies' response to the threat of knowledge leakage—a major managerial challenge that has important implications for firms' innovation and competitiveness. We use three different research designs (an analysis of companies' CSR policies in response to an increased threat of knowledge leakage; a survey of knowledge workers; and an experiment conducted both online and in a laboratory setting). The results show that CSR is perceived to mitigate the threat of knowledge leakage. In particular, (i) CSR reduces knowledge workers' propensity to join rival firms (i.e., they are less likely to “walk”) and, even if they do, (ii) CSR reduces their propensity to disclose the firm's valuable knowledge to their new employer (i.e., they are less likely to “talk”).
Contactless Electrical and Structural Characterization of Semiconductor Nanowires with Axially Modulated Doping Profiles
Authors: Yuan Wuhan , Tutuncuoglu Gozde , Mohabir Amar , Liu Liping , Feldman Leonard C. , Filler Michael A. , Shan Jerry W. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractEfficient characterization of semiconductor nanowires having complex dopant profiles or heterostructures is critical to fully understand these materials and the devices built from them. Existing electrical characterization techniques are slow and laborious, particularly for multisegment nanowires, and impede the statistical understanding of highly variable samples. Here, it is shown that electro‐orientation spectroscopy (EOS)—a high‐throughput, noncontact method for statistically characterizing the electrical properties of entire nanowire ensembles—can determine the conductivity and dimensions of two distinct segments in individual Si nanowires with axially encoded dopant profiles. This analysis combines experimental measurements and computational simulations to determine the electrical conductivity of the nominally undoped segment of two‐segment Si nanowires, as well as the ratio of the segment lengths. The efficacy of this approach is demonstrated by comparing results generated by EOS with conventional four‐point‐probe measurements. This work provides new insights into the control and variability of semiconductor nanowires for electronic applications and is a critical first step toward the high‐throughput interrogation of complete nanowire‐based devices.
A Microfabricated Sandwiching Assay for Nanoliter and High‐Throughput Biomarker Screening
Authors: Bandaru Praveen , Chu Dafeng , Sun Wujin , Lasli Soufian , Zhao Chuanzhen , Hou Shuang , Zhang Shiming , Ni Jiahua , Cefaloni Giorgia , Ahadian Samad , Dokmeci Mehmet Remzi , Sengupta Shiladitya , Lee Junmin , Khademhosseini Ali 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCells secrete substances that are essential to the understanding of numerous immunological phenomena and are extensively used in clinical diagnoses. Countless techniques for screening of biomarker secretion in living cells have generated valuable information on cell function and physiology, but low volume and real‐time analysis is a bottleneck for a range of approaches. Here, a simple, highly sensitive assay using a high‐throughput micropillar and microwell array chip (MIMIC) platform is presented for monitoring of biomarkers secreted by cancer cells. The sensing element is a micropillar array that uses the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) mechanism to detect captured biomolecules. When integrated with a microwell array where few cells are localized, interleukin 8 (IL‐8) secretion can be monitored with nanoliter volume using multiple micropillar arrays. The trend of cell secretions measured using MIMICs matches the results from conventional ELISA well while it requires orders of magnitude less cells and volumes. Moreover, the proposed MIMIC is examined to be used as a drug screening platform by delivering drugs using micropillar arrays in combination with a microfluidic system and then detecting biomolecules from cells as exposed to drugs.
Left ventricular torsional mechanics in term fetuses and neonates
Authors: Patey O. , Carvalho J. S. , Thilaganathan B. 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTObjectiveLeft ventricular (LV) torsion is an important aspect of cardiac mechanics and is fundamental to normal ventricular function. The myocardial mechanics of the fetal heart and the changes that occur during the transition to the neonatal period have not been explored previously. The aim of this study was to evaluate perinatal changes in LV torsion and its relationship with myocardial function.MethodsThis was a prospective study of 36 women with an uncomplicated term pregnancy. Fetal and neonatal conventional, spectral tissue Doppler and two‐dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography were performed a few days before and within hours after delivery to measure cardiac indices including LV rotational parameters derived from short‐axis views at the base and apex of the heart. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between LV rotational parameters and cardiac geometric and functional indices in term fetuses and neonates. Perinatal changes in LV rotational parameters were assessed.ResultsThere were three patterns of LV twist in term fetuses: those with reversed‐apex‐type LV twist had the lowest median values of LV torsion (0.1°/cm), with higher values (1.6°/cm) in those with infant‐type LV twist and the highest values (4.4°/cm) in those with adult‐type LV twist. LV torsion was associated significantly with cardiac geometric and functional indices. Perinatal evaluation revealed a significant increase in LV torsion following delivery in fetuses exhibiting reversed‐apex‐type LV twist (increase of 2.8°/cm, P = 0.009) and a significant decrease in those with adult‐type LV twist (decrease of 3.2°/cm, P = 0.008).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the feasibility of 2D speckle tracking imaging for accurate assessment of rotational cardiac parameters in term fetuses. There are unique perinatal patterns of LV twist that demonstrate different values of LV torsion, which was found to correlate with indices of ventricular geometry and myocardial function. Differences in patterns of LV twist may therefore reflect differences in compensatory myocardial adaptation to the physiological environment/loading conditions in late gestation in fetuses and postnatal cardiac adjustment to the acute loading changes that occur at delivery. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.