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We show how to compute the orbital magnetization, as the first-order change of the energy due to an homogeneous magnetic field, within the projector augmented-wave (PAW) formalism of density functional theory, for systems with periodic boundary conditions. To accomplish this, magnetic translation symmetry is invoked together with a perturbative treatment of the density operator, yielding well-posed expressions that account fully for all PAW terms. The terms may be computed in a standard PAW implementation using density functional perturbation theory to compute the necessary wavefunction derivatives, rather than the finite difference approach that has been used previously. In order to obtain nontrivial magnetization, we also impose nuclear magnetic dipole moments on atomic sites of interest, which gives direct access to the chemical shielding, as measured in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The resulting expressions have been implemented and tested, and results are shown both for atoms and solids.

The search for new superhydrides, promising materials for both hydrogen storage and high temperature superconductivity, made great progress, thanks to atomistic simulations and Crystal Structure Prediction (CSP) algorithms. When they are combined with Density Functional Theory (DFT), these methods are highly reliable and often match a great part of the experimental results. However, systems of increasing complexity (number of atoms and chemical species) become rapidly challenging as the number of minima to explore grows exponentially with the number of degrees of freedom in the simulation cell. An efficient sampling strategy preserving a sustainable computational cost then remains to be found. We propose such a strategy based on an active-learning process where machine learning potentials and DFT simulations are jointly used, opening the way to the discovery of complex structures. As a proof of concept, this method is applied to the exploration of tin crystal structures under various pressures. We showed that the α phase, not included in the learning process, is correctly retrieved, despite its singular nature of bonding. Moreover, all the expected phases are correctly predicted under pressure (20 and 100 GPa), suggesting the high transferability of our approach. The method has then been applied to the search of yttrium superhydrides (YH x) crystal structures under pressure. The YH6 structure of space group Im-3m is successfully retrieved. However, the exploration of more complex systems leads to the appearance of a large number of structures. The selection of the relevant ones to be included in the active learning process is performed through the analysis of atomic environments and the clustering algorithm. Finally, a metric involving a distance based on x-ray spectra is introduced, which guides the structural search toward experimentally relevant structures. The global process (active-learning and new selection methods) is finally considered to explore more complex and unknown YH x phases, unreachable by former CSP algorithms. New complex phases are found, demonstrating the ability of our approach to push back the exponential wall of complexity related to CSP.

Superdense plasmas widely exist in planetary interiors and astrophysical objects such as brown-dwarf cores and white dwarfs. How atoms behave under such extreme-density conditions is not yet well understood, even in single-species plasmas. Here, we apply thermal density functional theory to investigate the radiation spectra of superdense iron–zinc plasma mixtures at mass densities of ρ = 250 to 2000 g cm−3 and temperatures of kT = 50 to 100 eV, accessible by double-shell–target implosions. Our ab initio calculations reveal two extreme atomic-physics phenomena—firstly, an interspecies radiative transition; and, secondly, the breaking down of the dipole-selection rule for radiative transitions in isolated atoms. Our first-principles calculations predict that for superdense plasma mixtures, both interatomic radiative transitions and dipole-forbidden transitions can become comparable to the normal intra-atomic Kα-emission signal. These physics phenomena were not previously considered in detail for extreme high-density plasma mixtures at super-high energy densities., Matter at extremely high density and pressure behaves differently than at ambient conditions. Here the authors use first-principles calculations to show the existence of interspecies radiative and dipole-forbidden transitions in warm and superdense plasma mixture of iron and zinc.

In a near future when Industry 4.0 is implanted, predictive maintenance will have a much more prominent role than that currently plays in traditional industry. Predictive maintenance is the organized monitoring with periodic or continuous measurement of variables of the state of the equipment to be maintained and its comparison with pre-established patterns for the determination of the instant in which the maintenance intervention should take place. Three-phase induction motor drives are one of the industrial equipment that has been given greater attention regarding predictive maintenance plans. In recent years, switched reluctance motor drives have begun to have some relevance in the industry. In this paper, after a brief review of the switched reluctance motors and their control, an analysis of the different types of faults and a description of the most usual diagnostic techniques in electric drives, a predictive maintenance plan for switched reluctance motor drives is proposed. This predictive maintenance plan considers different control strategies (hysteresis and single pulse), and is based on diagnostic techniques such as analysis of currents and spectral analysis of vibrations. Exhaustive experimental tests have been carried out in order to validate the proposed plan.

This work shows the results obtained from studying the influence of equivalent circuit resistances on three-phase induction motors. The stator resistance, rotor resistance, and iron losses resistance affect the different motor operating variables (output power, current, speed, power factor, starting ratios, and maximum torque). These influences have been quantified, paying particular attention to the losses affected and their impact on efficiency. The study carried out does not apply optimization techniques. It evaluates the different influences of the equivalent circuit’s different resistances on its operation by evaluating applicable constructive modifications concerning available motors. The work has been limited to three-phase induction motors up to 50 kW and low voltage, with the nominal powers of the selected motors being 0.25 kW, 1.5 kW, 7.5 kW, 22 kW, and 45 kW. The tools used to carry out the study are analyzing the equivalent circuit and the simulation of the electromagnetic structure using a finite-element program. The variations proposed in each resistance for all the motors studied is not purely theoretical, as it is based on applying feasible constructive modifications, appropriately analyzed and simulated. These modifications are the variation of the conductor diameter in the stator coils, the change of the section of the rotor cage, and the selection of different ferromagnetic steel types. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Linkage between clinical databases and population-based cancer registries may serve to evaluate European Reference Networks' (ERNs) activity, by monitoring the proportion of patients benefiting from these and their impact on survival at a population level. To test this, a study targeting neuroblastoma (Nb) was conducted in Spain by the European Joint Action on Rare Cancers.Subjects: Nb cases, incident 1999-2017, aged 15 years. Linkage included: Spanish Neuroblastoma Clinical Database (NbCDB) (1217 cases); Spanish Registry of Childhood Tumours (RETI) (1514 cases); and 10 regional population-based registries (RPBCRs) which cover 33% of the childhood population (332 cases). Linkage was semiautomatic. We estimated completeness, incidence, contribution, deficit, and 5-year survival in the databases and specific subsets.National completeness estimates for RETI and NbCDB were 91% and 72% respectively, using the Spanish RPBCRs on International Incidence of Childhood Cancer (https://iicc.iarc.fr/) as reference. RPBCRs' specific contribution was 1.6%. Linkage required manual crossover in 54% of the semiautomatic matches. Five-year survival was 74% (0-14 years) and 90% (0-18 months).All three databases were incomplete as regards Spain as a whole and should therefore be combined to achieve full childhood cancer registration. A unique personal patient identifier could facilitate such linkage. Most children have access to Nb clinical trials. Consolidated interconnections between the national registry and clinical registries (including ERNs and paediatric oncology clinical groups) should be established to evaluate outcomes.

This article describes the use of software tools and didactic equipment of electrical machines applied to the teaching in electrical engineering, specifically in the realization of an application work consisting of the characterization of the three-phase induction motor. Several studies have explored the effectiveness of teaching activities, which encompass different learning tools in the same work, from the use of didactic materials to the use of professional computer tools. The objective is the simultaneous use of didactic equipment and the calculation methodologies through specific software of industrial applications in engineering studies. In addition, to observe whether performing application work that implementing different techniques at the same time fosters the critical spirit among students. The activities students must do in the application work proposed in the subject of rotating electrical machines is to determine all the constructive variables of an induction motor, draw it, simulate its electromagnetic behavior by finite element method with a freeware available 2D program, test the motor in the laboratory following the guidelines of the current standards and, finally, compare the results obtained from the tests and the simulation, by making a critique of the results and the calculation methodology used. The application work presented in the article has been implemented during several courses in the subject of electrical machines for electrical engineering students, with satisfactory results.

The extended first-principles molecular dynamics (Extended FPMD) model introduced by Zhang et al. [2] , based on an analytical single plane wave description of electronic orbitals for high energy electrons , has been implemented within the ab initio DFT software package Abinit and is now available. This model allows quantum simulations to be done smoothly on the full range of temperatures from cold condensed matter to hot dense plasmas passing through the warm dense matter regime which was currently not possible within the same ab initio model due to numerical limitations. In addition to presenting a brief theoretical background of the Zhang et al. method, we propose some improvements to the model. We then present the details of the implementation, and finally offer an application to the aluminum simulations for multiple densities, from room temperature to hot (thousands of eVs) temperature ranges, with a resulting Hugoniot equation of state that we compare with other methods.

MeDALL (Mechanisms of the Development of ALLergy; EU FP7-CP-IP; Project No: 261357; 2010-2015) has proposed an innovative approach to develop early indicators for the prediction, diagnosis, prevention and targets for therapy. MeDALL has linked epidemiological, clinical and basic research using a stepwise, large-scale and integrative approach: MeDALL data of precisely phenotyped children followed in 14 birth cohorts spread across Europe were combined with systems biology (omics, IgE measurement using microarrays) and environmental data. Multimorbidity in the same child is more common than expected by chance alone, suggesting that these diseases share causal mechanisms irrespective of IgE sensitization. IgE sensitization should be considered differently in monosensitized and polysensitized individuals. Allergic multimorbidities and IgE polysensitization are often associated with the persistence or severity of allergic diseases. Environmental exposures are relevant for the development of allergy-related diseases. To complement the population-based studies in children, MeDALL included mechanistic experimental animal studies and in vitro studies in humans. The integration of multimorbidities and polysensitization has resulted in a new classification framework of allergic diseases that could help to improve the understanding of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of allergy as well as to better manage allergic diseases. Ethics and gender were considered. MeDALL has deployed translational activities within the EU agenda.

In high-temperature density functional theory simulations (from tens of eV to keV), the total number of Kohn–Sham orbitals is a critical quantity to get accurate results. To establish the relationship between the number of orbitals and the level of occupation of the highest energy orbital, we derived a model based on the homogeneous electron gas properties at finite temperature. This model predicts the total number of orbitals required to reach a given level of occupation and, thus, a stipulated precision. Levels of occupation as low as 10 − 4, and below, must be considered to get converged results better than 1%, making high-temperature simulations very time consuming beyond a few tens of eV. After assessing the predictions of the model against previous results and Abinit minimizations, we show how the extended FPMD method of Zhang et al. [Phys. Plasmas 23, 042707 (2016)] allows us to bypass these strong constraints on the number of orbitals at high temperature.

Nowadays, there is a renewed interest in switched reluctance machines and especially in axial-flux switched reluctance machines (AFSRM). This paper presents a comprehensive design procedure for modular AFSRM with an inner stator and two exterior rotors that have a new distribution of the stator and rotor poles, resulting in short magnetic paths with no flux reversal. After a description of the proposed machine, the output torque equation is derived from a simplified non-linear energy conversion loop and guidelines for its design are given. Once the preliminary sizing has been carried out the different modules of the AFSRM, the magnetically active parts made with SMC, are reshaped or refined using 3D printing and 3D electromagnetic finite element analysis until they reach their definitive shape and dimensions. Finally, an AFSRM has been built following the proposed design procedure and has been validated by experimental measurements.

Background Low Bone Mass (LBM)/Paediatric Osteoporosis (Ped OP) is a disorder of unknown prevalence, partly due to the lack of diagnosis, associated with the absence of clinical manifestations of the disease until patients develop complications such as fractures, deformities or pain Objectives To describe the clinical and densitometric characteristics of the paediatric population with risk factors to develop LBM/Ped OP Methods We collected prospectively demographic and clinical data of patients aged 2 to 20 years, referred for bone health assessment due to the presence of a risk factors for LBM/Ped OP, including: inflammatory diseases, immunosuppressants and/or corticosteroids, malabsorptive diseases and chronic systemic disorders. We evaluated daily calcium intake and Bone Densitometry (DXA) was performed. We did also a vertebral morphometry Results Data were collected from 90 patients, with an average age of 9’9 years, 53% female, 82% Caucasian. The age distribution and calcium intake by age can be seen in table 1. There was a significant decrease in the compliance of the RDA with calcium with increasing age (p=0.01). No differences were found in the average daily calcium intake between the different diagnostic groups. The most frequent diagnoses were: Malabsorption:44.4%, JIA:20%, Nephropathies:17.8%, Haematological diseases:7.8% and Vasculitis: 4.4%. 18% of the sample had had a fracture (Fx), 44% of them had more than one, being the adolescents the group of greater prevalence. 3 cases met the criteria for fragility Fx (vertebral Fx). 20% of the patients were on systemic corticosteroids, with an average dose of 5.9 mg of prednisone (or equivalent)/day, and another 20% had previously received them. The total cumulative average corticosteroid dose in both groups was: 7 grams of prednisone, with an average exposure of 37 months. 29 patients (32%) received immunosuppressive treatment, of which 20% were methotrexate (alone or in combination with biological DMARD). Only 7% had supplements with Calcium and 14% with Vitamin D. 100% had a normal calcium, 82% a normal phosphate (rest slightly increased) and 11% were deficient in Vitamin D 13% of the sample had a LBM for their age assessed by DXA. The densitometric results can be seen in Table 2. Conclusions Calcium intake in children and young with at least 1 risk factor for LBM/Ped Op is lower than recommended, especially in the groups with the highest requirements. Up to 13% of this population have a BMO for their age and a 3’3% meets Ped OP criteria. Larger studies are needed to help us to identify paediatric patients who are candidates for bone health screening Disclosure of Interest None declared

In this work we proposed to study the use of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) for railway traction in the high-speed trains (HST) of Renfe Operadora (the Spanish national railway operator). Currently, induction motors (IM) are used in AVE classes 102–112 trains, so, the IM used as a traction motor in these trains has been studied and characterized by comparing the results with data provided by Renfe. A PMSM of equivalent power to the IM has been dimensioned, and different electromagnetic structures of the PMSM rotor have been evaluated. The simulation by the finite element method and analysis of the equivalent electrical circuit used in all the motors have been studied to evaluate the performance of the motors in this application. Efficiency is calculated at different operating points due to its impact on the energy consumption of railway traction. The implementation of the PMSM evaluated is recommended, mainly due to the improvements achieved in efficiency as compared with the IM currently used.

The teaching of electrical machines and drives requires a new approach to make them more attractive to students, to address and overcome the limitations of time and resources that are usual in electrical engineering programs. The target of this new approach is that after following the course students should have a consistent knowledge and skills on electric machines and drives that gives them the ability to deal, with solvency, any problem related with them. In this paper, following these assumptions, reluctance motors are introduced considering that the different types of reluctances motors are derived from a common origin that is the singly-excited electromechanical converter. Then the fundamentals of switched reluctance motors, steeping variable-reluctance motors and synchronous reluctance motors are presented. The proposed approach requires only some basic knowledge that is usually taught in the courses of electric machines and drives and allows students to learn and understand the basis of the reluctance motors very quickly.

Background Compliance with daily calcium requirements in paediatric and young age is necessary to acquire peak bone mass, especially in populations that meet one or more risk factors for fractures Objectives To study the characteristics of the pediatric population with at least one risk factor for developing low bone mass/osteoporosis and to measure their calcium intake Methods Demographic and clinical data were prospectively collected from patients aged 2 to 20 years that met at least 1 risk factors for bone fragility, including: inflammatory diseases, treatment with Immunosuppressants and/or corticoesteroids, malabsortive disorders, chronic systemic disorders such as nephropathies or hematologic diseases, etc. The patients or their legal tutors signed the Informed Consent in order to participate in the study. The average daily calcium intake was collected through the Spanish INDICAD 2001 study survey, together with a comprehensive anamnesis. If patients or their family reported taking food not included in the survey, its calcium content were consulted in the Spanish Food Composition Database published by the BEDCA Network of the Ministry of Health Science and Innovation Results Data were collected from 50 patients, with a mean age of 9.2 years (2–20), 28 (56%) female, 86% Caucasian, 6% Arab, 2% Asian and 6% Latin. The most frequent diagnoses were: Food intolerances/malabsorption: 32%, nephropathies: 22%, JIA: 16%, vasculitis: 10%, other inflammatory diseases: 8%. 42% had received systemic corticosteroids at some point, and 16% were receiving corticosteroids at present. Average daily calcium intake was 718 mg/d. They were divided by age groups, attending to daily calcium needs per group. In Table 1 we can observe the Recommended Daily Amount (RDA) of calcium by the Spanish Association of Pediatrics and the consumption collected, by age group. Only 3 children with low calcium intake were taking supplements.A decrease in calcium RDA adherence was observed with increasing age, statistically significant (p=0.009). There was also a lower calcium intake in the non-Caucasians compared to Caucasians statistically significant (p=0.044), which was not associated with age. Conclusions Calcium intake in the population under 21 years old with at least 1 risk factor for developing low bone mass/osteoporosis is lower than recommended. In addition, recommendations are based on the physiological needs of the healthy population and it could be expected to be insufficient for those with chronic diseases. It should be noted that calcium intake in the groups with higher requirements (adolescents and young people) is lower, with a reduction in the proportion of patients who meet the compliance with the RDA as age increases. Studies with a larger population are needed to ratify these results together with serum calcidiol levels Disclosure of Interest None declared

INTRODUCTION: SIOPEN INES protocol yielded excellent 5-year survival rates for MYCN-non-amplified metastatic neuroblastoma. Patients deemed ineligible due to lack or delay of MYCN status or late registration were treated, but not included in the study. Our goal was to analyse survival at 10 years among the whole population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Italian and Spanish metastatic INES patients' data are reported. SPSS 20.0 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Among 98 infants, 27 had events and 19 died, while 79 were disease free. Five- and 10-year event-free survival (EFS) were 73 and 70 %, and overall survival (OS) was 81 and 74 %, respectively. MYCN status was significant for EFS, but not for OS in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The survival rates of patients who complied with all the inclusion criteria for INES trials are higher compared to those that included also not registered patients. Five-year EFS and OS for INES 99.2 were 87.8 and 95.7 %, while our stage 4s population obtained 78 and 87 %. Concerning 99.3, 5-year EFS and OS were 86.7 and 95.6 %, while for stage 4 we registered 61 and 68 %. MYCN amplification had a strong impact on prognosis and therefore we consider it unacceptable that many patients were not studied for MYCN and probably inadequately treated. Ten-year survival rates were shown to decrease: EFS from 73 to 70 % and OS from 81 to 74 %, indicating a risk of late events, particularly in stage 4s. Population-based registries like European ENCCA WP 11-task 11 will possibly clarify these data.

In this paper a novel axial-flux segmented rotor switched reluctance motor (AFSSRM) with a stator sandwiched by two rotors with a particular form of the segments is presented. The machine has magnetic short paths with no flux reversal and the active magnetic parts are made of soft magnetic composites. An in-wheel AFSSRM, specially intended for direct drive of light motorcycles, is designed. Electromagnetic analysis of the AFSSRM is carried out using 3D finite element. Matlab-Simulink simulations of the whole in-wheel AFSSRM drive are used to verify its behavior.

In the assessment of lung cancer, computed tomography guides the use of bronchoscopy and establishes whether local treatment may be appropriate for the NSCLC or whether it is at an advanced stage. Percutaneous biopsy of a lesion suspected to be a metastasis can provide histological confirmation, allowing staging to be carried out at the same time. The initial presentation depends on the staging and histological type, ranging from an isolated nodule or mass to atelectasis or obstructive pneumonia, isolated lymph node disease or isolated pleural effusion to miliary metastasis in tumors showing EGFR mutation. Tumor (T) status depends on tumor size, distance from the carina, and invasion of the chest wall and mediastinal organs. PET-CT is superior to CT in identifying lymph node invasion (N2 for ipsilateral mediastinal disease and N3 for contralateral or supraclavicular disease). As a general rule, all contraindications for surgery should be confirmed via histological examination, with the exception of cerebral metastases.

Resume Le scanner, dans le bilan d’un cancer bronchique, guide la realisation de la bronchoscopie et precise si le cancer bronchique non a petites cellules (CBNPC) est potentiellement accessible a un traitement local ou s’il s’agit d’un stade avance. Si une lesion suspecte de metastase est objectivee, sa ponction premiere permet la confirmation histologique et le staging. La presentation initiale est polymorphe, fonction du stade et du type histologique : nodule ou masse isoles, atelectasie ou pneumonie obstructive, atteinte ganglionnaire ou epanchement pleural isoles, miliaire dans les formes avec mutation epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR). Le statut T depend de la taille tumorale, de la distance a la carene, de l’envahissement parietal et aux organes du mediastin. Le TEP est plus performant que le scanner pour l’extension ganglionnaire, N2 si elle est mediastinale homolaterale, N3 si elle est controlaterale ou sus-claviculaire. La regle doit etre de valider toute contre-indication chirurgicale par une preuve histologique, metastases cerebrales mises a part.

Allergic diseases (asthma, rhinitis and atopic dermatitis) are complex. They are associated with allergen-specific IgE and non-allergic mechanisms that may coexist in the same patient. In addition, these diseases tend to cluster and patients present concomitant or consecutive diseases (multimorbidity). IgE sensitization should be considered as a quantitative trait. Important clinical and immunological differences exist between mono or polysensitized subjects. Multimorbidities of allergic diseases share common causal mechanisms that are only partly IgE-mediated. Persistence of allergic diseases over time is associated with multimorbidity and/or IgE polysensitization. The importance of the family history of allergy may decrease with age. This review puts forward the hypothesis that allergic multimorbidities and IgE polysensitization are associated and related to the persistence or re-occurrence of foetal Type 2 signalling. Asthma, rhinitis and atopic dermatitis are manifestations of a common systemic immune imbalance (mesodermal origin) with specific patterns of remodelling (ectodermal or endodermal origin). This paper proposes a new classification of IgE-mediated allergic diseases that allows the definition of novel phenotypes in order to (i) better understand genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, (ii) better stratify allergic preschool children for prognosis, and (iii) propose novel strategies of treatment and prevention.

A model is presented to calculate the stopping power of ions propagating in dense matter. Comparisons with experiment in the cold dense regime are presented and discussed. Further, we present results from the warm dense matter regime and the field of high energy density physics.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy increases childhood asthma risk, but health effects in children of nonsmoking mothers passively exposed to tobacco smoke during pregnancy are unclear. We examined the association of maternal passive smoking during pregnancy and wheeze in children aged ≤2 years.Individual data of 27 993 mother–child pairs from 15 European birth cohorts were combined in pooled analyses taking into consideration potential confounders.Children with maternal exposure to passive smoking during pregnancy and no other smoking exposure were more likely to develop wheeze up to the age of 2 years (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03–1.20) compared with unexposed children. Risk of wheeze was further increased by children's postnatal passive smoke exposure in addition to their mothers' passive exposure during pregnancy (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.19–1.40) and highest in children with both sources of passive exposure and mothers who smoked actively during pregnancy (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.59–1.88). Risk of wheeze associated with tobacco smoke exposure was higher in children with an allergic versus nonallergic family history.Maternal passive smoking exposure during pregnancy is an independent risk factor for wheeze in children up to the age of 2 years. Pregnant females should avoid active and passive exposure to tobacco smoke for the benefit of their children's health.

Background Comparable evidence on adiposity inequalities in early life is lacking across a range of European countries. This study investigates whether low maternal education is associated with overweight and obesity risk in children from distinct European settings during early childhood. Methods Prospective data of 45 413 children from 11 European cohorts were used. Children's height and weight obtained at ages 4-7 years were used to assess prevalent overweight and obesity according to the International Obesity Task Force definition. The Relative/Slope Indices of Inequality (RII/SII) were estimated within each cohort and by gender to investigate adiposity risk among children born to mothers with low education as compared to counterparts born to mothers with high education. Individual-data meta-analyses were conducted to obtain aggregate estimates and to assess heterogeneity between cohorts. Results Low maternal education yielded a substantial risk of early childhood adiposity across 11 European countries. Low maternal education yielded a mean risk ratio of 1.58 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34, 1.85) and a mean risk difference of 7.78% (5.34, 10.22) in early childhood overweight, respectively, measured by the RII and SII. Early childhood obesity risk by low maternal education was as substantial for all cohorts combined (RII = 2.61 (2.10, 3.23)) and (SII = 4.01% (3.14, 4.88)). Inequalities in early childhood adiposity were consistent among boys, but varied among girls in a few cohorts. Conclusions Considerable inequalities in overweight and obesity are evident among European children in early life. Tackling early childhood adiposity is necessary to promote children's immediate health and well-being and throughout the life course. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

UNLABELLED Early-life exposure to microbial agents may play a protective role in asthma and allergies development. Geographical differences in the prevalence of these diseases exist, but the differences in early-life indoor microbial agent levels and their determinants have been hardly studied. We aimed to describe the early-life levels of endotoxin, extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), and β(1-3)-glucans in living room dust of four geographically spread European birth cohorts (LISA in Germany, PIAMA in the Netherlands, INMA in Spain, and LUKAS2 in Finland) and to assess their determinants. A total of 1572 dust samples from living rooms of participants were analyzed for endotoxin, Penicillium/Aspergillus EPS, and β(1-3)-glucans. Information on potential determinants was obtained through questionnaires. Concentrations of endotoxin, EPS, and β(1-3)-glucans were different across cohorts. Concentrations of endotoxin and EPS were respectively lower and higher in INMA than in other cohorts, while glucans were higher in LUKAS2. Season of sampling, dog ownership, dampness, and the number of people living at home were significantly associated with concentrations of at least one microbial agent, with heterogeneity of effect estimates of the determinants across cohorts. In conclusion, both early-life microbial exposure levels and exposure determinants differ across cohorts derived from diverse European countries. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS This study adds evidence of variability in the levels of indoor endotoxin, extracellular polysaccharide, and β(1-3)-glucans across four geographically spread European regions. Furthermore, we observed heterogeneity across regions in the effect of exposure determinants. We hypothesize that the variations observed in our study may play a role in the differences in asthma and allergies prevalences across countries.

SUMMARY This paper presents equivalent circuits for analysing induction motors, including parameters that evaluate the mechanical losses and additional load losses, with the objective of achieving a power balance with all losses included in the equivalent circuit parameters. The different options of the circuits are presented, including two resistors that evaluate the losses with three commonly used models: single-cage, double-cage and slip-dependent rotor parameters. Using nonlinear programming techniques, the equivalent circuit parameters were calculated in the different models from rated motor specifications on three induction motors (0.75, 1.5 and 5.5 kW). These motors were tested according to Standard IEC 60034-2-1 to compare the mechanical and additional load losses obtained in the proposed equivalent circuits analysis to those obtained according to standard tests. The equivalent circuit was calculated to the manufacturer's data for a four-pole, 50-Hz, class B, standard efficiency motors, with rated output power between 0.75 and 200 kW. Finally, a losses study was performed, and the separation of losses to the rated point was obtained for the studied motors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Purpose Herein is reported an application of life cycle analysis (LCA), using the Methodology for the Ecodesign of Energy Using Products (MEEUP), in order to assess the influence of some design parameters in the environmental impact of three-phase induction motors. A motor design procedure to minimize the total environmental impact, based on data obtained from commercial motors, is presented. This procedure is specially intended for the low power range due to the greater potential for energy savings in motors having an output power of 0.75 to 4 kW. Methods A procedure has been developed, based on previously acquired data, to determine the parameters required for application of the MEEUP methodology. These comprise the quantity of each of the motor's main constituent materials used in the production phase, and the two operating variables that directly influence the LCA results: output power and efficiency. Results and discussion The procedure was applied to two 1.5 kW induction motors of different efficiency (according to standard IEC60034-2-1). The calculation results were compared satisfactorily with the laboratory test results. The total environmental impact of the two real motors and of the proposed motor was determined in the production, service life, and end-of-life phases.

ObjectiveWe studied the associations between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms and the neurobehavioral status in two population-based birth cohorts.MethodsChildren (n = 467) were assessed by psychologists and teachers for neuropsychological functioning (McCarthy Scales, MCSA), inattention-hyperactivity symptoms (ADHD-DSM-IV form list) and social behavior (California Preschool Social Competence Scale, CPSCS). Regression models were used with covariate adjustment.ResultsSixteen percent of children had ADHD-DSM-IV symptoms. MCSA scores were linearly associated with ADHD symptom scores (general cognitive Beta = −0.6 [−1.0; −0.3] per symptom), specifically inattention scores (general cognitive Beta = −1.8 [−2.3; −1.2]). CPSCS scores were associated with ADHD symptoms (Beta = −2.19 [−2.5; −1.9]). MCSA scores of executive function, perceptive-performance and quantitative sub-areas had stronger associations with ADHD symptoms.ConclusionsPreschooler ADHD symptoms are associated with concurrent decrements in neurocognitive and social competence functioning. The association patterns are similar to those found in older children with ADHD symptomology (Marks et al., 2005 [36], Seidman, 2006 [46], Sonuga-Barke et al., 2003 [48], Yochman et al., 2006 [53]).

Wilms' tumor suppressor gene (WT1) en codes a tran scription factor required for nor mal development of the genitourinary system. Germline WT1 mutations have been described in a wide spectrum of pathological conditions, including kidney diseases, genital abnormalities and Wilms' tumor. Here we re port a 4-year-old male patient who presented with bilateral cryptorchidism, Wilms' tumor, nephroblastomatosis and renal failure with out nephrotic proteinuria. Sequence analysis of the WT1 gene demonstrated a constitutional heterozygous non sense mutation in exon 7, which leads to a truncation of the WT1 protein at the zinc-finger 1. In the DNA of the tumor, we ob served the same mutation in homo/hemizygosity. Given the requirement of WT1 for nor mal development, the WT1 mutation is likely to be responsible for the nephroblastomatosis and, in con sequence, for the severe renal failure ob served in our patient. This finding ex tends the spectrum of kidney diseases related to WT1 mutations and points to the need to screen for this gene in children with genitourinary abnormalities and Wilms' tumor be cause of the associated risk of nephroblastomatosis and renal failure in those carrying WT1 mutations.

The origin of the epidemic of IgE-associated (allergic) diseases is unclear. MeDALL (Mechanisms of the Development of ALLergy), an FP7 European Union project (No. 264357), aims to generate novel knowledge on the mechanisms of initiation of allergy and to propose early diagnosis, prevention, and targets for therapy. A novel phenotype definition and an integrative translational approach are needed to understand how a network of molecular and environmental factors can lead to complex allergic diseases. A novel, stepwise, large-scale, and integrative approach will be led by a network of complementary experts in allergy, epidemiology, allergen biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology, epigenetics, functional genomics, bioinformatics, computational and systems biology. The following steps are proposed: (i) Identification of 'classical' and 'novel' phenotypes in existing birth cohorts; (ii) Building discovery of the relevant mechanisms in IgE-associated allergic diseases in existing longitudinal birth cohorts and Karelian children; (iii) Validation and redefinition of classical and novel phenotypes of IgE-associated allergic diseases; and (iv) Translational integration of systems biology outcomes into health care, including societal aspects. MeDALL will lead to: (i) A better understanding of allergic phenotypes, thus expanding current knowledge of the genomic and environmental determinants of allergic diseases in an integrative way; (ii) Novel diagnostic tools for the early diagnosis of allergy, targets for the development of novel treatment modalities, and prevention of allergic diseases; (iii) Improving the health of European citizens as well as increasing the competitiveness and boosting the innovative capacity of Europe, while addressing global health issues and ethical issues.

Udgivelsesdato: 2008-Nov BACKGROUND: Studies on pet ownership as a risk or protective factor for asthma and allergy show inconsistent results. This may be on account of insufficient adjustment of confounding factors. AIM: The objective of this study was to describe determinants of cat and dog ownership in European families with and without allergies. METHODS: Within the EU-funded network of excellence GA(2)LEN, we performed meta-analyses with data from 12 ongoing European birth cohort studies on asthma and allergy. Each of the birth cohort studies enrolled between 485 and 4089 children. Pet ownership, allergic status (asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema) of parents and siblings, parental education, access to ground floor, and number of people living at home were assessed by questionnaires. RESULTS: Among the 25 056 families from seven European countries cats (14.9%) were more common than dogs (12.0%). Allergic family history significantly reduced the odds to own a cat (adjusted combined random-effect OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.85-0.99), or dog (0.90; 0.86-0.94). A higher parental educational level had even more pronounced effects on cat (0.84; 0.71-0.98), and dog ownership (0.61; 0.54-0.70). Elder siblings reduced the odds to own cats, but not dogs. Convenient ground access significantly increased the odds, whereas crowding at home was not associated with cat or dog ownership. CONCLUSIONS: The chances to own a cat or dog were significantly reduced in allergic families, in parents with a higher educational level, and in homes without convenient ground access. In addition to parental allergies, social and housing factors should be considered as potential confounders in studies on pet exposure and allergic diseases.

Introduction:Dietary intake of specific nutrients or food groups during pregnancy could play a role in the risk of asthma and atopy in offspring, but specific dietary patterns have not been implicated. The authors evaluated the impact of maternal (during pregnancy) and child adherence to a Mediterranean diet on asthma and atopy in childhood.Methods:Women presenting for antenatal care at all general practices in Menorca, a Mediterranean island in Spain, over a 12 month period starting in mid-1997 were recruited. 460 children were included in the analysis after 6.5 years of follow-up. Maternal dietary intake during pregnancy and children’s dietary intake at age 6.5 years were assessed by food frequency questionnaires, and adherence to a Mediterranean diet was evaluated by a priori defined scores. During follow-up, parents completed questionnaires on the child’s respiratory and allergic symptoms. Children underwent skin prick tests with six common aeroallergens.Results:The prevalence rates of persistent wheeze, atopic wheeze and atopy at age 6.5 years were 13.2%, 5.8% and 17.0%, respectively. One-third (36.1%) of mothers had a low quality Mediterranean diet during pregnancy according to the Mediterranean Diet Score, while the rest had a high score. A high Mediterranean Diet Score during pregnancy (at two levels, using “low” score as the reference) was found to be protective for persistent wheeze (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.58), atopic wheeze (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.90) and atopy (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.31 to 0.97) at age 6.5 years after adjusting for potential confounders. Childhood adherence to a Mediterranean diet was negatively associated with persistent wheeze and atopy although the associations did not reach statistical significance.Conclusion:These results support a protective effect of a high level of adherence to a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy against asthma-like symptoms and atopy in childhood.

Epidemiological studies have shown inverse associations of asthma symptoms with fish, vegetable, and fruit intake. We evaluated the association between several dietary factors with wheeze and atopy among children in Menorca, a Spanish Mediterranean island. A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 460 children at age 6.5 yr. Parents completed a questionnaire on the child's respiratory and allergic symptoms, and a 96-item food frequency questionnaire. Children underwent skin prick tests with six common aeroallergens. The average daily intake was relatively high for fruits (177 g) and fish (54 g), and moderate for vegetables (59 g). A high consumption (>40 g/day) of fruity vegetables (tomatoes, eggplants, cucumber, green beans, zucchini) was found to have beneficial effect on current wheeze [odds ratio (OR), 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.15-0.95, p < 0.05], and atopic wheeze with a significant decreasing trend when intake was increased (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.04-0.95, p for trend = 0.04). No other fruits or vegetables were significantly associated with wheeze or atopy prevalence. An inverse association was found between a fish intake ≥60 g/day and atopy (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.21-0.90, p < 0.05). The associations remained significant after adjustment for energy intake and maternal diet during pregnancy. Our results support a potential protective effect of fruity vegetables and fish intake during childhood on wheeze and atopy respectively.

Summary Background There is growing evidence that n-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and may modulate immune response. Dietary intake of these nutrients during pregnancy could play a role in the risk of asthma and atopy in the offspring. Methods Using data from a cohort of women (n=462) enrolled during pregnancy and whose offspring were followed up to 6 years, we evaluated the impact of fish consumption during pregnancy on the incidence of atopy and asthma. Dietary intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire (42 items) applied by an interviewer. Results Thirty-four percent of infants had a medical diagnosis of eczema at age 1 year, 14.3% of the children were atopic [based on skin prick test (SPT) at 6 years], and 5.7% had atopic wheeze at age 6 years. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, fish intake during pregnancy was protective against the risk of eczema at age 1 year, a positive SPT for house dust mite at age 6 years and atopic wheeze at age 6 years [odds ratio (OR)=0.73 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55–0.98, OR=0.68, 95% CI 0.46–1.01 and OR=0.55, 95% CI 0.31–0.96, respectively]. For an increase in fish intake from once per week to 2.5 times per week, the risk of eczema at age 1 year decreased by 37%, and the risk of positive SPT at age 6 years by 35%. Stratification by breastfeeding showed that fish intake was significantly related to a decrease risk in persistent wheeze among non-breastfed children (P for interaction

The fundamental principles of pericyclic reactions are governed by the Woodward-Hoffmann rules, which state that these reactions can only take place if the symmetries of the reactants' molecular orbitals and the products' molecular orbitals are the same. As such, these rules rely on the nodal structure of either the wave function or the frontier molecular orbitals, so it is unclear how these rules can be recovered in the density functional reactivity theory (or "conceptual DFT"), where the basic quantity is the strictly positive electron density. A third, nonsymmetry based approach to predict the outcome of pericyclic reactions is due to Zimmerman which uses the concept of the aromatic transition states: allowed reactions possess aromatic transition states, while forbidden reactions possess antiaromatic transition states. Based on our recent work on cycloadditions, we investigate the initial response of the chemical hardness, a central DFT based reactivity index, along the reaction profiles of a series of electrocyclizations. For a number of cases, we also compute complete initial reaction coordinate (IRC) paths and hardness profiles. We find that the hardness response is always higher for the allowed modes than for the forbidden modes. This suggests that the initial hardness response along the IRC is the key for casting the Woodward-Hoffmann rules into conceptual DFT.

Background A healthy start to life is a major priority in efforts to reduce health inequalities across Europe, with important implications for the health of future generations. There is limited combined evidence on inequalities in health among newborns across a range of European countries. Methods Prospective cohort data of 75 296 newborns from 12 European countries were used. Maternal education, preterm and small for gestational age births were determined at baseline along with covariate data. Regression models were estimated within each cohort and meta-analyses were conducted to compare and measure heterogeneity between cohorts. Results Mother's education was linked to an appreciable risk of preterm and small for gestational age (SGA) births across 12 European countries. The excess risk of preterm births associated with low maternal education was 1.48 (1.29 to 1.69) and 1.84 (0.99 to 2.69) in relative and absolute terms (Relative/Slope Index of Inequality, RII/SII) for all cohorts combined. Similar effects were found for SGA births, but absolute inequalities were greater, with an SII score of 3.64 (1.74 to 5.54). Inequalities at birth were strong in the Netherlands, the UK, Sweden and Spain and marginal in other countries studied. Conclusions This study highlights the value of comparative cohort analysis to better understand the relationship between maternal education and markers of fetal growth in different settings across Europe.

This study examined indoor nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations in Ashford, Kent (UK), Menorca Island and Barcelona city (Spain) and the contribution of their most important indoor determinants (e.g. gas combustion appliances and cigarette smoking). The homes examined (n = 1421) were those from infants recruited for the Asthma Multicentre Infants Cohort Study, which aimed to assess, using a standard protocol, the effects of pre- and post-natal environmental exposures in the inception of atopy and asthma. Indoor NO2 was measured using passive filter badges placed on a living room wall of the homes for between 7 and 15 days. Homes in the three centers had significantly different concentrations of indoor NO2, with those in Barcelona showing the highest levels (median NO2 levels: 5.79, 6.06 and 23.87 p.p.b. in Ashford, Menorca and Barcelona, respectively). Multiple regression analysis showed that the principal indoor determinants of NO2 concentrations in the three cohorts were the heating/cooking fuel used in the house (gas fire increased average NO2 concentrations by 1.27-fold and gas cooker by 2.13 times), parental cigarette smoking and season of measurement. Those variables significantly related to indoor NO(2) accounted for 23, 14 and 39% of the variation in indoor NO2 concentration in Ashford, Barcelona and Menorca, respectively. In all the cohorts combined, 52% of the variation could be explained in this way. Although outdoor NO2 was not measured concurrently, its additional contribution was estimated. In conclusion, despite differences in indoor NO2 mean concentrations probably reflecting different outdoor NO2 level, home factors affecting indoor NO2 values and their specific contributions were constant across the three cohorts.This study found that principal determinants associated to indoor NO2 in three different sites of Europe: Ashford (UK), Barcelona and Menorca (Spain) were the energy source present in the home and cigarette smoking, despite these areas presented different climates, levels of outdoor contamination, housing characteristics and ventilation behavior. It is suggested that interventions in homes of these three centers will need to address principally cigarette smoking and gas combustion appliances. These latter factors require institutional intervention, while cigarette smoking mainly require personal changes.

Objetivo: Comunicar la experiencia de 5 años de un servicio pediátrico de transporte en helicóptero, describir las características del medio, los equipos, sus indicaciones y ventajas respecto al transporte terrestre. Métodos: Se revisan retrospectivamente 224 vuelos efectuados durante 5 años. El equipo está formado por un pediatra y una enfermera especialistas en pacientes críticos del Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital de Sant Pau de Barcelona, disponibles 365 días al año, de orto a ocaso, y opera en helicópteros del Real Automóvil Club de Cataluña coordinados por el Sistema de Emergencias Médicas. Su ámbito de actuación es Cataluña y Andorra. Se cuantifican el número de pacientes, edad, sexo, patología y tiempos de respuesta y estabilización. Resultados: El número de pacientes fue de 220, 139 varones y 81 mujeres; 6 fallecieron en el hospital emisor, 7 servicios se anularon por mala climatología, avería o negativa familiar, y se realizaron 3 transportes dobles de gemelos. Se efectuaron 224 vuelos en los que se transportaron 214 pacientes. Los tiempos medios en minutos fueron: entre alerta y despegue, 15; tiempo de vuelo, 29; desde el aterrizaje hasta la cabecera del enfermo, 10. El total fue de 54. El tiempo medio de estabilización fue de 42 min. Conclusiones: El transporte de niños críticos en helicóptero realizado por equipos especializados de pediatras y enfermeras acorta el tiempo de respuesta en las zonas alejadas y mal comunicadas. El menor número de aceleraciones y vibraciones del helicóptero aporta, sobre todo en los pacientes con traumatismos, una mayor estabilidad durante el transporte. Ambos modelos, terrestre y aéreo, deben ser complementarios. : Objective: To report a 5-year experience of pediatric helicopter transport and describe its characteristics, the composition of the team, its indications and the advantages of air versus ground transport. Methods: A total of 224 flights over a 5-year period were retrospectively analyzed. The team was composed of a pediatrician and a pediatric nurse from the Pediatric Department of Hospital Sant Pau and was available 365 days per year from sunrise to sunset. The helicopters belonged to the Royal Automobile Club of Catalonia and were coordinated by the Emergency Medical Service. The area covered was Catalonia and Andorra. The number of patients, age, sex, diagnosis, and response and stabilization times were recorded. Results: There were 220 patients (139 males and 81 females). Six patients died in the primary hospital before transport. Seven flights were canceled because of adverse weather, engine breakdown, or family refusal. Three twin transportations were performed. A total of 214 patients were transported in 224 flights. The mean times (in minutes) were: from emergency call to takeoff: 15; flight time: 39; between landing to the emergency room: 10. The mean stabilization time was 42 min. Conclusions: Helicopter transportation of critically-ill children by specialist teams of pediatricians and nurses shortens response time in isolated areas with poor transport. The lower number of accelerations and vibrations of the helicopter provides greater stability during transport, especially in trauma patients. Both transport models, air and ground, should be complementary.

La histiocitosis de células de Langerhans (HCL), anteriormente conocida como histiocitosis X, es una enfermedad poco frecuente caracterizada por la acumulación y proliferación de histiocitos, eosinófilos y células de Langerhans, con inclusión de gránulos de Birbeck detectables por microscopia electrónica, afectando órganos y sistemas de forma aislada o múltiple. Las distintas formas de presentación producen distinto enfoque terapéutico y pronóstico, desde formas benignas, autolimitadas, con resolución espontánea hasta otras de curso tórpido o maligno. Se presentan 5 casos de HCL exponentes de esta entidad, con la misma base histopatológica, pero diferente evolución. : Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH), previously known as histiocytosis X, is a rare disease. It is characterized by the accumulation and proliferation of histiocytes, eosinophils and Langerhans' cells with Birbeck granules detected by electron microscopy. It involves single organs or systems or can present as a multisystem disease. The clinical presentation may vary widely, ranging from benign self-limiting types with spontaneous regression to slowlyprogressive malignant disease. We report five cases of LCH with the same histopathologic basis but different outcome.

In this paper, a novel type of hybrid reluctance motor (HRM) drive is presented. This new motor is characterized by a stator formed by a combination of independent magnetic structures, each one composed of an electromagnet, the magnetic core with one or several coils wound on it, associated with a permanent magnet disposed between their poles. The rotor has the same configuration of a switched reluctance motor (SRM) without any coil, magnets, or squirrel cage. A particular case of this HRM, with three electromagnets with permanent magnets in the stator and five salient poles in the rotor, is studied. The motor is then analyzed and simulated. Finally, experimental results are given, and this type of motor drive is compared with the SRM drives of the same size. This new type of HRM does not present cogging torque and has higher power and efficiency than an SRM of the same size.