bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Theoretical Diffusion Modelling of Gas Filtration Processes
Authors: Wawszczak Włodzimierz , Strzembosz Wiktor 
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the study of structures of random fibre arrangement with very high irregularity and textiles made of fibres with a very high level of parallelism, arranged in layers. Studying of textile materials by the proposed aerodynamic method, namely, the gas filtration modeling, enables the differentiation of their internal structure. Therefore, it can be applied to modern analysis and comparison of use characteristics of any textiles.
Gas filtration modeling consists of blowing an air stream through a textile sample of a porous structure. The flow is ruled by Darcy’s law and Poieuille’a-Hagen’s law and by mass, momentum and energy conservation laws. The theoretical model of studies assumes dividing the sample thickness into layers in which, on the basis of pressure Δpi and mass flux m measurements, we calculate: dk-diameter of ducts; f-specific surface, Ki-Darcy coefficient, Rei, Eui, Dai – Reynolds, Euler and Darcy numbers. There are inlet and outlet convection zones. Local studies of the structure are also analysed in relation to the whole sample and averaged in the form of global values.
The test stand includes a measuring cassette, manometers, an air blower, meters of air stream mass (turbine and El-flow ones) and control valves. Homogeneous and multi-layer materials of thickness up to 50 mm can be tested. Measurements are carried out for samples arranged at different angles and with air streams of different magnitude, dividing the sample into layers Agi. It enables the evaluation of properties of textile products, their axial and circumferential irregularity as well as the determination of new physical modelling factors. The studies can also be used for comparative analysis of various textiles and evaluation of their suitability for different industrial applications.
Measuring and Rendering Spatially-Varying Fabrics
Authors: McAllister David K. , Lastra Anselmo 
Published: April 2016

Most surfaces, including most fabrics, have different reflectance at different points on the surface. The reflectance also varies based on the incident and exitant light directions. This spatially and angularly varying surface appearance is a 6D function, sometimes called the Spatial Bi-directional Reflectance Distribution Function (SBRDF). We present a system for measuring the SBRDF of real fabrics in a lab setting. Our system is able to capture distinct anisotropic BRDFs at each point on the fabric.
The measurement device yields from 300 MB to 8 GB of reflectance data for complex fabrics. We compress the SBRDF using a sum of very few nonlinear bases suited to BRDFs, yielding a highly compact texture map of from 2 to 20 MB, suitable for accurately visualizing articles made of specific fabrics interactively using commodity graphics hardware. We provide an online database of sampled SBRDFs, both in raw form and as final texture maps.
Increased risk of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder associated with exposure to organophosphate pesticide in Taiwanese children
Authors: Yu C.‐J. , Du J.‐C. , Chiou H.‐C. , Chung M.‐Y. , Yang W. , Chen Y.‐S. , Fuh M.‐R. , Chien L.‐C. , Hwang B. , Chen M.‐L. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryAttention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is male predominated, and the etiology of this disorder remains unclear. Past studies have assessed the association of low‐level organophosphate pesticide exposure with childhood ADHD cross‐sectionally and prospectively. However, the results have been inconsistent. A first case–control study was performed to investigate the relationship between organophosphate pesticide exposure and ADHD with adjusted covariates. We recruited 97 doctor‐diagnosed ADHD cases and 110 non‐ADHD controls who were 4–15 years of age. Exposure was assessed using urinary levels of dialkylphosphate metabolites, which are biomarkers of OP pesticide exposure. Blood lead levels and polymorphisms of two commonly verified dopaminergic‐related genes (the D4 dopamine receptor gene DRD4 and the dopamine transporter gene DAT1) were also analyzed. The sociodemographics and lifestyles of the children and of the mothers during pregnancy were collected using a questionnaire. The blood lead levels of both groups were similar (1.57 ± 0.73 vs. 1.73 ± 0.77 μg/dL, p = 0.15). Significant urinary concentration differences in one of the six dialkylphosphate metabolites, dimethylphosphate (DMP), were found between ADHD and control subjects (322.92 ± 315.68 vs. 224.37 ± 156.58 nmol/g cr., p < 0.01). A dose–response relationship was found between urinary concentrations of DMP and ADHD in both crude and adjusted analyses (p for trend<0.05). Children with higher urinary DMP concentrations may have a twofold to threefold increased risk of being diagnosed with ADHD. We report a dose–response relationship between child DMP levels and ADHD. Organophosphate pesticide exposure may have deleterious effects on children's neurodevelopment, particularly the development of ADHD.
Impact of Cefepime Susceptible-Dose-Dependent MIC for Enterobacteriaceae on Reporting and Prescribing
Authors: Rivera Christina G. , Narayanan Prasanna P. , Patel Robin , Estes Lynn L. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

The CLSI cefepime breakpoints were revised to include a susceptible-dose-dependent (SDD) category for
Enterobacteriaceae
, with the intention that higher cefepime doses be used for these isolates. In this study, 1.6% of
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates were reported as SDD, with
Escherichia coli
the most common SDD organism. Cefepime was prescribed in three cases (4.8%); the majority of SDD isolates were treated with a carbapenem.
Enterobacteriaceae
with cefepime SDD MICs were not commonly treated with cefepime at our institution.
Single Amino Acid Substitutions at Specific Positions of the Heptad Repeat Sequence of Piscidin-1 Yielded Novel Analogs That Show Low Cytotoxicity and
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Antiendotoxin Activity
Authors: Kumar Amit , Tripathi Amit Kumar , Kathuria Manoj , Shree Sonal , Tripathi Jitendra Kumar , Purshottam R. K. , Ramachandran Ravishankar , Mitra Kalyan , Ghosh Jimut Kanti 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT
Piscidin-1 possesses significant antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. To recognize the primary amino acid sequence(s) in piscidin-1 that could be important for its biological activity, a long heptad repeat sequence located in the region from amino acids 2 to 19 was identified. To comprehend the possible role of this motif, six analogs of piscidin-1 were designed by selectively replacing a single isoleucine residue at a d (5th) position or at an a (9th or 16th) position with either an alanine or a valine residue. Two more analogs, namely, I5F,F6A-piscidin-1 and V12I-piscidin-1, were designed for investigating the effect of interchanging an alanine residue at a d position with an adjacent phenylalanine residue and replacing a valine residue with an isoleucine residue at another d position of the heptad repeat of piscidin-1, respectively. Single alanine-substituted analogs exhibited significantly reduced cytotoxicity against mammalian cells compared with that of piscidin-1 but appreciably retained the antibacterial and antiendotoxin activities of piscidin-1. All the single valine-substituted piscidin-1 analogs and I5F,F6A-piscidin-1 showed cytotoxicity greater than that of the corresponding alanine-substituted analogs, antibacterial activity marginally greater than or similar to that of the corresponding alanine-substituted analogs, and also antiendotoxin activity superior to that of the corresponding alanine-substituted analogs. Interestingly, among these peptides, V12I-piscidin-1 showed the highest cytotoxicity and antibacterial and antiendotoxin activities. Lipopolysaccharide (12 mg/kg of body weight)-treated mice, further treated with I16A-piscidin-1, the piscidin-1 analog with the highest therapeutic index, at a single dose of 1 or 2 mg/kg of body weight, showed 80 and 100% survival, respectively. Structural and functional characterization of these peptides revealed the basis of their biological activity and demonstrated that nontoxic piscidin-1 analogs with significant antimicrobial and antiendotoxin activities can be designed by incorporating single alanine substitutions in the piscidin-1 heptad repeat.
Epidemiology of Acute Kidney Injury among Patients Receiving Concomitant Vancomycin and Piperacillin-Tazobactam: Opportunities for Antimicrobial Stewardship
Authors: Karino Shigehiko , Kaye Keith S. , Navalkele Bhagyashri , Nishan Bakht , Salim Madiha , Solanki Shantanu , Pervaiz Amina , Tashtoush Nader , Shaikh Hamadullah , Koppula Sunitha , Martin Emily T. , Mynatt Ryan P. , Murray Kyle P. , Rybak Michael J. , Pogue Jason M. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT
Despite their common use as an empirical combination therapy for the better part of a decade, there has been a recent association between combination therapy with vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam and high rates of acute kidney injury (AKI). The reasons for this increased association are unclear, and this analysis was designed to investigate the association. Retrospective cohort and case-control studies were performed. The primary objective was to assess if there is an association between extended-infusion piperacillin-tazobactam in combination with vancomycin and development of AKI. The secondary objectives were to identify risk factors for AKI in patients on the combination, regardless of infusion strategy, and to evaluate the impact of AKI on clinical outcomes. AKI occurred in 105/320 (33%) patients from the cohort receiving combination therapy with vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam, with similar rates seen in those receiving intermittent (53/160 [33.1%]) and extended infusions (52/160 [32.5%]) of piperacillin-tazobactam. Independent risk factors for AKI in the cohort included having a documented Gram-positive infection, the presence of sepsis, receipt of a vancomycin loading dose (odds ratio [OR], 2.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 4.71), and receipt of any concomitant nephrotoxin (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.41 to 4.22). For at-risk patients remaining on combination therapy, the highest rates of AKI occurred on days 4 (10.7%) and 5 (19.3%). The incidence of AKI in patients on combination therapy with vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam is high, occurring in 33% of patients. Receipt of piperacillin-tazobactam as an extended infusion did not increase this risk. Modifiable risk factors for AKI include receipt of a vancomycin loading dose, concomitant nephrotoxins, and longer durations of therapy.
Role of Host Type IA Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Pathway Components in Invasin-Mediated Internalization of Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Dowd Georgina C. , Bhalla Manmeet , Kean Bernard , Thomas Rowan , Ireton Keith 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Many bacterial pathogens subvert mammalian type IA phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in order to induce their internalization into host cells. How PI3K promotes internalization is not well understood. Also unclear is whether type IA PI3K affects different pathogens through similar or distinct mechanisms. Here, we performed an RNA interference (RNAi)-based screen to identify components of the type IA PI3K pathway involved in invasin-mediated entry of
Yersinia enterocolitica
, an enteropathogen that causes enteritis and lymphadenitis. The 69 genes targeted encode known upstream regulators or downstream effectors of PI3K. A similar RNAi screen was previously performed with the food-borne bacterium
Listeria monocytogenes
. The results of the screen with
Y. enterocolitica
indicate that at least nine members of the PI3K pathway are needed for invasin-mediated entry. Several of these proteins, including centaurin-α1, Dock180, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Grp1, LL5α, LL5β, and PLD2 (phospholipase D2), were recruited to sites of entry. In addition, centaurin-α1, FAK, PLD2, and mTOR were required for remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton during entry. Six of the human proteins affecting invasin-dependent internalization also promote InlB-mediated entry of
L. monocytogenes
. Our results identify several host proteins that mediate invasin-induced effects on the actin cytoskeleton and indicate that a subset of PI3K pathway components promote internalization of both
Y. enterocolitica
and
L. monocytogenes
.
Improved incidence of end-stage renal disease of type 1 diabetes in Japan, from a hospital-based survey
Authors: Otani Toshika , Yokoyama Hiroki , Ohashi Yasuo , Uchigata Yasuko 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveTo explore whether the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) was lowered over time, and how the baseline characteristics and risk factor management during follow-up were associated with the incident ESRD.Research design and methodsAn observational cohort study was performed in 1014 patients with T1DM diagnosed from 1961 to 1999, who were admitted to the diabetes center. The incidence of ESRD up to 2010 and the effect of risk factors, including annual mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood pressure, were investigated.ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 19.3 years, with 88.3% follow-up rate, the incidence of ESRD was significantly lower in T1DM diagnosed in 1985–1999 than in 1961–1984 (0.8 vs 5.0 per 1000 person-years, p<0.0001), which was not precluded by preceding death. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the former group (vs the latter) was associated with a significantly reduced risk of ESRD independent of baseline variables of age, duration and gender (p<0.01). The continuous variable of year of T1DM diagnosis remained significant after adjustment for the above variables plus baseline proteinuria and retinopathy (p=0.02). Time-dependent Cox regression analysis indicated that ESRD was associated with annual mean HbA1c (p<0.01), systolic blood pressure (p<0.001) and baseline proteinuria (p<0.001), followed by continuous variable of year of T1DM diagnosis (p=0.09).ConclusionsOur data indicate that incidence of ESRD is decreasing over time, coinciding with enhanced glycemic and blood pressure controls. The incidence of ESRD in recently diagnosed T1DM appears to be much lower than previously reported ESRD incidence.
Retrospective cohort study of cancer incidence and mortality by HIV status in a Georgia, USA, prisoner cohort during the HAART era
Authors: Zlotorzynska Maria , Spaulding Anne C , Messina Lauren C , Coker Daniella , Ward Kevin , Easley Kirk , Baillargeon Jacques , Mink Pamela J , Simard Edgar P 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveNon-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) have emerged as significant contributors to cancer mortality and morbidity among persons living with HIV (PLWH). Because NADCs are also associated with many social and behavioural risk factors that underlie HIV, determining the extent to which each of these factors contributes to NADC risk is difficult. We examined cancer incidence and mortality among persons with a history of incarceration, because distributions of other cancer risk factors are likely similar between prisoners living with HIV and non-infected prisoners.DesignRegistry-based retrospective cohort study.ParticipantsCohort of 22 422 persons incarcerated in Georgia, USA, prisons on 30 June 1991, and still alive in 1998.Outcome measuresCancer incidence and mortality were assessed between 1998 and 2009, using cancer and death registry data matched to prison administrative records. Age, race and sex-adjusted standardised mortality and incidence ratios, relative to the general population, were calculated for AIDS-defining cancers, viral-associated NADCs and non-infection-associated NADCs, stratified by HIV status.ResultsThere were no significant differences in cancer mortality relative to the general population in the cohort, regardless of HIV status. In contrast, cancer incidence was elevated among the PLWH. Furthermore, incidence of viral-associated NADCs was significantly higher among PLWH versus those without HIV infection (standardised incidence ratio=6.1, 95% CI 3.0 to 11.7, p<0.001).ConclusionsAmong PLWH with a history of incarceration, cancer incidence was elevated relative to the general population, likely related to increased prevalence of oncogenic viral co-infections. Cancer prevention and screening programmes within prisons may help to reduce the cancer burden in this high-risk population.
Effect of Baduanjin exercise on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zheng Guohua , Huang Maomao , Li Shuzhen , Li Moyi , Xia Rui , Zhou Wenji , Tao Jing , Chen Lidian 
Published: April 2016

IntroductionMild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate stage between the cognitive changes of normal aging and dementia characterised by a reduction in memory and/or other cognitive processes. An increasing number of studies have indicated that regular physical activity/exercise may have beneficial association with cognitive function of older adults with or without cognitive impairment. As a traditional Chinese Qigong exercise, Baduanjin may be even more beneficial in promoting cognitive ability in older adults with MCI, but the evidence is still insufficient. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Baduanjin exercise on neuropsychological outcomes of community-dwelling older adults with MCI, and to explore its mechanism of action from neuroimaging based on functional MRI (fMRI) and cerebrovascular function.Methods and analysisThe design of this study is a randomised, controlled trial with three parallel groups in a 1:1:1 allocation ratio with allocation concealment and assessor blinding. A total of 135 participants will be enrolled and randomised to the 24-week Baduanjin exercise intervention, 24-week brisk walking intervention and 24-week usual physical activity control group. Global cognitive function and the specific domains of cognition (memory, processing speed, executive function, attention and verbal learning and memory) will be assessed at baseline and 9, 17, 25 and 37 weeks after randomisation, while the structure and function of brain regions related to cognitive function and haemodynamic variables of the brain will be measured by fMRI and transcranial Doppler, respectively, at baseline and 25 and 37 weeks after randomisation.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was given by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Second People's Hospital of Fujian Province (approval number 2014-KL045-02). The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and at scientific conferences.Trial registration numberChiCTR-ICR-15005795; Pre-results.
Lung-protective ventilation initiated in the emergency department (LOV-ED): a study protocol for a quasi-experimental, before-after trial aimed at reducing pulmonary complications
Authors: Fuller Brian M , Ferguson Ian , Mohr Nicholas M , Stephens Robert J , Briscoe Cristopher C , Kolomiets Angelina A , Hotchkiss Richard S , Kollef Marin H 
Published: April 2016

IntroductionIn critically ill patients, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and ventilator-associated conditions (VACs) are associated with increased mortality, survivor morbidity and healthcare resource utilisation. Studies conclusively demonstrate that initial ventilator settings in patients with ARDS, and at risk for it, impact outcome. No studies have been conducted in the emergency department (ED) to determine if lung-protective ventilation in patients at risk for ARDS can reduce its incidence. Since the ED is the entry point to the intensive care unit for hundreds of thousands of mechanically ventilated patients annually in the USA, this represents a knowledge gap in this arena. A lung-protective ventilation strategy was instituted in our ED in 2014. It aims to address the parameters in need of quality improvement, as demonstrated by our previous research: (1) prevention of volutrauma; (2) appropriate positive end-expiratory pressure setting; (3) prevention of hyperoxia; and (4) aspiration precautions.Methods and analysisThe lung-protective ventilation initiated in the emergency department (LOV-ED) trial is a single-centre, quasi-experimental before-after study testing the hypothesis that lung-protective ventilation, initiated in the ED, is associated with reduced pulmonary complications. An intervention cohort of 513 mechanically ventilated adult ED patients will be compared with over 1000 preintervention control patients. The primary outcome is a composite outcome of pulmonary complications after admission (ARDS and VACs). Multivariable logistic regression with propensity score adjustment will test the hypothesis that ED lung-protective ventilation decreases the incidence of pulmonary complications.Ethics and disseminationApproval of the study was obtained prior to data collection on the first patient. As the study is a before-after observational study, examining the effect of treatment changes over time, it is being conducted with waiver of informed consent. This work will be disseminated by publication of full-length manuscripts, presentation in abstract form at major scientific meetings and data sharing with other investigators through academically established means.Trial registration numberNCT02543554.
Increasing Healthy Start food and vitamin voucher uptake for low income pregnant women (Early Years Collaborative Leith Pioneer Site)
Authors: Mackenzie Graham , Dougall Angela 
Published: April 2016

Poverty has a detrimental impact on health and wellbeing. Healthy Start food and vitamin vouchers provide support for low income families across the UK, but at least 25% of eligible women and children miss out. We set out to increase uptake, with an aim of 90% of eligible women and children (n~540 eligible, varying over time) receiving vouchers in the initial team's catchment area by December 2015.Starting with one midwife and one pregnant woman in March 2014 we used the model for improvement to identify ways to improve documentation, sign up, and referral. Weekly data on process measures and monthly data on voucher receipt were plotted on run charts.Comparing medians for January-June 2014 and March-August 2015 there was a 13.3% rise in voucher receipt in Lothian (increase from 313 to 355 women), versus an 8.4% decline for the rest of Scotland (fall from 1688 to 1546 women). Figures varied by team, influenced by staff, family, and area factors. The initial aim proved unrealistic, as signing up a woman for vouchers increases both the numerator and denominator. Accordingly, the percentage uptake has not increased at a regional level (remains at 75%), though the figure for the initiating team (“team 3” in graphs) has increased from 73.0% (January 2014) to 79.0% (November 2015). We have continued testing, achieving recent increases in the number of women referred for welfare rights advice on benefits, tax credits, employment rights, childcare, and debt, securing on average £4,500 per client during 2015/16 (£404k for 89 clients by mid September 2015).This improvement project, part of the Early Years Collaborative in Scotland, has had a measureable impact on pregnant women across Lothian. Success has relied on testing, an electronic maternity record, rapid dissemination of findings through direct engagement with clinical teams, and persistence. Our findings have relevance across the UK, particularly at a time of worsening finances for many families.