bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using the 4 Pillars Practice Transformation Program to Increase Pneumococcal Immunizations for Older Adults: A Cluster‐Randomized Trial
Authors: Zimmerman Richard K. , Brown Anthony E. , Pavlik Valory N. , Moehling Krissy K. , Raviotta Jonathan M. , Lin Chyongchiou J. , Zhang Song , Hawk Mary , Kyle Shakala , Patel Suchita , Ahmed Faruque , Nowalk Mary Patricia 
Published: October 2016

ObjectivesTo test the effectiveness of a step‐by step, evidence‐based guide, the 4 Pillars Practice Transformation Program, to increase adult pneumococcal vaccination.DesignRandomized controlled cluster trial (RCCT) in Year 1 (June 1, 2013 to May 31, 2014) and pre‐post study in Year 2 (June 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015) with data analyzed in 2016. Baseline year was June 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013. Demographic and vaccination data were derived from deidentified electronic medical record extractions.SettingPrimary care practices (n = 25) stratified according to metropolitan area (Houston, Pittsburgh), location (rural, urban, suburban), and type (family medicine, internal medicine), randomized to receive the intervention in Year 1 (n = 13) or Year 2 (n = 12).ParticipantsIndividuals aged 65 and older at baseline (N = 18,107; mean age 74.2; 60.7% female, 16.5% non‐white, 15.7% Hispanic).InterventionThe 4 Pillars Program, provider education, and one‐on‐one coaching of practice‐based immunization champions. Outcome measures were 23‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) vaccination rates and percentage point (PP) changes in vaccination rates.ResultsIn the Year 1 RCCT, PPSV vaccination rates increased significantly in all intervention and control groups, with average increases ranging from 6.5 to 8.7 PP (P < .001). The intervention was not related to greater likelihood of PPSV vaccination. In the Year 2 pre‐post study, the likelihood of PPSV and PCV vaccination was significantly higher in the active intervention sites than the maintenance sites in Pittsburgh but not in Houston.ConclusionIn a RCCT, PPSV vaccination rates increased in the intervention and control groups in Year 1. In a pre‐post study, private primary care practices actively participating in the 4 Pillars Practice Transformation Program improved PPSV and PCV uptake significantly more than practices that were in the maintenance phase of the study.
Cellulose production, activated by cyclic di‐GMP through BcsA and BcsZ, is a virulence factor and an essential determinant of the three‐dimensional architectures of biofilms formed by Erwinia amylovora Ea1189
Authors: Castiblanco Luisa F. , Sundin George W. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryBacterial biofilms are multicellular aggregates encased in an extracellular matrix mainly composed of exopolysaccharides (EPSs), protein and nucleic acids, which determines the architecture of the biofilm. Erwinia amylovora Ea1189 forms a biofilm inside the xylem of its host, which results in vessel plugging and water transport impairment. The production of the EPSs amylovoran and levan is critical for the formation of a mature biofilm. In addition, cyclic dimeric GMP (c‐di‐GMP) has been reported to positively regulate amylovoran biosynthesis and biofilm formation in E. amylovora Ea1189. In this study, we demonstrate that cellulose is synthesized by E. amylovora Ea1189 and is a major modulator of the three‐dimensional characteristics of biofilms formed by this bacterium, and also contributes to virulence during systemic host invasion. In addition, we demonstrate that the activation of cellulose biosynthesis in E. amylovora is a c‐di‐GMP‐dependent process, through allosteric binding to the cellulose catalytic subunit BcsA. We also report that the endoglucanase BcsZ is a key player in c‐di‐GMP activation of cellulose biosynthesis. Our results provide evidence of the complex composition of the extracellular matrix produced by E. amylovora and the implications of cellulose biosynthesis in shaping the architecture of the biofilm and in the expression of one of the main virulence phenotypes of this pathogen.
Relationships between altitude, triatomine (Triatoma dimidiata) immune response and virulence of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas' disease
Authors: DE FUENTES‐VICENTE J. A. , CABRERA‐BRAVO M. , ENRÍQUEZ‐VARA J. N. , BUCIO‐TORRES M. I. , GUTIÉRREZ‐CABRERA A. E. , VIDAL‐LÓPEZ D. G. , MARTÍNEZ‐IBARRA J. A. , SALAZAR‐SCHETTINO P. M. , CÓRDOBA‐AGUILAR A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractLittle is known about how the virulence of a human pathogen varies in the environment it shares with its vector. This study focused on whether the virulence of Trypanosoma cruzi (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae), the causal agent of Chagas' disease, is related to altitude. Accordingly, Triatoma dimidiata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) specimens were collected at three different altitudes (300, 700 and 1400 m a.s.l.) in Chiapas, Mexico. The parasite was then isolated to infect uninfected T. dimidiata from the same altitudes, as well as female CD‐1 mice. The response variables were phenoloxidase (PO) activity, a key insect immune response, parasitaemia in mice, and amastigote numbers in the heart, oesophagus, gastrocnemius and brain of the rodents. The highest levels of PO activity, parasitaemia and amastigotes were found for Tryp. cruzi isolates sourced from 700 m a.s.l., particularly in the mouse brain. A polymerase chain reaction‐based analysis indicated that all Tryp. cruzi isolates belonged to a Tryp. cruzi I lineage. Thus, Tryp. cruzi from 700 m a.s.l. may be more dangerous than sources at other altitudes. At this altitude, T. dimidiata is more common, apparently because the conditions are more beneficial to its development. Control strategies should focus activity at altitudes around 700 m a.s.l., at least in relation to the region of the present study sites.
Effects of domestic chemical stressors on expression of allergen genes in the European house dust mite
Authors: VIDAL‐QUIST J. C. , ORTEGO F. , LAMBRECHT B. N. , CASTAÑERA P. , HERNÁNDEZ‐CRESPO P. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe expression of allergen genes in house dust mites is influenced by temperature and relative humidity, but little is known of the impacts of other environmental factors that may alter the repertoire of allergens released by mites in home microhabitats. Bioassays were conducted in concave microscope slides in combination with real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) to analyse gene expression of 17 allergens of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Acariformes: Pyroglyphidae) exposed to three chemical stressors that can be present in domestic environments. Short‐term exposure (5–12 days) to diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) (1 µg/cm2), bacterial lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (0.1 µg/cm2) and benzyl benzoate (3.2 µg/cm2), at concentrations exceeding those expected in homes, had no significant effect on allergen transcription. A significant increase in the transcription of allergens Der p 3, Der p 8 and Der p 21 was observed only after exposing mites to a higher concentration of DEPs (10 µg/cm2) over a whole generation. In combination, the present results suggest that the analysed factors have low impact on allergen production. The methodology described here offers a sound and rapid approach to the broad‐spectrum study of factors affecting allergen‐related mite physiology, and allows the simultaneous screening of different factors in a relatively short period with consideration of the full spectrum of allergen genes.
Tolerability of up to 200 days of prophylaxis with valganciclovir oral solution and/or film‐coated tablets in pediatric kidney transplant recipients at risk of cytomegalovirus disease
Authors: Varela‐Fascinetto G. , Benchimol C. , Reyes‐Acevedo R. , Genevray M. , Bradley D. , Ives J. , Silva H. T. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis multicenter, open‐label study evaluated the tolerability of extended prophylaxis with valganciclovir in pediatric kidney transplant recipients at risk of CMV disease. Fifty‐six patients aged 4 months to 16 years received once‐daily valganciclovir oral solution and/or tablets, dosed by BSA and renal function, for up to 200 days. The most common AEs on treatment were upper respiratory tract infection (33.9%), urinary tract infection (33.9%), diarrhea (32.1%), leukopenia (25.0%), neutropenia (23.2%), and headache (21.4%). There were fewer AEs during days 101‐228 vs days 1‐100. Twenty‐seven patients (48.2%) had treatment‐related AEs during valganciclovir treatment, most commonly leukopenia (21.4%), neutropenia (19.6%), anemia (7.1%), and tremor (5.4%). Treatment‐related serious AEs were reported for nine patients (16.1%) and six withdrew due to AEs. Viremia was centrally confirmed in 10 patients; there was no confirmed CMV disease. One patient tested positive for a resistance mutation (UL97 L595F). Biopsy‐proven acute rejection occurred in six patients (10.7%), but no graft loss or deaths occurred. In conclusion, up to 200 days of valganciclovir prophylaxis in pediatric kidney allograft recipients showed a safety profile consistent with that established in adult transplant patients.
Determining an Effective UV Radiation Exposure Time for Vitamin D Synthesis in the Skin Without Risk to Health: Simplified Estimations from UV Observations
Authors: Miyauchi Masaatsu , Nakajima Hideaki 
Published: October 2016

AbstractUV radiation contains erythemally weighted UV, as well as UV that synthesizes vitamin D3. Here, we attempted to determine the relationship between these factors by numerical simulation of atmospheric parameters, such as total ozone, using a simplified “SMART2” model for radiative transfer. Both forms of UV were almost linearly correlated with each other for a comparably large UV radiation exposure, larger than UV Index ~1.6. If erythemally weighted UV, which carries a risk of sunburn, is known, the amount of UV exposure needed for vitamin D synthesis in the epidermis can be estimated using this relationship. The production of 10 μg (400 IU) of vitamin D per day takes approximately 1/3 of the time needed to reach the minimal erythemal dose (MED) for an effective skin area of 600 cm2 for skin phototype III. For an area of 1200 cm2, 1/6 of that exposure time suffices. From a UV Index that is commonly used, the risks and benefits can be evaluated using this linear relationship, which will enable people to effectively manage their UV exposure and consider the risks and benefits to optimize health outcomes.
The role of interactions with teachers and conflict with friends in shaping school adjustment
Authors: Wang Dan , Fletcher Anne C. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractFifth grade children (N = 346) identified school friends and reported on levels of conflict in relationships with these friends as well as perceived stress in relationships with teachers. Teachers and children provided ratings of problem behaviors at school, and children reported on their own perceptions of stress at school. Both less conflictual school friendships and less stressful relationships with teachers were linked with fewer feelings of stress and lower levels of problem problems at school. For the problem behaviors outcome, having more positive relationships with one set of others (teachers or friends) buffered children from experiencing negative consequences of poor relationships with the other set of individuals. The interaction effect involving friendship conflicts and stressful teacher interactions in relation to school stress was more complicated, differing for boys versus girls.
Comprehensive definition of genome features in Spirodela polyrhiza by high‐depth physical mapping and short‐read DNA sequencing strategies
Authors: Michael Todd P. , Bryant Douglas , Gutierrez Ryan , Borisjuk Nikolai , Chu Philomena , Zhang Hanzhong , Xia Jing , Zhou Junfei , Peng Hai , El Baidouri Moaine , ten Hallers Boudewijn , Hastie Alex R. , Liang Tiffany , Acosta Kenneth , Gilbert Sarah , McEntee Connor , Jackson Scott A. , Mockler Todd C. , Zhang Weixiong , Lam Eric 
Published: October 2016

SummarySpirodela polyrhiza is a fast‐growing aquatic monocot with highly reduced morphology, genome size and number of protein‐coding genes. Considering these biological features of Spirodela and its basal position in the monocot lineage, understanding its genome architecture could shed light on plant adaptation and genome evolution. Like many draft genomes, however, the 158‐Mb Spirodela genome sequence has not been resolved to chromosomes, and important genome characteristics have not been defined. Here we deployed rapid genome‐wide physical maps combined with high‐coverage short‐read sequencing to resolve the 20 chromosomes of Spirodela and to empirically delineate its genome features. Our data revealed a dramatic reduction in the number of the rDNA repeat units in Spirodela to fewer than 100, which is even fewer than that reported for yeast. Consistent with its unique phylogenetic position, small RNA sequencing revealed 29 Spirodela‐specific microRNA, with only two being shared with Elaeis guineensis (oil palm) and Musa balbisiana (banana). Combining DNA methylation data and small RNA sequencing enabled the accurate prediction of 20.5% long terminal repeats (LTRs) that doubled the previous estimate, and revealed a high Solo:Intact LTR ratio of 8.2. Interestingly, we found that Spirodela has the lowest global DNA methylation levels (9%) of any plant species tested. Taken together our results reveal a genome that has undergone reduction, likely through eliminating non‐essential protein coding genes, rDNA and LTRs. In addition to delineating the genome features of this unique plant, the methodologies described and large‐scale genome resources from this work will enable future evolutionary and functional studies of this basal monocot family.
Spurious reticulocyte profiles in a dog with babesiosis
Authors: Piane Laetitia , Théron Marie‐Laure , Aumann Marcel , Trumel Catherine 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA 9‐year‐old, female Maltese dog was referred to the Veterinary School of Toulouse with a 2‐day history of anorexia and weakness. On clinical examination, the dog had hyperthermia (39.7°C), abdominal discomfort, and polypnea. Significant laboratory findings included pigmenturia, hyperbilirubinemia, hypercreatininemia, hyperfibrinogenemia, abnormal Snap canine pancreas‐specific lipase, and pancytopenia with a nonregenerative anemia. A peripheral blood smear revealed numerous intraerythrocytic large Babesia but no polychromasia. There was a discrepancy between the absolute automated reticulocyte count (Sysmex reticulocyte count: 60 × 109/L; RI 19.4–150.1 × 109/L) and the manual reticulocyte count (3.6 × 109/L) as well as the absence of polychromasia. The optical red blood cell scattergram showed an abnormal isolated reticulocyte cluster at the location of low‐fluorescence ratio cells. These findings were interpreted as erythrocytes parasitized by large Babesia. The discrepancy between the Sysmex reticulocyte count and the manual reticulocyte count has been reported previously in people with falciparum malaria and numerous intra‐erythrocytic Plasmodium falciparum organisms. This spurious reticulocyte profile and reticulocyte count were observed with the Sysmex XT‐2000iV and the ProCyte using the same fluorescent dye polymethine but not with the LaserCyte using new methylene blue which does not stain Babesia organisms on a blood smear performed for manual reticulocyte counting.
Effects of Oil-Based Drilling-Fluid Rheological Properties on Hole-Cleaning Performance
Authors: Werner Benjamin , Myrseth Velaug , Lund Bjørnar , Saasen Arild , Ibragimova Zalpato , Ytrehus Jan David , Gyland Knud Richard 
Published: October 2016

Drilling fluids play an important role in safe and efficient drilling operations. Wellbore stability, formation integrity, drill string lubrication, and cuttings transport are among their main requirements. The removal of a cuttings bed is one of the major difficulties while trying to keep up a steady drilling progress. Deviated and long horizontal wellbore sections provide challenges not only to the drilling equipment in use, but also to the fluids. Cuttings accumulate easily on the bottom of a wellbore section due to gravity and can therefore reduce hole cleaning efficiency.
Cuttings transport is highly dependent on the properties of the drilling fluid. Viscosity, density and gel strength are among the key parameters. Drilling fluids have in general a complex composition with either water or oil as a base substance. Demanding operating conditions, for example high temperature difference from topside to the deep downhole sections or varying shear rates throughout the wellbore, also influence the properties of the fluids during operation. Drilling fluids have to be adapted to all these different drilling situations.
The aim of the full project is to compare different water- and oil-based drilling fluids regarding their hole cleaning abilities. As part of the experimental study where drilling fluids are circulated in a 10 m long flow-loop test section with a free-whirling rotating inner drill string, rheological characterization with an Anton Paar MCR rheometer is performed. These measurements include determination of flow properties, yield stress and viscosity-temperature dependence. The results are correlated with the industry standard procedures for the testing of drilling-fluid properties with Fann 35 viscometers (API/ ISO standards). Measurements performed on viscometers at the oil rigs are done to receive fast results in order to control the drilling operation. In contrast, rheometer measurements provide the possibility of a deeper comprehension of the rheological properties of the drilling fluids due to the advanced measurement system.
This work presents rheological properties for a typical oil-based drilling fluid commonly used on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, and includes a comparison with two other oil-based drilling fluids based on previously published work. The rheometer results are analyzed in relation to the flow loop experiments and to the viscosity data measured in accordance with the API/ISO specifications. The results from the rheological comparison together with the results from the flow-loop experiments are expected to make an influencing contribution to the question of why various drilling fluids perform so differently in terms of cuttings transport.
Ultimate Limit State Analysis of FRP Composite Sandwich Plates: Development of a Semi-Analytical Method
Authors: Ringsberg Jonas W. , Blomgren Niklas , Prevc Matej 
Published: October 2016

The development of Sandwich PULS, a semi-analytical calculation tool for predicting the ultimate limit state (ULS) of FRP composite sandwich plates is presented. This was done by extending DNV GL’s semi-analytical calculation tool Composite PULS, which is used for quick estimation of the ULS for unstiffened composite plates. ULS was evaluated in terms of the first buckling load and the first ply failure (FPF).
The Sandwich PULS code was developed by implementing formulations for sandwich plate theory. First-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) was implemented to include the transverse shear deformations that are highly important for sandwich plates with poor shear stiffness of the core. The Sandwich PULS code was evaluated against nonlinear finite element analyses (FEA).
It was concluded that Sandwich PULS shows good agreement with FEA-predicted critical buckling loads. For all inspected plates, Sandwich PULS shows improved results compared to Composite PULS. Differences between Sandwich PULS and FEA are caused by the difference in evaluating shear stiffness. It has been shown that neglecting shear stiffness of faces results in good agreement between Sandwich PULS and FEA, while use of conventional shear correction factors proved to be unfavourable for sandwich plates. It was found that Sandwich PULS is limited in terms of slenderness. Sandwich plates with soft core should not have slenderness below 20 to assure an accurate solution.
Numerical Simulation of Dynamics of a Spar Type Floating Wind Turbine and Comparison With Laboratory Measurements
Authors: Min Hyunseong , Peng Cheng , Duan Fei , Hu Zhiqiang , Zhang Jun 
Published: October 2016

Wind turbines are popular for harnessing wind energy. Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWT) installed in relatively deep water may have advantages over their on-land or shallow-water cousins because winds over deep water are usually steadier and stronger. As the size of wind turbines becomes larger and larger for reducing the cost per kilowatt, it could bring installation and operation risks in the deep water due to the lack of track records. Thus, together with laboratory tests, numerical simulations of dynamics of FOWT are desirable to reduce the probability of failure.
In this study, COUPLE-FAST was initially employed for the numerical simulations of the OC3-HYWIND, a spar type platform equipped with the 5-MW baseline wind turbine proposed by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The model tests were conducted at the Deepwater Offshore Basin in Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) with a 1:50 Froude scaling [1]. In comparison of the simulation using COUPLE-FAST with the corresponding measurements, it was found that the predicted motions were in general significantly smaller than the related measurements. The main reason is that the wind loads predicted by FAST were well below the related measurements. Large discrepancies are expected because the prototype and laboratory wind loads do not follow Froude number similarity although the wind speed was increased (or decreased) in the tests such that the mean surge wind force matched that predicted by FAST at the nominal wind speed (Froude similarity) in the cases of a land wind turbine [1]. Therefore, an alternative numerical simulation was made by directly inputting the measured wind loads to COUPLE instead of the ones predicted by FAST. The related simulated results are much improved and in satisfactory agreement with the measurements.
Performance of Vibroacoustic Technology for Pipeline Leak Detection
Authors: Giunta Giuseppe , Morrea Silvia , Gabbassov Renat , Bernasconi Giancarlo , Del Giudice Silvio 
Published: October 2016

Integrity and operational reliability of pipelines requires a continuous monitoring, able to detect, in real time, failure, sabotage and leak of fluids (e.g. natural gas, crude oil, water, products), and to protect the safety of personnel and local communities.
In the framework of a research project, eni has developed a proprietary pipeline monitoring technology based on vibroacoustic (negative pressure wave) sensing. This paper presents some experimental and theoretical activities for the evaluation of the system performance versus fluid leaks, in terms of maximum detection distance and sensitivity. The field scenario is a 12 km, 3 inch inner diameter sealine in south of Italy, conveying a fluxing agent from an onshore terminal to an offshore platform.
Leak-like events have been produced by opening discharge valves at the terminals. The associated travelling pressure transient, recorded by several monitoring stations, has been compared with the environmental noise (generated by the flow regulation equipment) and with the theoretical models. The predicted propagation parameters and maximum detection distance are in very good agreement with the measured ones: this allows us to use the theoretical simulator for design and performance evaluation of new installations.