bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar Cooling Systems for Residential
Buildings in Italy
Authors: Vasta Salvatore , Palomba Valeria , Frazzica Andrea , Di Bella Guido , Freni Angelo 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Solar cooling systems might represent a viable alternative for space cooling in residential buildings because the peak of cooling demand matches the availability of solar radiation. The use of adsorption chillers in this field gives another environmental benefit, since they employ natural refrigerants as water. However, the design of such systems is critical because it relates to several parameters and cannot be easily accomplished using traditional tools. In this work, a dynamic model for the simulation of a small solar cooling system employing adsorption chillers has been evaluated. The model, realized with the commercial software trnsys, has been implemented to quantify the effect of different operational and design parameters on the overall performances of solar cooling systems in three different Italian cities (Milan, Rome, and Messina). Particular focus was put on the comparison of different heat rejection systems, which was found to be a critical aspect in the design of such systems. In addition, an economic analysis has been performed for an optimized system, in order to evaluate the payback time of the systems compared to a traditional air conditioning system and provide indication on the possible outlooks by means of a sensitivity analysis.
A novel electron accelerator for MRI‐Linac radiotherapy
Authors: Whelan Brendan , Gierman Stephen , Holloway Lois , Schmerge John , Keall Paul , Fahrig Rebecca 
Published: February 2016

Purpose:MRI guided radiotherapy is a rapidly growing field; however, current electron accelerators are not designed to operate in the magnetic fringe fields of MRI scanners. As such, current MRI‐Linac systems require magnetic shielding, which can degrade MR image quality and limit system flexibility. The purpose of this work was to develop and test a novel medical electron accelerator concept which is inherently robust to operation within magnetic fields for in‐line MRI‐Linac systems.Methods:Computational simulations were utilized to model the accelerator, including the thermionic emission process, the electromagnetic fields within the accelerating structure, and resulting particle trajectories through these fields. The spatial and energy characteristics of the electron beam were quantified at the accelerator target and compared to published data for conventional accelerators. The model was then coupled to the fields from a simulated 1 T superconducting magnet and solved for cathode to isocenter distances between 1.0 and 2.4 m; the impact on the electron beam was quantified.Results:For the zero field solution, the average current at the target was 146.3 mA, with a median energy of 5.8 MeV (interquartile spread of 0.1 MeV), and a spot size diameter of 1.5 mm full‐width‐tenth‐maximum. Such an electron beam is suitable for therapy, comparing favorably to published data for conventional systems. The simulated accelerator showed increased robustness to operation in in‐line magnetic fields, with a maximum current loss of 3% compared to 85% for a conventional system in the same magnetic fields.Conclusions:Computational simulations suggest that replacing conventional DC electron sources with a RF based source could be used to develop medical electron accelerators which are robust to operation in in‐line magnetic fields. This would enable the development of MRI‐Linac systems with no magnetic shielding around the Linac and reduce the requirements for optimization of magnetic fringe field, simplify design of the high‐field magnet, and increase system flexibility.
Mothers and Fathers Both Matter: The Positive Influence of Parental Physical Activity Modeling on Children’s Leisure-Time Physical Activity
Authors: Schoeppe Stephanie , Röbl Markus , Liersch Sebastian , Krauth Christian , Walter Ulla 
Published: February 2016

Purpose:To investigate associations between maternal and paternal sport participation, and children’s leisure-time physical activity, and to explore differences by child gender.Method:The sample comprised 737 year five students (mean age: 11.0 ± 0.6 years, 52% male) recruited through the Fit for Pisa Project which was conducted in 2008 at 6 secondary schools in Goettingen, Germany. Maternal and paternal sport participation were assessed through child reports of mothers’ and fathers’ weekly participation in sport. Children’s leisure-time physical activity was measured as minutes/week that children engaged in organized and nonorganized sport. Multiple linear regression was used to assess associations between maternal and paternal sport participation, and children’s leisure-time physical activity.Results:Both maternal and paternal sport participation were positively associated with children’s leisure-time physical activity (maternal: b = 34.20, p < .001; paternal: b = 25.32, p < .05). When stratifying analyses by child gender, maternal sport participation remained significantly associated with leisure-time physical activity in girls (b = 60.64, p < .001). In contrast, paternal sport participation remained significantly associated with leisure-time physical activity in boys (b = 43.88, p < .01).Conclusion:Both maternal and paternal modeling positively influence children’s leisure-time physical activity.
Pharmacokinetics and Concentration-Dependent Efficacy of Isavuconazole for Treatment of Experimental Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Petraitis Vidmantas , Petraitiene Ruta , Moradi Patriss W. , Strauss Gittel E. , Katragkou Aspasia , Kovanda Laura L. , Hope William W. , Walsh Thomas J. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

We studied the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of the broad-spectrum triazole isavuconazole for the treatment of experimental invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in persistently neutropenic rabbits. Treatment started 24 h after endotracheal administration of
Aspergillus fumigatus
inoculum; study subjects included rabbits receiving orally administered prodrug isavuconazonium sulfate (BAL8557) equivalent to active moiety isavuconazole (ISA; BAL4815) at 20 (ISA20), 40 (ISA40), and 60 (ISA60) mg/kg (of body weight)/day, with an initial loading dose of 90 mg/kg (ISA90), and untreated rabbits (UC). There were significant concentration-dependent reductions of residual fungal burden (log CFU/gram) and of organism-mediated pulmonary injury, lung weights, and pulmonary infarct scores in ISA40- and ISA60-treated rabbits in comparison to those of UC (
P
< 0.001). ISA20-treated (
P
< 0.05), ISA40-treated, and ISA60-treated (
P
< 0.001) rabbits demonstrated significantly prolonged survival in comparison to that of UC. ISA40- and ISA60-treated animals demonstrated a significant decline of serum (1→3)-β-
d
-glucan levels (
P
< 0.05) and galactomannan indices (GMIs) during therapy following day 4 in comparison to progressive GMIs of UC (
P
< 0.01). There also were significantly lower concentration-dependent GMIs in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from ISA40- and ISA60-treated rabbits (
P
< 0.001). There was a direct correlation between isavuconazole plasma area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC
0–24
) and residual fungal burdens in lung tissues, pulmonary infarct scores, and total lung weights. In summary, rabbits treated with isavuconazole at 40 and 60 mg/kg/day demonstrated significant dose-dependent reduction of residual fungal burden, decreased pulmonary injury, prolonged survival, lower GMIs in serum and BAL fluid, and lower serum (1→3)-β-
d
-glucan levels.
Carbapenem- and Colistin-Resistant Enterobacter cloacae from Delta, Colorado, in 2015
Authors: Norgan Andrew P. , Freese Jarred M. , Tuin Patricia M. , Cunningham Scott A. , Jeraldo Patricio R. , Patel Robin 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

Resistance to carbapenems in
Enterobacteriaceae
is a clinical problem of growing significance. Difficulty in treating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organisms with conventional antibiotics has led to a renewed and increasing use of polymyxin compounds, such as colistin. Here, we report the isolation of carbapenem- and colistin-resistant
Enterobacter cloacae
from a polymicrobial lower extremity wound in an ambulatory patient. Whole-genome sequencing demonstrated the presence of chromosomal
bla
IMI-1
and
bla
AmpC
, as well as numerous efflux pump genes.
Towards Rational Design of a Toxoid Vaccine against the Heat-Stable Toxin of Escherichia coli
Authors: Taxt Arne M. , Diaz Yuleima , Aasland Rein , Clements John D. , Nataro James P. , Sommerfelt Halvor , Puntervoll Pål 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) is an important cause of diarrheal disease and death in children <5 years old. ETEC strains that express the heat-stable toxin (ST), with or without the heat-labile toxin, are among the four most important diarrhea-causing pathogens. This makes ST an attractive target for an ETEC vaccine. An ST vaccine should be nontoxic and elicit an immune response that neutralizes native ST without cross-reacting with the human endogenous guanylate cyclase C receptor ligands. To identify variants of ST with no or low toxicity, we screened a library of all 361 possible single-amino-acid mutant forms of ST by using the T84 cell assay. Moreover, we identified mutant variants with intact epitopes by screening for the ability to bind neutralizing anti-ST antibodies. ST mutant forms with no or low toxicity and intact epitopes are termed toxoid candidates, and the top 30 candidates all had mutations of residues A14, N12, and L9. The identification of nontoxic variants of L9 strongly suggests that it is a novel receptor-interacting residue, in addition to the previously identified N12, P13, and A14 residues. The screens also allowed us to map the epitopes of three neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, one of which cross-reacts with the human ligand uroguanylin. The common dominant epitope residue for all non-cross-reacting antibodies was Y19. Our results suggest that it should be possible to rationally design ST toxoids that elicit neutralizing immune responses against ST with minimal risk of immunological cross-reactivity.
The Campylobacter jejuni Ferric Uptake Regulator Promotes Acid Survival and Cross-Protection against Oxidative Stress
Authors: Askoura Momen , Sarvan Sabina , Couture Jean-François , Stintzi Alain 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

Campylobacter jejuni
is a prevalent cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. The mechanisms by which
C. jejuni
survives stomach acidity remain undefined. In the present study, we demonstrated that the
C. jejuni
ferric uptake regulator (Fur) plays an important role in
C. jejuni
acid survival and acid-induced cross-protection against oxidative stress. A
C. jejuni
Δ
fur
mutant was more sensitive to acid than the wild-type strain. Profiling of the acid stimulon of the
C. jejuni
Δ
fur
mutant allowed us to uncover Fur-regulated genes under acidic conditions. In particular, Fur was found to upregulate genes involved in flagellar and cell envelope biogenesis upon acid stress, and mutants with deletions of these genes were found to be defective in surviving acid stress. Interestingly, prior acid exposure of
C. jejuni
cross-protected against oxidative stress in a catalase (KatA)- and Fur-dependent manner. Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR revealed increased expression of KatA upon acid stress. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) demonstrated that the binding affinity between Fur and the
katA
promoter is reduced
in vitro
under conditions of low pH, rationalizing the higher levels of expression of
katA
under acidic conditions. Strikingly, the Δ
fur
mutant exhibited reduced virulence in both human epithelial cells and the
Galleria mellonella
infection model. Altogether, this is the first study showing that, in addition to its role in iron metabolism, Fur is an important regulator of
C. jejuni
acid responses and this function cross-protects against oxidative stress. Moreover, our results clearly demonstrate Fur's important role in
C. jejuni
pathogenesis.
Seasonal influenza vaccination delivery through community pharmacists in England: evaluation of the London pilot
Authors: Atkins Katherine , van Hoek Albert Jan , Watson Conall , Baguelin Marc , Choga Lethiwe , Patel Anika , Raj Thara , Jit Mark , Griffiths Ulla 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness and cost of the pan-London pharmacy initiative, a programme that allows administration of seasonal influenza vaccination to eligible patients at pharmacies.DesignWe analysed 2013–2015 data on vaccination uptake in pharmacies via the Sonar reporting system, and the total vaccination uptake via 2011–2015 ImmForm general practitioner (GP) reporting system data. We conducted an online survey of London pharmacists who participate in the programme to assess time use data, vaccine choice, investment costs and opinions about the programme. We conducted an online survey of London GPs to assess vaccine choice of vaccine and opinions about the pharmacy vaccine delivery programme.SettingAll London boroughs.ParticipantsLondon-based GPs, and pharmacies that currently offer seasonal flu vaccination.InterventionsNot applicable.Main outcome measuresComparison of annual vaccine uptake in London across risk groups from years before pharmacy vaccination introduction to after pharmacy vaccination introduction. Completeness of vaccine uptake reporting data. Cost to the National Health Service (NHS) of flu vaccine delivery at pharmacies with that at GPs. Cost to pharmacists of flu delivery. Opinions of pharmacists and GPs regarding the flu vaccine pharmacy initiative.ResultsNo significant change in the uptake of seasonal vaccination in any of the risk groups as a result of the pharmacy initiative. While on average a pharmacy-administered flu vaccine dose costs the NHS up to £2.35 less than a dose administered at a GP, a comparison of the 2 recording systems suggests there is substantial loss of data.ConclusionsFlu vaccine delivery through pharmacies shows potential for improving convenience for vaccine recipients. However, there is no evidence that vaccination uptake increases and the use of 2 separate recording systems leads to time-consuming data entry and missing vaccine record data.
Autophagy mediates epithelial cytoprotection in eosinophilic oesophagitis
Authors: Whelan Kelly A , Merves Jamie F , Giroux Veronique , Tanaka Koji , Guo Andy , Chandramouleeswaran Prasanna M , Benitez Alain J , Dods Kara , Que Jianwen , Masterson Joanne C , Fernando Shahan D , Godwin Bridget C , Klein-Szanto Andres J , Chikwava Kudakwashe , Ruchelli Eduardo D , Hamilton Kathryn E , Muir Amanda B , Wang Mei-Lun , Furuta Glenn T , Falk Gary W , Spergel Jonathan M , Nakagawa Hiroshi 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveThe influence of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE)-associated inflammation upon oesophageal epithelial biology remains poorly understood. We investigated the functional role of autophagy in oesophageal epithelial cells (keratinocytes) exposed to the inflammatory EoE milieu.DesignFunctional consequences of genetic or pharmacological autophagy inhibition were assessed in endoscopic oesophageal biopsies, human oesophageal keratinocytes, single cell-derived ex vivo murine oesophageal organoids as well as a murine model recapitulating EoE-like inflammation and basal cell hyperplasia. Gene expression, morphological and functional characterisation of autophagy and oxidative stress were performed by transmission electron microscopy, immunostaining, immunoblotting, live cell imaging and flow cytometry.ResultsEoE-relevant inflammatory conditions promoted autophagy and basal cell hyperplasia in three independent murine EoE models and oesophageal organoids. Inhibition of autophagic flux via chloroquine treatment augmented basal cell hyperplasia in these model systems. Oesophageal keratinocytes stimulated with EoE-relevant cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-13 exhibited activation of autophagic flux in a reactive oxygen species-dependent manner. Autophagy inhibition via chloroquine treatment or depletion of Beclin-1 or ATG-7, augmented oxidative stress induced by EoE-relevant stimuli in murine EoE, oesophageal organoids and human oesophageal keratinocytes. Oesophageal epithelia of paediatric EoE patients with active inflammation displayed increased autophagic vesicle content compared with normal and EoE remission subjects. Functional flow cytometric analysis revealed autophagic flux in human oesophageal biopsies.ConclusionsOur findings reveal for the first time that autophagy may function as a cytoprotective mechanism to maintain epithelial redox balance and homeostasis under EoE inflammation-associated stress, providing mechanistic insights into the role of autophagy in EoE pathogenesis.
Cast Immobilisation versus Wire Fixation in the Management of Middle-aged and Elderly Patients with Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Jordan Robert Warner , Naeem Rahil , Jadoon Saqiba , Parsons Helen , Shyamalan Gunaratnam 
Published: February 2016

Background: Distal radius fractures are common and traditionally these injuries are treated non-operatively. Percutaneous wiring has been recommended as simple method to provide extra stability in distal radius fractures but their exact role is uncertain. The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare the radiographic and functional outcomes following cast immobilisation and those following wire fixation in the management of distal radius fractures and investigate which method produced better outcomes.Methods: A retrospective parallel case series was performed between April 2011 and April 2013 of patients over 50 years treated with either cast immobilisation or wire fixation. Both intra- and extra-articular fractures were included. Radiographic measurements were made pre-operatively and at three months follow up. The QuickDASH was recorded by postal questionnaire at a mean of 2 years.Results: 159 patients were included; 85 cast immobilisation group and 74 wire fixation group. Improvement in radiological parameters was seen in both groups but this was significantly better after wire fixation ([Formula: see text]). QuickDASH scores were available in 64%; no significant difference in mean scores was seen after (p = 0.147); cast immobilisation 27.1 and wire fixation 26.6.Conclusions: Cast immobilisation can produce comparable functional results to wire fixation despite worse radiological outcomes.
Reward Contrast Effects on Impulsive Choice and Timing in Rats
Authors: Smith Aaron P. , Peterson Jennifer R. , Kirkpatrick Kimberly 
Published: February 2016

Despite considerable interest in impulsive choice as a predictor of a variety of maladaptive behaviors, the mechanisms that drive choice behavior are still poorly understood. The present study sought to examine the influence of one understudied variable, reward magnitude contrast, on choice and timing behavior as changes in magnitude commonly occur within choice procedures. In addition, assessments of indirect effects on choice behavior through magnitude-timing interactions were assessed by measuring timing within the choice task. Rats were exposed to choice procedures composed of different pairs of magnitudes of rewards for either the smaller-sooner (SS) or larger-later (LL) option. In Phase 2, the magnitude of reward either increased or decreased by one pellet in different groups (LL increase = 1v1 → 1v2; SS decrease = 2v2 → 1v2; SS increase = 1v2 → 2v2), followed by a return to baseline in Phase 3. Choice behavior was affected by the initial magnitudes experienced in the task, an anchor effect. The nature of the change in magnitude affected choice behavior as well. Timing behavior was also affected by the reward contrast manipulation albeit to a lesser degree and the timing and choice effects were correlated. The results suggest that models of choice behavior should incorporate reinforcement history, reward contrast elements, and magnitude-timing interactions, but that direct effects of reward contrast on choice should be given more weight than the indirect reward-timing interactions. A better understanding of the factors that contribute to choice behavior could supply key insights into this important individual differences variable.
Contribution of Cutoff Lows to Precipitation across the United States
Authors: Abatzoglou John T. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA chronology of cutoff lows (COL) from 1979 to 2014 alongside daily precipitation observations across the conterminous United States was used to examine the contribution of COL to seasonal precipitation, extreme-precipitation events, and interannual precipitation variability. COL accounted for between 2% and 32% of annual precipitation at stations across the United States, with distinct geographic and seasonal variability. The largest fractional contribution of COL to precipitation totals and precipitation extremes was found across the Great Plains and the interior western United States, particularly during the transition seasons of spring and autumn. Widespread significant correlations between seasonal COL precipitation and total precipitation on interannual time scales were found across parts of the United States, most notably to explain spring precipitation variability in the interior western United States and Great Plains and summer precipitation variability in the northwestern United States. In addition to regional differences, a distinct gradient in the contributions of COL to precipitation was found in the lee of large mountain ranges in the western United States. Differences in orographic precipitation enhancement associated with slow-moving COL resulted in relatively more precipitation at lower elevations and, in particular, east of north–south-oriented mountain ranges that experience a strong rain shadow with progressive disturbances.
Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Payne Sakeena J. , Mitzner Ron , Kunchala Sudhir , Roland Lauren , McGinn Johnathan D. 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesTo describe a 15‐year single‐institution experience of 41 cases of acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFRS), identify clinical indicators predictive of AIFRS, and discuss our approach to these high‐acuity patients.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary referral center; The Pennsylvania State University Hershey Medical Center.Subjects and MethodsA retrospective review was performed for AIFRS consultations between September 1999 and March 2014. Variables reviewed included underlying condition, presenting symptoms, absolute neutrophil count, disease extent on examination, radiographic findings, medical treatment, biopsy results, surgical treatment, and outcomes. Univariate analysis was performed to determine variables significantly associated with AIFRS. Outcome measures were assessed and patient assessment algorithm developed.ResultsOf 131 patients evaluated, 41 were diagnosed with AIFRS; 92.7% had an underlying hematologic malignancy. Disease predictive variables included absolute neutrophil count <500/μL (P <. 0001; sensitivity = 78%), mucosal abnormalities of middle turbinate (P <. 0001; specificity = 88%) and septum (P <. 0001; specificity = 97%), and specifically, necrosis of the middle turbinate (P <. 0001; specificity = 97%). Twenty‐five AIFRS patients (61%) survived until discharge; 25% (n = 10) expired secondary to AIFRS infection explicitly.ConclusionThis series represents one of the largest single‐institution experiences of AIFRS published to date. Timely diagnosis is necessary to improve patient outcomes and limit morbidity. Maintaining a high index of suspicion in at‐risk patient populations, followed by prompt evaluation and management, is crucial in suspected AIFRS. The presence or absence of certain findings appear to correlate with biopsy results and may aid in appropriately gauging clinical suspicion for the presence of AIFRS.