bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of pediatric early warning score in pediatric emergency department
Authors: Chaiyakulsil Chanapai , Pandee Uthen 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundOne of the most important functions of the emergency department (ED) is to assess patient status. Only one, the pediatric early warning score (PEWS), has been designed for ED with acceptable validity, but it has never been validated in Thailand. The objective of this study was to validate PEWS in predicting hospitalization in children visiting the ED.MethodsDuring the initial phase, two triage nurses performed blind scoring (in order to determine inter‐rater reliability using kappa statistics) for the first 30 patients who presented to the ED at Ramathibodi Hospital between March and May 2014 and who were aged <15 years. The second phase then consisted of validation and involved 1136 patients. Patients who presented with trauma, psychiatric, dental and surgical concerns were excluded. Validity of the scoring system in predicting admission was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV).ResultsPhase I demonstrated good inter‐rater reliability (kappa = 0.75). In phase II, of the total group of 1136 patients, 168 patients (14.8%) were admitted: 162 to the general ward and six to the intensive care unit (ICU) during the study period. AUC for predicting overall, ICU, and general ward admission were 0.73 (95%CI: 0.68–0.77), 0.98 (95%CI: 0.96–1) and 0.71 (95%CI: 0.66–0.75), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity in predicting overall admission with a cut‐off of PEWS ≥1 was 78% and 60%, respectively (PPV, 28%; NPV, 95%). Sensitivity and specificity in predicting ICU admission with the cut‐off PEWS ≥3 was 100% and 91%, respectively (PPV, 5%; NPV, 100%). Using the cut‐off PEWS ≥1, sensitivity and specificity in predicting ward admission were 77% and 59%, respectively (PPV, 24%; NPV, 94%).ConclusionPEWS can be helpful in assessing patient status in pediatric ED with acceptable validity and can serve as a potentially excellent screening tool for prediction of ICU admission.
Differentiation of neuronal operations in latent components of event‐related potentials in delayed match‐to‐sample tasks
Authors: Kropotov Juri D. , Ponomarev Valery A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe goal of this study was to decompose ERPs into latent components associated with hypothetical processes of category discrimination, comparison to working memory and action‐related operations. In five variants of the delayed match‐to‐sample s1‐s2 task, instructions were varied for manipulation of the processes. The blind source separation was applied to the collection of ERPs. The category discrimination operation is attributed to three latent components with peak latencies of 130 to 170 ms, which are generated in different parts of the prestriate cortex. The comparison to working memory operation is attributed to a latent component that is generated in the temporal cortex and manifested in a positive deflection with a peak latency of 250 ms after s2. The category discrimination and comparison to working memory effects were dissociated spatially and temporally from attention and action selection effects.
Sexual Desire and the Importance of Marriage in Kant's Philosophy of Law
Authors: Mertens Thomas 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn his moral writings, Kant states that moral duty cannot be derived from “the special characteristics of human nature.” This statement is untenable if one takes seriously Kant's moral views on sexual desire. Instead close study reveals that considerations based on both morality and nature play a role here. The combination of these two elements leads to inconsistencies and difficulties in Kant's understanding of sexual desire, but they enable us to better understand the importance Kant attributes to marriage within his philosophy of law.
Political Constitutionalism and the Question of Constitution‐Making
Authors: Goldoni Marco 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe debate on political constitutionalism has entirely neglected the constitution‐making dimension. This is probably due to the fact that constitution‐making usually brings with it undesirable outcomes such as the entrenchment of rights or structures. These outcomes do not respect reasonable disagreement among citizens because they violate the only fair system for settling disagreement: majority rule and equal voting rights. This article argues that political constitutionalists may regret the absence of any claim about constitution‐making. Either they are overlooking certain problems inherent to the electoral process that is supposed to tackle disagreement or, even worse, they are downplaying the entrenching effect of ordinary political processes by ignoring the redemptive properties of constituent power. In both cases, their claims undermine the political dimension of constitutionalism.
Pulmonary manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus: Association with disease activity
Authors: Alamoudi Omer S.B. , Attar Suzan M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveAlthough systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common connective tissue disease affecting the lung, few studies have assessed risk factors that predict pulmonary manifestations. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of lung manifestations in SLE patients from Western Saudi Arabia by analysing results from high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans and to identify independent risk factors for lung involvement.MethodsThis was a 10‐year retrospective study involving 184 SLE patients. We examined all HRCT lung abnormalities and determined whether findings were associated with the presence of lupus nephritis (LN), SLE disease activity (as defined by SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 item scores ≥4 for any and all items) or levels of complement and anti‐double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA).ResultsWe identified 61 patients (33%) with pulmonary involvement, and 52 (85%) of these subjects showed HRCT abnormalities. The most common HRCT findings were pleural effusion, consolidation and atelectasis (58%, 42% and 42%, respectively). There was a significant association between abnormal HRCT results and hypocomplementemia, high levels of anti‐dsDNA and disease activity (P < 0.05), particularly with regard to pleuropericardial effusion and consolidation. Pulmonary abnormalities were significantly higher within the first five years after SLE diagnosis (P < 0.001). However, neither disease duration nor LN was associated with increased risk.ConclusionsLung manifestations were frequent in SLE patients from Saudi Arabia, with pleural effusion, consolidation and atelectasis being the most common. Low complement levels, high anti‐dsDNA levels and disease activity were significantly associated with abnormal HRCT findings (all P < 0.001).
Wearable Devices for Blood Purification: Principles, Miniaturization, and Technical Challenges
Authors: Armignacco Paolo , Lorenzin Anna , Neri Mauro , Nalesso Federico , Garzotto Francesco , Ronco Claudio 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe prevalences of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and renal replacement therapy (RRT) continue to increase across the world imposing staggering costs on providers. Therefore, strategies to optimize the treatment and improve survival are of fundamental importance. Despite the benefits of daily dialysis, its implementation is difficult and wearable hemodialysis might represent an alternative by which frequent treatments can be delivered to ESRD patients with much less interference in their routines promoting better quality of life. The development of the wearable artificial kidney (WAK) requires incorporation of basic components of a dialysis system into a wearable device that allows mobility, miniaturization, and above all, patient‐oriented management. The technical requirements necessary for WAK can be divided into the following broad categories: dialysis membranes, dialysis regeneration, vascular access, patient monitoring systems, and power sources. Pumping systems for blood and other fluids are the most critical components of the entire device.
Detection of low‐intensity Schistosoma mansoni infection by Percoll sedimentation and real‐time PCR techniques in a low‐endemicity Egyptian setting
Authors: Allam Amal F. , Farag Hoda F. , Zaki Adel , Kader Ola A. , Abdul‐Ghani Rashad , Shehab Amel Y. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of Percoll sedimentation and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of S. mansoni cases previously tested as negative by Kato–Katz technique in two low‐endemic areas in Alexandria, Egypt, Abis 4 and 8 villages.MethodsStool samples of 824 primary schoolchildren were examined by Kato–Katz technique (three slides of 41.7 mg each). After obtaining the results of this survey, stool samples were recollected from a subset of 150 students, who gave negative results after Kato–Katz. These samples were microscopically examined after the concentration with Percoll technique. Part of the 150 negative stool samples and five positive samples (used as controls) were kept at −20 °C and further processed by SYBR Green PCR.ResultsPrevalence of S. mansoni infection as determined by three Kato–Katz thick smears was 1.82% (15 cases). Three more cases tested positive by Percoll sedimentation among the 150 samples that were negative by Kato–Katz. Specific amplification by SYBR Green PCR was noted in all positive controls and in three cases of Kato–Katz‐negative samples, two of which were also positive by Percoll.ConclusionPercoll sedimentation and SYBR Green PCR proved useful in detecting low‐intensity S. mansoni infections in low‐endemicity areas in Egypt.
Molecular Control of B Cell Activation and Immunological Synapse Formation
Authors: Kuokkanen Elina , Šuštar Vid , Mattila Pieta K 
Published: January 2015

AbstractB cells form an essential part of the adaptive immune system by producing specific antibodies that can neutralize toxins and target infected or malignant cells for destruction. During B cell activation, a fundamental role is played by a specialized intercellular structure called the immunological synapse (IS). The IS serves as a platform for B cell recognition of foreign, often pathogenic, antigens on the surface of antigen‐presenting cells (APC). This recognition is elicited by highly specific B cell receptors (BCR) that subsequently trigger carefully orchestrated intracellular signaling cascades that lead to cell activation. Furthermore, antigen internalization, essential for full B cell activation and differentiation into antibody producing effector cells or memory cells, occurs in the IS. Recent developments especially in various imaging‐based methods have considerably advanced our understanding of the molecular control of B cell activation. Interestingly, the cellular cytoskeleton is emerging as a key player at several stages of B cell activation, including the initiation of receptor signaling. Here, we discuss the functions and molecular mechanisms of the IS and highlight the multifaceted role of the actin cytoskeleton in several aspects of B cell activation.
Atom‐by‐atom engineering of voltage‐gated ion channels: Magnified insights into function and pharmacology
Authors: Pless Stephan A. , Kim Robin Y. , Ahern Christopher A. , Kurata Harley T. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractUnnatural amino acid incorporation into ion channels has proven to be a valuable approach to interrogate detailed hypotheses arising from atomic resolution structures. In this short review, we provide a brief overview of some of the basic principles and methods for incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins. We also review insights into the function and pharmacology of voltage‐gated ion channels that have emerged from unnatural amino acid mutagenesis approaches.
Accuracy of Monte Carlo simulations compared to in‐vivo MDCT dosimetry
Authors: Bostani Maryam , Mueller Jonathon W. , McMillan Kyle , Cody Dianna D. , Cagnon Chris H. , DeMarco John J. , McNitt‐Gray Michael F. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of a Monte Carlo simulation‐based method for estimating radiation dose from multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) by comparing simulated doses in ten patients to in‐vivo dose measurements.Methods:MD Anderson Cancer Center Institutional Review Board approved the acquisition of in‐vivo rectal dose measurements in a pilot study of ten patients undergoing virtual colonoscopy. The dose measurements were obtained by affixing TLD capsules to the inner lumen of rectal catheters. Voxelized patient models were generated from the MDCT images of the ten patients, and the dose to the TLD for all exposures was estimated using Monte Carlo based simulations. The Monte Carlo simulation results were compared to the in‐vivo dose measurements to determine accuracy.Results:The calculated mean percent difference between TLD measurements and Monte Carlo simulations was −4.9% with standard deviation of 8.7% and a range of −22.7% to 5.7%.Conclusions:The results of this study demonstrate very good agreement between simulated and measured doses in‐vivo. Taken together with previous validation efforts, this work demonstrates that the Monte Carlo simulation methods can provide accurate estimates of radiation dose in patients undergoing CT examinations.
Simultaneous beam sampling and aperture shape optimization for SPORT
Authors: Zarepisheh Masoud , Li Ruijiang , Ye Yinyu , Xing Lei 
Published: January 2015

Purpose:Station parameter optimized radiation therapy (SPORT) was recently proposed to fully utilize the technical capability of emerging digital linear accelerators, in which the station parameters of a delivery system, such as aperture shape and weight, couch position/angle, gantry/collimator angle, can be optimized simultaneously. SPORT promises to deliver remarkable radiation dose distributions in an efficient manner, yet there exists no optimization algorithm for its implementation. The purpose of this work is to develop an algorithm to simultaneously optimize the beam sampling and aperture shapes.Methods:The authors build a mathematical model with the fundamental station point parameters as the decision variables. To solve the resulting large‐scale optimization problem, the authors devise an effective algorithm by integrating three advanced optimization techniques: column generation, subgradient method, and pattern search. Column generation adds the most beneficial stations sequentially until the plan quality improvement saturates and provides a good starting point for the subsequent optimization. It also adds the new stations during the algorithm if beneficial. For each update resulted from column generation, the subgradient method improves the selected stations locally by reshaping the apertures and updating the beam angles toward a descent subgradient direction. The algorithm continues to improve the selected stations locally and globally by a pattern search algorithm to explore the part of search space not reachable by the subgradient method. By combining these three techniques together, all plausible combinations of station parameters are searched efficiently to yield the optimal solution.Results:A SPORT optimization framework with seamlessly integration of three complementary algorithms, column generation, subgradient method, and pattern search, was established. The proposed technique was applied to two previously treated clinical cases: a head and neck and a prostate case. It significantly improved the target conformality and at the same time critical structure sparing compared with conventional intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). In the head and neck case, for example, the average PTV coverage D99% for two PTVs, cord and brainstem max doses, and right parotid gland mean dose were improved, respectively, by about 7%, 37%, 12%, and 16%.Conclusions:The proposed method automatically determines the number of the stations required to generate a satisfactory plan and optimizes simultaneously the involved station parameters, leading to improved quality of the resultant treatment plans as compared with the conventional IMRT plans.
Transition to Adulthood: Relationships Among Psychosocial Correlates, Stages of Change for Physical Activity, and Health Outcomes in a Cross-Cultural Sample
Authors: Duan Yanping , Brehm Walter , Wagner Petra , Chung Pak-Kwong , Graf Sebastian , Zhang Ru , Si Gangyan 
Published: January 2015

Background:A successful transition from late adolescence to adulthood is essential. Physical activity (PA) can support this process and lead to positive health outcomes. The change in PA from inactive to active stages is influenced by psychosocial correlates, and as such, this study tested the relationships among psychosocial correlates, stages of change for PA and health outcomes in university students from Hong Kong (n = 404) and Germany (n = 366).Methods:The questionnaire contained (1) PA and stages of change; (2) 10 psychosocial correlates including outcome expectations, affective attitude, barriers, self-efficacy, body-concept, plans, intrinsic motivation, activity emotions, assessment of activity situation, and social support; and (3) 5 health outcomes, including fitness, subjective well-being, health satisfaction, physical complaints, and BMI.Results:Barriers and intrinsic motivation were the critical psychosocial variables related to stages of change. Specific planning was more important for Hong Kong students’ stage progression within inactive stages. Competitive or enjoyable PA programs were more effective for male students moving from inactive to active stages. The link between stages of change for PA and health outcomes (ie, fitness, health satisfaction) was well established.Conclusion:Public health researchers should conduct effective psychosocial interventions that motivate young adults to engage in PA for positive health outcomes.
Draft Genome of Cladophialophora immunda, a Black Yeast and Efficient Degrader of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Sterflinger Katja , Lopandic Ksenija , Blasi Barbara , Poynter Caroline , de Hoog Sybren , Tafer Hakim 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
The fungal genus Cladophialophora comprises many species which cause severe and even fatal infections in humans as well as environmental strains able to degrade polyaromatic hydrocarbons. The draft genome of Cladophialophora immunda presented here is the first whole-genome sequence within this important genus.
Draft Genome Sequences of Seven Pseudomonas fluorescens Subclade III Strains Isolated from Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Scales Brittan S. , Erb-Downward John R. , Huffnagle Ian M. , LiPuma John J. , Huffnagle Gary B. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

We report here the first draft genome sequences of
Pseudomonas fluorescens
strains that have been isolated from humans. The seven assembled draft genomes contained an average of 60.1% G+C content, were an average genomic size of 6.3 Mbp, and mapped by multilocus sequence analysis to subclade III.
Complete Genome Sequence of Citrobacter freundii Myophage Moogle
Authors: Nguyen Quynh T. , Luna Adrian J. , Hernandez Adriana C. , Kuty Everett Gabriel F. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Citrobacter freundii
is an opportunistic pathogen that has been linked to nosocomial infections, such as brain abscesses and pneumonia. Further study on phages infecting
C. freundii
may provide therapeutics for these infections. Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of the FelixO1-like myophage Moogle and describe its features.
Complete Genome of Bacillus megaterium Podophage Pookie
Authors: Ladzekpo Tsonyake N. , DeCrescenzo Andrew J. , Hernandez Adriana C. , Kuty Everett Gabriel F. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Bacteriophage Pookie is a novel podophage, isolated from soil, which infects
Bacillus megaterium
.
B. megaterium
is an important host for large-scale recombinant protein production. Here, we present the complete genome of phage Pookie and describe its core features.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Rhodococcus Strain Isolated from Tannery Wastewater Treatment Sludge
Authors: Sun Ji-Quan , Xu Lian , Wang Li-Juan , Wu Xiao-Lei 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
Rhodococcus sp. Chr-9 can degrade pyridine in the presence of chromate. Its draft genome sequence revealed that strain Chr-9 harbors sets of genes for resistance to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenate, and cobalt, as well as three different gene clusters for metabolizing aromatic compounds, such as phenol, benzoate, and 4-nitrophenol.
Genome Sequence of the Sulfate-Reducing Thermophilic Bacterium Thermodesulfovibrio yellowstonii Strain DSM 11347
T
(Phylum
Nitrospirae
)
Authors: Bhatnagar Srijak , Badger Jonathan H. , Madupu Ramana , Khouri Hoda M. , O’Connor Elizabeth M. , Robb Frank T. , Ward Naomi L. , Eisen Jonathan A. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Here, we present the complete 2,003,803-bp genome of a sulfate-reducing thermophilic bacterium,
Thermodesulfovibrio yellowstonii
strain DSM 11347
T
.
Genome Sequence of a Sulfate-Reducing Thermophilic Bacterium, Thermodesulfobacterium commune DSM 2178
T
(Phylum
Thermodesulfobacteria
)
Authors: Bhatnagar Srijak , Badger Jonathan H. , Madupu Ramana , Khouri Hoda M. , O’Connor Elizabeth M. , Robb Frank T. , Ward Naomi L. , Eisen Jonathan A. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of
Thermodesulfobacterium commune
DSM 2178
T
of the phylum
Thermodesulfobacteria
.
Draft Genome Sequences of Pseudomonas fluorescens Strains PA4C2 and PA3G8 and Pseudomonas putida PA14H7, Three Biocontrol Bacteria against Dickeya Phytopathogens
Authors: Cigna Jérémy , Raoul des Essarts Yannick , Mondy Samuel , Hélias Valérie , Beury-Cirou Amélie , Faure Denis 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas fluorescens
strains PA4C2 and PA3G8 and
Pseudomonas putida
strain PA14H7 were isolated from potato rhizosphere and show an ability to inhibit the growth of Dickeya phytopathogens. Here, we report their draft genome sequences, which provide a basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in antibiosis against Dickeya.
Childhood obesity trends from primary care electronic health records in England between 1994 and 2013: population-based cohort study
Authors: van Jaarsveld Cornelia H M , Gulliford Martin C 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveThis study aimed to use primary care electronic health records to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in 2–15-year-old children in England and compare trends over the last two decades.DesignCohort study of primary care electronic health records.Setting375 general practices in England that contribute to the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink.PatientsIndividual participants were sampled if they were aged between 2 and 15 years during the period 1994–2013 and had one or more records of body mass index (BMI).Main outcome measurePrevalence of overweight (including obesity) was defined as a BMI equal to or greater than the 85th centile of the 1990 UK reference population.ResultsData were analysed for 370 544 children with 507 483 BMI records. From 1994 to 2003, the odds of overweight and obesity increased by 8.1% per year (95% CI 7.2% to 8.9%) compared with 0.4% (−0.2% to 1.1%) from 2004 to 2013. Trends were similar for boys and girls, but differed by age groups, with prevalence stabilising in 2004 to 2013 in the younger (2–10 year) but not older (11–15 year) age group, where rates continued to increase.ConclusionsPrimary care electronic health records in England may provide a valuable resource for monitoring obesity trends. More than a third of UK children are overweight or obese, but the prevalence of overweight and obesity may have stabilised between 2004 and 2013.