bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Addition of Rifampin to Vancomycin for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections: What Is the Evidence?
Authors: Tremblay Simon , Lau Tim TY , Ensom Mary HH 
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE To evaluate evidence supporting efficacy and safety of the combination of vancomycin and rifampin for treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE (1946-February 2013), EMBASE (1974-February 2013) and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched. STUDY SELECTION All human prospective trials and retrospective studies evaluating clinical outcomes of vancomycin-rifampin combinations were included. Case reports, case series, and in vitro or animal data were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION Full-text articles were included and abstracts excluded; 43 of 421 references were reviewed. Five articles met inclusion and were evaluated. DATA SYNTHESIS A nonrandomized prospective trial reported complete clearance of MRSA bacteremia at 24 hours in all 14 burn patients receiving vancomycin-rifampin therapy. In a case-control study of 42 patients with MRSA endocarditis, adding rifampin prolonged bacteremia (5.2 vs 2.1 days, p < 0.001), decreased survival rates (79% vs 95%, p = 0.048), resulted in drug interactions (52% of cases), and increased hepatic transaminases (21% vs 2%, p = 0.014). In a retrospective analysis of 28 patients with persistent MRSA bacteremia requiring salvage therapy, switching from vancomycin-based to linezolid-based treatment was associated with better salvage success than adding rifampin (88% vs 0%, p < 0.001). In a randomized open-label trial of 42 patients with MRSA endocarditis, addition of rifampin to vancomycin did not affect cure rates (90% combination vs 82% monotherapy, p > 0.20), but increased duration of bacteremia (9 vs 7 days, p > 0.20) compared with vancomycin monotherapy. Another randomized open-label trial of combination versus monotherapy for MRSA pneumonia in 93 intensive care unit patients reported higher clinical successes (53.7% vs 31.0%, p = 0.047), similar 30-day mortality rates, and more adverse events with combination therapy (11 vs 6). CONCLUSIONS Limited evidence exists to support the adjunctive use of rifampin to treat MRSA infections. The combination may increase drug interactions, adverse effects, and rifampin resistance. Further studies are needed to define the role of rifampin adjunct therapy.
Nepafenac: An Ophthalmic Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drug for Pain After Cataract Surgery
Authors: Jones Benjamin M , Neville Michael W 
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of nepafenac in the treatment of pain and inflammation in patients after cataract surgery using evidence from controlled clinical studies. DATA SOURCES: Citations in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science from January 1, 2005, to March 25, 2013, were identified using nepafenac and cataract as search terms. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: The literature search was limited to human studies published in English. Three trials that compared nepafenac with other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nepafenac 0.1% suspension (and its active metabolite, amfenac) were compared with bromfenac 0.09% solution and ketorolac 0.4% solution with respect to aqueous humor concentrations and ability to reduce cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes. The maximum concentration (Cmax) values of ketorolac and amfenac were statistically similar, while the Cmax of bromfenac was significantly lower than that of amfenac. Ketorolac most effectively inhibited COX-1 enzymes; COX-2 enzymes were most effectively reduced by amfenac. When nepafenac 0.1% suspension was compared with placebo and ketorolac 0.5% solution, nepafenac achieved a higher percentage cure rate than placebo at day 14 (p = 0.0241). Significant differences in cure rates between nepafenac and ketorolac were not observed. Nepafenac 0.1%, bromfenac 0.09%, and ketorolac 0.45% were compared to determine which most effectively reduced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) following surgery. PGE2 concentrations were significantly lowest in the ketorolac group, followed by the bromfenac and nepafenac groups, respectively. Topical nepafenac 0.1% suspension was approved in 2005. A 0.3% suspension was approved in October 2012. The 0.3% product may have some advantages over its predecessor: it is dosed once rather than thrice daily, which may increase patient adherence and improve outcomes. The price and dosing frequency of the 0.3% product are comparable to those of bromfenac 0.09% solution. CONCLUSIONS: The 2 nepafenac products appear to be equally efficacious, with a slightly increased adverse event rate in patients using the 0.3% versus 0.1% formulation. Head-to-head clinical trials that compare the 0.3% product with the 0.1% product or other commercially available NSAIDs are unavailable.
Linezolid Desensitization for a Patient with Multiple Medication Hypersensitivity Reactions
Authors: Bagwell Autumn D , Stollings Joanna L , White Katie D , Fadugba Olajumoke O , Choi Jane J 
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE To describe a case in which a linezolid desensitization protocol was successfully used for a polymicrobial surgical wound infection in a patient with multiple drug hypersensitivity reactions. CASE SUMMARY A 24-year-old woman with vocal cord dysfunction requiring tracheostomy was admitted for a surgical wound infection following a tracheostomy fistula closure procedure. The patient reported multiple antibiotic allergies including penicillins (rash), sulfonamides (rash), vancomycin (anaphylaxis), azithromycin (rash), cephalosporins (anaphylaxis), levofloxacin (unspecified), clindamycin (unspecified), and carbapenems (unspecified). Gram stain of the purulent wound drainage demonstrated mixed gram-negative and gram-positive flora, and bacterial cultures were overgrown with Proteus mirabilis, which precluded identification of other pathogens. Following failed test doses of linezolid, tigecycline, and daptomycin, all of which resulted in hypersensitivity reactions, a 16-step linezolid desensitization protocol was developed and successfully implemented without adverse reactions. The patient completed a 2-week course of antibiotic therapy that included linezolid upon finishing the desensitization protocol. DISCUSSION Linezolid is useful in treating complicated and uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. With precautions, including premedication, a monitored nursing unit, and immediate availability of an emergency anaphylaxis kit, drug desensitization allows patients the ability to safely use medications to which they may have an immediate hypersensitivity reaction. Minimal data exist on linezolid desensitization protocols. CONCLUSIONS Linezolid desensitization can be a viable option in patients requiring antimicrobial therapy for complicated gram-positive skin infections.
Blindleistungsregelung von WEA im Netzparallelbetrieb
Authors: Fortmann Jens , Erlich István 
Published: May 2013

Zusammenfassung
Die Spannungs-Blindleistungsanforderungen von Windparks sind vergleichbar mit denen von konventionellen Kraftwerken. Einerseits sollten WEA die Blindleistungsregelung an die wechselnden Lastflussbedingungen entsprechend einer vordefinierten Charakteristik des Netzes anpassen. Die Antwortzeit dieser langsamen Regelung ist ca. 10 bis 60 Sekunden und muss mit den Reaktion anderer Blindleistungsquellen koordiniert werden um eine optimale Blindleistungseinspeisung zu erzielen. Andrerseits ist im Fall plötzlicher Spannungseinbrüche eine Spannungsstützung durch Blindstromeinspeisung innerhalb von 20–30 m notwendig. Auf der Grundlage einer Analyse der Netzanforderungen wird in diesem Beitrag ein hierarchisches Regelungskonzept für die Blindleistungsregelung von WEA und Windparks dargestellt. Das Regelungsschema ist in der Lage, sowohl die langsamen als auch die schnellen Anforderungen ohne die Notwendigkeit einer Strukturumschaltung zwischen unterschiedlichen Teilen der Regelung oder durch ein Totband, wie in manchen Netzanschlussregeln vorgeschlagen, zu erfüllen. Die Simulationsbeispiele zeigen sowohl die stationären Regelanforderungen als auch die Antwort auf einen Kurzschluss im übergeordneten Netz für einen realistischen Windpark.
Genetic Structure and Linkage Disequilibrium in a Diverse, Representative Collection of the C4 Model Plant, Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Wang Yi-Hong , Upadhyaya Hari D , Burrell A Millie , Sahraeian Sayed Mohammad Ebrahim , Klein Robert R , Klein Patricia E 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
To facilitate the mapping of genes in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] underlying economically important traits, we analyzed the genetic structure and linkage disequilibrium in a sorghum mini core collection of 242 landraces with 13,390 single-nucleotide polymorphims. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms were produced using a highly multiplexed genotyping-by-sequencing methodology. Genetic structure was established using principal component, Neighbor-Joining phylogenetic, and Bayesian cluster analyses. These analyses indicated that the mini-core collection was structured along both geographic origin and sorghum race classification. Examples of the former were accessions from Southern Africa, East Asia, and Yemen. Examples of the latter were caudatums with widespread geographical distribution, durras from India, and guineas from West Africa. Race bicolor, the most primitive and the least clearly defined sorghum race, clustered among other races and formed only one clear bicolor-centric cluster. Genome-wide linkage disequilibrium analyses showed linkage disequilibrium decayed, on average, within 10−30 kb, whereas the short arm of SBI-06 contained a linkage disequilibrium block of 20.33 Mb, confirming a previous report of low recombination on this chromosome arm. Four smaller but equally significant linkage disequilibrium blocks of 3.5−35.5 kb were detected on chromosomes 1, 2, 9, and 10. We examined the genes encoded within each block to provide a first look at candidates such as homologs of GS3 and FT that may indicate a selective sweep during sorghum domestication.
Identification of Null Alleles and Deletions from SNP Genotypes for an Intercross Between Domestic and Wild Chickens
Authors: Crooks Lucy , Carlborg Örjan , Marklund Stefan , Johansson Anna M 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
We analyzed genotypes from ~10K single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in two families of an F2 intercross between Red Junglefowl and White Leghorn chickens. Possible null alleles were found by patterns of incompatible and missing genotypes. We estimated that 2.6% of SNPs had null alleles compared with 2.3% with genotyping errors and that 40% of SNPs in which a parent and offspring were genotyped as different homozygotes had null alleles. Putative deletions were identified by null alleles at adjacent markers. We found two candidate deletions that were supported by fluorescence intensity data from a 60K SNP chip. One of the candidate deletions was from the Red Junglefowl, and one was present in both the Red Junglefowl and White Leghorn. Both candidate deletions spanned protein-coding regions and were close to a previously detected quantitative trait locus affecting body weight in this population. This study demonstrates that the ~50K SNP genotyping arrays now available for several agricultural species can be used to identify null alleles and deletions in data from large families. We suggest that our approach could be a useful complement to linkage analysis in experimental crosses.
Level Set Modeling of Nickel Silicide Growth
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Law Mark E. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTLevel set methods have been used for Solid phase epitaxial regrowth, etching and deposition.This study is to model the growth of nickel silicide accurately using the level set method. NiSi growth has been observed to follow a linear-parabolic law which takes into account both diffusion and interfacial reaction. This linear-parabolic system is very similar to the Deal and Grove model of SiO2 growth. This model uses similar diffusion transport and reaction rate equations. This simulation models the growth of silicide coupling diffusion solutions to level-set techniques. Dual level sets have been used for top and bottom interface propagation of silicide; velocities were estimated based on nickel concentrations at both interfaces as well as diffusivity and reaction rate of nickel. This is important to predict precise shape of silicide that will allow current crowding and field focusing effects to be modeled in transport out of the intrinsic device into the contacting layers. These simulation models can be used for latest technology nodes at 45, 32, 22nm and special devices such as FinFET’s etc. The level set method is successfully implemented and verified in Florida Object Oriented Process Simulator and growth shapes matches well with the literature Transmission Electron Microscopy data.
Electrical Contact Characteristics between Silicon Micropillars and Ag Nanoparticles with Controlled Mechanical Load
Authors: Logeeswaran VJ , Triplett Mark , Lam Daniel , Yengel Emre , Grewal Heim , Ombaba Matthew , Islam M. Saif 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTWe report an experimental investigation on employing Ag nanoparticles to provide electrical and mechanical contacts between transfer-printed semiconductor devices in the shape of micro/nano- wires and pillars. The Ag nanoparticles have diameters ranging between 200-800nm and are assembled on a 200nm Au film deposited on glass substrates. With a customized tool, an ensemble of silicon pillars were brought into contact with the silver (Ag) nanoparticles (AgNPs) by precisely controlling the displacement and applied force (pressure). Current-voltage measurements were done at force resolution of ~0.2N. The test method aims to illuminate the pillar-particle contact mechanism using the nanoparticles as conductive fillers for the next generation of high performance heteroepitaxial device transfer-printing applications.
Metadislocations: The case of pure glide
Authors: Heggen Marc , Feuerbacher Michael 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTMetadislocations are highly complex and pivotal defects mediating plastic deformation in complex metallic alloys. Here, we review recent results on the structure of metadislocations in the phases T-Al-Mn-Pd, T-Al-Mn-Fe and o-Al13Co4. In these materials, metadislocation motion is of particular interest as it takes place by pure glide in contrast to most other complex metallic alloys. Recently, novel metadislocations were found in the T-phase [1]. They have Burgers vectors${\rm{\vec b}} = \pm \tau ^{ - n} c\left( {\matrix{ 0 & 0 & 1 \cr } } \right)$(n = 2, 3, 4) and are associated to two, four and six planar defects, respectively. The type of planar defect depends on the deformation geometry. Metadislocation glide creates (1 0 0) stacking faults and climb creates (0 0 1) phason planes. Metadislocation glide was observed in the o-Al13Co4phase, as well [2]. The close structural relation of metadislocations in the phases T-Al-Mn-Pd, T-Al-Mn-Fe, Al13Co4and ε6-Al-Pd-Mn is discussed.
The Fragmentation of Al-W Granular Composites Under Explosive Loading
Authors: Olney Karl L. , Chiu Po-Hsun , Nesterenko Vitali F. , Benson David J. , Braithwaite Chris , Collins Adam , Williamson David , McKenzie Francesca 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTSmall scale explosively driven fragmentation experiments have been performed on Aluminum (Al)-Tungsten (W) granular composite rings processed using cold isostatic compression of Al and W powders with a particle size of 4-30 microns. Fragments collected from the experiments had a maximum size of the order of a few hundred micrometers. This is a dramatic reduction in the fragment size when compared to the 1-10 mm typical for a homogeneous material such as solid aluminum under similar loading conditions. Numerical simulations of the experiment were performed to elucidate the mechanisms of fragmentation that were responsible for this shift in fragmentation size scales. Simulations were performed with a significantly stronger explosive driver to examine how the mechanisms of fragmentation change when the detonation pressure increases.
Cascade Overlap in hcp Zirconium: Defect Accumulation and Microstructure Evolution with Radiation using Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Nandi Prithwish K. , Eapen Jacob 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTMolecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the defect accumulation and microstructure evolution in hcp zirconium (Zr) – a material which is widely used as clad for nuclear fuel. Cascades are generated with a 3 keV primary knock-on atom (PKA) using an embedded atom method (EAM) potential with interactions modified for distances shorter than 0.1 Å. With sequential cascade simulations we show the emergence of stacking faults both in the basal and prism planes, and a Shockley partial dislocation on the basal plane.
Fourier Transform Infrared Imaging to Elucidate Failures in Polyurethanes
Authors: Miseo Ellen V. , Powell Jay R. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTPolyurethanes are widely used, from medical devices to electrical materials to consumer goods. These materials have chemical stability issues which impact the mechanical stability. Infrared micro spectroscopy has been used to study polyurethane degradation, but due to experimental limitations, samples examined were no smaller than approximately 15 microns on a side. Because of the complex chemistry of urethanes, chemical examination of the material on a much higher spatial resolution scale would be valuable.A relatively new technique, Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrochemical MicroImaging has been used to examine degraded polyester urethanes. Rather than using a single-element detector, a two dimensional array detector generates thousands of spectra simultaneously. In addition, a germanium prism generates a magnification effect; resulting in a significantly higher spatial resolution. The net output of the analysis is a hypercube of high resolution infrared spectra showing urethane degradation progression on a much smaller spatial scale than was previously possible.
Reduction of Gd6UO12 for the Synthesis of Gd6UO11
Authors: Pieck Darío , Desgranges Lionel , Pontillon Yves , Matheron Pierre 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTIn the present work, we focus on δ-Gd6UO12 phase and its stability under reducing conditions. This later point is interesting regarding reducing environment that could exist in some nuclear storage sites and that could possibly degrade δ–compounds. A polycrystalline δ-Gd6UO12 sample was prepared by sintering cubic-Gd2O3 and UO2 mixed powders under an air atmosphere. The resulting pellets were then characterized and reduced by heat treatment under an Ar with H2 5% atmosphere. XRD analysis of the sample after reduction did not confirm the reduction into Gd6UO11 but a decomposition of the δ-compound. Preliminary characterizations of these decomposition products are presented.
Micromechanical testing of oxidised grain boundaries in Ni Alloy 600
Authors: Stratulat Alisa , Roberts Steve G. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTMicromechanical testing of focused ion beam (FIB) machined cantilevers was used to study oxidised grain boundaries in Ni-alloy 600. The Ni-alloy 600 samples were exposed in simulated PWR primary water at 325°C for 4500h with a hydrogen partial pressure of 30kPa. The FIB was used to machine small cantilever beams at the selected sites in the Ni alloy 600, cut so that the beam contained a selected grain boundary close to the built-in end. The FIB was also used to make a pre-crack, 700 nm deep, on the grain boundary. Cantilevers were loaded at the free end using a nanoindenter. Cantilevers milled in the un-oxidised sample yielded, and did not fracture. The specimens containing oxidised grain boundaries fractured at the boundary after small amounts of plasticity. Load vs. displacement data were used to calculate the fracture toughness of the oxidised grain boundaries. The fracture toughness associated with fracture of grain boundary oxide for these cantilevers was in the range 0.73-1.82MPa (m)1/2, with an average value of 1.3MPa (m)1/2. We believe this to be the first time the fracture toughness of an oxidised grain boundary has been determined.
Glass: an old material for the future of manufacturing
Authors: Klein Susanne , Dickin Fraser , Adams Guy , Simske Steve 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTTraditional assembly line manufacturing is speculative, costly and environmentally unsustainable. It is speculative because it commits substantial resources—energy, materials, shipping, handling, stocking and displaying—without a guaranteed sale. It is costly because each of these resources—material, process, people and place—involves expense not encountered when a product is manufactured at the time of sale. It is environmentally unsustainable because, no matter how much recycling is done, not using the resources unless actually needed is always a better path. Three-dimensional printing is currently of great commercial interest as it can be employed to manufacture parts on-demand economically and without the significant cost & environmental downsides, i.e. inventory and waste, associated with traditional manufacturing processes. Herein, we describe the formulation of a novel water-based material which can be used in a traditional 3D printer extrusion process to create optically transparent glass-based objects. Such objects have a wide range of applications including, but not wholly limited to: security printing using color & coating effects, protective films and coatings, electronic codes readable by smartphones, tablets or touch screens. Additional all glass objects traditionally manufactured by the so called kiln glass method can be generated by this type of 3D printing making it interesting for the high end market of art objects.
Microstructure of epitaxial AlN layers on sapphire substrates deposited by physical vapor deposition
Authors: Kohli Sandeep , Druz Boris , Devasahayam Adrian , Datta Arindom , Cerio Frank 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTAsymmetric (10L) XRD peaks have been employed as a measure of epitaxial quality for aluminum nitride (AlN) nucleation layers (NL) deposited on sapphire substrate. Epitaxial AlN films have been deposited on 2-6” sapphire substrate by reactive sputtering. FWHM of AlN (103) and (105) were found to be an excellent indicator of quality of AlN films for GaN growth. AlN films produced nucleation layers with highly reproducible microstructure and GaN film growth. NLs had in-plane and out-of-plane texture as evident by the pole-figure results and selected area diffraction pattern. Based on electron microscopy results, AlN film thickness for complete atomic ordering was estimated to be 6-7 nm and most of the edge dislocations were seen in the first 20 nm of the film. Excellent thickness and texture uniformity were seen on planar and patterned sapphire substrates. A compressive stress of 2.9±0.2 GPa was seen in our BKM films. The maximum screw and edge dislocation densities of films were found to be ∼3 x 108 cm−2 and ∼9 x 109 cm−2 respectively. The root mean square roughnesses of A-polar films were found to be < 0.3 nm.