298 results on '"Brzyski, P."'
Search Results
2. Machine Learning and Statistical Approaches to Measuring Similarity of Political Parties
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Boratyn, Daria, Brzyski, Damian, Kosowska-Gąstoł, Beata, Rybicki, Jan, Słomczyński, Wojciech, and Stolicki, Dariusz
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Computer Science - Computation and Language ,91F10 (Primary) 68T50 (Secondary) ,J.4 ,I.2.7 - Abstract
Mapping political party systems to metric policy spaces is one of the major methodological problems in political science. At present, in most political science project this task is performed by domain experts relying on purely qualitative assessments, with all the attendant problems of subjectivity and labor intensiveness. We consider how advances in natural language processing, including large transformer-based language models, can be applied to solve that issue. We apply a number of texts similarity measures to party political programs, analyze how they correlate with each other, and -- in the absence of a satisfactory benchmark -- evaluate them against other measures, including those based on expert surveys, voting records, electoral patterns, and candidate networks. Finally, we consider the prospects of relying on those methods to correct, supplement, and eventually replace expert judgments.
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- 2023
3. Water Absorption and Microbial Corrosion Resistance of Hemp Concrete Modified with the Acid Casein Admixture
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Przemysław Brzyski and Urszula Gąska-Jędruch
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water absorption ,casein ,capillary rise ,hemp-lime ,mold growth ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 - Abstract
The hemp-lime composite is a material with high porosity; therefore, it has a high ability to absorb water. Long-term contact of the composite with water is a destructive factor for the material due to the content of organic components and the lack of a hydraulic binder. It is important to look for ways to modify the composition of the composite in order to reduce water absorption. In traditional old construction, acid casein was used to improve the strength and water resistance of lime mortars. In this study, the influence of the admixture of casein in the amount of 1, 3, 5% of the binder mass on the water absorption and capillary rise of the hemp-lime composite was examined. Both the content of shives and the admixture of animal origin may contribute to the development of biological corrosion, which is why microbiological tests were performed on composite samples using the impression and swab method. As the casein content increased, the water absorption of the composite was reduced. The rate of capillary rise and the amount of rising water were also reduced. The addition of casein limited the ability to absorb water without significantly increasing the susceptibility to the development of microorganisms. The research should be extended to include, among others: the influence of this admixture on the composite's vapor permeability and mechanical properties.
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- 2024
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4. Moisture Properties, Microstructural and Microbiological Characteristics of Flax and Hemp Shives Used in Construction Industry
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Piotr Kosiński, Przemysław Brzyski, Maria Tunkiewicz, Balázs Nagy, and Anna Gotkowska-Płachta
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Loose fill insulation materials ,hemp/flax shives ,porosity ,hygroscopic sorption ,microstructure ,capillary rise ,Science ,Textile bleaching, dyeing, printing, etc. ,TP890-933 - Abstract
The construction industry is among the largest energy-consumer and waste-generating sectors, and it needs sustainable methods and materials to decrease its carbon footprint. One possible solution is to use secondary raw materials and crops as a basis for thermal insulation materials or passive buffers of moisture. This article presents the results of testing raw hemp and flax shives obtained from Polish crops for use in the construction industry. There are only a few works devoted to the parameters of the raw material itself, and no comparative studies are available on the shives themselves. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to compare the properties of shives obtained from these two fibrous plants, to understand their usability and possibilities. Our research focuses on measuring pore size distribution, hygroscopic sorption moisture, capillary rise, and contact angle. It was shown that both types of shives are characterized by similar porosity and hygroscopic sorption characteristics, but different pore size distribution and ability to absorb water through capillary action. Microbiological tests showed variations in the presence of fungi on the shives surfaces. The article also presents an example of the use of the tested materials as an internal wall covering and compares it to gypsum plaster.
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- 2024
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5. Stinging insect identification in children with Hymenoptera venom allergy and their parents
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Jagoda Kaszuba, Marek Kaszuba, Piotr Brzyski, Magdalena Kusior, Mirosław Krośniak, Grzegorz Lis, and Ewa Cichocka-Jarosz
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children ,education ,hymenoptera venom allergy ,insect stings ,parents ,Dermatology ,RL1-803 ,Internal medicine ,RC31-1245 - Published
- 2023
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6. A Sparsity Inducing Nuclear-Norm Estimator (SpINNEr) for Matrix-Variate Regression in Brain Connectivity Analysis
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Brzyski, Damian, Hu, Xixi, Goni, Joaquin, Ances, Beau, Randolph, Timothy W., and Harezlak, Jaroslaw
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Statistics - Methodology ,Mathematics - Numerical Analysis ,Mathematics - Optimization and Control ,Statistics - Computation ,Statistics - Machine Learning ,62H11, 65C60, 62H12, 62H30 ,G.4 ,G.3 ,I.6 - Abstract
Classical scalar-response regression methods treat covariates as a vector and estimate a corresponding vector of regression coefficients. In medical applications, however, regressors are often in a form of multi-dimensional arrays. For example, one may be interested in using MRI imaging to identify which brain regions are associated with a health outcome. Vectorizing the two-dimensional image arrays is an unsatisfactory approach since it destroys the inherent spatial structure of the images and can be computationally challenging. We present an alternative approach - regularized matrix regression - where the matrix of regression coefficients is defined as a solution to the specific optimization problem. The method, called SParsity Inducing Nuclear Norm EstimatoR (SpINNEr), simultaneously imposes two penalty types on the regression coefficient matrix---the nuclear norm and the lasso norm---to encourage a low rank matrix solution that also has entry-wise sparsity. A specific implementation of the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) is used to build a fast and efficient numerical solver. Our simulations show that SpINNEr outperforms other methods in estimation accuracy when the response-related entries (representing the brain's functional connectivity) are arranged in well-connected communities. SpINNEr is applied to investigate associations between HIV-related outcomes and functional connectivity in the human brain.
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- 2020
7. Thermal Transmittance in Roof–Wall Structural Junction Areas Insulated with a Hemp–Lime Mixture
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Magdalena Grudzińska, Krystian Patyna, Wojciech Jabłoński, and Przemysław Brzyski
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hemp–lime composite ,thermal bridge ,heat losses ,roof ,ridge ,structural junction ,Technology - Abstract
The junction between the roof and the external wall is a sensitive area within the building envelope; here, increased heat flow often takes place. In the case of partitions insulated with materials based on plant ingredients, thermal bridges are particularly dangerous due to the possibility of condensation and, consequently, mold. The present article analyzed the connection of the roof with the knee wall made of a hemp–lime composite and the ridge in terms of the occurrence of thermal bridges. The following factors that may affect heat transfer in the junction were taken into account: the location of the load-bearing wooden frame, the roof slope, and the presence of internal plaster in the junction. Two-dimensional heat transfer analysis was performed based on the finite element method using THERM 7.4 software. All of the studied thermal bridges had ψ values below 0.10 W/(m·K). Calculations of heat losses through a roof with different slopes were also presented, taking into account the considered thermal bridges. As the roof slope decreases, the heat flow through the roof decreases, despite the increasing value of the linear thermal transmittance. The share of the considered thermal bridges in the total heat loss from the roof reached up to 15%. To verify the obtained results, in further analysis, it would be necessary to calculate the impact of the roof–knee wall bridge variants on heat losses throughout the entire building.
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- 2024
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8. Phenotypic plasticity and genetic diversity shed light on endemism of rare Boechera perstellata and its potential vulnerability to climate warming
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Jennifer Nagel Boyd, Carol Baskauf, Annie Lindsey, Jill T. Anderson, Jessica Brzyski, and Jennifer Cruse‐Sanders
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acclimation ,adaptation ,Boechera laevigata (smooth rockcress) ,Boechera perstellata (Braun's rockcress) ,Brassicaceae ,conservation ,Ecology ,QH540-549.5 - Abstract
Abstract The rapid pace of contemporary environmental change puts many species at risk, especially rare species constrained by limited capacity to adapt or migrate due to low genetic diversity and/or fitness. But the ability to acclimate can provide another way to persist through change. We compared the capacity of rare Boechera perstellata (Braun's rockcress) and widespread B. laevigata to acclimate to change. We investigated the phenotypic plasticity of growth, biomass allocation, and leaf morphology of individuals of B. perstellata and B. laevigata propagated from seed collected from several populations throughout their ranges in a growth chamber experiment to assess their capacity to acclimate. Concurrently, we assessed the genetic diversity of sampled populations using 17 microsatellite loci to assess evolutionary potential. Plasticity was limited in both rare B. perstellata and widespread B. laevigata, but differences in the plasticity of root traits between species suggest that B. perstellata may have less capacity to acclimate to change. In contrast to its widespread congener, B. perstellata exhibited no plasticity in response to temperature and weaker plastic responses to water availability. As expected, B. perstellata also had lower levels of observed heterozygosity than B. laevigata at the species level, but population‐level trends in diversity measures were inconsistent due to high heterogeneity among B. laevigata populations. Overall, the ability of phenotypic plasticity to broadly explain the rarity of B. perstellata versus commonness of B. laevigata is limited. However, some contextual aspects of our plasticity findings compared with its relatively low genetic variability may shed light on the narrow range and habitat associations of B. perstellata and suggest its vulnerability to climate warming due to acclimatory and evolutionary constraints.
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- 2023
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9. Skin prick tests are not useful for the qualification for venom immunotherapy in children
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Ewa Cichocka-Jarosz, MD, PhD, Piotr Brzyski, PhD, Urszula Jedynak-Wąsowicz, MD, PhD, Nina Mól, MD, PhD, Barbara Klasa, MD, Zofia Mazurek-Durlak, MD, Grzegorz Lis, MD, PhD, and Anna Nowak-Węgrzyn, MD, PhD
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Insect venom allergy ,Skin prick test ,Intradermal test ,Specific IgE ,Venom immunotherapy ,Immunologic diseases. Allergy ,RC581-607 - Abstract
Background: The basis for qualification for venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the fulfilment of both the clinical and immunological criteria. Diagnostic tests that confirm the immunological criterion of an IgE-mediated sensitization include skin prick tests (SPT), intradermal tests (IDT), and serum specific IgE (sIgE) for the culprit venom. Objective: This study aimed to assess the usefulness of SPT as the immunological marker in the diagnosis of insect venom sensitization in children with history of systemic reaction (SR) to insect sting evaluated by means of I-IV-grades Mueller's scale. There are no such studies in children. Methods: This cross-sectional study sample consisted of 416 children aged 3–18 years (mean age 10.6 ± 3.8), 76% males, all with the history of a systemic reaction (SR) after a Hymenoptera sting (48% of grade III/IV according to Mueller scale), diagnosed between 1999 and 2019 in the tertiary referral centre. The standard diagnostic tests were used. Specificity, sensitivity, and positive and negative predictive values were computed to assess the diagnostic properties of the clinical tests to distinguish between mild and severe SR. To assess the relative value of an individual test in predicting the qualification to VIT we incorporated the Shapley value (SV). Results: Positive SPT results were found in up to no more than 3% of children; among them less than 1% had only positive SPT and were negative for sIgE and IDT. Approximately 85% of the children had detectable venom sIgE, followed by positive IDT (75%). Almost 70% of children had positive both sIgE and IDT results. In children with grade III/IV reaction, about 80% of children had positive results of both of these tests. sIgE and IDT had sensitivity >0.80, whereas SPT had high specificity (>0.97) in differentiating between mild and severe SR. Relative value of diagnostic tests in predicting qualification to VIT varied between venoms. Bee venom IDT had higher SV (0.052) than sIgE (0.041). In contrast, wasp venom sIgE had higher SV (0.075) than IDT (0.035). Conclusion: SPTs are not an useful immunological marker of venom sensitization in children, and eliminating SPT does not result in a loss of diagnostic accuracy. Limiting diagnostics to venom sIgE and IDT would shorten the procedure and reduce costs. Future studies are needed to determine if venom sIgE as the first line diagnostic test, with IDT added only if the venom sIgE is undetectable, is an optimal diagnostic process.
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- 2023
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10. The Influence of Acid Casein on the Selected Properties of Lime–Metakaolin Mortars
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Przemysław Brzyski and Renata Boris
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lime ,metakaolin ,casein ,mechanical parameters ,consistency ,shrinkage ,Technology ,Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering ,TK1-9971 ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Microscopy ,QH201-278.5 ,Descriptive and experimental mechanics ,QC120-168.85 - Abstract
One of the ways to modify selected parameters of lime mortars is the use of biopolymers of animal origin, such as bone glue, skin glue, bovine blood, eggs, and casein. These are protein-based biopolymers. Casein is an example of an organic polymer produced from cow’s milk. The aim of the work was to investigate the possibilities of improving selected properties of mortars based on hydrated lime and metakaolin. The mixture was modified with powdered technical casein in amounts of 0.5%, 1.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% as a partial mass replacement for the binding mixture. Additionally, the influence of increasing the amount of water on the properties of the mortar with a casein admixture of 2% was checked. This study examined consistency, shrinkage, water absorption, capillary action, porosity, flexural, compressive strength, and Young’s modulus. The admixture of casein influenced the properties of the mortar, but not in all cases, and it was possible to determine a clear trend related to the variable amount of casein. Strength properties deteriorated as the amount of casein increased. When air bubbles were introduced into the mortar after the casein was dissolved, the porosity increased as the amount of admixture increased. The moisture properties improved; namely, casein led to a reduction in water absorption and water absorption caused by capillary action. No relationship was observed between the amount of casein and the drying shrinkage. Increasing the amount of water in the mixture led to the expected effects, i.e., an increase in porosity, shrinkage, and water absorption, and a decrease in mechanical strength.
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- 2023
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11. Group SLOPE - adaptive selection of groups of predictors
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Brzyski, Damian, Gossmann, Alexej, Su, Weijie, and Bogdan, Malgorzata
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Statistics - Methodology ,46N10 ,G.1.6 - Abstract
Sorted L-One Penalized Estimation (SLOPE) is a relatively new convex optimization procedure which allows for adaptive selection of regressors under sparse high dimensional designs. Here we extend the idea of SLOPE to deal with the situation when one aims at selecting whole groups of explanatory variables instead of single regressors. Such groups can be formed by clustering strongly correlated predictors or groups of dummy variables corresponding to different levels of the same qualitative predictor. We formulate the respective convex optimization problem, gSLOPE (group SLOPE), and propose an efficient algorithm for its solution. We also define a notion of the group false discovery rate (gFDR) and provide a choice of the sequence of tuning parameters for gSLOPE so that gFDR is provably controlled at a prespecified level if the groups of variables are orthogonal to each other. Moreover, we prove that the resulting procedure adapts to unknown sparsity and is asymptotically minimax with respect to the estimation of the proportions of variance of the response variable explained by regressors from different groups. We also provide a method for the choice of the regularizing sequence when variables in different groups are not orthogonal but statistically independent and illustrate its good properties with computer simulations. Finally, we illustrate the advantages of gSLOPE in the context of Genome Wide Association Studies. R package grpSLOPE with implementation of our method is available on CRAN., Comment: 40 pages, 22 paged in Appendix, 5 figures included. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1511.09078
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- 2016
12. Pain measurement in the older people: evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Geriatric Pain Measure (GPM-24) – polish version
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Grażyna Puto, Iwona Repka, and Piotr Brzyski
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chronic pain ,older people ,psychometric properties ,validity ,reliability ,pain assessment ,Geriatrics ,RC952-954.6 - Abstract
Abstract Background Chronic pain in older people is of particular importance not only with regard to negative subjective experience but also as an indicator of the quality of medical care. Brief scales to assess pain may help health professionals with early recognition and treatment to avoid patient suffering. However, these scales should be adapted to the cultural context to provide valid assessments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Polish translation of the Geriatric Pain Measure – 24 (GPM-24) in older people. Methods The study was conducted among 181 people aged 65 and over with chronic (noncancer) pain of varying intensity lasting more than 6 months. Construct validity was assessed using the principal component analysis (PCA) method with oblimin rotation. Criterion validity was evaluated by correlating the scores of the GPM-24 with the scores of the McGill-Melzack questionnaire (MPQ). The reliability of the GPM-24 was estimated in terms of internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Results The PCA revealed a 6- component structure of the set of items that constituted the GPM-24. Most of these components were defined by items included in the same subscale, similar to the result obtained by the original scale’s authors. There were significant correlations between the GPM-24 and some dimensions of MPQ: affective (rho = 0.25, p = 0.001), present pain intensity (rho = 0.44, p
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- 2021
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13. Konferencja naukowa pt. „ARTYLERIA – Bóg Wojny (taktyka, uzbrojenie, dowódcy)', Muzeum Twierdzy Toruń, 25 maja 2022 r.
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Daria Tuszyńska and Piotr Brzyski
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History (General) and history of Europe - Abstract
Sprawozdanie z konferencji naukowej pt. „ARTYLERIA – Bóg Wojny (taktyka, uzbrojenie, dowódcy)”, Muzeum Twierdzy Toruń, 25 maja 2022 r.
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- 2022
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14. Mass Transport and Thermal Conductivity Properties of Flax Shives for Use in Construction Industry
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Przemysław Brzyski, Piotr Kosiński, Aneta Zgliczyńska, Paweł Iwanicki, and Jakub Poko
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flax shives ,density ,thermal conductivity ,water vapor permeability ,absorptivity ,building partitions ,Science ,Textile bleaching, dyeing, printing, etc. ,TP890-933 - Abstract
The paper presents the results of studies concerning raw flax shives obtained from Polish crop of flax as a loose-fill thermal insulation material. The study focusses mainly on measurements of the thermal conductivity and water vapor permeability of material, but on water absorption and capillary rise as well. The shives showed satisfactory lambda values, comparable to traditional thermal insulation materials. They also showed high mass absorptivity and the ability to uptake large amounts of water by capillary action in a short time. The paper presents also an example of the use of the tested material as thermal insulation of the flat roof. The analysis of the heat flow through the flat roof with different thicknesses of flax shives insulation was carried out.
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- 2021
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15. Incorporation of spatial- and connectivity-based cortical brain region information in regularized regression: Application to Human Connectome Project data
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Aleksandra Steiner, Kausar Abbas, Damian Brzyski, Kewin Pączek, Timothy W. Randolph, Joaquín Goñi, and Jaroslaw Harezlak
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linear regression ,regularization ,brain cortex ,geodesic distance ,euclidean distance ,structural connectivity ,Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry ,RC321-571 - Abstract
Studying the association of the brain's structure and function with neurocognitive outcomes requires a comprehensive analysis that combines different sources of information from a number of brain-imaging modalities. Recently developed regularization methods provide a novel approach using information about brain structure to improve the estimation of coefficients in the linear regression models. Our proposed method, which is a special case of the Tikhonov regularization, incorporates structural connectivity derived with Diffusion Weighted Imaging and cortical distance information in the penalty term. Corresponding to previously developed methods that inform the estimation of the regression coefficients, we incorporate additional information via a Laplacian matrix based on the proximity measure on the cortical surface. Our contribution consists of constructing a principled formulation of the penalty term and testing the performance of the proposed approach via extensive simulation studies and a brain-imaging application. The penalty term is constructed as a weighted combination of structural connectivity and proximity between cortical areas. Simulation studies mimic the real brain-imaging settings. We apply our approach to the study of data collected in the Human Connectome Project, where the cortical properties of the left hemisphere are found to be associated with vocabulary comprehension.
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- 2022
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16. Group SLOPE - adaptive selection of groups of predictors
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Brzyski, Damian, Su, Weijie, and Bogdan, Małgorzata
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Mathematics - Statistics Theory ,62J07, 90C25 ,G.3 ,G.1.6 - Abstract
Sorted L-One Penalized Estimation is a relatively new convex optimization procedure which allows for adaptive selection of regressors under sparse high dimensional designs. Here we extend the idea of SLOPE to deal with the situation when one aims at selecting whole groups of explanatory variables instead of single regressors. This approach is particularly useful when variables in the same group are strongly correlated and thus true predictors are difficult to distinguish from their correlated "neighbors"'. We formulate the respective convex optimization problem, gSLOPE (group SLOPE), and propose an efficient algorithm for its solution. We also define a notion of the group false discovery rate (gFDR) and provide a choice of the sequence of tuning parameters for gSLOPE so that gFDR is provably controlled at a prespecified level if the groups of variables are orthogonal to each other. Moreover, we prove that the resulting procedure adapts to unknown sparsity and is asymptotically minimax with respect to the estimation of the proportions of variance of the response variable explained by regressors from different groups. We also provide a method for the choice of the regularizing sequence when variables in different groups are not orthogonal but statistically independent and illustrate its good properties with computer simulations., Comment: 35 pages, 4 figures
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- 2015
17. Fast Saddle-Point Algorithm for Generalized Dantzig Selector and FDR Control with the Ordered l1-Norm
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Lee, Sangkyun, Brzyski, Damian, and Bogdan, Malgorzata
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Statistics - Machine Learning ,Mathematics - Optimization and Control - Abstract
In this paper we propose a primal-dual proximal extragradient algorithm to solve the generalized Dantzig selector (GDS) estimation problem, based on a new convex-concave saddle-point (SP) reformulation. Our new formulation makes it possible to adopt recent developments in saddle-point optimization, to achieve the optimal $O(1/k)$ rate of convergence. Compared to the optimal non-SP algorithms, ours do not require specification of sensitive parameters that affect algorithm performance or solution quality. We also provide a new analysis showing a possibility of local acceleration to achieve the rate of $O(1/k^2)$ in special cases even without strong convexity or strong smoothness. As an application, we propose a GDS equipped with the ordered $\ell_1$-norm, showing its false discovery rate control properties in variable selection. Algorithm performance is compared between ours and other alternatives, including the linearized ADMM, Nesterov's smoothing, Nemirovski's mirror-prox, and the accelerated hybrid proximal extragradient techniques., Comment: In AISTATS 2016
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- 2015
18. Current practices in diagnosis of Hymenoptera venom allergy in Poland
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Ewa Cichocka-Jarosz, Piotr Brzyski, Urszula Jedynak-Wąsowicz, Marita Nittner-Marszalska, and Immunotherapy Section Working Group
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guidelines ,adherence ,venom allergy ,diagnostics ,Dermatology ,RL1-803 ,Internal medicine ,RC31-1245 - Published
- 2021
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19. Phenotypic plasticity and genetic diversity elucidate rarity and vulnerability of an endangered riparian plant
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Jennifer Nagel Boyd, Jared Odell, Jennifer Cruse‐Sanders, Will Rogers, Jill T. Anderson, Carol Baskauf, and Jessica Brzyski
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acclimation ,adaptation ,endemic ,genetic diversity ,Pityopsis graminifolia (narrowleaf silkgrass) ,Pityopsis ruthii (Ruth's golden aster) ,Ecology ,QH540-549.5 - Abstract
Abstract Environmental change, accelerated by anthropogenic activities, threatens many species and can be especially challenging for rare species given their potentially limited capacity for migration and adaptation relative to more common species. The ability to acclimate via phenotypic plasticity could provide an important path to species persistence in the face of such change. We investigated the responses of an endangered plant species endemic to a highly dynamic riparian habitat in southeastern Tennessee, USA, and its most widespread congener to environmental change to elucidate their current statuses and future vulnerability. Specifically, we compared the population‐ and species‐level plasticity of rare Pityopsis ruthii and common P. graminifolia to contrasting light, temperature, and water conditions in a growth chamber experiment to evaluate their potential to acclimate to environmental change. Contrary to our expectations, P. ruthii had greater phenotypic plasticity than its common congener in response to both altered light and water availability. But this plasticity was not associated with increased fitness, suggesting that it was not adaptive. Concurrently, we genotyped these individuals at nine putatively neutral microsatellite loci to contrast genetic diversity across the range of each species. As expected, P. ruthii exhibited reduced genetic diversity relative to its more common congener. Overall, our findings accord with the narrow range and current habitat specificity of P. ruthii, especially its tolerance of highly variable water, and highlight its potential vulnerability to future environmental change.
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- 2022
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20. Influence of compaction direction on selected thermal and moisture properties of a lightweight composite based on magnesium binder and organic filler
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Brzyski, P, primary, Jóźwiak, M, additional, Siwiec, J, additional, Sinka, M, additional, and Medved, I, additional
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- 2023
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21. Is the clinical manifestation of anaphylaxis in children influenced by the trigger of reaction?
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Izabela Tarczoń, Urszula Jedynak-Wąsowicz, Grzegorz Lis, Tomasz Tomasik, Piotr Brzyski, and Ewa Cichocka-Jarosz
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anaphylaxis ,children ,trigger of anaphylaxis ,clinical manifestation ,Dermatology ,RL1-803 ,Internal medicine ,RC31-1245 - Published
- 2020
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22. Moisture and wetting properties of thermal insulation materials based on hemp fiber, cellulose and mineral wool in a loose state
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Piotr Kosiński, Przemysław Brzyski, and Barbara Duliasz
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hemp ,cellulose ,mineral wool ,fiber ,moisture ,sorption ,contact angle ,Science ,Textile bleaching, dyeing, printing, etc. ,TP890-933 - Abstract
The paper presents the results of research concerning three fiber materials – hemp fiber, cellulose fiber and mineral wool as a loose-fill thermal insulation materials. It focused on the study of moisture properties and wettability of these materials. The analysis involved evaluation of moisture sorption in different relative humidity conditions and evaluation of wettability of fibers by contact angle measurement. The study showed that the sorption equilibrium has been achieved at different times, which proves the various nature and properties of the materials. Hemp fibers were less wet than cellulose fiber, but the time needed to stabilize was shorter. The largest contact angles, indicating the strongly hydrophobic properties, were shown by mineral wool. Some samples of hemp and cellulose fibers were characterized by similar contact angles providing high wetting properties.
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- 2020
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23. Intervention in anaphylaxis: the experience of one paediatric centre based on NORA reports
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Izabela Tarczoń, Urszula Jedynak-Wąsowicz, Grzegorz Lis, Tomasz Tomasik, Piotr Brzyski, and Ewa Cichocka-Jarosz
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anaphylaxis ,medical intervention ,adrenaline ,register ,children ,Dermatology ,RL1-803 ,Internal medicine ,RC31-1245 - Published
- 2020
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24. Pain measurement in the older people: evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Geriatric Pain Measure (GPM-24) – Polish version
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Puto, Grażyna, Repka, Iwona, and Brzyski, Piotr
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- 2021
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25. Energy Simulations of a Building Insulated with a Hemp-Lime Composite with Different Wall and Node Variants
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Przemysław Brzyski, Magdalena Grudzińska, Martin Böhm, and Grzegorz Łagód
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hemp-lime composite ,thermal bridge ,energy demand ,building partition ,structural node ,Technology - Abstract
Thermal bridges constitute a significant share in the overall heat losses through building partitions. This is an important issue not only in traditional but also ecological buildings, where the load-bearing structure is often a wooden frame. In partitions insulated with hemp-lime composite, the skeleton is usually hidden in the insulation. However, in some nodes or jambs, wooden elements may be exposed or have a large cross-section, intensifying the heat transfer. This work presents simulations of energy demand in a single-family building insulated with hemp-lime composite, using the BSim dynamic simulation program. The calculations take into account the linear thermal transmittance of structural nodes modeled in the THERM program. The energy demand for heating and the share of thermal bridges in the heat loss of the entire building were calculated for different locations of the structural framework in the walls, as well as the size and number of windows. The share of thermal bridges in heat losses was about 10%, and the differences in energy demand for heating using various frame locations in the wall were negligible.
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- 2022
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26. Statin use and risk of haemorrhagic stroke in a community-based cohort of postmenopausal women: an observational study from the Women's Health Initiative
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Salmoirago-Blotcher, Elena, Hovey, Kathleen M, Andrews, Christopher A, Robinson, Jennifer G, Johnson, Karen C, Wassertheil-Smoller, Sylvia, Crawford, Sybil, Qi, Lihong, Martin, Lisa W, Ockene, Judith, Manson, JoAnn E, Nabel, Elizabeth, Rossouw, Jacques, Ludlam, Shari, McGowan, Joan, Ford, Leslie, Geller, Nancy, Prentice, Ross, Anderson, Garnet, LaCroix, Andrea, Kooperberg, Charles L, Patterson, Ruth E, McTiernan, Anne, Stein, Evan, Cummings, Steven, Rajkovic, Aleksandar, Eaton, Charles B, Phillips, Lawrence, Beresford, Shirley, Chlebowski, Rowan, Michael, Yvonne, Caan, Bette, Kotchen, Jane Morley, Howard, Barbara V, Van Horn, Linda, Black, Henry, Stefanick, Marcia L, Lane, Dorothy, Jackson, Rebecca, Lewis, Cora E, Thomson, Cynthia A, Wactawski-Wende, Jean, Robbins, John, Hubbell, F Allan, Nathan, Lauren, Langer, Robert D, Gass, Margery, Limacher, Marian, Curb, J David, Wallace, Robert, Lasser, Norman, O'Sullivan, Mary Jo, Margolis, Karen, Brunner, Robert, Heiss, Gerardo, Kuller, Lewis, Brzyski, Robert, Sarto, Gloria E, Vitolins, Mara, Simon, Michael, and Shumaker, Sally
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Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ,Public Health ,Health Sciences ,Aging ,Clinical Research ,Prevention ,Stroke ,Female ,Follow-Up Studies ,Humans ,Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors ,Middle Aged ,Postmenopause ,Proportional Hazards Models ,Retrospective Studies ,Risk Factors ,Women's Health ,PREVENTIVE MEDICINE ,Clinical Sciences ,Public Health and Health Services ,Other Medical and Health Sciences ,Biomedical and clinical sciences ,Health sciences ,Psychology - Abstract
ObjectivesTo determine whether statin treatment is associated with increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke (HS) in older women. A secondary objective was to evaluate HS risk in users of combined statin and antiplatelet treatment.DesignObservational study: secondary data analysis from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trials.SettingWomen were recruited from 40 participating sites.ParticipantsCohort of 68,132 women followed through 2005 (parent study) and for an additional 5 years in the extension study.Main outcome measuresStatin use was assessed at baseline and at follow-up visits (1, 3, 6 and 9 years). Women brought medications in original containers for inventory. Strokes were ascertained semiannually and centrally adjudicated. Risk of HS by statin use (time-varying covariate, with the 'no use' category as the referent) was estimated from Cox proportional hazard regression models adjusted for age (model 1); risk factors for HS (model 2); and possible confounders by indication (model 3). Prespecified subgroup analyses were conducted by use of antiplatelet medications.ResultsFinal models included 67,882 women (mean age, 63±7 years). Over a mean follow-up of 12 years, incidence rates of HS were 6.4/10,000 person-years among statin users and 5.0/10,000 person-years among non-users (p=0.11). The unadjusted risk of HS in statin users was 1.21 (CI 0.96 to 1.53); after adjusting for age and HS risk factors the HR was 0.98 (CI 0.76 to 1.26). Risk of HS was higher among women on statins and antiplatelet agents versus women on antiplatelet medications alone (HR=1.59; CI 1.03 to 2.47); p for interaction=0.011.ConclusionsThis retrospective analysis did not show an association between statin use and HS risk among older women. HS risk was higher among women taking statins with antiplatelet agents. These findings warrant further investigation, given potential implications for clinical decision-making.
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- 2015
27. Meta-analysis of loci associated with age at natural menopause in African-American women
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Chen, Christina TL, Liu, Ching-Ti, Chen, Gary K, Andrews, Jeanette S, Arnold, Alice M, Dreyfus, Jill, Franceschini, Nora, Garcia, Melissa E, Kerr, Kathleen F, Li, Guo, Lohman, Kurt K, Musani, Solomon K, Nalls, Michael A, Raffel, Leslie J, Smith, Jennifer, Ambrosone, Christine B, Bandera, Elisa V, Bernstein, Leslie, Britton, Angela, Brzyski, Robert G, Cappola, Anne, Carlson, Christopher S, Couper, David, Deming, Sandra L, Goodarzi, Mark O, Heiss, Gerardo, John, Esther M, Lu, Xiaoning, Le Marchand, Loic, Marciante, Kristin, Mcknight, Barbara, Millikan, Robert, Nock, Nora L, Olshan, Andrew F, Press, Michael F, Vaiyda, Dhananjay, Woods, Nancy F, Taylor, Herman A, Zhao, Wei, Zheng, Wei, Evans, Michele K, Harris, Tamara B, Henderson, Brian E, Kardia, Sharon LR, Kooperberg, Charles, Liu, Yongmei, Mosley, Thomas H, Psaty, Bruce, Wellons, Melissa, Windham, Beverly G, Zonderman, Alan B, Cupples, L Adrienne, Demerath, Ellen W, Haiman, Christopher, Murabito, Joanne M, and Rajkovic, Aleksandar
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Contraception/Reproduction ,Estrogen ,Genetics ,Human Genome ,Aging ,2.1 Biological and endogenous factors ,Aetiology ,Reproductive health and childbirth ,Black or African American ,Age Factors ,Chromosomes ,Human ,Female ,Genetic Loci ,Genetic Variation ,Genome-Wide Association Study ,Humans ,Menopause ,United States ,White People ,Biological Sciences ,Medical and Health Sciences ,Genetics & Heredity - Abstract
Age at menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive life and its timing associates with risks for cancer, cardiovascular and bone disorders. GWAS and candidate gene studies conducted in women of European ancestry have identified 27 loci associated with age at menopause. The relevance of these loci to women of African ancestry has not been previously studied. We therefore sought to uncover additional menopause loci and investigate the relevance of European menopause loci by performing a GWAS meta-analysis in 6510 women with African ancestry derived from 11 studies across the USA. We did not identify any additional loci significantly associated with age at menopause in African Americans. We replicated the associations between six loci and age at menopause (P-value < 0.05): AMHR2, RHBLD2, PRIM1, HK3/UMC1, BRSK1/TMEM150B and MCM8. In addition, associations of 14 loci are directionally consistent with previous reports. We provide evidence that genetic variants influencing reproductive traits identified in European populations are also important in women of African ancestry residing in USA.
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- 2014
28. Quality of life in parents of children and adolescents after systemic sting reactions
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Ewa Cichocka-Jarosz, Piotr Brzyski, Izabella Tarczoń, Urszula Jedynak-Wąsowicz, Tomasz Tomasik, and Grzegorz Lis
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Quality of life ,parents ,insect sting ,Hymenoptera venom allergy ,cross-sectional study ,Agriculture ,Environmental sciences ,GE1-350 - Abstract
Introduction and objectives The study aimed at evaluating the impact of Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) in children and adolescents, on their parents’ QoL, taking into account their socio-demographic characteristics. Material and methods The study sample consisted of 101 parents of children and adolescents aged 9–17 years, with a history of systemic reaction after insect sting who were referred for consultations in the tertiary level allergology department. The mean age of the parents was 39 years (SD=8.1; range 25–65 years); the majority were mothers (68%) and rural inhabitants (62%). QoL in parents of HVA children and adolescents was measured with the Parents of Children with Hymenoptera Venom Allergy Quality of Life Scale, a questionnaire covering 5 dimensions: anxiety, caution, limitations and discomfort, support provided to the child and feeling of safety, each measured on the scale ranging from 1 to 5. Independent predictors of QoL were estimated using the Generalized Linear Model. Results Parents of urban children and adolescents treated with venom immunotherapy (VIT) up to 3 years (B=-1.37, 95CI= (-2.22;-0.53); p=0.001) and of rural children treated for more than 3 years (B=-0.94, 95CI=(-1.55;-0.33); p=0.003) reported lower anxiety than parents studied at diagnosis. In urban parents, individuals studied at VIT beginning reported a lower feeling of safety (B=-0.63, 95CI=(-1.11;-0.15); p=0.010); those studied up to 3 years of treatment reported a higher feeling of safety (B=0.64, 95CI=(0.11;1.16); p=0.018) than those studied at diagnosis. Contrariwise, in rural parents, those studied at the beginning of immunotherapy reported a higher feeling of safety than those studied at diagnosis (B=0.51, 95CI=(0.13;0.88); p=0.008). Conclusions The longest VIT duration in children and adolescents with HVA is related to the decreased anxiety of their parents. Parent’s feeling of safety depends on the stage of treatment and place of residence.
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- 2019
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29. Venom allergy treatment practices in Poland in comparison to guidelines: next edition of the national audit
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Ewa Cichocka-Jarosz, Marcin Stobiecki, Marita Nittner-Marszalska, Urszula Jedynak-Wąsowicz, Piotr Brzyski, and Immunotherapy Section of the Polish Society of Allergology Working Group (PTA)
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venom allergy ,immunotherapy ,national survey ,Dermatology ,RL1-803 ,Internal medicine ,RC31-1245 - Published
- 2019
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30. Health-related quality of life in children and adolescents after systemic sting reaction
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Piotr Brzyski, Ewa Cichocka-Jarosz, Izabella Tarczoń, Urszula Jedynak-Wąsowicz, Tomasz Tomasik, and Grzegorz Lis
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health-related quality of life ,children ,adolescents ,insect sting ,Hymenoptera venom allergy ,cross-sectional study ,Agriculture ,Environmental sciences ,GE1-350 - Abstract
Introduction and objectives Insect stings are the second trigger of anaphylaxis in children and adolescents, causing a potentially life-threatening reactions. Hence health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important issue for Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) patients. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the impact of HVA on young patients’ HRQoL, including their socio-demographic characteristics. Material and methods The study sample included 102 patients aged 8–17 (Mean 12.5 years, SD=3.0), who were under diagnosis or venom immunotherapy due to systemic reaction after an insect sting in one of the tertiary referential centers in Poland. They were mostly boys (70%), and mainly from rural areas (63%). HRQoL of studied patients was measured with the Children’s Hymenoptera Venom Allergy Quality of Life Scale, a questionnaire covering 6 dimensions: anxiety, caution, limitations, discomfort, support received from parents and a feeling of safety, each measured from 1 to 5. Independent predictors of HRQoL were estimated using the Generalized Linear Model. Results In the group of children being dermal reactors, girls reported a higher level of anxiety (B=1.17, 95%CI=(0.30;2.03), p=0.008). In the group of children with grade 2 it was the girls who reported lower anxiety (B=-1.33, 95%CI=(-2.38;-0.29), p=0.013). Boys treated longer than 3 years had their level of anxiety significantly lower than those studied at diagnosis (B=-0.65, 95%CI=(-1.23;-0.07), p=0.028). The feeling of safety was higher in children living in villages than in those living in towns (B=0.30, 95%CI=(0.03;0.56), p=0.031). Conclusions The gender, treatment duration and stage of anaphylactic reaction influenced level of anxiety. The level of feeling of safety was related to the place of living.
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- 2019
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31. Comparison of the Moist Material Relative Permittivity Readouts Using the Non-Invasive Reflectometric Sensors and Microwave Antenna
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Zbigniew Suchorab, Krzysztof Tabiś, Przemysław Brzyski, Zenon Szczepaniak, Tomasz Rogala, Waldemar Susek, and Grzegorz Łagód
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time domain reflectometry ,microwaves ,microwave antenna ,relative permittivity ,moisture detection ,Chemical technology ,TP1-1185 - Abstract
The article concerns the issue of non-invasive moisture sensing in building materials. Two techniques that enable evaluating the value of the relative permittivity of the material, being the measure of porous material moisture, have been utilized for the research. The first is the microwave technique that utilizes the non-contact measurement of velocity of microwave radiation across the tested material and the second is the time domain reflectometry (TDR) technique based on the measurement of electromagnetic pulse propagation time along the waveguides, being the elements of sensor design. The tested building material involved samples of red ceramic brick that differed in moisture, ranging between 0% and 14% moisture by weight. The main goal of the research was to present the measuring potential of both techniques for moisture evaluation as well as emphasize the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Within the research, it was stated that both methods provide similar measuring potential, with a slight advantage in favor of a microwave non-contact sensor over surface TDR sensor designs.
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- 2022
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32. Cultural adaptation of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire - Short Form (SAQ-SF) in Poland.
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Iwona Malinowska-Lipień, Piotr Brzyski, Teresa Gabryś, Agnieszka Gniadek, Maria Kózka, Paweł Kawalec, Tomasz Brzostek, and Allison Squires
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
BackgroundIt is essential to provide safe healthcare in complex, difficult, and quickly changing conditions. The quality of healthcare services directly influences the safety of both the patients and staff. Understanding healthcare staff attitudes toward safety in the healthcare delivery context is foundational for building a culture of safety.Aim of the workTo adapt, via a structured translation methodology, the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire-Short Form (SAQ-SF), which assesses how employees of the health care sector perceive the safety climate in their workplace, to the Polish context.MethodsUsing a content validation approach to structure the translation process, we tested and psychometrically analysed the translated SAQ-SF. The sample comprised 322 employees of a district hospital (second referral level, which ensures 24/7 emergency care services) in Poland.ResultsThe reliability of the sub-scales of the Polish version of the SAQ-SF ranged from 0.66 to 0.95. The discriminatory power of particular SAQ items ranged between 0.02 and 0.90. For 6 out of the 8 scale dimensions, the questions with the highest factor loadings were those measuring the same dimensions of the safety climate, according to the original scale.ConclusionsThe Polish version of the SAQ-SF (SAQ-SF-PL) meets the criteria of psychometric and functional validation as well as demonstrates good reliability as a measure of patient safety culture in the Polish context. The SAQ-SF-PL is an instrument that enable a valid and reliable assessment of patient safety climate in the Polish healthcare facilities and identify opportunities for improvement. International comparisons will also become easier.
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- 2021
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33. Thermal Properties of Hemp Shives Used as Insulation Material in Construction Industry
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Piotr Kosiński, Przemysław Brzyski, Maria Tunkiewicz, Zbigniew Suchorab, Damian Wiśniewski, and Paweł Palczyński
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hemp shives ,porosity ,thermal conductivity ,air permeability ,building partitions ,Technology - Abstract
The article presents the results of studies concerning raw hemp shives obtained from the Polish crop of industrial hemp as a loose-fill thermal insulation material. The study focuses mainly on the measurements of the pore size distribution, thermal conductivity and air permeability of material. An increase in the value of the thermal conductivity coefficient (0.049–0.052 W/(m·K)) was demonstrated with an increase in the bulk density. The porosity of the individual pieces of shives is 78.7% and the predominant number of pores is in the diameter range of 0.9–3 μm. The paper also presents an example of the use of the tested material as thermal insulation of the wooden frame wall. The heat flow analysis was performed in various wall variants (insulation thickness: 100, 200 and 300 mm and pressure difference 0, 5, 10 and 15 Pa). A clear influence of the variables on the temperature distribution was observed.
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- 2022
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34. Determination of Time Domain Reflectometry Surface Sensors Sensitivity Depending on Geometry and Material Moisture
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Zbigniew Suchorab, Agnieszka Malec, Henryk Sobczuk, Grzegorz Łagód, Izolda Gorgol, Ewa Łazuka, Przemysław Brzyski, and Anton Trník
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time domain reflectometry ,material moisture ,apparent permittivity ,non-invasive sensor ,sensor sensitivity ,Chemical technology ,TP1-1185 - Abstract
The article concerns the electric techniques of moisture detection that are based on the evaluation of the apparent permittivity of the tested medium. The main goal of the research was to evaluate the non-invasive Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) sensors’ sensitivity by measuring the span of elements and material moisture. To that aim, two non-invasive sensor designs were investigated for their sensitivity in the evaluation of the apparent permittivity value of aerated concrete. Sensors A and B were characterized by the spacing between the measuring elements equal to 30 mm and 70 mm, respectively. The tested samples differed in moisture, ranging between 0 and 0.3 cm3/cm3 volumetric water content. Within the research, it was stated that in the case of the narrower sensor (A), the range of the sensor equals about 30 mm, and in the case of the wider design (B), it equals about 50 mm. Additionally, it was stated that material moisture influences the range of sensor influence. In the case of the dry and low-saturated material, it was not possible to evaluate the range of sensor sensitivity using the adopted method, whereas the range of sensor signal influence was visible for the moist material.
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- 2022
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35. Brain Connectivity-Informed Regularization Methods for Regression
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Karas, Marta, Brzyski, Damian, Dzemidzic, Mario, Goñi, Joaquín, Kareken, David A., Randolph, Timothy W., and Harezlak, Jaroslaw
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- 2019
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36. Health Outcomes After Stopping Conjugated Equine Estrogens Among Postmenopausal Women With Prior Hysterectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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LaCroix, Andrea Z, Chlebowski, Rowan T, Manson, JoAnn E, Aragaki, Aaron K, Johnson, Karen C, Martin, Lisa, Margolis, Karen L, Stefanick, Marcia L, Brzyski, Robert, Curb, J David, Howard, Barbara V, Lewis, Cora E, Wactawski-Wende, Jean, and Investigators, for the WHI
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Reproductive Medicine ,Health Services and Systems ,Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ,Health Sciences ,Breast Cancer ,Clinical Research ,Clinical Trials and Supportive Activities ,Aging ,Prevention ,Digestive Diseases ,Cancer ,Colo-Rectal Cancer ,Rehabilitation ,Estrogen ,6.1 Pharmaceuticals ,Evaluation of treatments and therapeutic interventions ,Good Health and Well Being ,Aged ,Breast Neoplasms ,Colorectal Neoplasms ,Coronary Disease ,Double-Blind Method ,Estrogen Replacement Therapy ,Estrogens ,Estrogens ,Conjugated (USP) ,Female ,Follow-Up Studies ,Hip Fractures ,Humans ,Hysterectomy ,Middle Aged ,Outcome Assessment ,Health Care ,Postmenopause ,Risk ,Stroke ,Venous Thrombosis ,WHI Investigators ,Medical and Health Sciences ,General & Internal Medicine ,Biomedical and clinical sciences ,Health sciences - Abstract
ContextThe Women's Health Initiative Estrogen-Alone Trial was stopped early after a mean of 7.1 years of follow-up because of an increased risk of stroke and little likelihood of altering the balance of risk to benefit by the planned trial termination date. Postintervention health outcomes have not been reported.ObjectiveTo examine health outcomes associated with randomization to treatment with conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) among women with prior hysterectomy after a mean of 10.7 years of follow-up through August 2009.Design, setting, and participantsThe intervention phase was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial of 0.625 mg/d of CEE compared with placebo in 10,739 US postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years with prior hysterectomy. Follow-up continued after the planned trial completion date among 7645 surviving participants (78%) who provided written consent.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcomes were coronary heart disease (CHD) and invasive breast cancer. A global index of risks and benefits included these primary outcomes plus stroke, pulmonary embolism, colorectal cancer, hip fracture, and death.ResultsThe postintervention risk (annualized rate) for CHD among women assigned to CEE was 0.64% compared with 0.67% in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-1.25), 0.26% vs 0.34%, respectively, for breast cancer (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.51-1.09), and 1.47% vs 1.48%, respectively, for total mortality (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.84-1.18). The risk of stroke was no longer elevated during the postintervention follow-up period and was 0.36% among women receiving CEE compared with 0.41% in the placebo group (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.64-1.24), the risk of deep vein thrombosis was lower at 0.17% vs 0.27%, respectively (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.41-0.98), and the risk of hip fracture did not differ significantly and was 0.36% vs 0.28%, respectively (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.88-1.82). Over the entire follow-up, lower breast cancer incidence in the CEE group persisted and was 0.27% compared with 0.35% in the placebo group (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.62-0.95). Health outcomes were more favorable for younger compared with older women for CHD (P = .05 for interaction), total myocardial infarction (P = .007 for interaction), colorectal cancer (P = .04 for interaction), total mortality (P = .04 for interaction), and global index of chronic diseases (P = .009 for interaction).ConclusionsAmong postmenopausal women with prior hysterectomy followed up for 10.7 years, CEE use for a median of 5.9 years was not associated with an increased or decreased risk of CHD, deep vein thrombosis, stroke, hip fracture, colorectal cancer, or total mortality. A decreased risk of breast cancer persisted.Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00000611.
- Published
- 2011
37. Thermal Properties of Raw Hemp Fiber as a Loose-Fill Insulation Material
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Piotr Kosiński, Przemysław Brzyski, Aneta Szewczyk, and Wojciech Motacki
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air permeability ,delphin simulation ,density ,hemp fiber ,insulation ,thermal conductivity ,Science ,Textile bleaching, dyeing, printing, etc. ,TP890-933 - Abstract
The article presents the possibilities of using hemp fiber as a loose-fill insulation material. The article presents the results of research concerning raw hemp fiber obtained from the Polish crop of industrial hemp of Białobrzeskie variety. The analysis involved evaluation of thermal conductivity in function of bulk density and air permeability, the properties important for insulation materials. The results of laboratory investigation were used to create the numerical simulation models of heat transfer in the frame wall partitions filled with hemp fibers. The study showed that with the increase of bulk density, the thermal conductivity and air permeability of material decrease. The obtained lambda values are comparable with the characteristic values for conventional thermal insulation materials. The results of heat transfer and temperature distribution reveal that hemp fibers characterize with strongly air permeance, what affects on the need for additional barriers against air filtration.
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- 2018
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38. The Influence of Casein Protein Admixture on Pore Size Distribution and Mechanical Properties of Lime-Metakaolin Paste
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Przemysław Brzyski, Zbigniew Suchorab, and Grzegorz Łagód
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casein ,protein ,lime ,metakaolin ,flexural and compressive strengths ,porosity ,Building construction ,TH1-9745 - Abstract
Biopolymers based on proteins are applied in the building materials technology to modify and improve their selected properties. These polymers are designed as natural admixtures that improve the workability of materials. Casein is an example of a protein-based organic polymer. It is a protein obtained from cow’s milk. The paper aimed at investigating the prospects of enhancing the strength properties of a binder prepared on a basis of metakaolin and hydrated lime. The mix was modified with powdered technical casein at 0.5%, 1%, 3%, and 5% as a partial replacement for the binder mix by mass. The study involved investigating the effect of the applied natural admixture on the flexural and compressive strengths, as well as pore size distribution. The average pore diameter decreased in the recipes with casein in the amount of 0.5% and 1%, while it increased when the amount of casein equaled 3% and 5%. Only the 0.5% casein admixture caused a decrease in the total porosity. The results show a clear dependence of the strength parameters on porosity. The admixture of casein significantly increased the flexural strength of the pastes, and decreased the compressive strength. The highest increase in flexural strength (by 205.7%) was caused by the admixture of 0.5% casein, while the greatest decrease in compressive strength (by 28%) was caused by the 3% casein admixture. The flexural strength was enhanced, i.a., due to the improved adhesion and mutual bonding of lime particles, resulting from the application of a sticky admixture. No notable difference was indicated during carbonation by the phenolphthalein test. The lime binder is characterized by a slow setting process and low mechanical strength. The results of the research showed the possibility of improving the flexural strength using small amounts of natural admixture, which may broaden the scope of application of this binder.
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- 2021
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39. The Influence of Gum Arabic Admixture on the Mechanical Properties of Lime-Metakaolin Paste Used as Binder in Hemp Concrete
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Przemysław Brzyski
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lime ,metakaolin ,gum arabic ,mechanical parameters ,pore size distribution ,hemp concrete ,Technology ,Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering ,TK1-9971 ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Microscopy ,QH201-278.5 ,Descriptive and experimental mechanics ,QC120-168.85 - Abstract
Organic admixtures based on polysaccharides are used in construction for modifying the properties of mortars and concretes. Gum arabic is an example of a polysaccharide-based biopolymer. The aim of the article was to investigate the possibilities of improving the strength parameters of a binder paste based on hydrated lime and metakaolin. The paste was modified with powdered gum arabic at 1%, 3% and 5% (by mass) as a partial replacement for the binder mix. The influence of the admixture on the pore size distribution as well as flexural and compressive strength was investigated. The admixture enhanced the total porosity of the paste, increasing the pore diameter compared with the reference formulation. The increase in porosity, in turn, did not reduce the mechanical strength. Conversely, the admixture in the amount of 3% and 5% caused a significant increase in the flexural (by about 300% in relation to reference paste) and compressive strengths (by 25% and 60%, respectively). The tested pastes were used as a binder in a composite based on hemp shives. The influence of binder modification on the water absorption and compressive strength of hemp concrete was tested. The strength of the composite soaked in water was also tested. The modification of the binder with gum arabic in the amount of 3% and 5% increased the compressive strength of hemp concrete (not soaked in water) by 53% and 92%, respectively and reduced the mass absorptivity by 6.6% and 10.4%, respectively.
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- 2021
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40. Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and mortality in postmenopausal women: the Women's Health Initiative calcium-vitamin D randomized controlled trial.
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LaCroix, Andrea Z, Kotchen, Jane, Anderson, Garnet, Brzyski, Robert, Cauley, Jane A, Cummings, Steven R, Gass, Margery, Johnson, Karen C, Ko, Marcia, Larson, Joseph, Manson, JoAnn E, Stefanick, Marcia L, and Wactawski-Wende, Jean
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Humans ,Calcium ,Vitamin D ,Treatment Outcome ,Drug Therapy ,Combination ,Mortality ,Postmenopause ,Dietary Supplements ,Aged ,Aged ,80 and over ,Middle Aged ,Women's Health ,Female ,Bone Density Conservation Agents ,Cause-specific mortality ,Women's Health Initiative ,Drug Therapy ,Combination ,and over ,Clinical Sciences ,Gerontology - Abstract
BackgroundCalcium and vitamin D (CaD) supplementation trials including the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial of CaD have shown nonsignificant reductions in total mortality. This report examines intervention effects on total and cause-specific mortality by age and adherence.MethodsThe WHI CaD trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 36,282 postmenopausal women aged 51-82 years from 40 U.S. clinical centers. Women were assigned to 1,000 mg of elemental calcium carbonate and 400 IU of vitamin D(3) daily or placebo with average follow-up of 7.0 years.ResultsThe hazard ratio (HR) for total mortality was 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83-1.01) with 744 deaths in women randomized to CaD versus 807 deaths in the placebo group. HRs were in the direction of reduced risk but nonsignificant for stroke and cancer mortality, but near unity for coronary heart disease and other causes of death. HRs for total mortality were 0.89 in the 29,942 women younger than 70 years (95% CI, 0.79-1.01) and 0.95 in the 6,340 women aged 70 and older (95% CI, 0.80-1.12; p value for age interaction = .10). No statistically significant interactions were observed for any baseline characteristics. Treatment effects did not vary significantly by season.ConclusionsIn the WHI CaD trial, supplementation did not have a statistically significant effect on mortality rates but the findings support the possibility that these supplements may reduce mortality rates in postmenopausal women. These data can neither support nor refute recommendations for higher dose vitamin D supplementation to reduce cancer or total mortality.
- Published
- 2009
41. Selected properties of thermal-insulating clay mortars with an admixture of casein
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Brzyski, Przemysław, Skibiński, Łukasz, Pavlík, Zbyšek, Wośko, Elżbieta, Łagód, Sylwia, and Łagód, Grzegorz
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- 2024
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42. Matrix-Variate Regression for Sparse, Low-Rank Estimation of Brain Connectivities Associated With a Clinical Outcome
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Brzyski, Damian, Hu, Xixi, Goni, Joaquin, Ances, Beau, Randolph, Timothy W, and Harezlak, Jaroslaw
- Abstract
Objective: We address the problem of finding brain connectivities that are associated with a clinical outcome or phenotype. Methods: The proposed framework regresses a (scalar) clinical outcome on matrix-variate predictors which arise in the form of brain connectivity matrices. For example, in a large cohort of subjects we estimate those regions of functional connectivities that are associated with neurocognitive scores. We approach this high-dimensional yet highly structured estimation problem by formulating a regularized estimation process that results in a low-rank coefficient matrix having a sparse set of nonzero entries which represent regions of biologically relevant connectivities. In contrast to the recent literature on estimating a sparse, low-rank matrix from a single noisy observation, our scalar-on-matrix regression framework produces a data-driven extraction of structures that are associated with a clinical response. The method, called Sparsity Inducing Nuclear-Norm Estimator (SpINNEr), simultaneously constrains the regression coefficient matrix in two ways: a nuclear norm penalty encourages low-rank structure while an
norm encourages entry-wise sparsity. Results: Our simulations show that SpINNEr outperforms other methods in estimation accuracy when the response-related entries (representing the brain's functional connectivity) are arranged in well-connected communities. SpINNEr is applied to investigate associations between HIV-related outcomes and functional connectivity in the human brain. Conclusion and Significance: Overall, this work demonstrates the potential of SpINNEr to recover sparse and low-rank estimates under scalar-on-matrix regression framework.$\ell _{1}$ - Published
- 2024
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43. Development and validation of Attitudes Towards Vaccinations Scale (ATVS) – part 1
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Szczerbińska, K., Brzyski, P., Prokop-Dorner, A., Ocetkiewicz, T., and Barańska, I.
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- 2017
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44. Construct validity of Attitudes Towards Vaccinations Scale (ATVS)–part 2
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Szczerbińska, K., Prokop-Dorner, A., Brzyski, P., Barańska, I., and Ocetkiewicz, T.
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- 2017
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45. Health Risks and Benefits 3 Years After Stopping Randomized Treatment With Estrogen and Progestin
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Heiss, Gerardo, Wallace, Robert, Anderson, Garnet L, Aragaki, Aaron, Beresford, Shirley AA, Brzyski, Robert, Chlebowski, Rowan T, Gass, Margery, LaCroix, Andrea, Manson, JoAnn E, Prentice, Ross L, Rossouw, Jacques, Stefanick, Marcia L, and Investigators, for the WHI
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Clinical Trials and Supportive Activities ,Cancer ,Clinical Research ,Estrogen ,Prevention ,Breast Cancer ,Evaluation of treatments and therapeutic interventions ,6.1 Pharmaceuticals ,Good Health and Well Being ,Aged ,Cardiovascular Diseases ,Estrogen Replacement Therapy ,Estrogens ,Conjugated (USP) ,Female ,Follow-Up Studies ,Humans ,Medroxyprogesterone Acetate ,Middle Aged ,Neoplasms ,Risk Assessment ,WHI Investigators ,Medical and Health Sciences ,General & Internal Medicine - Abstract
ContextThe Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial of estrogen plus progestin vs placebo was stopped early, after a mean 5.6 years of follow-up, because the overall health risks of hormone therapy exceeded its benefits.ObjectiveTo report health outcomes at 3 years (mean 2.4 years of follow-up) after the intervention was stopped.Design, setting, and participantsThe intervention phase was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) 0.625 mg daily plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) 2.5 mg daily, in 16,608 women aged 50 through 79 years, recruited by 40 centers from 1993 to 1998. The postintervention phase commenced July 8, 2002, and included 15 730 women.Main outcome measuresSemi-annual monitoring and outcomes ascertainment continued per trial protocol. The primary end points were coronary heart disease and invasive breast cancer. A global index summarizing the balance of risks and benefits included the 2 primary end points plus stroke, pulmonary embolism, endometrial cancer, colorectal cancer, hip fracture, and death due to other causes.ResultsThe risk of cardiovascular events after the intervention was comparable by initial randomized assignments, 1.97% (annualized rate) in the CEE plus MPA (343 events) and 1.91% in the placebo group (323 events). A greater risk of malignancies occurred in the CEE plus MPA than in the placebo group (1.56% [n = 281] vs 1.26% [n = 218]; hazard ratio [HR], 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.48). More breast cancers were diagnosed in women who had been randomly assigned to receive CEE plus MPA vs placebo (0.42% [n = 79] vs 0.33% [n = 60]; HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.91-1.78) with a modest trend toward a lower HR during the follow-up after the intervention. All-cause mortality was somewhat higher in the CEE plus MPA than in the placebo group (1.20% [n = 233] vs 1.06% [n = 196]; HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.95-1.39). The global index of risks and benefits was unchanged from randomization through March 31, 2005 (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03-1.21), indicating that the risks of CEE plus MPA exceed the benefits for chronic disease prevention.ConclusionsThe increased cardiovascular risks in the women assigned to CEE plus MPA during the intervention period were not observed after the intervention. A greater risk of fatal and nonfatal malignancies occurred after the intervention in the CEE plus MPA group and the global risk index was 12% higher in women randomly assigned to receive CEE plus MPA compared with placebo.Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00000611.
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- 2008
46. Influence of the Direction of Mixture Compaction on the Selected Properties of a Hemp-Lime Composite
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Przemysław Brzyski, Piotr Gleń, Mateusz Gładecki, Monika Rumińska, Zbigniew Suchorab, and Grzegorz Łagód
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hemp-lime ,shives ,anisotropy ,thermal conductivity ,capillary uptake ,mechanical properties ,Technology ,Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering ,TK1-9971 ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Microscopy ,QH201-278.5 ,Descriptive and experimental mechanics ,QC120-168.85 - Abstract
The aim of the research presented in the article was to check the differences in the hygro-thermal and mechanical properties of hemp-lime composites with different shives fractions, depending on the direction of mixture compaction. The research part of the paper presents the preparation method and investigation on the composites. Thermal conductivity, capillary uptake, as well as flexural and compressive strengths were examined. Additionally, an analysis of the temperature distribution in the external wall insulated with the tested composites was performed. The results confirm that the direction of compaction influences the individual properties of the composites in a similar way, depending on the size of the shives. The differences are more pronounced in the case of the composite containing longer fractions of shives. Both thermal conductivity of the material and the capillary uptake ability are lower in the parallel direction of the compaction process. Composites exhibit greater stiffness, but they fail faster with increasing loads when loaded in the direction perpendicular to compaction.
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- 2021
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47. Calcium Plus Vitamin D Supplementation and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer
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Wactawski-Wende, Jean, Kotchen, Jane Morley, Anderson, Garnet L, Assaf, Annlouise R, Brunner, Robert L, O’Sullivan, Mary Jo, Margolis, Karen L, Ockene, Judith K, Phillips, Lawrence, Pottern, Linda, Prentice, Ross L, Robbins, John, Rohan, Thomas E, Sarto, Gloria E, Sharma, Santosh, Stefanick, Marcia L, Van Horn, Linda, Wallace, Robert B, Whitlock, Evelyn, Bassford, Tamsen, Beresford, Shirley AA, Black, Henry R, Bonds, Denise E, Brzyski, Robert G, Caan, Bette, Chlebowski, Rowan T, Cochrane, Barbara, Garland, Cedric, Gass, Margery, Hays, Jennifer, Heiss, Gerardo, Hendrix, Susan L, Howard, Barbara V, Hsia, Judith, Hubbell, F Allan, Jackson, Rebecca D, Johnson, Karen C, Judd, Howard, Kooperberg, Charles L, Kuller, Lewis H, LaCroix, Andrea Z, Lane, Dorothy S, Langer, Robert D, Lasser, Norman L, Lewis, Cora E, Limacher, Marian C, and Manson, JoAnn E
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Complementary and Integrative Health ,Colo-Rectal Cancer ,Biomedical Imaging ,Clinical Trials and Supportive Activities ,Cancer ,Prevention ,Aging ,Clinical Research ,Nutrition ,Digestive Diseases ,Evaluation of treatments and therapeutic interventions ,6.1 Pharmaceuticals ,3.3 Nutrition and chemoprevention ,Prevention of disease and conditions ,and promotion of well-being ,Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine ,Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine - Published
- 2006
48. Calcium plus Vitamin D Supplementation and the Risk of Fractures
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Jackson, Rebecca D, LaCroix, Andrea Z, Gass, Margery, Wallace, Robert B, Robbins, John, Lewis, Cora E, Bassford, Tamsen, Beresford, Shirley AA, Black, Henry R, Blanchette, Patricia, Bonds, Denise E, Brunner, Robert L, Brzyski, Robert G, Caan, Bette, Cauley, Jane A, Chlebowski, Rowan T, Cummings, Steven R, Granek, Iris, Hays, Jennifer, Heiss, Gerardo, Hendrix, Susan L, Howard, Barbara V, Hsia, Judith, Hubbell, F Allan, Johnson, Karen C, Judd, Howard, Kotchen, Jane Morley, Kuller, Lewis H, Langer, Robert D, Lasser, Norman L, Limacher, Marian C, Ludlam, Shari, Manson, JoAnn E, Margolis, Karen L, McGowan, Joan, Ockene, Judith K, O'Sullivan, Mary Jo, Phillips, Lawrence, Prentice, Ross L, Sarto, Gloria E, Stefanick, Marcia L, Van Horn, Linda, Wactawski-Wende, Jean, Whitlock, Evelyn, Anderson, Garnet L, Assaf, Annlouise R, and Barad, David
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Nutrition ,Cancer ,Physical Injury - Accidents and Adverse Effects ,Aging ,Osteoporosis ,Clinical Trials and Supportive Activities ,Clinical Research ,Prevention ,Complementary and Integrative Health ,Evaluation of treatments and therapeutic interventions ,6.1 Pharmaceuticals ,Musculoskeletal ,Aged ,Bone Density ,Calcium ,Calcium Carbonate ,Double-Blind Method ,Drug Combinations ,Drug Interactions ,Estrogen Replacement Therapy ,Female ,Follow-Up Studies ,Fractures ,Bone ,Hip Fractures ,Humans ,Kidney Calculi ,Middle Aged ,Patient Compliance ,Postmenopause ,Proportional Hazards Models ,Risk ,Spinal Fractures ,Vitamin D ,Women's Health Initiative Investigators ,Medical and Health Sciences ,General & Internal Medicine - Abstract
BackgroundThe efficacy of calcium with vitamin D supplementation for preventing hip and other fractures in healthy postmenopausal women remains equivocal.MethodsWe recruited 36,282 postmenopausal women, 50 to 79 years of age, who were already enrolled in a Women's Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trial. We randomly assigned participants to receive 1000 mg of elemental [corrected] calcium as calcium carbonate with 400 IU of vitamin D3 daily or placebo. Fractures were ascertained for an average follow-up period of 7.0 years. Bone density was measured at three WHI centers.ResultsHip bone density was 1.06 percent higher in the calcium plus vitamin D group than in the placebo group (P
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- 2006
49. Low-Fat Dietary Pattern and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: The Women's Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Dietary Modification Trial
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Beresford, Shirley AA, Johnson, Karen C, Ritenbaugh, Cheryl, Lasser, Norman L, Snetselaar, Linda G, Black, Henry R, Anderson, Garnet L, Assaf, Annlouise R, Bassford, Tamsen, Bowen, Deborah, Brunner, Robert L, Brzyski, Robert G, Caan, Bette, Chlebowski, Rowan T, Gass, Margery, Harrigan, Rosanne C, Hays, Jennifer, Heber, David, Heiss, Gerardo, Hendrix, Susan L, Howard, Barbara V, Hsia, Judith, Hubbell, F Allan, Jackson, Rebecca D, Kotchen, Jane Morley, Kuller, Lewis H, LaCroix, Andrea Z, Lane, Dorothy S, Langer, Robert D, Lewis, Cora E, Manson, JoAnn E, Margolis, Karen L, Mossavar-Rahmani, Yasmin, Ockene, Judith K, Parker, Linda M, Perri, Michael G, Phillips, Lawrence, Prentice, Ross L, Robbins, John, Rossouw, Jacques E, Sarto, Gloria E, Stefanick, Marcia L, Van Horn, Linda, Vitolins, Mara Z, Wactawski-Wende, Jean, Wallace, Robert B, and Whitlock, Evelyn
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Prevention ,Aging ,Clinical Trials and Supportive Activities ,Clinical Research ,Colo-Rectal Cancer ,Complementary and Integrative Health ,Nutrition ,Cancer ,Digestive Diseases ,Prevention of disease and conditions ,and promotion of well-being ,3.3 Nutrition and chemoprevention ,Adenoma ,Aged ,Aspirin ,Colonic Polyps ,Colorectal Neoplasms ,Diet ,Fat-Restricted ,Estrogen Replacement Therapy ,Female ,Follow-Up Studies ,Humans ,Incidence ,Likelihood Functions ,Middle Aged ,Postmenopause ,Primary Prevention ,Proportional Hazards Models ,Risk ,Risk Factors ,Medical and Health Sciences ,General & Internal Medicine - Abstract
ContextObservational studies and polyp recurrence trials are not conclusive regarding the effects of a low-fat dietary pattern on risk of colorectal cancer, necessitating a primary prevention trial.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of a low-fat eating pattern on risk of colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women.Design, setting, and participantsThe Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification Trial, a randomized controlled trial conducted in 48,835 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years recruited between 1993 and 1998 from 40 clinical centers throughout the United States.InterventionsParticipants were randomly assigned to the dietary modification intervention (n = 19,541; 40%) or the comparison group (n = 29,294; 60%). The intensive behavioral modification program aimed to motivate and support reductions in dietary fat, to increase consumption of vegetables and fruits, and to increase grain servings by using group sessions, self-monitoring techniques, and other tailored and targeted strategies. Women in the comparison group continued their usual eating pattern.Main outcome measureInvasive colorectal cancer incidence.ResultsA total of 480 incident cases of invasive colorectal cancer occurred during a mean follow-up of 8.1 (SD, 1.7) years. Intervention group participants significantly reduced their percentage of energy from fat by 10.7% more than did the comparison group at 1 year, and this difference between groups was mostly maintained (8.1% at year 6). Statistically significant increases in vegetable, fruit, and grain servings were also made. Despite these dietary changes, there was no evidence that the intervention reduced the risk of invasive colorectal cancer during the follow-up period. There were 201 women with invasive colorectal cancer (0.13% per year) in the intervention group and 279 (0.12% per year) in the comparison group (hazard ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.90-1.29). Secondary analyses suggested potential interactions with baseline aspirin use and combined estrogen-progestin use status (P = .01 for each). Colorectal examination rates, although not protocol defined, were comparable between the intervention and comparison groups. Similar results were seen in analyses adjusting for adherence to the intervention.ConclusionIn this study, a low-fat dietary pattern intervention did not reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women during 8.1 years of follow-up.Clinical trials registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00000611.
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- 2006
50. Low-Fat Dietary Pattern and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: The Women's Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Dietary Modification Trial
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Howard, Barbara V, Van Horn, Linda, Hsia, Judith, Manson, JoAnn E, Stefanick, Marcia L, Wassertheil-Smoller, Sylvia, Kuller, Lewis H, LaCroix, Andrea Z, Langer, Robert D, Lasser, Norman L, Lewis, Cora E, Limacher, Marian C, Margolis, Karen L, Mysiw, W Jerry, Ockene, Judith K, Parker, Linda M, Perri, Michael G, Phillips, Lawrence, Prentice, Ross L, Robbins, John, Rossouw, Jacques E, Sarto, Gloria E, Schatz, Irwin J, Snetselaar, Linda G, Stevens, Victor J, Tinker, Lesley F, Trevisan, Maurizio, Vitolins, Mara Z, Anderson, Garnet L, Assaf, Annlouise R, Bassford, Tamsen, Beresford, Shirley AA, Black, Henry R, Brunner, Robert L, Brzyski, Robert G, Caan, Bette, Chlebowski, Rowan T, Gass, Margery, Granek, Iris, Greenland, Philip, Hays, Jennifer, Heber, David, Heiss, Gerardo, Hendrix, Susan L, Hubbell, F Allan, Johnson, Karen C, and Kotchen, Jane Morley
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Clinical Research ,Prevention ,Nutrition ,Aging ,Clinical Trials and Supportive Activities ,Complementary and Integrative Health ,Cardiovascular ,Heart Disease ,Prevention of disease and conditions ,and promotion of well-being ,3.3 Nutrition and chemoprevention ,Stroke ,Good Health and Well Being ,Aged ,Cardiovascular Diseases ,Coronary Disease ,Diet ,Fat-Restricted ,Energy Intake ,Fatty Acids ,Female ,Follow-Up Studies ,Humans ,Incidence ,Middle Aged ,Outcome Assessment ,Health Care ,Postmenopause ,Primary Prevention ,Proportional Hazards Models ,Risk ,Risk Factors ,Medical and Health Sciences ,General & Internal Medicine - Abstract
ContextMultiple epidemiologic studies and some trials have linked diet with cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, but long-term intervention data are needed.ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that a dietary intervention, intended to be low in fat and high in vegetables, fruits, and grains to reduce cancer, would reduce CVD risk.Design, setting, and participantsRandomized controlled trial of 48,835 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years, of diverse backgrounds and ethnicities, who participated in the Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification Trial. Women were randomly assigned to an intervention (19,541 [40%]) or comparison group (29,294 [60%]) in a free-living setting. Study enrollment occurred between 1993 and 1998 in 40 US clinical centers; mean follow-up in this analysis was 8.1 years.InterventionIntensive behavior modification in group and individual sessions designed to reduce total fat intake to 20% of calories and increase intakes of vegetables/fruits to 5 servings/d and grains to at least 6 servings/d. The comparison group received diet-related education materials.Main outcome measuresFatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease (CHD), fatal and nonfatal stroke, and CVD (composite of CHD and stroke).ResultsBy year 6, mean fat intake decreased by 8.2% of energy intake in the intervention vs the comparison group, with small decreases in saturated (2.9%), monounsaturated (3.3%), and polyunsaturated (1.5%) fat; increases occurred in intakes of vegetables/fruits (1.1 servings/d) and grains (0.5 serving/d). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, diastolic blood pressure, and factor VIIc levels were significantly reduced by 3.55 mg/dL, 0.31 mm Hg, and 4.29%, respectively; levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and insulin did not significantly differ in the intervention vs comparison groups. The numbers who developed CHD, stroke, and CVD (annualized incidence rates) were 1000 (0.63%), 434 (0.28%), and 1357 (0.86%) in the intervention and 1549 (0.65%), 642 (0.27%), and 2088 (0.88%) in the comparison group. The diet had no significant effects on incidence of CHD (hazard ratio [HR], 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-1.06), stroke (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.90-1.15), or CVD (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.92-1.05). Excluding participants with baseline CVD (3.4%), the HRs (95% CIs) for CHD and stroke were 0.94 (0.86-1.02) and 1.02 (0.90-1.17), respectively. Trends toward greater reductions in CHD risk were observed in those with lower intakes of saturated fat or trans fat or higher intakes of vegetables/fruits.ConclusionsOver a mean of 8.1 years, a dietary intervention that reduced total fat intake and increased intakes of vegetables, fruits, and grains did not significantly reduce the risk of CHD, stroke, or CVD in postmenopausal women and achieved only modest effects on CVD risk factors, suggesting that more focused diet and lifestyle interventions may be needed to improve risk factors and reduce CVD risk.Clinical trials registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00000611.
- Published
- 2006
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