bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of flexural performance of concrete reinforced with indented and fibrillated macro polypropylene fibers based on numerical and experimental comparison
Authors: Rostami Rouhollah , Zarrebini Mohammad , Abdellahi S. Behzad , Mostofinejad Davood , Abtahi S. Mahdi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe fiber/matrix interface in fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) enhances due to the geometry of fiber surface. This work benefits from freedom of fiber engineering due to the availability of fiber production facilities. Non‐indented, indented, flat tape, and fibrillated macro polypropylene fibers were produced. The effect of fiber surface indentation and fibrillation on FRCs flexural performance was investigated. Concrete flexural strength due to the effect of fiber young modulus was found to increases by 94 and 61%, when indented and fibrillated fibers are used, respectively. The energy absorption capacity of samples containing indented and fibrillated fibers due to the effect of surface fibrillation were found to be 5.5 and 12.5 times more than that of control concrete, respectively. The mechanical performance of FRCs was modeled using finite element model. The model generated and experimental results showed acceptable compatibility. Thus, the model can be concluded to be a successful tool for prediction of FRCs flexural performance.
Model for sustainability implementation and measurement in construction sites
Authors: Zeule Ludimilla de Oliveira , Serra Sheyla Mara Baptista , Teixeira José Manuel Cardoso 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSustainable practices at construction sites should be considered from the start of the project, meaning during the design phase. A model for the implementation of sustainability at a site is an important management tool, and its adoption can indicate good practices and propose an assessment of local conditions. Thus, the main contribution of this article is to propose a practical model to evaluate the level of implementation of sustainable practices at construction sites. The model was based on sustainability certifications and validated at six construction sites in Brazil. The results indicate that construction companies that possess environmental certifications have better levels of implementation of good practices at their work sites. However, it was noted that it is not necessary for a company to obtain an environmental certification; rather, it is necessary for sustainability strategies to become corporate culture.
Identification of two HLA-A*0201 immunogenic epitopes of lactate dehydrogenase C (LDHC): potential novel targets for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Thomas Remy , Shaath Hibah , Naik Adviti , Toor Salman M. , Elkord Eyad , Decock Julie 
Published: January 2020

AbstractLactate dehydrogenase C (LDHC) is an archetypical cancer testis antigen with limited expression in adult tissues and re-expression in tumors. This restricted expression pattern together with the important role of LDHC in cancer metabolism renders LDHC a potential target for immunotherapy. This study is the first to investigate the immunogenicity of LDHC using T cells from healthy individuals. LDHC-specific T cell responses were induced by in vitro stimulation with synthetic peptides, or by priming with autologous peptide-pulsed dendritic cells. We evaluated T cell activation by IFN-γ ELISpot and determined cytolytic activity of HLA-A*0201-restricted T cells in breast cancer cell co-cultures. In vitro T cell stimulation induced IFN-γ secretion in response to numerous LDHC-derived peptides. Analysis of HLA-A*0201 responses revealed a significant T cell activation after stimulation with peptide pools 2 (PP2) and 8 (PP8). The PP2- and PP8-specific T cells displayed cytolytic activity against breast cancer cells with endogenous LDHC expression within a HLA-A*0201 context. We identified peptides LDHC41−55 and LDHC288−303 from PP2 and PP8 to elicit a functional cellular immune response. More specifically, we found an increase in IFN-γ secretion by CD8 + T cells and cancer-cell-killing of HLA-A*0201/LDHC positive breast cancer cells by LDHC41−55- and LDHC288−303-induced T cells, albeit with a possible antigen recognition threshold. The majority of induced T cells displayed an effector memory phenotype. To conclude, our findings support the rationale to assess LDHC as a targetable cancer testis antigen for immunotherapy, and in particular the HLA-A*0201 restricted LDHC41–55 and LDHC288–303 peptides within LDHC.
Predicting the Outcome of Non‐operative Management of Splenic Trauma in South Africa
Authors: Hernandez Matthew C. , Traynor Michael D. , Knight Ariel W. , Kong Victor Y. , Laing Grant L. , Bruce John L. , Bekker Wanda , Zielinski Martin D. , Clarke Damian L. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntroductionWe aimed to expand on the global surgical discussion around splenic trauma in order to understand locally and clinically relevant factors for operative (OP) and non‐operative management (NOM) of splenic trauma in a South African setting.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed using 2013–2017 data from the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service. All adult patients (≥15 years) were included. Those managed with OP or NOM for splenic trauma were identified and analyzed descriptively. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified patients and clinical factors associated with management type.ResultsThere were 127 patients with splenic injury. Median age was 29 [19–35] years with 42 (33%) women and 85 (67%) men. Blunt injuries occurred in the majority (81, 64%). Organ Injury Scale (OIS) grades included I (25, 20%), II (43, 34%), III (36, 28%), IV (15, 11%), and V (8, 6%). Nine patients expired. On univariate analysis, increasing OIS was associated with OP management, need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and hospital and ICU duration of stay, but not mortality. In patients with a delayed compared to early presentation, ICU utilization (62% vs. 36%, p = 0.008) and mortality (14% vs. 4%, p = 0.03) were increased. After adjusting for age, sex, presence of shock, and splenic OIS, penetrating trauma (adjusted odds ratio, 5.7; 95%CI, 1.7–9.8) and admission lactate concentration (adjusted odds ratio, 1.4; 95%CI 1.1–1.9) were significantly associated with OP compared to NOM (p = 0.002; area under the curve 0.81).ConclusionsWe have identified injury mechanism and admission lactate as factors predictive of OP in South African patients with splenic trauma. Timely presentation to definitive care affects both ICU duration of stay and mortality outcomes. Future global surgical efforts may focus on expanding non‐operative management protocols and improving pre‐hospital care in patients with splenic trauma.
Using the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) Triage Tool to Evaluate Timing of Emergency Surgery in Rwanda
Authors: Tuyishime Eugene , Banguti Paulin Ruhato , Mvukiyehe Jean Paul , Ntirenganya Faustin , Durieux Marcel , Cattermole Giles 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundAccess to timely and safe emergency general surgery remains a challenge in sub‐Saharan Africa due to issues such as insufficient human capacity and infrastructure. This study has the following objectives: (1) to compare the actual time to surgery (aTTS) to the ideal time to surgery among patients undergoing emergency surgery and (2) to explore the use of home to emergency department time (HET) as a new measurement indicator for time from symptoms onset to admission at ED at a referral hospital.
MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of emergency general surgery cases performed at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Kigali in Rwanda between June 1 and November 31, 2016. Our primary outcomes included actual time to surgery (aTTS) in hours (defined as time from admission at ED to induction of anesthesia) and actual home to emergency department (ED) time (aHET) in days (defined as time from onset of symptoms to admission at ED). Our secondary outcome was the overall in‐hospital mortality rate.ResultsDuring the study period, 148 emergency surgeries were performed. Most of the patients were male (80%), aged between 15 and 65 (69%), from outside Kigali (72%), and with insurance (80%). The most common diagnosis was abdominal trauma (24%), followed by peritonitis (20%), and intestinal obstruction (16%). The median aTTS was 7.8 h, and the median aHET was 2.43 days. Most patients (77%) experienced delays in timely surgery after admission to ED, and aTTS was 15.5 h for Fournier's gangrene, 10.8 h for abdominal trauma, 11.3 h for appendicitis, 10.5 h for intestinal obstructions, and 12.3 h for peritonitis. Likewise, most patients (52%) experienced delays in reaching the ED, especially those with appendicitis (15.2 days), peritonitis (8.5 days), testicular torsion (7.2 days), Fournier's gangrene (5 days), and intestinal obstruction (3.7 days). The case fatality rate by diagnosis was highest for polytrauma (100%) and peritonitis (60%); the overall in‐hospital mortality rate was 23%. Some of the poor outcomes associated with in‐hospital delay include reoperation and death. Factors to consider in triage for referral include age, diagnosis, and high risk of death.ConclusionOur study found that the median aTTS was 7.8 h and most patients (77%) were delayed in having timely surgery after admission at ED. In addition, the median aHET was 2.5 days and most patients (52%) were delayed in reaching the ED. Improving processes to facilitate access and to perform timely emergency surgery through the referral system has a potential to decrease delay and improve outcomes.
Impact of Modified Frozen Elephant Trunk Procedure on Downstream Aorta Remodeling in Acute Aortic Dissection: CT Scan Follow‐Up
Authors: Koechlin Luca , Kaufmann Josefin , Macius Evelina , Bremerich Jens , Sommer Gregor , Gahl Brigitta , Schurr Ulrich , Grapow Martin , Reuthebuch Oliver , Eckstein Friedrich , Berdajs Denis A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe aim was to evaluate the impact of a modified frozen elephant trunk procedure (mFET) on remodeling of the downstream aorta following acute aortic dissections.MethodsOver a period of 8 years, 205 patients (mean age 62.6 ± 12.6 years) underwent a mFET (n = 69, 33.7%) or isolated ascending aorta replacement (n = 136, 66.3%) (iAoA). Aortic diameter was assessed at the aortic arch (AoA), at the mid of the thoracic aorta (mThA), at the thoracoabdominal transition (ThAbd) and at the celiac trunk level (AbdA).ResultsMean follow‐up was 3.3 ± 2.6 years. In‐hospital mortality was 14% (n = 28), 7% in mFET and 17% in the iAoA group (p = 0.08). At the end of the follow‐up, overall survival was 84% (95% CI 70–92%) and 75% (65–82%) and freedom from aorta‐related reoperation was 100% and 95% (88–98%) for mFET and iAoA, respectively. At iAoA, the average difference in diameter change per year between mFET and iAoA was for total lumen 0 mm (− 0.95 to 0.94 mm, p = 0.99), and for true lumen, it was 1.23 mm (− 0.09 to 2.55 mm) per year, p = 0.067. False lumen demonstrated a decrease in diameter in mFET as compared to iAoA by − 1.43 mm (− 2.75 to − 0.11 mm), p = 0.034. In mFET, at the aortic arch level the total lumen diameter decreased from 30.7 ± 4.8 mm to 30.1 ± 2.5 mm (Δr  + 2.90 ± 3.64 mm) and in iAoA it increased from 31.8 ± 4.9 to 34.6 ± 5.9 mm (Δr + 2.88 ± 4.18 mm).ConclusionThe mFET procedure provides satisfactory clinical outcome at short term and mid‐term and has a positive impact on aorta remodeling, especially at the level of the aortic arch.
The Role of Ultrasound for Detecting Occult Penetrating Cardiac Wounds in Hemodynamically Stable Patients
Authors: Gonzalez‐Hadad Adolfo , García Alberto F. , Serna Jose J. , Herrera Mario Alain , Morales Monica , Manzano‐Nunez Ramiro 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere is evidence in favor of using the ultrasound as the primary screening tool in looking for an occult cardiac injury. We report on a prospective single‐center study to determine the diagnostic accuracy of chest ultrasound for the diagnosis of occult penetrating cardiac wounds in a low‐resource hospital from a middle‐income country.MethodsData were collected prospectively. We included all consecutive patients 14 years and older who presented to the Emergency Trauma Unit with (1) penetrating injuries to the precordial area and (2) a systolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg (hemodynamically stable). The main outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of ultrasound compared with those of the pericardial window, which was the standard test.ResultsA total of 141 patients met the inclusion criteria. Our results showed that for diagnosing an occult cardiac injury, the sensitivity of the chest ultrasonography was 79.31%, and the specificity was 92.86%. Of the 110 patients with a normal or negative ultrasound, six had a positive pericardial window. All of these patients had left hemothoraces. None of them required further cardiac surgical interventions.ConclusionWe found that ultrasound was 79% sensitive and 92% specific for the diagnosis of occult penetrating cardiac wounds. However, it should be used with caution in patients with injuries to the cardiac zone and simultaneous left hemothorax.
Structure and function of respiratory turbinates in phocid seals
Authors: Mason Matthew J. , Wenger Léa M. D. , Hammer Øyvind , Blix Arnoldus S. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn terrestrial mammals, the respiratory turbinate bones within the nasal cavity are employed to conserve heat and water. In order to investigate whether environmental temperature affects respiratory turbinate structure in phocids, we used micro-computed tomography to compare maxilloturbinate bone morphology in polar seals, grey seals and monk seals. The maxilloturbinates of polar seals have much higher surface areas than those of monk seals, the result of the polar seals having more densely packed, complex turbinates within larger nasal cavities. Grey seals were intermediate; a juvenile of this species proved to have more densely packed maxilloturbinates with shorter branch lengths than a conspecific adult. Fractal dimension in the densest part of the maxilloturbinate mass was very close to 2 in all seals, indicating that these convoluted bones evenly fill the available space. The much more elaborate maxilloturbinate systems in polar seals, compared with monk seals, are consistent with a greater need to limit respiratory heat loss.
Vitamin D strengthens the bladder epithelial barrier by inducing tight junction proteins during E. coli urinary tract infection
Authors: Mohanty Soumitra , Kamolvit Witchuda , Hertting Olof , Brauner Annelie 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTight junction proteins are pivotal to prevent bacterial invasion of the epithelial barrier. We here report that supplementation with vitamin D can strengthen the urinary bladder lining. Vitamin D deficient and sufficient mice were infected with Escherichia coli (E. coli) transurethrally to cause urinary tract infection. In addition, bladder biopsies were obtained from postmenopausal women before and after a 3-month period of supplementation with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25D3) and ex vivo infected with E. coli. In biopsies, obtained before E. coli infection, vitamin D had no impact on tight junction proteins. However, during E. coli infection, vitamin D induced occludin and claudin-14 in mature superficial umbrella cells of the urinary bladder, as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. Increased cell-cell adhesion consolidating the epithelial integrity is thereby promoted. We here describe a novel role of vitamin D in the urinary tract supporting vitamin D supplementation to restore the bladder epithelial integrity.
Plasma MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels on ICU admission are associated with 30-day survival
Authors: Jordakieva Galateja , Budge-Wolfram Roswitha M. , Budinsky Alexandra C. , Nikfardjam Mariam , Delle-Karth Georg , Girard Angelika , Godnic-Cvar Jasminka , Crevenna Richard , Heinz Gottfried 
Published: January 2020

SummaryBackgroundMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in systemic inflammatory responses and organ failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate early circulating plasma levels of MMP‑2, MMP‑9 and their inhibitors TIMP‑1 and TIMP‑2 and their prognostic significance in critically ill patients on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).MethodsIn a single center prospective study 120 consecutive patients (72.5% male, mean age 66.8 ± 13.3 years, mean simplified acute physiology score [SAPS II] score 52.9 ± 21.9) were enrolled on transfer to the ICU of a cardiology department. The most common underlying conditions were cardiac diseases (n = 42.5%), respiratory failure (n = 10.8%) and sepsis (n = 6.7%). Blood samples were taken within 12 h of ICU admission. The MMP‑2, MMP‑9, TIMP‑1 and TIMP‑2 levels in plasma were evaluated in terms of 30-day survival, underlying condition and clinical score.ResultsOn ICU admission 30-day survivors had significantly lower plasma MMP‑9 (odds ratio, OR 1.67 per 1 SD; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.10−2.53;p = 0.016) and TIMP‑1 (OR 2.15 per 1 SD; 95% CI 1.27−3.64;p = 0.004) levels than non-survivors; furthermore, MMP‑9 and TIMP‑1 correlated well with SAPS II (bothp < 0.01). In patients with underlying cardiac diseases, MMP‑9 (p = 0.002) and TIMP‑1 (p = 0.01) were independent predictors of survival (Cox regression). No significant correlation was found between MMP‑2 and TIMP‑2 levels, MMP/TIMP ratios and 30-day mortality.ConclusionThe MMP‑9 and TIMP‑1 levels are significantly elevated in acute critical care settings with increased short-term mortality risk, especially in patients with underlying heart disease. These findings support the value of MMPs and TIMPs as prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in conditions leading to systemic inflammation and acute organ failure.
Comparing public and private hospitals’ service quality
Authors: Alumran Arwa , Almutawa Hanadi , Alzain Zainab , Althumairi Arwa , Khalid Nauman 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Saudi Arabia’s health care system has undergone major changes in recent years to enhance the quality of the services it renders to the community. This study is designed to measure the quality of health care services from the patients’ perspective and to compare the service quality of public and private hospitals in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods
The study has a quantitative cross-sectional design, with a questionnaire based on the SERVQUAL dimensional model. It was a random sample of 258 inpatients at private and public hospitals in Eastern Saudi Arabia.

Results
Patients at private hospitals perceived a higher level of quality of the health care services (t = 3.390, p < 0.01).

Conclusions
Further research on the financial and leadership dimensions of health care quality will contribute to improved planning for health care services.
Phosphorylated cellulose nanofibers exhibit exceptional capacity for uranium capture
Authors: Lehtonen Janika , Hassinen Jukka , Kumar Avula Anil , Johansson Leena-Sisko , Mäenpää Roni , Pahimanolis Nikolaos , Pradeep Thalappil , Ikkala Olli , Rojas Orlando J. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe investigate the adsorption of hexavalent uranium, U(VI), on phosphorylated cellulose nanofibers (PHO-CNF) and compare the results with those for native and TEMPO-oxidized nanocelluloses. Batch adsorption experiments in aqueous media show that PHO-CNF is highly efficient in removing U(VI) in the pH range between 3 and 6. Gelling of nanofiber hydrogels is observed at U(VI) concentration of 500 mg/L. Structural changes in the nanofiber network (scanning and transmission electron microscopies) and the surface chemical composition (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) gave insights on the mechanism of adsorption. The results from batch adsorption experiments are fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, and Sips isotherm models, which indicate a maximum adsorption capacity of 1550 mg/g, the highest value reported so far for any bioadsorbent. Compared to other metals (Zn, Mn, and Cu) and typical ions present in natural aqueous matrices the phosphorylated nanofibers are shown to be remarkably selective to U(VI). The results suggest a solution for the capture of uranium, which is of interest given its health and toxic impacts when present in aqueous matrices.
A survey and benchmarking study of multitreatment uplift modeling
Authors: Olaya Diego , Coussement Kristof , Verbeke Wouter 
Published: January 2020

AbstractUplift modeling is an instrument used to estimate the change in outcome due to a treatment at the individual entity level. Uplift models assist decision-makers in optimally allocating scarce resources. This allows the selection of the subset of entities for which the effect of a treatment will be largest and, as such, the maximization of the overall returns. The literature on uplift modeling mostly focuses on queries concerning the effect of a single treatment and rarely considers situations where more than one treatment alternative is utilized. This article surveys the current literature on multitreatment uplift modeling and proposes two novel techniques: the naive uplift approach and the multitreatment modified outcome approach. Moreover, a benchmarking experiment is performed to contrast the performances of different multitreatment uplift modeling techniques across eight data sets from various domains. We verify and, if needed, correct the imbalance among the pretreatment characteristics of the treatment groups by means of optimal propensity score matching, which ensures a correct interpretation of the estimated uplift. Conventional and recently proposed evaluation metrics are adapted to the multitreatment scenario to assess performance. None of the evaluated techniques consistently outperforms other techniques. Hence, it is concluded that performance largely depends on the context and problem characteristics. The newly proposed techniques are found to offer similar performances compared to state-of-the-art approaches.
Dispersion from Cα or NH: 4D experiments for backbone resonance assignment of intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Tossavainen Helena , Salovaara Santeri , Hellman Maarit , Ihalin Riikka , Permi Perttu 
Published: January 2020

AbstractResonance assignment of intrinsically disordered proteins is remarkably challenging due to scant chemical shift dispersion arising from conformational heterogeneity. The challenge is even greater if repeating segments are present in the amino acid sequence. To forward unambiguous resonance assignment of intrinsically disordered proteins, we present iHACANCO, HACACON and (HACA)CONCAHA, three Hα-detected 4D experiments with Cα as an additional dimension. In addition, we present (HACA)CON(CA)NH and (HACA)N(CA)CONH, new 4D Hα-start, HN-detect experiments which have two NH dimensions to enhance peak dispersion in a sequential walk through C′, NH and HN, and provide more accurate NH/HN chemical shifts than those that can be obtained from a crowded 1H, 15N-HSQC spectrum. Application of these 4D experiments is demonstrated using BilRI (165 aa), an outer-membrane intrinsically disordered protein from the opportunistic oral pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. BilRI amino acid sequence encompasses three very similar repeats with a 13-residue identical stretch in two of them.