bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist versus conventional ventilation in the pediatric population: Are there benefits?
Authors: Karikari Serwaa , Rausa Jacqueline , Flores Saul , Loomba Rohit S. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIntroductionNeurally‐adjusted ventilator assist (NAVA) is a relatively new form of ventilation in which the electrical activity of the diaphragm is sensed by a catheter. The amplitude of this electrical signal is then used to deliver an appropriately proportioned pressure supported breath to the patient. Due to the synchronous nature of the breaths and the patient‐adjusted nature of the support, NAVA has been shown to have benefits over conventional ventilation. Meta‐analyses were conducted of published pediatric studies to compare ventilatory endpoints between NAVA and conventional ventilation.MethodsStudies comparing ventilatory parameters between NAVA and conventional ventilation in pediatric patients were identified. These studies were reviewed for appropriateness for inclusion and studies of only pediatric patients with data for similar endpoints between both arms were then pooled.ResultsStatistically significant differences were noted in asynchrony, peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), and oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry. Asynchrony was 17% lower with NAVA, PIP was 1.74 cmH20 lower with NAVA, and oxygen saturation was 1.1% greater with NAVA. There was no statistically significant difference in peak expiratory pressure, mean airway pressure, electrical diaphragmatic activity, respiratory rate, hydrogen ion concentration, partial pressure of oxygen, or partial pressure of carbon dioxide.ConclusionStatistically significant differences were noted in percent asynchrony, PIP, and oxygen saturation when comparing NAVA to conventional ventilation. These all tended to favor NAVA. Other than percent asynchrony, however, the other statistically significant findings were not clinically significant.
Systematic review of the effectiveness of Kinesio taping for children with brachial plexus injury
Authors: Hassan Basant Saiid , Abbass Mai Elsayed , Elshennawy Shorouk 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness of Kinesio taping on upper limb motor function in children with brachial plexus injury.Data sourcesArticles were identified through searches of the following databases: OVID, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane library.MethodsStudies were excluded if they were nonpeer‐reviewed publications, opinion articles, or not reported in English. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies.ResultsFive studies met our inclusion criteria. Two studies were included in the meta‐analysis. A significant change was limited only to scapulothoracic internal rotation in three positions.ConclusionsAdding Kinesio taping to the physical therapy programme to manage children with brachial plexus injury is still questionable and may help functional improvement. However, this improvement may be limited depending on the technique or mode of application.
Access and concentrations of atorvastatin in the prostate in men with prostate cancer
Authors: Knuuttila Emma , Riikonen Jarno , Syvälä Heimo , Auriola Seppo , Murtola Teemu J. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundStatins have anticancer effects on prostate cancer both in vitro and in vivo. It is unclear whether this is due to systemic cholesterol‐lowering or direct local growth inhibition in the prostate. It is also unclear whether statins can access the prostate; lipophilic statins could, in theory, pass lipid‐enriched cell membranes by passive diffusion. However, statin concentrations in the human prostate have not been measured before.MethodsThe study population was based on a randomized clinical trial where 158 men with prostate cancer were randomized to use 80 mg atorvastatin (ATV) or placebo daily for a median of 27 days before radical prostatectomy. ATV and atorvastatin lactone (ATV‐Lactone) concentrations in the plasma and in the prostate were measured with mass spectrometry in men randomized to the ATV arm. Linear trends between intraprostatic concentration and plasma concentration, body mass index, age, and duration of intervention were examined. The relative tissue concentrations of ATV and ATV‐Lactone were calculated in prostatic tissue and plasma to evaluate drug homeostasis. Subgroup analyses were stratified by tumor and population characteristics.ResultsThe analysis involved a total of 55 men. When limited to men whose tissue concentrations of ATV was measurable (n = 28, 50%), median ATV concentration was 212% higher in the tissue (median concentration 17.6 ng/g) compared to the plasma (median concentration 3.6 ng/mL). Also, ATV‐L concentration was 590% higher in the tissue as compared to the plasma concentration. No statistically significant linear trends between the plasma and tissue concentrations were observed.When comparing the relative concentration of atorvastatin lactone over ATV, the concentrations were in balance in the plasma, In the prostate, however, the relative concentration of atorvastatin lactone was 57% lower compared to ATV (P = .009 for the difference between prostate tissue and plasma). No effect modification by tumor or population characteristics was observed.ConclusionsMeasurable ATV concentrations in the prostate support ATV's ability to access the prostate from the circulation. ATV may accumulate in the prostate as intraprostatic concentrations are elevated compared to the plasma concentration.
LDPE/PET laminated films modified with FeO(OH) × H2O, Fe2O3, and ascorbic acid to develop oxygen scavenging system for food packaging
Authors: Wołosiak‐Hnat Agnieszka , Zych Krzysztof , Mężyńska Monika , Kifonidis Andrzej , Dajworski Maksymilian , Lisiecki Sławomir , Bartkowiak Artur 
Published: June 2019

The iron compounds (iron(III) oxide‐hydroxide monohydrate FeO(OH) × H2O, iron(III) oxide Fe2O3, and ascorbic acid) were used as oxygen scavengers modifiers in laminating of polymer films. This oxygen‐scavenging system was coated on preselected films (low density polyethylene [LDPE] and polyethylene terephthalate [PET]) from which the laminates were formed. It presents the new form of composite material packaging that has the function of oxygen scavenging, which could be suitable for food packaging. The scope of the research included studies of morphology of oxygen scavengers by scanning electron microscope and their average particle size distribution measure by particle size analyzer, the effect of type, and concentration of these substances on viscosity of adhesive and seal strength of laminates.The Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of laminates was also performed to observe the potential interaction of functional groups of polyurethane adhesives with oxygen scavenger components. The most important ability of the developed system for oxygen scavenging was confirmed by measuring oxygen concentration (% vol) in a headspace with the prepared laminates. The concentrations of selected oxygen scavengers (4‐6 wt%) and their combinations were studied. The most effective oxygen scavenger system integrated within the PE/PET composite film consists of 6 wt% ascorbic acid and 1 wt% FeO(OH) × H2O, where the oxygen concentration of 1.0 vol% (±0.20 vol%) was obtained after 15 days of storage. It was found that in this system the oxygen scavenging reaction occurs through ascorbate oxidation to dehydroascorbic acid, which is catalyzed by reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ ions.
New observer‐based controller design for LPV stochastic systems with multiplicative noise
Authors: Ku Cheung‐Chieh , Chen Guan‐Wei 
Published: June 2019

SummaryThis paper addresses an observer‐based control problem of Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) stochastic systems. Based on the modeling approaches, the LPV stochastic systems can be represented by a set of linear systems with multiplicative noise term. To solve the observer‐based control problem, a less conservative stability criterion is developed via the chosen Parameter‐Dependent Lyapunov Function (PDLF). In the PDLF, none element in the positive definite matrix is required as zero. Besides, an Extended Projection Lemma is proposed to convert the derived sufficient conditions into Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) form. According to the derived LMI conditions, all feasible solutions can be found by convex optimization algorithm at a single step. Based on those feasible solutions, an observer‐based Gain‐Scheduled (GS) controller can be established to guarantee the asymptotical stability of the closed‐loop system in the sense of mean square. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method.
Li2TiO3:Mn4+ Deep‐Red Phosphor for the Lifetime‐Based Luminescence Thermometry
Authors: Dramićanin Miroslav D. , Milićević Bojana , Đorđević Vesna , Ristić Zoran , Zhou Jianbang , Milivojević Dušan , Papan Jelena , Brik Mikhail G. , Ma Chong‐Geng , Srivastava Alok M. , Wu Mingmei 
Published: June 2019

AbstractLuminescence of monoclinic lithium metatitanate (Li2TiO3) powders activated with different quantities of Mn4+ is studied in detail. Its strong deep‐red emission arising from the Mn4+ 2Eg → 4A2g spin forbidden transition is centered at around 688 nm and is suitable for luminescence thermometry. Structural and electron paramagnetic resonance analyses show that Mn4+ ions are equally distributed in two almost identical Ti4+ sites in which they are octahedrally coordinated by six oxygen ions. Calculations based on the exchange charge model of the crystal field provided values of Racah parameters (B=760 cm−1, C= 2993 cm−1), crystal‐field splitting Dq= 2043 cm−1, and the nephelauxetic parameter β1=0.9775. The maximal quantum efficiency of 24.1% at room temperature is found for 0.126% Mn4+ concentration. Temperature quenching of emission occurs by a cross‐over via 4T2 excited state of the Mn4+ ions with T1/2=262 K and is quite favorable for the application in the lifetime‐based luminescence thermometry since relative changes in emission decay values are exceptionally‐large (around 3.21% at room temperature). We derived theoretical expressions for the temperature dependence of the absolute and relative sensitivities and discuss the influence of host material properties on lifetime sensitivities.
Cracking behavior of steel fiber‐reinforced concrete members subjected to pure tension
Authors: Di Carlo Fabio , Spagnuolo Simone 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis paper discusses an experimental investigation on the tension stiffening effect on reinforcing bars embedded in plain concrete and steel fiber‐reinforced concrete ties. The experimental campaign, carried out in the Laboratory of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, involved 10 specimens with a square cross‐section of 150 mm × 150 mm and a length of 3,000 mm, with a 3,700‐mm‐long conventional reinforcing bar embedded in the middle of the cross‐section. The cracking behavior of the element was investigated varying the main parameters, such as the fiber volume, the maximum aggregate size, and the diameter of the steel reinforcement. The outcomes of the performed tests have shown the effectiveness of steel fiber‐reinforced concrete in controlling the crack pattern of reinforced concrete structures. Furthermore, the obtained results represent a useful reference point for improving provisions given by standards for tension stiffening, crack spacing, and crack opening for steel fiber‐reinforced concrete members.
Three‐dimensional modeling of the distribution and orientation of steel fibers during the flow of self‐compacting concrete
Authors: Bi Jihong , Zhao Yun , Guan Jian , Huo Linying , Qiao Haoyue , Yuan Linlin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSteel fibers may be added to self‐compacting concrete (SCC) to improve its mechanical performance; however, such improvement is subject to a number of conditions, an important one of which is the distribution and orientation of the fibers. The objective of this study is to propose a new method capable of predicting the variation of the distribution and orientation of steel fibers immersed in the SCC during flow. The flow of the steel fiber reinforced SCC is simulated by a computational fluid dynamics software, in which the volume of fluid method is used to track the free surface of concrete. On the basis of the velocity field of concrete obtained by the software, the motion of steel fibers is calculated by solving the rigid body dynamics equation. To validate the proposed method, a casting process of a concrete beam with steel fibers is simulated. The effectiveness of the numerical simulation is confirmed by a comparison with the experimental results. Meanwhile, the variation of fiber orientation during the flow of SCC is discussed by analyzing the fiber orientation factor.
From experimental evidence to mechanical modeling and design expressions: The Critical Shear Crack Theory for shear design
Authors: Muttoni Aurelio , Fernández Ruiz Miguel 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMany research efforts have so far been devoted to the topic of shear design of members without transverse reinforcement since the first development in structural concrete. This has allowed a number of significant advances in the understanding of the phenomenon, which is currently acknowledged to depend upon a number of shear‐transfer actions in cracked concrete such as aggregate interlocking related to crack opening and sliding, the residual tensile strength of concrete after cracking, dowelling of the reinforcement and the inclination of the compression chord. In the last years, independent teams of researchers have confirmed this by means of detailed measurements on tests performed with Digital Image Correlation and by integrating constitutive laws governing the transfer of shear. In agreement to the observed physical reality, clear and scientifically based theories have been developed allowing researchers to reproduce the shear response in a realistic manner and to perform more accurate predictions on the strength of members. One of these theories, grounded on experimental facts and supported by mechanical modeling, is the Critical Shear Crack Theory (CSCT). In this paper, the fundamentals of the theory are reviewed, linking them to the experimental response of beams in shear. Based upon these fundamentals, a general physical‐mechanical model is presented to implement the CSCT basic ideas. On the basis of these results, the aptness of defining a criterion to assess failures in shear is justified, which can be formulated in a simplified manner and is suitable for design. The aim of this criterion is to lead to consistent design expressions, sufficiently simple to be used in practice. It is particularly interesting that the mechanical basis of the model allows natural reproduction of physical phenomena, such as size and reinforcement strain effects, that can be assessed in an accurate manner considering the nonlinear response of a potentially cracked reinforced concrete member. This approach is consistent with the underlying physics and is significantly more general than approaches followed in the past, where empirical formulas were corrected with a size effect term to account for this phenomenon (imposing an effect on a formula which is not necessarily consistent or valid outside its ranges of calibration). Based on the evidence reviewed, this article replies in a scientific, detailed, and transparent manner to a number of criticisms by A. A. Dönmez and Z. P. Bažant on the assumptions of the CSCT.
Third graders' use of writing to facilitate learning of engineering concepts
Authors: Gillespie Rouse Amy , Rouse Rob 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIncorporating engineering instruction into the elementary curriculum is not without challenges. Traditionally, researchers investigated using engineering design to promote students learning science concepts. More recently, researchers have conducted qualitative investigations to measure students' learning of engineering concepts after engaging in engineering design. In this study, we extended work on elementary engineering instruction by implementing an integrated engineering and writing unit with 58 third‐grade students. Using stratified random assignment based on pre‐intervention engineering vocabulary assessment scores, we assigned students to treatment (n= 28) or comparison (n= 30). During a 10‐day unit, all students participated in design challenges, emulated the practices of actual engineers, and used writing to support and document their learning, as they designed and authored their own five‐page pop‐up books. Students in the treatment condition participated in additional writing during 8 of the 10 unit lessons. During this time, they responded to journal prompts related to lesson objectives. At the same time, students in the comparison condition participated in small‐group discussions during which they discussed journal prompts orally. We found that all students made statistically significant gains from pre‐ to posttest on an engineering vocabulary assessment; total words written, number of different engineering concepts used, and depth of understanding of engineering concepts in a written essay response; and number of different engineering concepts used in an oral interview response, regardless of their incoming writing skills and regardless of whether they participated in additional writing or small‐group discussion of lesson objectives. This study is the first to quantitatively document the effectiveness of a combined elementary engineering and writing intervention for promoting students' learning of engineering concepts in multiple ways (rote recall, written representation, and oral representation). We argue that literacy, particularly writing, provides an effective and feasible method for incorporating engineering instruction into the elementary curriculum.
Pat1 RNA‐binding proteins: Multitasking shuttling proteins
Authors: Vindry Caroline , Weil Dominique , Standart Nancy 
Published: June 2019

AbstractPost‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression is largely achieved at the level of splicing in the nucleus, and translation and mRNA decay in the cytosol. While the regulation may be global, through the direct inhibition of central factors, such as the spliceosome, translation initiation factors and mRNA decay enzymes, in many instances transcripts bearing specific sequences or particular features are regulated by RNA‐binding factors which mobilize or impede recruitment of these machineries. This review focuses on the Pat1 family of RNA‐binding proteins, conserved from yeast to man, that enhance the removal of the 5′ cap by the decapping enzyme Dcp1/2, leading to mRNA decay and also have roles in translational repression. Like Dcp1/2, other decapping coactivators, including DDX6 and Edc3, and translational repressor proteins, Pat1 proteins are enriched in cytoplasmic P‐bodies, which have a principal role in mRNA storage. They also concentrate in nuclear Cajal‐bodies and splicing speckles and in man, impact splice site choice in some pre‐mRNAs. Pivotal to these functions is the association of Pat1 proteins with distinct heptameric Lsm complexes: the cytosolic Pat1/Lsm1‐7 complex mediates mRNA decay and the nuclear Pat1/Lsm2‐8 complex alternative splicing. This dual role of human Pat1b illustrates the power of paralogous complexes to impact distinct processes in separate compartments. The review highlights our recent findings that Pat1b mediates the decay of AU‐rich mRNAs, which are particularly enriched in P‐bodies, unlike the decapping activator DDX6, which acts on GC‐rich mRNAs, that tend to be excluded from P‐bodies, and discuss the implications for mRNA decay pathways.This article is categorized under:
RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability
RNRNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing
Translation > Translation Regulation
Protein kinase R and its cellular regulators in cancer: An active player or a surveillant?
Authors: Lee Yong Sun , Kunkeaw Nawapol , Lee Yeon‐Su 
Published: June 2019

AbstractProtein kinase R (PKR), originally known as an antiviral protein, senses various stresses as well as pathogen‐driven double‐stranded RNAs. Thereby activated PKR provokes diverse downstream events, including eIF2α phosphorylation and nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells activation. Consequently, PKR induces apoptosis and inflammation, both of which are highly important in cancer as much as its original antiviral role. Therefore, cellular proteins and RNAs should tightly control PKR activity. PKR and its regulators are often dysregulated in cancer and it is undoubted that such dysregulation contributes to tumorigenesis. However, PKR's precise role in cancer is still in debate, due to incomprehensible and even contradictory data. In this review, we introduce important cellular PKR regulators and discuss about their roles in cancer. Among them, we pay particular attention to nc886, a PKR repressor noncoding RNA that has been identified relatively recently, because its expression pattern in cancer can explain interesting yet obscure oncologic aspects of PKR. Based on nc886 and its regulation of PKR, we have proposed a tumor surveillance model, which reconciles contradictory data about PKR in cancer.This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
Extensive colectomy in colorectal cancer and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer – long-term results
Authors: Santos Marisa D. , Silva Cláudio , Oliveira João , Brandão Pedro , Sampaio Mónica , Silva Ana Cristina , Rocha Anabela , Matos Eduarda , Marcos-Pinto Ricardo 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer survival is better in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer patients than in sporadic colorectal cancer patients and even for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer with colorectal cancer is not consensual that extensive colectomy is preferable to partial colectomy. This study analyzes and compares the long-term results of these two groups of patients submitted to curative subtotal colectomy or total colectomy.
Methods Between 2002 and 2018, 68 patients with colorectal cancer without familial adenomatous polyposis were submitted to a total or subtotal colectomy in a single tertiary center. The patients were divided in two groups: hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer patients (with Amsterdam criteria) and sporadic colorectal cancer patients (the others). The presence of Amsterdam criteria for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer and germline mutation for mismatch repair genes was confirmed by clinical records. Results and survival were analyzed following surgery.
Results We obtained a sporadic colorectal cancer group with 31 patients and a hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer group with 37 patients. The two groups differ in age but not in gender, tumor stage or surgical morbidity. The overall survival and disease-free survival were good in both groups but even better for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer group with statistical significance when comparing the two groups.
Conclusion Total or subtotal colectomy for colorectal cancer provides a good survival. These surgical procedures should be considered the first option for colorectal cancer in young hereditary non polyposis colorectal cancer patients. In those cases, they provide good long-term results, avoiding the risk of metachronous colorectal cancer and the surveillance is restricted only to the remaining need for rectum.