bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Procalcitonin as a predictor of moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: a study protocol for a prospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Han , Cheng Zhang-Bo , Yu Rong-Guo 
Published: October 2014

IntroductionProcalcitonin (PCT) is activated during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and may be a predictor of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The objective of this study is to determine whether patients with different serum PCT concentrations exhibit different rates of developing moderate to severe ARDS.Methods and analysisThis is a prospective, single centre, observational cohort study. All patients admitted to the cardiosurgery department for cardiac surgery with CPB were screened for study eligibility. All eligible patients received a CPB procedure. Blood samples were obtained to determine white cell counts as well as N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, C reactive protein and PCT levels. Patients were assigned to the PCT elevated cohort or the control cohort based on serum PCT concentrations on the first postoperative day with a cut-off value of 7.0 ng/mL. Data, including baseline, perioperative and outcome data, were collected daily for 7 days. The primary end point was the incidence of moderate to severe ARDS, which was diagnosed according to the Berlin definition.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Fujian Provincial Hospital. Study findings are disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.Study registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-OCH-14005076).
A persuasive intervention: improving the compliance of extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis following cancer resections in a tertiary colorectal and hepatobiliary unit
Authors: Yong Yao Pey , Karangizi Alvin , Banerjea Ayan 
Published: October 2014

AbstractExtended venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis has been shown to reduce the incidence of VTE in patients following cancer resections.[1] However, ensuring patients are discharged with the prescription remains a challenge, with junior doctors frequently rotating throughout different specialties. We conducted an audit to assess the compliance rate in the colorectal and hepatobiliary (HPB) unit at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham.Extended VTE prophylaxis was considered compliant to the guideline if it was prescribed on discharge. The baseline measurement demonstrated compliance rates of 79% and 48% in the colorectal and HPB units respectively. Following discussion with the stakeholders, several interventions that include education and visual reminders were implemented to increase awareness of the importance of extended VTE prophylaxis among junior doctors. Results of the re-audit have shown a remarkable improvement; compliance rates were increased to 93% and 72% in the colorectal and HPB units respectively.We conclude that visual reminder is a simple yet effective tool to improve awareness among junior doctors on the importance of extended VTE prophylaxis in cancer patients. Nevertheless, education remains crucial to ensure the sustainability of any intervention.
RNase1 prevents the damaging interplay between extracellular RNA and tumour necrosis factor-α in cardiac ischaemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Cabrera-Fuentes Hector , Inserte Javier , Saffarzadeh Mona , Galuska Sebastian , Vijayan Vijith , Barba Ignasi , Barreto Guillermo , Fischer Silvia , Lochnit Günter , Ilinskaya Olga , Baumgart-Vogt Eveline , Böning Andreas , Lecour Sandrine , Hausenloy Derek , Liehn Elisa , Garcia-Dorado David , Schlüter Klaus-Dieter , Ruiz-Meana Marisol , Simsekyilmaz Sakine , Kostin Sawa , Preissner Klaus 
Published: October 2014

SummaryDespite optimal therapy, the morbidity and mortality of patients presenting with an acute myocardial infarction (MI) remain significant, and the initial mechanistic trigger of myocardial “ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury” remains greatly unexplained. Here we show that factors released from the damaged cardiac tissue itself, in particular extracellular RNA (eRNA) and tumour-necrosis-factor α (TNF-α), may dictate I/R injury. In an experimental in vivo mouse model of myocardial I/R as well as in the isolated I/R Langendorff-perfused rat heart, cardiomyocyte death was induced by eRNA and TNF-α. Moreover, TNF-α promoted further eRNA release especially under hypoxia, feeding a vicious cell damaging cycle during I/R with the massive production of oxygen radicals, mitochondrial obstruction, decrease in antioxidant enzymes and decline of cardiomyocyte functions. The administration of RNase1 significantly decreased myocardial infarction in both experimental models. This regimen allowed the reduction in cytokine release, normalisation of antioxidant enzymes as well as preservation of cardiac tissue. Thus, RNase1 administration provides a novel therapeutic regimen to interfere with the adverse eRNA-TNF-α interplay and significantly reduces or prevents the pathological outcome of ischaemic heart disease.
Propagation of Software Model Changes in the Context of Industrial Plant Automation
Authors: Kehrer Timo , Kelter Udo , Taentzer Gabriele 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Model-based Software Development (MBSD) is a promising approach to successfully manage the evolution of software in industrial plant
automation. In MBSD, models are central development artifacts. They often exist in several variants which evolve in parallel, e.g. in
different customer's installations. Local improvements during operation and maintenance usually have to be propagated to other
variants or back-ported to a central base version. This paper describes a technology which enables developers to propagate changes
between models without compromising the consistency of target models.
Computational models of upper-limb motion during functional reaching tasks for application in FES-based stroke rehabilitation
Authors: Freeman Chris , Exell Tim , Meadmore Katie , Hallewell Emma , Hughes Ann-Marie 
Published: October 2014

AbstractFunctional electrical stimulation (FES) has been shown to be an effective approach to upper-limb stroke rehabilitation, where it is used to assist arm and shoulder motion. Model-based FES controllers have recently confirmed significant potential to improve accuracy of functional reaching tasks, but they typically require a reference trajectory to track. Few upper-limb FES control schemes embed a computational model of the task; however, this is critical to ensure the controller reinforces the intended movement with high accuracy. This paper derives computational motor control models of functional tasks that can be directly embedded in real-time FES control schemes, removing the need for a predefined reference trajectory. Dynamic models of the electrically stimulated arm are first derived, and constrained optimisation problems are formulated to encapsulate common activities of daily living. These are solved using iterative algorithms, and results are compared with kinematic data from 12 subjects and found to fit closely (mean fitting between 63.2% and 84.0%). The optimisation is performed iteratively using kinematic variables and hence can be transformed into an iterative learning control algorithm by replacing simulation signals with experimental data. The approach is therefore capable of controlling FES in real time to assist tasks in a manner corresponding to unimpaired natural movement. By ensuring that assistance is aligned with voluntary intention, the controller hence maximises the potential effectiveness of future stroke rehabilitation trials.
Rapid Determination of the Residence Time Distribution (RTD) Function in an Oscillatory Baffled Reactor (OBR) Using a Design of Experiments (DoE) Approach
Authors: Abbott Matthew Stanley Richard , Harvey Adam P. , Morrison Michelle I. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractResidence time distribution (RTD) profiles were investigated in a standard oscillatory baffled reactor (OBR) as a function of oscillatory and bulk flow components using a design of experiments (DoE) approach. A second-order, polynomial model (R2=92.1%) was fitted toNvalues estimated from concentration profiles and used to maximise plug flow conditions. The velocity ratio (Ψ) required to maximise plug flow was 1.9, agreeing well with the range previously identified by Stonestreet and van der Veeken (1.8 <Ψ< 2.0), suggesting that the approach used here is valid. This method could be used to rapidly quantify and maximise plug flow in various OBR designs in a simple and robust manner which could prove valuable for the operation and design of continuous processes using OBR technology.
Effect of Shoulder Surface Dimension and Geometries on FSW of AA7039
Authors: Devuri Venkateswarlu , Mahapatra M. M. , Harsha S. P. , Mandal N. R. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn the present study, friction stir welding of AA7039 butt plates were investigated with respect to threaded probed tools having different shoulder diameters and shoulder surface geometries. The ultimate tensile properties, micro hardness and grain size of the welds were investigated with respect to the varying tool geometries. The mechanical properties of the welded joints were observed to be influenced by the shoulder diameter and shoulder surface geometry. With the increase in the shoulder diameter, the effect of shoulder concavity on refining the weld grain size diminished. Good quality welds were produced by using tools with semi-concave shoulder surface having shoulder and probe diameters of 19 mm and 7 mm respectively. The fracture surfaces of AA7039 weld samples were dimpled and the crack front energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis exhibited absence of segregation of Zn.
Energy-saving quality road lighting with colloidal quantum dot nanophosphors
Authors: Erdem Talha , Kelestemur Yusuf , Soran-Erdem Zeliha , Ji Yun , Demir Hilmi Volkan 
Published: October 2014

AbstractHere the first photometric study of road-lighting white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) integrated with semiconductor colloidal quantum dots (QDs) is reported enabling higher luminance than conventional light sources, specifically in mesopic vision regimes essential to street lighting. Investigating over 100 million designs uncovers that quality road-lighting QD-WLEDs, with a color quality scale and color rendering index ≥85, enables 13–35% higher mesopic luminance than the sources commonly used in street lighting. Furthermore, these QD-WLEDs were shown to be electrically more efficient than conventional sources with power conversion efficiencies ≥16–29%. Considering this fact, an experimental proof-of-concept QD-WLED was demonstrated, which is the first account of QD based color conversion custom designed for street lighting applications. The obtained white LED achieved the targeted mesopic luminance levels in accordance with the road lighting standards of the USA and the UK. These results indicate that road-lighting QD-WLEDs are strongly promising for energy-saving quality road lighting.
Cezanne (OTUD7B) regulates HIF‐1α homeostasis in a proteasome‐independent manner
Authors: Bremm Anja , Moniz Sonia , Mader Julia , Rocha Sonia , Komander David 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe transcription factor HIF‐1α is essential for cells to rapidly adapt to low oxygen levels (hypoxia). HIF‐1α is frequently deregulated in cancer and correlates with poor patient prognosis. Here, we demonstrate that the deubiquitinase Cezanne regulates HIF‐1α homeostasis. Loss of Cezanne decreases HIF‐1α target gene expression due to a reduction in HIF‐1α protein levels. Surprisingly, although the Cezanne‐regulated degradation of HIF‐1α depends on the tumour suppressor pVHL, hydroxylase and proteasome activity are dispensable. Our data suggest that Cezanne is essential for HIF‐1α protein stability and that loss of Cezanne stimulates HIF‐1α degradation via proteasome‐independent routes, possibly through chaperone‐mediated autophagy.
Chemical Oxygen Demand and Color Removal from Textile Wastewater by UV/H2O2 Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Yonar T. , Kilic M. Yalili 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT: The photooxidation of pollutants, especially chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color, in textile industrial wastewater was performed in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), using 256 nm UV light (15 W), to model the discoloration and COD elimination processes and characterize the influence of process variables. Within this study, data were obtained through a NeuroSolutions 5.06 model and successfully tested. Each sample was characterized by three independent variables (i.e., pH, H2O2 concentration, and time of operation) and two dependent variables (i.e., color and COD). The results indicated that pH was the predominant variable, and the reaction mean time and H2O2 volume were the less influential variables. The neural model obtained presented coefficients of correlation of 99% for COD and 97% for color, indicating the prediction power of the model and its character of generalization.
Simultaneous Removal of Pesticides from Water by Rice Husk Ash: Batch and Column Studies
Authors: Saha Ajoy , Gajbhiye V. T. , Gupta Suman , Kumar Rajesh , Ghosh Rakesh Kumar 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT: The present study evaluated rice husk ash (RHA) as an adsorbent for simultaneous removal of a mixture of seven different pesticides (alachlor, metolachlor, chlorpyriphos, fipronil, α‐endosulfan, β‐endosulfan, and p,p′‐DDT) and two metabolites (p,p′‐DDE and endosulfan sulfate) from water. The adsorbent RHA was prepared in the laboratory and characterized by techniques such as X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry. Adsorption kinetics were well described by the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The Freundlich isotherm model fitted the equilibrium data better than the Langmuir model, and the maximum sorption capacity varied from 0.078 to 0.166 mg/g. The column elution studies showed that 10 L of mixed pesticide‐contaminated water (0.05 mg/L) can be treated with only 10 g of RHA at a removal efficiency of 90%. The results implied that RHA can be used as a low‐cost, easily available, and efficient adsorbent for the simultaneous removal of pesticides from contaminated water.
Evaluation of Anaerobic/Anoxic/Oxic (A2/O) and Reverse A2/O Processes in Biological Nutrient Removal
Authors: Xu Shengnan , Bernards Matthew , Hu Zhiqiang 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT: A performance comparison between the conventional anaerobic/anoxic/oxic (A2/O) process and the anoxic/anaerobic/oxic (reverse A2/O) process was conducted in lab‐scale at the hydraulic retention time of 0.75 d and solids retention time of 10 d for more than 200 days. Both processes demonstrated excellent removal efficiency for organic matter (> 96%) and total nitrogen (> 85%), with no significant difference in microbial activities, sludge phosphorus (P) content, sludge settling property, and nitrifying community (dominated by Nitrosomonas and Nitrospira). However, there was significant difference in P removal, with the total P removal efficiencies in the reverse A2/O and A2/O systems of 76 ± 6% and 70 ± 6%, respectively. Placing an anoxic stage before the anaerobic stage in the reverse A2/O process resulted in a lower oxidation‐reduction potential (ORP = −268 ± 45 mV) of the anaerobic zone, which contributed to higher P uptake by bacteria under subsequent aerobic respiration.
A Highly Effective Photochemical System for Complex Treatment of Heavily Contaminated Wastewaters
Authors: Krystynik Pavel , Kluson Petr , Hejda Stanislav , Masin Pavel , Tito Duarte Novaes 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT: Significant efforts have been committed to the research and development of many advanced oxidation processes, including photocatalytic oxidations with titanium dioxide or the hydrogen peroxide and ferrous/ferric ion (H2O2/Fe2+(Fe3+)/UV (photo‐assisted Fenton) process. This study reports the development of a novel photochemical system for complex treatment of heavily contaminated wastewaters based on the use of UV‐C light and H2O2. Special attention was focused on the technology employed, including the reactor design, process controls, and performance optimization. The effects of process parameters were studied using 4‐chlorophenol (4CP) as model compound, and verification of this treatment technology was assessed using actual contaminated water. Among the most influential parameters were the 4CP concentration, reaction mixture volume, H2O2 concentration, and irradiation intensity. In contrast, for H2O2 dosing (proportional continuous or cumulative one‐time), the flow rate did not significantly affect process efficacy.
Does SOX 404 Have Teeth? Consequences of the Failure to Report Existing Internal Control Weaknesses
Authors: Rice Sarah C. , Weber David P. , Wu Biyu 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT
We examine various penalties that could serve as enforcement mechanisms for Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Section 404. We focus on firms with restatements, some of which had previously reported their control weaknesses as required and some of which acknowledged them only after announcing their restatement. We find no evidence that penalties are more likely for firms, managers, or auditors that fail to report existing control weaknesses. Instead, class action lawsuits, management turnover, and auditor turnover are all more likely in the wake of a restatement when control weaknesses had previously been reported. We find similar, although weaker, evidence for Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sanctions. These results are consistent with disclosure of control weaknesses making it difficult for management to plausibly claim later that they were unaware of the underlying conditions that led to restatements. The results also suggest that the public and private enforcement mechanisms surrounding SOX 404 are unlikely to provide strong incentives for compliance and offer a potential explanation for why most restatements are issued by firms that previously claimed to have effective internal controls.
Evaluation of outcome and prognostic factors for dogs living greater than one year after diagnosis of osteosarcoma: 90 cases (1997–2008)
Authors: Culp William T. N. , Olea-Popelka Francisco , Sefton Jennifer , Aldridge Charles F. , Withrow Stephen J. , Lafferty Mary H. , Rebhun Robert B. , Kent Michael S. , Ehrhart Nicole 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate clinical characteristics, outcome, and prognostic variables in a cohort of dogs surviving > 1 year after an initial diagnosis of osteosarcoma.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Animals—90 client-owned dogs.
Procedures—Medical records for an 11-year period from 1997 through 2008 were reviewed, and patients with appendicular osteosarcoma that lived > 1 year after initial histopathologic diagnosis were studied. Variables including signalment, weight, serum alkaline phosphatase activity, tumor location, surgery, and adjuvant therapies were recorded. Median survival times were calculated by means of a Kaplan-Meier survival function. Univariate analysis was conducted to compare the survival function for categorical variables, and the Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate the likelihood of death > 1 year after diagnosis on the basis of the selected risk factors.
Results—90 dogs met the inclusion criteria; clinical laboratory information was not available in all cases. Median age was 8.2 years (range, 2.7 to 13.3 years), and median weight was 38 kg (83.6 lb; range, 21 to 80 kg [46.2 to 176 lb]). Serum alkaline phosphatase activity was high in 29 of 60 (48%) dogs. The most common tumor location was the distal portion of the radius (54/90 [60%]). Eighty-nine of 90 (99%) dogs underwent surgery, and 78 (87%) received chemotherapy. Overall, 49 of 90 (54%) dogs developed metastatic disease. The median survival time beyond 1 year was 243 days (range, 1 to 1,899 days). Dogs that developed a surgical-site infection after limb-sparing surgery had a significantly improved prognosis > 1 year after osteosarcoma diagnosis, compared with dogs that did not develop infections.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of the present study indicated that dogs with an initial diagnosis of osteosarcoma that lived > 1 year had a median survival time beyond the initial year of approximately 8 months. As reported previously, the development of a surgical-site infection in dogs undergoing a limb-sparing surgery significantly affected prognosis and warrants further study.
Natural supersaturation conditions needed for nucleation of air-clathrate hydrates in deep ice sheets
Authors: Uchida Tsutomu , Yasuda Keita , Oto Yuya , Shen Renkai , Ohmura Ryo 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWe apply new phase-equilibrium data of air-clathrate hydrates to the distribution of air hydrates in deep ice sheets to better understand their nucleation conditions. By comparing the depths at which the hydrates first appear to the phase-equilibrium condition, we estimated the critical size of an air-hydrate nucleus in an ice sheet to be ~50 nm. The estimated energy barrier for nucleation, based on the temperature dependence of supersaturation, is much smaller than that estimated previously for the pure ice system. Thus, the bubble surface may either act as a type of heterogeneous nucleus, or contain heterogeneous nuclei, for hydrate formation. Competition between nucleation-promotion and nucleation-inhibition factors may increase variation in nucleation rates, resulting in variation of the depth range of the bubble–hydrate transition zones.
High variability of climate and surface mass balance induced by Antarctic ice rises
Authors: Lenaerts Jan T.M. , Brown Joel , Van Den Broeke Michiel R. , Matsuoka Kenichi , Drews Reinhard , Callens Denis , Philippe Morgane , Gorodetskaya Irina V. , Van Meijgaard Erik , Reijmer Carleen H. , Pattyn Frank , Van Lipzig Nicole P.M. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIce rises play key roles in buttressing the neighbouring ice shelves and potentially provide palaeoclimate proxies from ice cores drilled near their divides. Little is known, however, about their influence on local climate and surface mass balance (SMB). Here we combine 12 years (2001–12) of regional atmospheric climate model (RACMO2) output at high horizontal resolution (5.5 km) with recent observations from weather stations, ground-penetrating radar and firn cores in coastal Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica, to describe climate and SMB variations around ice rises. We demonstrate strong spatial variability of climate and SMB in the vicinity of ice rises, in contrast to flat ice shelves, where they are relatively homogeneous. Despite their higher elevation, ice rises are characterized by higher winter temperatures compared with the flat ice shelf. Ice rises strongly influence SMB patterns, mainly through orographic uplift of moist air on the upwind slopes. Besides precipitation, drifting snow contributes significantly to the ice-rise SMB. The findings reported here may aid in selecting a representative location for ice coring on ice rises, and allow better constraint of local ice-rise as well as regional ice-shelf mass balance.