bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of near infrared fluorescence imaging on parathyroid function after total thyroidectomy
Authors: Kim Yoo Seok , Erten Ozgun , Kahramangil Bora , Aydin Husnu , Donmez Mustafa , Berber Eren 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundCompared with conventional thyroidectomy, hypocalcemia rate was reported to be lower after total thyroidectomy (TT) utilizing near infrared fluorescence imaging (NIFI). The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of NIFI on postoperative parathyroid function after TT.MethodsThis was a retrospective institutional review board‐approved study comparing 100 patients who underwent TT with NIFI guidance and 200 patients without, by the same surgeon. Clinical parameters were compared using χ2 and t test.ResultsAverage number of parathyroid glands identified intraoperatively was similar between two groups. However, rate of incidental parathyroidectomy was higher in conventional (14%) versus NIFI group (6%) (P = .039), despite similar (4% vs 6%, respectively) autotransplantation rates (P = .562). Incidences of transient (6.5% vs 5.0%) and permanent (0.5% vs 0%) hypocalcemia were not statistically different between conventional and NIFI groups (P = NS).ConclusionThe use of NIFI during thyroidectomy may decrease the rate of incidental parathyroidectomy by increasing the ability of the surgeon to recognize parathyroid glands with fluorescent contrast distinction. Nevertheless, in contrary to recent reports in literature, postoperative hypocalcemia rate was not altered compared with conventional technique, suggesting that preservation of parathyroid vasculature, rather than an augmented ability to detect the glands, may dominantly affect postoperative function.
Long noncoding RNAs SET‐binding factor 2‐antisense RNA1 promotes cell growth through targeting miR‐431‐5p/CDK14 axis in human papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Wen Hu‐Ling , Xu Zheng‐Min , Wen Dan , Lin Shi‐Yu , Liang Yu , Xie Jian‐Ping 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPapillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is a frequent thyroid malignancy. With the significant regulatory role in tumor progression, more attention has been employed to investigate mechanism of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in progression of PTC. We prospectively explored the mechanism whereby lncRNA SET‐binding factor 2‐antisense RNA1 (SBF2‐AS1) is implicated in pathogenesis of PTC. First, differentially expressed SBF2‐AS1 between PTC and normal adjacent thyroid tissues was determined, and result indicated a higher SBF2‐AS1 expression in PTC tissues than adjacent normal tissues. Moreover, highly SBF2‐AS1 expression predicted a poor prognosis in PTC patients. Second, SBF2‐AS1 overexpression promoted cell viability and cycle of PTC, while inhibited cell apoptosis. However, SBF2‐AS1 downregulation reduced viability and cycle, while promoted cell apoptosis. Moreover, SBF2‐AS1 could bind with miR‐431‐5p and showed negative correlation with miR‐431‐5p in PTC patients. Furthermore, miR‐431‐5p bind with cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) 14 and showed negative correlation with CDK14 in PTC patients. Finally, overexpression of CDK14 counteracted with the inhibitory role of SBF2‐AS1 downregulation on cell viability, cycle, and apoptosis of PTC. In conclusion, SBF2‐AS1 exhibited oncogenic property in PTC, and knockdown of SBF2‐AS1 could be a therapeutic strategy for PTC.
The Proximal Airway Is a Reservoir for Adaptive Immunologic Memory in Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Gelbard Alexander , Wanjalla Celestine , Wootten Christopher T. , Drake Wonder P. , Lowery Anne S. , Wheeler David A. , Cardenas Maria F. , Sikora Andrew G. , Pathak Ravi R. , McDonnell Wyatt , Mallal Simon , Pilkinton Mark 
Published: June 2020

Objectives/HypothesisCharacterization of the localized adaptive immune response in the airway scar of patients with idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS).Study DesignBasic Science.MethodsUtilizing 36 patients with subglottic stenosis (25 idiopathic subglottic stenosis [iSGS], 10 iatrogenic post‐intubation stenosis [iLTS], and one granulomatosis with polyangiitis [GPA]) we applied immunohistochemical and immunologic techniques coupled with RNA sequencing.ResultsiSGS, iLTS, and GPA demonstrate a significant immune infiltrate in the subglottic scar consisting of adaptive cell subsets (T cells along with dendritic cells). Interrogation of T cell subtypes showed significantly more CD69+ CD103+ CD8+ tissue resident memory T cells (TRM) in the iSGS airway scar than iLTS specimens (iSGS vs. iLTS; 50% vs. 28%, P = .0065). Additionally, subglottic CD8+ clones possessed T‐cell receptor (TCR) sequences with known antigen specificity for viral and intracellular pathogens.ConclusionsThe human subglottis is significantly enriched for CD8+ tissue resident memory T cells in iSGS, which possess TCR sequences proven to recognize viral and intracellular pathogens. These results inform our understanding of iSGS, provide a direction for future discovery, and demonstrate immunologic function in the human proximal airway. Laryngoscope, 131:610–617, 2021
Creep rupture life assessment of superheater tube with oxide formation in power plant
Authors: Qi Jing , Xu Hong , Lu Ping , Zhou Keyi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis paper proposes a method for predicting the creep rupture life of superheater tubes, considering the continuous increasing metal temperature and stress as a result of oxide formation. The steam‐side oxide growth was assessed by the parabolic oxidation rate law, and the temperature profiles of superheater tubes was calculated combining the 3D computational fluid dynamics simulation and the 1D analytical models. Based on the estimated temperature and maximum elastic hoop stress, the parametric extrapolation technique was utilized to assess the creep rupture life. The validity of this method was confirmed by measuring the oxide thickness and the steam temperature in the field. The results found that T91 alloy in the steam outlet region and T23 alloy at the connection point was susceptible to creep rupture failure, which had the greatest cumulative damage and thickest oxide scale. The cumulative damage of superheater tubes varied significantly with tube count. Results suggested that replacement of the particular T91 alloy tubing section having the minimum creep rupture life with a better heat‐resistant steel would avoid mechanical failure by creep for the subject boiler system.
Improving Properties of Poly(vinylidene fluoride) by Adding Expanded Graphite without Surface Modification via Water‐Assisted Mixing Extrusion
Authors: Tong Jun , Li Wei , Chen Hai‐Chu , Tan Ling‐Cao 
Published: June 2020

AbstractExpanded graphite (EG) is introduced into poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) by melt mixing extrusion with water injection. The results demonstrate that the unfunctionalized EG in composite prepared with water injection exbibits better dispersion than that in the one prepared without water injection due to the promoting role of water during extrusion. Thus, the PVDF/EG composite with loading of 4 wt% prepared by water‐assisted mixing extrusion (WAME) exhibits electrical conductivity of about three orders of magnitude higher than the neat PVDF and one order of magnitude higher than the one prepared without water injection. Comparing to the neat PVDF, the thermal conductivity of the composites prepared with and without water injection is increased by 101.5% and 75.0%, respectively. The introduced EG leads to increased Young’s modulus and tensile strength especially for the composite prepared by WAME. The present work indicates that WAME can promote the dispersion of EG in PVDF matrix without any extra functionalization.
Weighted operator least squares problems and the J‐trace in Krein spaces
Authors: Contino Maximiliano , Maestripieri Alejandra , Marcantognini Stefania 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGiven and W operators in the algebra of bounded linear operators on the Krein space , the minimization problem , for , is studied when the weight W is selfadjoint. The analogous maximization and min‐max problems are also considered. Complete answers to these problems and to those naturally associated to trace clase operators on Krein spaces are given.
Overexpression of SNTG2, TRAF3IP2, and ITGA6 transcripts is associated with osteoporotic vertebral fracture in elderly women from community
Authors: Jales Neto Levi H. , Wicik Zofia , Torres Georgea H. F. , Takayama Liliam , Caparbo Valéria F. , Lopes Neuza H. M. , Pereira Alexandre C. , Pereira Rosa M. R. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundVertebral fractures (VFs) are the most common clinical manifestation of osteoporosis associated with high morbimortality. A personal/familiar history of fractures increases the risk of fractures. The purpose of this study is to identify possible molecular markers associated with osteoporotic VFs in elderly women from community.MethodsTranscriptomic analysis using Affymetrix HTA2 microarray was performed using whole blood samples of 240 subjects from a population‐based survey (Sao Paulo Ageing & Health [SPAH] study). Only elderly women with osteoporosis diagnosis by densitometry were analyzed, and divided in two groups: VF: women with osteoporosis and VFs versus no vertebral fracture (NVF): women with osteoporosis and NVFs. They were matched for age, chronic disease, medication use, and bone mineral density (BMD). The logistic regression model adjusted for age was applied for transcriptome data analysis. SYBR green‐based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to validate the most significant expression changes obtained in the microarray experiment.ResultsMicroarray analysis identified 142 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, p < .01), 57 upregulated and 85 downregulated, compared VF versus NVF groups. The DEG with the greatest expression difference was the Gamma2‐Syntrophin (SNTG2) (β = 31.88, p = .005). Validation by qPCR confirmed increased expression in VF group of Syntrophin (SNTG2, fold change = 2.79, p = .009), TRAF3 Interacting Protein2 (TRAF3IP2, fold change = 2.79, p = .020), and Integrin Subunit Alpha 6 (ITGA6, fold change = 2.86, p = .038).ConclusionOur data identified and validated the association of SNTG2 (608715), TRAF3IP2 (607043), and ITGA6 (147556) with osteoporotic VF in elderly women, independently of BMD. These results suggest that these transcripts have potential clinical significance and may help to explain the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of vertebral fracture.
Identification and functional characterization of a novel surfactant protein A2 mutation (p.N207Y) in a Chinese family with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Liu Lv , Qin Jieli , Guo Ting , Chen Ping , Ouyang Ruoyun , Peng Hong , Luo Hong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious disorder with a high mortality rate worldwide. It is characterized by irreversible scarring of the lung parenchyma resulting from excessive collagen production by proliferating fibroblasts/myofibroblasts. Previous studies have revealed that mutations in surfactant protein‐related genes and telomerase complex genes are crucial underlying genetic factors.MethodsIn this study, we enrolled a family with IPF from the central southern region of China. Whole‐exome sequencing was employed to explore candidate genes in this family. Real‐time PCR and western blotting were used to study the functions of the identified mutations in vitro.ResultsA novel mutation (NM_001098668.4: c.619A>T; NP_001092138.1: p.N207Y) in surfactant protein A2 (SFTPA2,), having not been previously reported to be a mutation, was identified and co‐separated with all affected individuals in the IPF family. Functional research further revealed that the novel mutation affects the secretion of SFTPA2 protein and induces endoplasmic reticulum stress as well as apoptosis in A549 cells.ConclusionWe are confident that this novel mutation (NM_001098668.4: c.619A>T; NP_001092138.1: p.N207Y) in SFTPA2 is the genetic mutation of the IPF family. Our study not only confirms the importance of SFTPA2 in IPF but also expands the spectrum of SFTPA2 mutations and contributes to the genetic diagnosis and counseling of IPF patients.
Strength of ensemble learning in multiclass classification of rockburst intensity
Authors: Zhang Junfei , Wang Yuhang , Sun Yuantian , Li Guichen 
Published: June 2020

SummaryRockbust is a violent expulsion of rock due to the extreme release of strain energy stored in surrounding rock mass, leading to considerable damages to underground strucures and equipment, and threatening workers' safety. As the operational depth of engineering projects increases, a larger number of factors influence the mechanism of rockburst. Therefore, accurate classification of rockburst intensity cannot be achieved based on conventional criteria. It is urgent to develop new models with high accuracy and ease to implement in practice. This study proposed an ensemble machine learning method by aggregating seven individual classifiers including back propagation neural network, support vector machine, decision tree, k‐nearest neighbours, logistic regression, multiple linear regression and Naïve Bayes. In addition, we proposed nine data imputation methods to replace the missing values in the compiled database including 188 rockburst instances. Five‐fold cross validation and the beetle antennae search algorithm are used to tune hyperparameters and voting weights of the individual classifiers. The results show that the rockburst classification accuracy obtained by the classifier ensemble has increased by 15.4% compared with the best individual classifier on the test set. The predictor importance obtained by the classifier ensemble shows that the elastic energy index is the most sensitive input variable for rockburst intensity classification. This robust ensemble method can be extended to solve other classification problems in underground engineering projects.
Obesity as a Potential Predictor of Disease Severity in Young COVID‐19 Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Deng Ming , Qi Yongjian , Deng Liping , Wang Huawei , Xu Yancheng , Li Zhen , Meng Zhe , Tang Jun , Dai Zhe 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the indicators for severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in young patients between the ages of 18 and 40 years.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 65 consecutively admitted patients with COVID‐19 who were between 18 and 40 years old in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University in Wuhan, China. Among them, 53 were moderate cases, and 12 were severe or critical cases. Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics and treatment data were collected. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was implemented to explore risk factors.ResultsThe patients with severe/critical cases had obviously higher BMI (average 29.23 vs. 22.79 kg/m2) and lower liver computed tomography value (average 50.00 vs. 65.00 mU) than the group of moderate cases. The patients with severe/critical cases had higher fasting glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatinine compared with patients with moderate cases (all P < 0.01). More severe/critical cases (58.33% vs. 1.92%) had positive urine protein levels. The severe/critical cases also experienced a significant process of serum albumin decline. Logistic regression analysis showed that male sex, high BMI (especially obesity), elevated fasting blood glucose, and urinary protein positivity were all risk factors for young patients with severe COVID‐19.ConclusionsObesity is an important predictor of COVID‐19 severity in young patients. The main mechanism is related to damage of the liver and kidney.
Review on nano‐and microfiller‐based polyamide 6 hybrid composite: Effect on mechanical properties and morphology
Authors: Ghanta Tarun Sai , Aparna Sridhar , Verma Namrata , Purnima Doddipatla 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPolyamide 6 (PA6)‐based composites are of evolving interest due to its high strength, wear resistance, and barrier properties. The use of binary composites mostly with nanomaterial and glass fibers has been reviewed and presented in literature. However to obtain a balance of properties like stiffness, toughness, and strength along with cost reduction, ternary composites of PA6 have been designed. To achieve the balance, PA6 blend‐based composites, with combination of microfiller/nanofiller or PA6 with combination micro‐microfiller, PA6 with microfiller/nanofiller and fiber have been designed. The properties of PA6‐based ternary hybrid composites depend on type of dispersed phase used, presence of compatibilizer, type of filler used (nanofiller or microfiller or fiber or hybrid) and combination of fillers used. However, a review in this direction is not available in literature. Here, in this study, an overall understanding of various fillers, dispersed phase, and their combinations can be understood along with the discussion on effect of these on tensile properties and morphology of hybrid composite. In this study, an attempt has been made to review the various fillers and dispersed phase and their combinations which have been used in designing the PA6 hybrid composite with good balance of stiffness, toughness, and strength.
Efficient synthesis of branched poly(acrylic acid) derivatives via postpolymerization modification
Authors: Bou Zerdan Raghida , Geng Zhishuai , Narupai Benjaporn , Diaz Yvonne J. , Bates Morgan W. , Laitar David S. , Souvagya Biswas , Van Dyk Antony K. , Hawker Craig J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe utility of pentafluorophenyl esters for the selective introduction of functional units and branch points in well‐defined poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) derivatives is demonstrated using a combination of controlled radical polymerization and postpolymerization modification. Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer enables the synthesis of well‐defined copolymers—poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate‐co‐tert‐butyl acrylate)—with the active ester repeat units serving as attachment points for reaction with primary amines, specifically tris(2‐(t‐butoxycarbonyl)ethyl)methyl amine (Behera's amine). Deprotection using trifluoroacetic acid removes both the backbone and side chain t‐butyl esters to give a series of branched PAA derivatives containing novel tricarboxylic acid side chains that are well suited to complexation and multidentate interactions. Surprisingly, the active ester homopolymer is shown to have the highest reactivity with Behera's amine when compared to copolymers with lower incorporation of pentafluorophenyl esters, suggesting an intriguing interplay of neighboring group effects and steric interactions. The ability to tune the efficiency of postpolymerization modification gives a library of PAA derivatives.
Packet loss detection in networked control systems
Authors: Baglietto Marco , Battistelli Giorgio , Tesi Pietro 
Published: June 2020

SummaryOne of the main issues related to the reliable operation of network control systems concerns the design of mechanisms able to detect anomalies in the functioning of the communication network through which the control loops are closed. In this article, we address the problem of detecting the occurrence of packet losses and design a mechanism that can detect the occurrence of packet losses directly from process sensor data. Specifically, we propose a moving‐horizon estimation scheme that permits to detect if the packet‐loss rate exceeds prescribed thresholds, which are representative of stability and performance of the control system. We discuss theoretical properties of the proposed solution along with an approximation scheme with reduced computational burden. A numerical example is discussed to substantiate the analysis.
Boosting the Cycling Stability of Aqueous Flexible Zn Batteries via F Doping in Nickel–Cobalt Carbonate Hydroxide Cathode
Authors: Li Xuejin , Tang Yongchao , Zhu Jiaxiong , Lv Haiming , Zhao Lianming , Wang Wenlong , Zhi Chunyi , Li Hongfei 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCathodes of rechargeable Zn batteries typically face the issues of irreversible phase transformation, structure collapse, and volume expansion during repeated charge/discharge cycles, which result in an increased transfer resistance and poor long‐term cycling stability. Herein, a facile F doping strategy is developed to boost the cycling stability of nickel cobalt carbonate hydroxide (NiCo–CH) cathode. Benefiting from the extremely high electronegativity, the phase and morphology stabilities as well as the electrical conductivity of NiCo–CH are remarkably enhanced by F incorporation (NiCo–CH–F). Phase interface and amorphous microdomains are also introduced, which are favorable for the electrochemical performance of cathode. Benefiting from these features, NiCo–CH–F delivers a high capacity (245 mA h g−1), excellent rate capability (64% retention at 8 A g−1), and outstanding cycling stability (maintains 90% after 10 000 cycles). Moreover, the quasi‐solid‐state battery also manifests superior cycling stability (maintains 90% after 7200 cycles) and desirable flexibility. This work offers a general strategy to boost the cycling stability of cathode materials for aqueous Zn batteries.
Combinatorial Discovery and Validation of Heptapeptides with UTP Binding Induced Structure
Authors: Kroiss Daniela , Aramini James M. , Ragoonath Sangitaa , Ulijn Rein V. , Tuttle Tell 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn biology, supramolecular recognition typically involves an ‘induced‐fit’ mechanism, where structures rearrange upon complexation to accommodate binding ligands. Designing minimalistic compounds with such adaptability is challenging as they involve subtle conformational changes that are energetically similar. Here, we demonstrate the integration of combinatorial screening with molecular modelling to identify heptapeptides that form a stable loop upon recognition of uridine triphosphate (UTP). Peptide sequences selected using phage display were refined computationally and correlated with experimental KD values. This combined approach may serve as a method for the de novo selection and subsequent rationalization of the compositional and organizational principles that dictate chemical functionality in flexible structures with dynamic conformations.
Contribution of preferential flow to tile drainage varies spatially and temporally
Authors: Pluer William T , Macrae Merrin , Buckley Aaron , Reid Keith 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTile drainage of agricultural fields is a conduit for nutrient losses. Preferential flow in the soil can more directly connect surface runoff with tile drainage compared with matrix flow, which may also increase P losses. In this study, water temperature was monitored in surface runoff and tile drainage and electrical conductivity (EC) was measured in tile drainage at two sites in southern Ontario with different soil types (i.e., clay and loam). These data were used to estimate the percentage of preferential flow in tile drainage based on end member mixing. Estimates using temperature were compared with estimates using EC, and both were evaluated across seasons and hydrographs and compared with P concentration and load data. There was strong correlation (r = .83) between estimates of preferential flow using the two methods, but due to variability in surface temperatures, EC provided a less flashy estimate for preferential flow (Durbin–Watson statistics of 0.34 for temperature and 0.09 for EC). Preferential flow accounted for a higher percentage of tile drainage flow in clay soil than loam, but percentages were not significantly different between seasons or timing within events. Phosphorus concentrations and loads were weakly correlated with preferential flow, suggesting that P transport was influenced by other factors as well. Although further work is necessary to calibrate these methods for estimating preferential flow from continuously monitored temperature and EC, this technique can be applied to already collected data to model and test posited explanations of observed phenomena in P, other nutrients, and water transport from tile‐drained agricultural land.