bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive review on mechanical, electromagnetic radiation shielding, and thermal conductivity of fibers/inorganic fillers reinforced hybrid polymer composites
Authors: Hemath Mohit , Mavinkere Rangappa Sanjay , Kushvaha Vinod , Dhakal Hom Nath , Siengchin Suchart 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPeripheral such as aerospace, armor, sensors, heat exchanger, automobile, storage, and any other electronic equipment are frequently subjected to varying mechanical and thermal stress, which substantially influence their reliability, life cycle, and performance. The aerospace sector, for example, is in constant research for the decrement in mass to achieve higher fuel efficiency through light weighting approach. It is due to the specific parameters that advanced polymer composites exhibit, there are growing research interests in heat management schemes, where both higher thermal characteristics and strength with significantly lower density are simultaneously essential. In the same manner, nanohybrid particles are commonly utilized as reinforcement fillers to enhance mechanical, electromagnetic shielding efficiency, and thermal characteristics of any polymer matrices. This survey discusses the polymer‐based nanocomposites incorporated with hybrid nanoparticles for applications in high‐performance materials. The subsequent interaction between the selected polymer matrix and hybrid nanofillers, which affects the characteristics of the polymer‐based nanocomposites: mechanical, electromagnetic radiation shielding efficiency as well as thermal conductivity have been critically reviewed. The hybrid nanoparticles' synergy facilitates effective dispersion without damaging the structures of the nanofillers tend to optimized electrical properties, thermal conductivity, and higher overall functionality of the fabricated nanocomposites.
Exome sequencing improves genetic diagnosis of fetal increased nuchal translucency
Authors: Yang Xin , Huang Lv‐Yin , Pan Min , Xu Li‐Li , Zhen Li , Han Jin , Li Dong‐Zhi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this retrospective study is to determine the monogenic syndromes in fetuses with isolated first‐trimester increased nuchal translucency (NT) in order to provide more accurate parental counseling.MethodsMedical trio exome sequencing (ES) was performed on DNA extracted from chorionic villi in 73 fetuses with isolated first‐trimester increased NT (≥3.5 mm) and normal chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). This testing targets coding exons for 4200 clinically relevant disease‐causing genes. The interpretation of variants was performed according to the American College of Medical Genetics guidelines.ResultsPathogenic variants were detected in four cases in which phenotypes and genotypes correlate well. Medical trio ES offered a 5.5% (4/73) increase in diagnostic rate over CMA in cases with isolated increased NT. Three of four cases with pathogenic variants developed structural anomalies on ultrasound at mid pregnancy, leading to the pregnancy termination. Only one case with a pathogenic variant demonstrated normal ultrasound throughout pregnancy.ConclusionOur results indicate that after a normal CMA, fetuses with isolated first‐trimester increased NT have a 1.4% (1/73) risk of significant childhood genetic syndromes caused by known disease‐causing variants, which will not be detectable on prenatal ultrasound. This information may be useful in parental counseling.
Real‐world on‐treatment and initial treatment absolute risk differences for dabigatran vs warfarin in older US adults
Authors: Webster‐Clark Michael , Stürmer Til , Edwards Jessie K. , Poole Charles , Simpson Ross J. , Lund Jennifer L. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPurposeTrials and past observational work compared dabigatran and warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation, but few reported estimates of absolute harm and benefit under real‐world adherence patterns, particularly in older adults that may have differing benefit‐harm profiles. We aimed to estimate risk differences for ischemic stroke, death, and gastrointestinal bleeding after initiating dabigatran and warfarin in older adults (a) when patients adhere to treatment and (b) under real‐world adherence patterns.MethodsIn a 20% sample of nationwide Medicare claims from 2010 to 2015, we identified beneficiaries aged 66 years and older initiating warfarin and dabigatran. We followed individuals from initiation until death or October 2015 (initial treatment, IT) and separately censored individuals' follow‐up after drug switches and gaps in supply (on‐treatment, OT). We applied inverse probability of treatment and standardized morbidity ratio weights, as well as inverse probability of censoring weights, to estimate two‐year risk differences (RDs) for dabigatran vs warfarin.ResultsWe identified 10,717 dabigatran and 74,891 warfarin initiators. Weighted OT RDs suggested decreased ischemic stroke risk for dabigatran vs warfarin; IT RDs indicated increased or no change in ischemic stroke risk. Regardless of follow‐up approach and weighting strategy, risk of death appeared lower and risk of gastrointestinal bleeding appeared higher when comparing dabigatran vs warfarin.ConclusionsDabigatran use was associated with lower risks of mortality and ischemic stroke in routine care when older adults stayed on treatment. IT analyses suggested that these benefits may be diminished under real‐world patterns of switching and discontinuation.
Complementarity of Different SDS‐PAGE Gel Staining Methods for the Identification of Short Open Reading Frame‐Encoded Peptides
Authors: Kaulich Philipp T. , Cassidy Liam , Weidenbach Katrin , Schmitz Ruth A. , Tholey Andreas 
Published: July 2020

AbstractShort open reading frame‐encoded peptides (SEP) have been identified across all domains of life and are predicted to be involved in many biochemical processes, however, for the vast majority of SEP their biological function is still unknown. Optimized methodologies have to be used for the mass spectrometric analysis of SEP, because traditional methods of bottom‐up proteomics show a bias against small proteins. Here, different staining methods for SDS‐PAGE gels prior in‐gel digestion following LC‐MS/MS analysis for the identification of SEP in the archaeon Methanosarcina mazei are investigated. In total, 45 SEP with at least one high confidence (FDR <1%) unique peptide and five consecutive b‐ or y‐ions in the MS2 spectrum are identified. The staining methods provide complementary data. The highest number of SEP are identified in the samples stained with Coomassie brilliant blue. However, the highest quality of the identified SEP is achieved in the samples without staining. These comprehensive data sets demonstrate that in‐gel digestion is well suited for the identification of SEP.
Toward Uniform Optical Properties of Carbon Dots
Authors: Noun Farah , Manioudakis John , Naccache Rafik 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCarbon dots possess versatile optical properties that have prompted their investigation in applications including photocatalysis, photovoltaics, imaging, and drug delivery, among others. However, the preparation of these nanodots is accompanied by the formation of fluorophores and intermediates, which can be difficult to separate. In the absence of thorough purification protocols, the reported optical properties are often heterogeneous, which hinders understanding of their physicochemical and optical properties and concrete application development. Here, two hydrophilic carbon dot systems starting with citric acid and diethylenetriamine are prepared. The impact of purification, including dialysis, ultrafiltration, and organic washes, on the properties of the dots is demonstrated. It is shown that monitoring the purification endpoint using near‐infrared, fluorescence, and absorbance spectroscopies is possible. Moreover, it is demonstrated that fluorescence quantum yields can be a reliable tool to determine the purification endpoint. This work shows that even carbon dots derived from the same chemical precursors can have different purification profiles and purification requirements. However, the developed approach can be used to determine the proper purification procedure and endpoint for any carbon dot system regardless of the starting materials. Finally, it is envisioned that this work can be easily extended toward the purification of other hydrophilic nanomaterials.
Conserved internal hydration motifs in protein kinases
Authors: Setny Piotr 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCrystal structures of diverse protein kinase catalytic subunits reveal a number of water molecules whose positions within the protein core are better preserved than amino acid types in many functionally important locations. It remains unknown whether they play any particular role, and whether their removal, disturbing local interaction patterns to no smaller degree than amino acid mutations, can affect kinase stability and function. In this study, we apply an array of computational approaches to characterize hydration of kinase catalytic subunits. First, we systematically screen multiple crystal structures with the use of a simplified hydration model in order to determine the distribution of internal solvent and the degree of its conservation. Second, we analyze water structure, dynamics and binding affinity to buried hydration sites in a number of kinases, also taking into account their variable functional state. We find that a large portion of buried solvent is dynamic, possibly contributing to kinase conformational changes related to the activation process. In turn, binding free energies of some of tightly bound conserved water molecules to different kinases tend to shift in a similar manner following the change of their functional state. This finding highlights the likely specific role of internal solvent in fine tuning local protein plasticity.
"Apples and Oranges": On comparing simulated historic near‐surface temperature changes with observations
Authors: Jones Gareth S. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSimulated historic near‐surface air temperature variations are often compared with observations of land air temperatures blended with sea surface temperatures. This study investigates claims that this is not a “true like‐with‐like” comparison, which may cause small biases in simulated twentieth century temperature changes, with implications for different climate attribution and projection studies. A more appropriate analysis, it is claimed, should use simulated sea surface temperatures blended with land air temperatures; an apparent discrepancy with observed trends is then reduced. As the temperature of the uppermost level in a model's ocean is used to represent simulated sea surface temperatures, that models have inconsistent ways of representing land, and that simulations have differing sea ice coverages, the claim of an idealised analysis approach is challenged. An examination of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project simulations, compared with an observational dataset of near‐surface temperatures, suggests there is a bias in simulated historic trends when upper‐ocean temperatures are used instead of marine air temperatures, but this bias is small compared to other model and observational uncertainties and the impact of analysis choices. The results indicate that it is generally appropriate to use global near‐surface air temperature diagnostics to compare simulated historic climate change with observed temperature changes. Alternative model diagnostics are not necessarily superior to those used in standard approaches, and the emphasis of model and observational discrepancies may be based on overconfident reasoning.
A multiscale study on photophysical properties of a novel fluorescent probe for imaging amyloid‐β in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhang Yujin , Leng Jiancai , Hu Wei 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDetection of amyloid‐β deposition in the brain region is of significant importance for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the last few decades, the fluorescent imaging technique has been considered an effective tool for detecting amyloid‐β plaques due to its safety, sensitivity, and operability. Thus, numerous fluorescent probes for amyloid‐β have been developed. The design of a probe with high selectivity and improved sensing performance requires knowledge about the potential binding sites for the probe in amyloid‐β and local microstructure of the probe in different sites. In this study, amyloid‐β‐specific photophysical properties of a novel fluorescent probe (cis‐PAD‐1) are theoretically investigated by using multiscale simulations, including molecular docking and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations. Binding profile of cis‐PAD‐1 in amyloid‐β has been simulated, and binding affinity of the probe in various sites is calculated. An excited‐state property study on cis‐PAD‐1 illustrates that the probe shows remarkable fluorescence enhancement in amyloid‐β due to the influence of the microenvironment, which is consistent with the experimental observation. Most importantly, two‐photon absorption cross section of the probe is greatly increased in the near‐infrared region when targeting with amyloid‐β owing to the enhanced transition dipole moment. Therefore, one can propose the usage of cis‐PAD‐1 as an excellent candidate in two‐photon fluorescent imaging for amyloid‐β. The detailed investigations provide information on the development and design strategy of a new fluorescent probe for amyloid‐β imaging in AD.
Immunoaffinity microflow liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry for the quantitation of PD1 and PD‐L1 in human tumor tissues
Authors: Zhu Yongxin , Zalaznick Jacob , Sleczka Bogdan , Parrish Karen , Yang Zheng , Olah Timothy , Shipkova Petia 
Published: July 2020

RationaleHigh tumor expression of programmed cell death protein (PD1) and programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) is thought to be associated with positive clinical outcomes after treatment with anti‐PD1 or anti‐PD‐L1 agents. Several sensitive methods based on immunohistochemistry, ligand binding assay (LBA), and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry involving the measurement of PD1 and PD‐L1 expression have been reported. Here, we expand on the characterization of different tumor types using a highly specific, sensitive, and robust immunoaffinity liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (IA‐LC/MS/MS)‐based method for the simultaneous quantitation of PD1 and PD‐L1 in tumor tissues.MethodsHuman tumor tissue samples were homogenized using a Precellys Evolution homogenizer. The samples were incubated with anti‐PD1 and anti‐PD‐L1 capture polyclonal antibodies, which were bound to magnetic beads. Following enrichment, samples were digested with trypsin. A Waters iKEY HSS T3 1.8 um (150 μm × 100 mm) column with a gradient flow rate of 3 μL/min was used for chromatographic separation, and a Waters TQ‐S triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was used for detection. Selected reaction monitoring (SRM) transitions with unit resolution for precursor/product ion masses were optimized for PD1 and PD‐L1 surrogate peptides.ResultsThe surrogate peptides LAAFPEDR for PD1 and FTVTVPK for PD‐L1 yielded the most intense SRM transitions at m/z 459.7 > 516.2 and m/z 396.2 > 543.3, respectively, and thus were selected for the quantitation of PD1 and PD‐L1. The lower limit of quantitation for PD1 and PD‐L1 was 0.062 ng/mL with an assay range up to 10 ng/mL. Using this method, human PD1 and PD‐L1 were detected and quantified from four different types of tumor tissues. The data show that PD1 expression level was highly correlated with that of PD‐L1 in all tumor tissues analyzed here.ConclusionsA highly specific and sensitive immunoaffinity microflow LC/MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of PD1 and PD‐L1 in tumor tissues was developed and implemented. This method combines the advantage of immuno‐capture for analyte enrichment with the high specificity of detection of multiple surrogate peptides by LC/MS/MS. The quantification of PD1 and PD‐L1 co‐expression in tumor could help evaluate their role in assessing tumor type selection and patient stratification.
Pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with adrenal oligorecurrence successfully treated by adrenalectomy
Authors: Sato Hiroki , Tachihara Motoko , Kiriu Tatsunori , Yamamoto Masatsugu , Tanaka Yugo , Nishimura Yoshihiro 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA 63‐year‐old man suspected of having lung cancer underwent right upper lobectomy and was diagnosed with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC). Eleven months after surgery, he developed an oligorecurrence in the adrenal gland and underwent left adrenalectomy. The specimen revealed LCNEC metastasis. Forty‐one months after surgery, enlargement of a lesion near the surgical site was seen. Biopsy showed LCNEC metastasis and he is currently undergoing radiotherapy for the recurrent lesion. We report a case of LCNEC with adrenal gland oligorecurrence treated by adrenalectomy, which led to long‐term survival.
Resolution of refractory chylothorax with a combination of talc pleurodesis and CPAP
Authors: Ng Boon Hau , Nik Abeed Nik Nuratiqah , Abdul Hamid Mohamed Faisal , Soo Chun Ian , Low Hsueh Jing , Ban Andrea Yu‐Lin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractChylothorax is an uncommon cause of pleural effusion. Recurrent chylous effusions are often resistant to conservative treatment and many need surgical intervention. We report a 69‐year‐old woman with refractory idiopathic chylothorax resistant to medium‐chain triglyceride diet and intermittent thoracentesis. Lymphangiography and lymphoscintigraphy failed to identify the site of leakage. We initiated continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) 12 h before and 48 hours after talc pleurodesis. Chest drain was removed at day 3 and she was discharged at day 5. To our knowledge, this is the first case of successful resolution of idiopathic refractory chylothorax with CPAP ventilation used in tandem with talc pleurodesis.
Two‐stage auxiliary model gradient‐based iterative algorithm for the input nonlinear controlled autoregressive system with variable‐gain nonlinearity
Authors: Fan Yamin , Liu Ximei 
Published: July 2020

SummaryThis article focuses on the parameter estimation problem of the input nonlinear system where an input variable‐gain nonlinear block is followed by a linear controlled autoregressive subsystem. The variable‐gain nonlinearity is described analytical by using an appropriate switching function. According to the gradient search technique and the auxiliary model identification idea, an auxiliary model‐based stochastic gradient algorithm with a forgetting factor is presented. For the sake of improving the parameter estimation accuracy, an auxiliary model gradient‐based iterative algorithm is proposed by utilizing the iterative identification theory. To further optimize the performance of the algorithm, we decompose the identification model of the system into two submodels and derive a two‐stage auxiliary model gradient‐based iterative (2S‐AM‐GI) algorithm by using the hierarchical identification principle. The simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms and show that the 2S‐AM‐GI algorithm has higher identification efficiency compared with the other two algorithms.
The effect of data augmentation and network simplification on the image‐based detection of broccoli heads with Mask R‐CNN
Authors: Blok Pieter M. , van Evert Frits K. , Tielen Antonius P. M. , van Henten Eldert J. , Kootstra Gert 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn current practice, broccoli heads are selectively harvested by hand. The goal of our work is to develop a robot that can selectively harvest broccoli heads, thereby reducing labor costs. An essential element of such a robot is an image‐processing algorithm that can detect broccoli heads. In this study, we developed a deep learning algorithm for this purpose, using the Mask Region‐based Convolutional Neural Network. To be applied on a robot, the algorithm must detect broccoli heads from any cultivar, meaning that it can generalize on the broccoli images. We hypothesized that our algorithm can be generalized through network simplification and data augmentation. We found that network simplification decreased the generalization performance, whereas data augmentation increased the generalization performance. In data augmentation, the geometric transformations (rotation, cropping, and scaling) led to a better image generalization than the photometric transformations (light, color, and texture). Furthermore, the algorithm was generalized on a broccoli cultivar when 5% of the training images were images of that cultivar. Our algorithm detected 229 of the 232 harvestable broccoli heads from three cultivars. We also tested our algorithm on an online broccoli data set, which our algorithm was not previously trained on. On this data set, our algorithm detected 175 of the 176 harvestable broccoli heads, proving that the algorithm was successfully generalized. Finally, we performed a cost‐benefit analysis for a robot equipped with our algorithm. We concluded that the robot was more profitable than the human harvest and that our algorithm provided a sufficient basis for robot commercialization.
Statistical inference for decision curve analysis, with applications to cataract diagnosis
Authors: Sande Sumaiya Z. , Li Jialiang , D'Agostino Ralph , Yin Wong Tien , Cheng Ching‐Yu 
Published: July 2020

AbstractStatistical learning methods are widely used in medical literature for the purpose of diagnosis or prediction. Conventional accuracy assessment via sensitivity, specificity, and ROC curves does not fully account for clinical utility of a specific model. Decision curve analysis (DCA) becomes a novel complement as it incorporates a clinical judgment of the relative value of benefits (treating a true positive case) and harms (treating a false positive case) associated with prediction models. The preference of a patient or a policy‐maker is formulated statistically as the underlying threshold probability, above which the patient would choose to be treated. Net benefit is then calculated for possible threshold probability, which places benefits and harms on the same scale. We consider the inference problems for DCA in this paper. Interval estimation procedure and inference methodology are provided after we derive the relevant asymptotic properties. Our formulation can accommodate the classification problems with multiple categories. We carry out numerical studies to assess the performance of the proposed methods. An eye disease dataset is analyzed to illustrate our proposals.