bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum core‐type fucosylated prostate‐specific antigen index for the detection of high‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Fujita Kazutoshi , Hatano Koji , Tomiyama Eisuke , Hayashi Yujiro , Matsushita Makoto , Tsuchiya Mutsumi , Yoshikawa Tomoyasu , Date Mutsuhiro , Miyoshi Eiji , Nonomura Norio 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIt is known that core‐type fucosylation is higher in prostate cancer cells than in other cancer cell types and is associated with high‐risk prostate cancer. Here, we developed an automated microcapillary electrophoresis‐based immunoassay system for measuring serum core‐type fucosylated prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and evaluated whether the serum fucosylated PSA index (FPI) can detect high‐risk prostate cancer. Core‐type fucosylated‐free PSA was measured by our automated microcapillary electrophoresis‐based immunoassay system with Pholiota squarrosa lectin. The FPI was calculated from total PSA and the percentage of fucosylated‐free PSA. The optimum model to predict Gleason grade (GG) ≥2 was constructed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Discrimination was assessed by determining the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC). The study included 252 men who underwent prostate needle biopsy due to elevated serum PSA levels (4‐20 ng/mL), including 138 with GG ≥2. A higher FPI was significantly associated with GG (P < .0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, prostate volume and FPI were significant predictors of GG ≥2. The AUC of FPI and the model were 0.729 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.668‐0.790) and 0.837 (95% CI: 0.788‐0.886), respectively, compared to 0.629 (95% CI: 0.561‐0.698) for PSA. Decision curve analysis showed the superior benefit of FPI and the model when compared to PSA. In a cohort with serum PSA levels <20 ng/mL, FPI could differentiate high‐risk prostate cancer from biopsy‐negative or low‐risk prostate cancer. Therefore, FPI could be a useful adjunct in prostate biopsy counseling for men with abnormal PSA levels.
Venous reconstruction using a Y‐shaped saphenous vein in kidney transplantation: A report of three cases
Authors: Miyauchi Yuki , Noda Terutaka , Miura Noriyoshi , Kikugawa Tadahiko , Saika Takashi 
Published: February 2021

IntroductionTransplantation, especially, of the right kidney may be difficult to properly choose the main drainage vein due to abundance of renal veins with the thin wall and the small diameter. Therefore, we report three cases, wherein anastomosis‐related complications may be avoided by using a reconstructed Y‐shaped major saphenous vein graft.Case presentationThe first case was a case of congestion when anastomosed with a trifurcated renal vein which ligated branch. The second case was a case of donated kidney with three renal veins, which were all short, small, and thin‐walled. The third case was a case of donated kidney with four renal veins. Two of them were unused, though the other two veins were short and thin‐walled with equal diameters. In all of three cases, renal veins were anastomosed with Y‐shaped saphenous vein graft.ConclusionY‐shaped saphenous vein graft is possibly effective for such reconstructions as it may prevent anastomosis‐related complications.
TBX2/3 is required for regeneration of dorsal‐ventral and medial‐lateral polarity in planarians
Authors: Tian Qingnan , Sun Yujia , Gao Tingting , Li Jiaxin , Hao Zhitai , Fang Huimin , Zhang Shoutao 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe molecular mechanisms responsible for axis establishment during non‐embryonic processes remain elusive. The planarian flatworm is an ideal model organism to study body axis polarization and patterning in vivo. Here, we identified a homolog of the TBX2/3 in the planarian Dugesia japonica. RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of TBX2/3 results in the ectopic formation of protrusions in the midline of the dorsal surface which shows an abnormal expression of midline and ventral cell markers. Additionally, the TBX2/3 RNAi animals also show the duplication of expression of the boundary marker at the lateral edge. Furthermore, TBX2/3 is expressed in muscle cells and co‐expressed with bmp4. Inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling reduces the expression of TBX2/3 at the midline. These results suggest that TBX2/3 RNAi results in phenotypic characters caused by inhibition of the BMP signal, indicating that TBX2/3 is required for DV and ML patterning, and might be a downstream gene of BMP signaling.
Pore morphology and topology of zeolite imidazolate framework ZIF‐67 revealed by small‐angle X‐ray scattering
Authors: Wang Cheng‐Yu , Chou Che‐Min , Tseng Po‐Sen , Tsao Cheng‐Si 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe pore characterization of ZIF system using small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) technique is presented for the first time. The pore characterization of ZIF‐67 framework structure as model system using the conventional nitrogen adsorption and SAXS methods was performed in this work. The comparison between the results obtained by two methods can provide the verification, complementary information, and error analysis to the conventional method using nitrogen atom as probe. The pore network and morphology are subjected to the topology of ZIF framework structure. The theoretical calculation of pore morphology in the unit cage of ZIF‐67 structure is verified by this SAXS characterization. This SAXS study can be used as the reference of modeling pore for general ZIF systems.
Mechanical loading of bioengineered skeletal muscle in vitro recapitulates gene expression signatures of resistance exercise in vivo
Authors: Turner Daniel C. , Gorski Piotr P. , Seaborne Robert A. , Viggars Mark , Murphy Mark , Jarvis Jonathan C. , Martin Neil R.W. , Stewart Claire E. , Sharples Adam P. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractUnderstanding the role of mechanical loading and exercise in skeletal muscle (SkM) is paramount for delineating the molecular mechanisms that govern changes in muscle mass. However, it is unknown whether loading of bioengineered SkM in vitro adequately recapitulates the molecular responses observed after resistance exercise (RE) in vivo. To address this, the transcriptional and epigenetic (DNA methylation) responses were compared after mechanical loading in bioengineered SkM in vitro and after RE in vivo. Specifically, genes known to be upregulated/hypomethylated after RE in humans were analyzed. Ninety‐three percent of these genes demonstrated similar changes in gene expression post‐loading in the bioengineered muscle when compared to acute RE in humans. Furthermore, similar differences in gene expression were observed between loaded bioengineered SkM and after programmed RT in rat SkM tissue. Hypomethylation occurred for only one of the genes analysed (GRIK2) post‐loading in bioengineered SkM. To further validate these findings, DNA methylation and mRNA expression of known hypomethylated and upregulated genes post‐acute RE in humans were also analyzed at 0.5, 3, and 24 h post‐loading in bioengineered muscle. The largest changes in gene expression occurred at 3 h, whereby 82% and 91% of genes responded similarly when compared to human and rodent SkM respectively. DNA methylation of only a small proportion of genes analyzed (TRAF1, MSN, and CTTN) significantly increased post‐loading in bioengineered SkM alone. Overall, mechanical loading of bioengineered SkM in vitro recapitulates the gene expression profile of human and rodent SkM after RE in vivo. Although some genes demonstrated differential DNA methylation post‐loading in bioengineered SkM, such changes across the majority of genes analyzed did not closely mimic the epigenetic response to acute‐RE in humans.
Scanning electron microscopy and morphological analysis reveal size‐dependent changes in the scale surface ornamentation of tooth‐carp Aphaniops hormuzensis (Teleostei; Aphaniidae)
Authors: Teimori Azad , Esmaeili Mohammad Reza , Motamedi Mina 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAphanius hormuzensis is an endemic tooth‐carp found in the Hormuzgan drainage in S‐Iran. This study aimed to investigate the size‐dependent alternations of scale surface ornamentation in this species by conducting scanning electron microscopy and morphological analysis. A total of 50 wild fish individuals were captured from Shur River, and were classified into five size classes based on the standard length; SC–I (SL = 10–20 mm), SC–II (SL = 21–30 mm), SC–III (SL = 41–50 mm), SC–IV (SL = 51–60 mm), and SC–V (SL = 61–70 mm), and their scales were removed from below the dorsal fin (key scale) and caudal peduncle regions. The results revealed a clear trend of scale structural development in A. hormuzensis. The scale of small‐sized (TL < 30 mm) and large‐sized fishes (TL > 30 mm) differed, respectively, in the following characters; the overall shape (often circular vs. polygonal), relative focus size (large, FL/SL = 440–610 μm vs. intermediate and small, FL/SL = 100–330 μm), types of radii (only primary vs. three types), relative radii length (short, RL/SL = 100–180 μm vs. long, RL/SL = 320–450 μm), lepidont (absent or undeveloped vs. present and developed), and the relative lepidont length (short, LL/SL = 0.83–0.90 μm vs. intermediate and long, LL/SL = 1.2–2.2 μm). These character alternations could explain certain developmental stages in this species. The size‐dependent changes in the surface micro‐ornamentations as shown in this study suggest that these characters should be used cautiously for taxonomic studies of the aphaniid fishes.
Radiographers’ perspectives on the emerging integration of artificial intelligence into diagnostic imaging: The Ghana study
Authors: Botwe Benard O. , Antwi William K. , Arkoh Samuel , Akudjedu Theophilus N. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe integration of artificial intelligence (AI) systems into medical imaging is advancing the practice and patient care. It is thought to further revolutionise the entire field in the near future. This study explored Ghanaian radiographers’ perspectives on the integration of AI into medical imaging.MethodsA cross‐sectional online survey of registered Ghanaian radiographers was conducted within a 3‐month period (February‐April, 2020). The survey sought information relating to demography, general perspectives on AI and implementation issues. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analyses.ResultsA response rate of 64.5% (151/234) was achieved. Majority of the respondents (n = 122, 80.8%) agreed that AI technology is the future of medical imaging. A good number of them (n = 131, 87.4%) indicated that AI would have an overall positive impact on medical imaging practice. However, some expressed fears about AI‐related errors (n = 126, 83.4%), while others expressed concerns relating to job security (n = 35, 23.2%). High equipment cost, lack of knowledge and fear of cyber threats were identified as some factors hindering AI implementation in Ghana.ConclusionsThe radiographers who responded to this survey demonstrated a positive attitude towards the integration of AI into medical imaging. However, there were concerns about AI‐related errors, job displacement and salary reduction which need to be addressed. Lack of knowledge, high equipment cost and cyber threats could impede the implementation of AI in medical imaging in Ghana. These findings are likely comparable to most low resource countries and we suggest more education to promote credibility of AI in practice.
Two‐dimensional simulation studies of the breakdown voltage of a p channel LDMOS
Authors: Marjorie Sunder Singh Roji , Kishore Kondepudi Lal , Govindacharyulu Paravastu Ananta 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper deals with the breakdown voltage studies on a new lateral diffusion p‐channel MOSFET(LDMOS) and development of an optimal structure based on the breakdown voltage and on‐state resistance. In this new structure, the channel region (n‐body) and the lightly doped drain (LDD) structure were formed by a self‐aligned process. This approach leads to the saving of one mask level during fabrication. Two‐dimensional simulation was carried out on various parameters such as the horizontal and vertical electric field intensities, the impact generation profiles, generation recombination, impact generation before and after breakdown, the carrier concentration, electron and hole current densities and the conduction current densities of the structure to ascertain the behaviour of breakdown voltage and the on‐state resistance. Breakdown voltages closer to −162 V have been obtained in these structures.
Effect of saline soil and amino acids on quality and yield of field Tartary buckwheat
Authors: Song Jin‐Nan , Wang Ya‐Qi , Li Fa‐Liang , Hu Yan‐Jiang , Yang Hong‐Bing 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA salt‐tolerant variety (Chuanqiao No.1) and a salt‐sensitive variety (Chuanqiao No.2) of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum [L.] Gaertn.) were used as experimental materials to study the effect of saline soil and amino acids on quality and yield. The treatment concentration of Pro (proline), Glu (glutamic acid), and Asp (aspartic acid) was 30, 60, and 40 μM, respectively. Three kinds of amino acids were sprayed twice on the leaves at seedling stage (30 days after sowing) and flowering stage (50 days after sowing). The results showed that Tartary buckwheat in saline soil is more enriched in calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se), and Tartary buckwheat in saline soil is more nutritious. Under appropriate kinds of amino acids treatment, the seed protein and rutin content of Tartary buckwheat were increased, and the Tartary buckwheat quality can be obviously increased. In particular, amino acids treatment can increase the yield of Tartary buckwheat in saline soil, Asp and Glu are the best in salt‐tolerant variety and salt‐sensitive one and more obvious in salt‐tolerant variety.
A Molecular Dynamics Study of Noncovalent Interactions between Rubber and Fullerenes
Authors: Raffaini Giuseppina , Citterio Attilio , Galimberti Maurizio , Catauro Michelina 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe percolation and networking of filler particles is an important issue in the field of rubber reinforcement, and much effort is given to clarify the true nature of the reinforcement mechanism and the viscoelastic behavior. The concentration of nanofillers also in the presence of large amounts of carbon black is a parameter that can influence the macroscopic rubber behavior. In this paper, noncovalent interactions between C60 fullerenes with poly‐1,4‐cis‐isoprene (PI) either as such or modified are studied through atomistic simulations based on molecular mechanics (MM) and molecular dynamics (MD) methods. At first, the conformational properties of a single chain and of 12 PI chains in a periodic simulation box are studied. Afterwards, the conformational properties of a single PI chain polymer terminated with a ‐COOH group, and then a bulk system formed by chains of unmodified and some PI modified chains are considered. Then, the systems formed by adding fullerenes to these two different bulk systems are studied. Relatively small interaction energy between rubber and fullerenes being well dispersed in the sample is found. The simulations showed a preferential tendency of fullerenes to display self‐aggregation, in the presence of even a small fraction of modified polymer chains.
Synthesis of Glass Nanocomposite Powders: Structure, Thermal, and Antibacterial Study
Authors: Catauro Michelina , Blanco Ignazio , De Santis Roberto , Russo Teresa , Crescente Giuseppina 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe aim of the present study is to synthesize CaO•GeO2 glass nanocomposite powders. The samples are prepared at 1450°C, and to investigate the structure of the samples, differential thermal analysis (DTA), X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy are used. The main crystallizing phase is found to be CaGe2O5 crystals. Furthermore, the potential antibacterial properties of the materials towards the Gram‐negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, are preliminarily studied.
Microwave Processing of PET Using Solid‐State Microwave Generators
Authors: Veronesi Paolo , Colombini Elena , Salvatori Diego , Catauro Michelina , Leonelli Cristina 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe present study addresses the possibility of using a frequency‐controllable microwave source, that is, a solid‐state microwave generator, to rapidly and efficiently heat PET. Based on dielectric properties measurement of PET, numerical simulation has been used to model dedicated microwave applicators, suitable for the rapid reheating of PET granules or preforms. Numerical simulation, validated by experimental activity, demonstrates that using the proper frequency change as PET is being processed allows to maximize heating efficiency or homogeneity. Two examples of microwave applicators, one for small‐scale and the other for large‐scale production are presented, specially addressing the effect of using different metals for the modeling and construction of the microwave cavity.
Kinetic Study of the Thermal Dehydration of Fly Ash Filled Geopolymers
Authors: Blanco Ignazio , Cicala Gianluca , Tosto Claudio , Recca Giuseppe , Poggetto Giovanni Dal , Catauro Michelina 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMetakaolin‐based geopolymers at different percentage of fly ash (namely 25, 50, and 70% wt) are prepared by using recycled fly ash, aiming at reducing the amount of waste to be treated or disposed in landfills. The synthesized samples are subjected to the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to investigate the kinetics of dehydration process. To this purpose, TGA data are treated by the Kissinger method to calculate the apparent activation energy (Ea) of dehydration. The obtained kinetics parameters are discussed and compared with each other and with those obtained for the control geopolymer. A decrease in Ea values of the filled geopolymers is found, showing the effect of the fly ash in reducing the dehydration rate. A classification among the samples at different percentage of fly ash is also drawn up, showing the reaching of a plateau at percentage above the 50 wt%.
Silicone Mold Accuracy in Polyurethane Vacuum Casting
Authors: Wortmann Martin , Frese Natalie , Brikmann Johannes , Ehrmann Andrea , Moritzer Elmar , Hüsgen Bruno 
Published: February 2021

AbstractVacuum casting of polyurethane (PUR) in silicone molds is used industrially for the production of prototypes and small series as well as in various noncommercial research areas. This includes the reproduction of archeological findings, biological samples or electronic devices. In this study, the authors investigate the molding accuracy of different commercial silicones and PUR casting resins both on microscopic and macroscopic scales. For this, they used a variety of master models to generate silicone rubber casting molds. The resulting PUR castings are investigated by helium ion microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and optical 3D‐scanning.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Printing: A Novel System for Polymer Hybrids Printing
Authors: Saitta Lorena , Tosto Claudio , Pergolizzi Eugenio , Patti Antonella , Cicala Gianluca 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study is to prepare and characterize a novel hybrid resin/ceramic blend printable by liquid crystal display (LCD) 3D printing. Speed curing testing on the hybrid blend is carried out to determine the correct printing settings. The printed parts are studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by thermomechanical analysis. The results show that the hybrid blend is processable when using proper printing settings and with the help of an automated wipe system during printing.
Influence of Combined Sulfur and Peroxide Curing Systems and Ageing on the Properties of Rubber Magnets
Authors: Kruželák Ján , Kvasničáková Andrea , Hložeková Klaudia , Vilčáková Jarmila , Hudec Ivan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractStrontium ferrite in constant loading is incorporated into acrylonitrile butadiene rubber in order to prepare rubber magnetic composites. Sulfur, peroxide and combined sulfur/peroxide curing systems are applied for cross‐linking of rubber composites. The work is focused on the investigation of curing system composition and thermo‐oxidative ageing on cross‐link density, physical‐mechanical and magnetic properties of rubber magnets. The results revealed that the cross‐link density and the structure of the formed cross‐links within the rubber matrices affect the property spectrum of vulcanizates.
Formulation and Characterization of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Edible Films Containing Grape Seed Oil
Authors: Marudova Maria , Sotirov Sotir , Zhelyazkov Stoil , Zsivanovits Gabor 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNovel biobased multicomponent edible films from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and grapeseed oil (GsO) are developed. This study investigates the effect of GsO concentration on some physical and physico‐chemical properties of the films. The hydrophobicity of the films increases, which is expressed in improved water vapor permeability and reduced moisture absorption. Color and penetration properties of the films are also investigated. The pure cellulose film is almost colorless, but it becomes darker with pale greenish yellow color from the grape seed oil. The break force of the films is independent from the grape seed oil concentration, but the break deformation and the deformation work of the films with GsO is much higher and these are more elastic. Finally, multicomponent films demonstrated strong antioxidant activity. The obtained results suggest that the new multicomponent films may be used as food active packaging.
An Experimental Study on Incremental Forming Process of Polycarbonate Sheets
Authors: Beşliu Irina , Tamaşag Ioan , Slătineanu Laurentiu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe aim of the present paper is to give a general overview on polycarbonate sheet incremental forming. Incremental forming is a promising machining process for small and batch production because of its advantages in terms of flexibility, low tool and process costs. Polycarbonates are high impact‐resistance and low scratch‐resistance thermoplastic polymers that have, because of their good workability, many industrial applications in fields like automotive, aircraft, electrical, construction, medical, etc. The paper investigates the influence of some of the input process parameters on the incremental forming of cone shaped cavities on polycarbonate sheets.
Minimum TR radiofrequency‐pulse design for rapid gradient echo sequences
Authors: Abo Seada Samy , Price Anthony N. , Hajnal Joseph V. , Malik Shaihan J. 
Published: February 2021

PurposeA framework to design radiofrequency (RF) pulses specifically to minimize the TR of gradient echo sequences is presented, subject to hardware and physiological constraints.MethodsSingle‐band and multiband (MB) RF pulses can be reduced in duration using variable‐rate selective excitation (VERSE) VERSE for a range of flip angles; however, minimum‐duration pulses do not guarantee minimum TR because these can lead to a high specific absorption rate (SAR). The optimal RF pulse is found by meeting spatial encoding, peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) and SAR constraints. A TR reduction for a range of designs is achieved and an application of this in an MB cardiac balanced steady‐state free‐precession (bSSFP) experiment is presented. Gradient imperfections and their imaging effects are also considered.ResultsSequence TR with low‐time bandwidth product (TBP) pulses, as used in bSSFP, was reduced up to 14%, and the TR when using high TBP pulses, as used in slab‐selective imaging, was reduced by up to 72%. A breath‐hold cardiac exam was reduced by 46% using both MB and the TR‐optimal framework. The importance of RF‐based correction of gradient imperfections is demonstrated. PNS was not a practical limitation.ConclusionThe TR‐optimal framework designs RF pulses for a range of pulse parameters, specifically to minimize sequence TR.