bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Accuracy of Five Different Classification Systems for Thyroid Nodules: A Prospective, Comparative Study
Authors: Orhan Soylemez Umut Percem , Gunduz Nesrin 
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveTo compare the diagnostic performance of five different thyroid ultrasound classification systems, and determine which system is optimal for evaluating thyroid nodules and reducing the unnecessary biopsy rate.MethodsIn this prospective study, 1,010 nodules referred for biopsy during a 2‐year period were classified using five classification systems: the Kwak Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (Kwak TI‐RADS), the European TI‐RADS (EU TI‐RADS, the Korean TI‐RADS (K TI‐RADS), the American College of Radiology TI‐RADS (ACR TI‐RADS), and the American Thyroid Association (ATA) classification. After fine needle aspiration biopsy, all classifications were compared for all nodules and also particularly for nodules sized 1–3 cm. Sensitivity, specificity, and interobserver agreement were evaluated for each classification system.ResultsOf the 939 nodules (after exclusion of Bethesda 3 nodules) finally classified according to the surgical histopathology and cytology results, 73 (7.8%) were malignant and 866 nodules were benign (92.2%). The sensitivity was highest (94.5%) for the ACR TI‐RADS and lowest for the Kwak TI‐RADS (69%). After exclusion of small (<1 cm) and large nodules (>3 cm); while sensitivity was highest for ATA (97.8%), ACR TI‐RADS was the second best classification (91.3%). There was substantial agreement among all classification systems except the Kwak TI‐RADS (fair agreement).ConclusionsThe ACR TI‐RADS was the most sensitive ultrasound risk stratification system for all nodules, while the Kwak TI‐RADS was the most specific, ie, the most capable of excluding benign nodules based on the combined cytological and histopathological results. ATA and ACR‐TIRADS were the most sensitive classification systems for nodules 1 to 3 cm in size. The ACR TI‐RADS had higher sensitivity than the Bethesda classification system when compared according to the histopathological results.
Downregulation of miR‐29b‐3p aggravates podocyte injury by targeting HDAC4 in LPS‐induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Ha Zong‐Lan , Yu Zi‐Ying 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSepsis is a severe organ dysfunction disease, usually accompanied by acute kidney injury (AKI). miR‐29b‐3p was inhibited in sepsis‐induced AKI, while its role in AKI was unclear. Therefore, this study determined the role of miR‐29b‐3p in sepsis‐induced AKI, and investigated its underlying mechanism. In this study, the AKI model was established through injecting with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) intraperitoneally. In LPS challenged mice, serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were increased, and renal tissues pathological damage was induced. Besides, miR‐29b‐3p was declined in LPS‐induced AKI mice and podocytes. In addition, HDAC4 was elevated in LPS‐treated podocytes. Furthermore, upregulated miR‐29b‐3p attenuated LPS‐induced mice podocyte injury, and HDAC4 was identified as a direct target of miR‐29b‐3p. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐29b‐3p attenuated LPS‐induced AKI in mice. In conclusion, miR‐29b‐3p was inhibited in LPS‐induced AKI. Downregulation of miR‐29b‐3p aggravated podocyte injury through targeting HDAC4 in LPS‐induced AKI. miR‐29b‐3p may act as a valuable target for AKI therapy.
Enumeration of marine microbial organisms by flow cytometry using near‐UV excitation of Hoechst 34580‐stained DNA
Authors: Selph Karen E. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA flow cytometry method for enumerating marine heterotrophic bacteria and phytoplankton in a living or preserved sample using a low power solid state near‐ultraviolet laser is described. The method uses Hoechst 34580 to stain DNA in microbial cells in seawater samples. This stain is optimally excited at 375 nm unlike the similar Hoechst 33342, which requires ~ 350 nm excitation only available on more expensive lasers. Phytoplankton abundances from the Hoechst 34580 method are comparable to those of unstained samples and when analyzed by the Hoechst 33342 staining method. With this new method, nonpigmented marine bacteria and phytoplankton abundances are obtained simultaneously in a single sample as the Hoechst emission wavelength (~ 450 nm) is well separated from the emission wavelengths of chlorophyll and phycoerythrin fluorescence. Bacteria abundances are similar between this new method and those obtained with established Hoechst 33342 and SybrGreen I methods. Precision estimates (coefficient of variation) on populations with abundances near ~ 105 cells mL−1 are 1–3%, increasing to 3–9% at lower cell concentrations of 103 cells mL−1. The Hoechst 34580 method is simple, requiring no heating or pretreatment with RNAse, can be used on unpreserved and formaldehyde‐preserved cells, and is amenable to at‐sea use with portable, compact, low power‐requiring flow cytometers.
LOOKING FOR LEADERS IN THE PRESENT CRISIS AND BEYOND
Authors: Lazarow Alex 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe author details his research based on his book Out‐Innovate: How Global Entrepreneurs—from Delhi to Detroit—Are Rewriting the Rules of Silicon Valley. In it, he explores the “unique strategies these rising companies are using to scale and succeed in some of the most challenging and unforgiving ecosystems.” He discusses the need for leaders to keep the long‐term mission in mind, and that the “best leaders know that they need diversity of thought and opinion in order to navigate the difficulties that arise.” He believes that the lessons derived have applicability for leaders in all sectors of society, especially in difficult times; those we face now and are likely to face in the future. He draws on examples from such executives as David Rosenberg, the CEO of AeroFarms, a leading vertical farming startup; Mike Evans, co‐founder of Grubhub, a food delivery business based in Chicago; Adolfo Babatz, CEO and co‐founder of Clip, which offers small businesses in Mexico digital payment options; and Lyndsay Handler, CEO of Fenix International, an energy startup based in Uganda. The author advises that “leaders should not take lessons as set in stone. The playbook must be evolved to changing conditions.”
Adaptive Morphology of Surface‐Segregated Micelles Synthesized from Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly Co‐Mediated by a Binary Mixture of Macro‐RAFT Agents
Authors: Zhang Tongtong , Zhan Chengdong , Huang Xiangyue , Huang Yinghui , Zong Lina , Hong Liangzhi , Ngai To 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSurface‐segregated micelles (SSMs) have shown potential applications in drug delivery, bioimaging, and Pickering emulsions due to their adaptive characteristics. A diverse set of SSMs are prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation transfer (RAFT)‐mediated polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA). However, the obtained self‐assembled structures are mostly limited to spherical forms, and SSMs with a hierarchical structure are not yet prepared. In this study, SSMs with various hierarchical structures are generated by the dispersion polymerization of benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) co‐mediated by a binary mixture of poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) and polydimethylsiloxane as macromolecular chain‐transfer agents (macro‐CTAs). The obtained structures include cylinders, vesicles, large compound micelles, and bundles of hoops. The morphological evolution of these structures and vesicle size can be readily tuned by varying the composition of the binary mixture of macro‐CTAs. This study expands the scope of RAFT‐mediated PISA for synthesizing well‐defined polymer nano‐objects with higher‐order morphologies for various applications.
The shape effect: Round shapes increase consumers' preference for hedonic foods
Authors: Zhou Shoujiang , Chen Siwen , Li Shan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDespite being a fundamental food feature, the effect of food shapes has been underexplored. This study demonstrates that giving hedonic foods a round shape increases their desirability, choice probability, and consumption. However, this effect does not apply to utilitarian foods. Such asymmetric effects are attributed to the positive affect elicited by a round shape and not to the food's shape typicality, food knowledge, vividness, or fragility. The positive affect provides affective information and influences consumers' judgments and decisions. Moreover, the effectiveness of giving hedonic foods a round shape is attenuated by consumers' health motivations; that is, the effect holds only for those with low health motivation. Applying statistical methods to data from seven independent studies provided consistent evidence that supports our hypotheses, thereby advancing knowledge of the shape effect, susceptibility of hedonic products, and the affect‐as‐information framework, while also revealing how food shapes affect food consumption.
Functional characterization of CDK10 and cyclin M truncated variants causing severe developmental disorders
Authors: Robert Thomas , Dock‐Bregeon Anne‐Catherine , Colas Pierre 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundCDK10 is a poorly known cyclin M (CycM)‐dependent kinase. Loss‐of‐function mutations in the genes encoding CycM or CDK10 cause, respectively, STAR or Al Kaissi syndromes, which present a constellation of malformations and dysfunctions. Most reported mutations abolish gene expression, but two mutations found in 3’ exons could allow the expression of CDK10 and CycM truncated variants.MethodsWe built a structural model that predicted a preserved ability of both variants to form a CDK10/CycM heterodimer. Hence, we functionally characterized these two truncated variants by determining their capacity to heterodimerize and form an active protein kinase when expressed in insect cells, by examining their two‐hybrid interaction profiles when expressed in yeast, and by observing their expression level and stability when expressed in human cells.ResultsBoth truncated variants retain their ability to form a CDK10/CycM heterodimer. While the CycM variant partially activates CDK10 activity in vitro, the CDK10 variant remains surprisingly inactive. Expression in human cells revealed that the CDK10 and CycM variants are strongly and partially degraded by the proteasome, respectively.ConclusionOur results point to a total loss of CDK10/CycM activity in the Al Kaissi patient and a partial loss in the STAR patients.
Technical Note: A simple and fast daily quality assurance solution for modulated scanning proton and carbon ion beams
Authors: Chen Jing‐Ni , Moyers Michael F. , Lin Lien‐Chun 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeA typical ion beam treatment facility has multiple treatment rooms and may treat with more than one ion species, thus requiring a significant quality assurance (QA) effort. The goal of this work was to perform daily QA using a single irradiation per ion species to obtain the beam dosimetry parameters of dose per monitor unit (D/MU), range, and spot position. The X‐ray alignment system should also be checked and the entire procedure performed by therapists.MethodsThis goal was achieved by designing a jig for the Sun Nuclear Daily QA™ 3 device and combining it with specific brass boluses, a standard QA plan, and a cuboid polyethylene phantom for positioning/repositioning tests. The design of the plan used for each ion species delivery ensured that there was no interference between the tests of the various characteristics.ResultsThe 1‐year monitoring results showed the proposed daily QA procedure was reliable and able to reflect each of the specified QA items of the proton and carbon ion beams. To simplify the daily analysis, the tolerances for the D/MU, beam range, and spot position (±1.5%, ±0.3 mm, ±1.5 mm, respectively) are checked using only the detector readings without the need for additional data processing.ConclusionsThe proposed daily QA procedure was clinically implemented in our facility in April 2019 and has run smoothly for the first 2 years of operation. The total daily QA time for the four‐room facility decreased from 1 to 1.5 h to 30 to 40 min and was achieved not by reducing QA tests but rather by implementing new technology and procedures permitting acquisition of multiple beam information.
Age‐related sensory neuropathy in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 1
Authors: Pro Stefano , Tozzi Alberto Eugenio , D'Amico Adele , Catteruccia Michela , Cherchi Claudio , De Luca Massimiliano , Nicita Francesco , Diodato Daria , Cutrera Renato , Bertini Enrico , Valeriani Massimiliano 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsSpinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA 1) is a devastating motor neuron disorder that leads to progressive muscle weakness, respiratory failure and premature death. Although sensory electrophysiological changes have been anecdotally found in pediatric SMA 1 patients, the age of onset of sensory neuropathy remains unknown.MethodsSensory nerve conduction studies of the median and sural nerves were performed in 28 consecutive SMA 1 patients of different ages. Sensory nerve conduction velocities and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitudes recorded in these patients were compared with those obtained from 93 healthy subjects stratified by age.ResultsSNAP amplitudes decreased with increasing age in the sural and median nerves, without any significant difference between upper and lower limbs.DiscussionOur data suggest that sural and median nerve SNAP amplitudes are normal in younger patients, while an axonal neuropathy appears in older ones.
Assessing Potential Stock Structure of Adult Coho Salmon in a Small Alaska Watershed: Quantifying Run Timing, Spawning Locations, and Holding Areas with Radiotelemetry
Authors: Stratton M. E. , Finkle H. , Falke J. A. , Westley P. A. H. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Run timing and spatial locations of spawning habitats are often used to identify stocks for conservation planning or management of salmonid fishes. Although complex stock structure is most common within large watersheds with diverse habitats, even small drainages can produce multiple co-occurring spatially or temporally isolated populations or “stocks.” This project sought to address the potential existence of stock structure of Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch in a small coastal watershed on Kodiak, Alaska that supports vital subsistence and recreational fisheries and is currently managed as a single stock. We radio-tagged a total of 348 adult Coho Salmon upon freshwater entry into the Buskin River across three spawning seasons (2015–2017) and tracked in-river movements to the final locations where mortality signals were recorded. We identified two primary spawning habitats within the system: main-stem and lake tributaries, with 54% (range of 47% to 61%) of tagged fish with determined fates tracked to main-stem river spawning areas and 46% (range 39% to 53%) presumably spawning in small tributaries of the 1-km2 Buskin Lake at the headwater of the watershed. Despite distinct spatial differences in spawning locations, main-stem and tributary spawners did not differ in migration timing into freshwater (difference in run timing of main-stem versus tributary spawners = 1 d) nor body size (main-stem mean body length, mideye to tail fork = 625 mm, tributary mean = 613 mm). Unexpectedly, we determined nearly 70% of all Coho Salmon spent at least some time in Buskin Lake, including 54% of main-stem spawners, suggesting a potential role of Buskin Lake as an important staging habitat for premature migrating adult Coho Salmon who enter freshwater in advance of final maturation. We also identified areas consistently used for holding prior to spawning that could be used in spatial management planning and during times of necessary conservation to ensure integrity of the stock for the future.
The outcomes of three buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty techniques in women with urethral stricture disease
Authors: Gülpınar Ömer , Zumrutbas Ali Ersin , Sancı Adem , Bütün Salih , Gokce Mehmet İlker , Aybek Zafer 
Published: August 2021

AimThe purpose of this paper is to present the outcomes of three buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty techniques in female patients with urethral strictures.MethodsWe included all patients who had BMG urethroplasty for female urethral strictures (FUS) disease between January 2015 and June 2020. Patient age, comorbidities, stricture etiology, stricture length, the number of previous treatments, preoperative and postoperative uroflowmetry data, postvoid residual volumes, and the operation and postoperative course details were documented.ResultsA total of 34 patients were included in this study. There were 8 patients in vaginal‐sparing inlay BMG, 12 for ventral onlay BMG, and 14 for Aybek‐Zumrutbas (AZ) technique groups. The mean age of the study population was 56.1 years. The length of urethral strictures varied between one and 4.5 cm. All patients had a previous history of endoscopic treatment or dilatations. The preoperative mean maximal flow rate (Qmax) was 6.9 ml/s. The median postoperative follow‐up time was 24.6 months. Twelve months after surgery, the mean Qmax was 25 (range: 14–32) ml/s. There were no significant complications in any patients. The success rates were 83.3% for ventral onlay BMG, 87.5% for vaginal‐sparing, and 100% for AZ technique.ConclusionsAll three BMG urethroplasty techniques applied in this study had a success rate of over 80% in a median follow‐up of approximately 2 years. In females, urethroplasty with BMG provided high rates of cure, and the recently described two techniques (vaginal‐sparing inlay BMG, and AZ technique) showed promise in FUS treatment.
Experimental and numerical study on the ballistic performance of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene laminate
Authors: Zhu Yihui , Liu Kang , Wen Yaoke , Cui Guangyu , Niu Weilong , Wang Yongjuan , Cao Yanfeng , Xu Cheng 
Published: August 2021

AbstractUltrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber orthogonally laid laminate is widely used in ballistic protection due to its excellent properties. Research on its response under bullet impact is meaningful for understanding the antiballistic mechanism and designing personal protection. In this article, three‐dimensional digital image correlation measurement and analysis method is applied to study the response of UHMWPE orthogonally laid laminates under the impact of pistol bullets. A corresponding smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH)–finite element method coupled numerical model is established to study the impact phenomenon. The bullet model is developed using the SPH method. The laminate is developed with multiple equivalent sublaminate finite element models. The experimental results show the damage mode and back‐face features of the laminate. First, the damage mode has two stages: the first stage includes a small number of layers that are penetrated on the impact surface and the second stage includes the expansion of the back‐face deformation. Second, the average maximum bulge height in three repeated experiments is 14.59 mm. Third, the average maximum velocity of the bulge apex position in experiments on the z‐axis is 92.32 m/s. Fourth, the maximum and minimum back‐face in‐plane shear values are 0.0893 and −0.0928, respectively. Finally, the numerical results have good agreement with the experimental results and show that the compression waves mainly propagate along the x and y directions. The experimental results can provide quantifiable features for studying the impact responses of UHMWPE laminates. The numerical model could be applied to study features that cannot be measured by experiments.
“Pain talk”: A triadic collaboration in which nurses promote opportunities for engaging children and their parents about managing children’s pain
Authors: Jordan Abbie , Carter Bernie , Vasileiou Konstantina 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEffective communication with children about pain is important and has the potential to mediate the short‐ and longer‐term effects of pain on children. Most communication studies relating to children's pain have focused on language children use to describe everyday pain experiences. However, little is known regarding how health professionals, particularly nurses, communicate with children in healthcare settings about pain. This study aimed to explore how nurses talk to children and their parents about pain and what factors influence nurses’ use of language and non‐verbal communication. A cross‐sectional mixed‐methods (predominantly qualitative) survey (“pain talk”) was conducted, comprising qualitative items about pain communication and four vignettes portraying hypothetical cases of children representing typical child pain scenarios. Participants were recruited via email, social media, newsletters, established networks, and personal contacts. A total of 141 registered (68.1%) or in‐training nurses across 11 countries with experience of managing children's pain completed the survey. Textual survey responses were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. Qualitative content analysis generated a meta‐theme “Being confident and knowing how to do ‘pain talk’” and four main themes that described the functions, purpose, and delivery of “pain talk”: (a) “contextualizing and assessing,” (b) “empowering, explaining, and educating,” (c) “supporting, affirming, and confirming,” and (d) “protecting, distracting, and restoring.” “Pain talk” was a triadic collaborative communication process that required nurses to feel confident about their role and skills. This process involved nurses talking to children and parents about pain and creating engagement opportunities for children and parents. “Pain talk” aimed to promote the agency of the child and parent and their engagement in discussions and decision‐making, using information, support, and comfort. Nurses shaped their “pain talk” to the specific context of the child's pain, previous experiences, and current concerns to minimize potential distress and adverse effects and to promote optimal pain management.
Polarization of ionic liquid and polymer and its implications for polymerized ionic liquids: An overview towards a new theory and simulation
Authors: Gao Tong , Itliong Jester , Kumar Sai Prashanth , Hjorth Zackerie , Nakamura Issei 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIonic liquid (IL)‐containing polymers garner attention for electrochemical applications. This article overviews recent experimental and theoretical studies of polymer electrolytes that would be likely to cultivate new theoretical and computational frameworks for IL‐containing polymers. The first two sections outline the uniqueness of ILs that differentiates them from inorganic salts in polymers and explore deviation from the concept of the metaphor “room‐temperature molten salt.” Such distinct properties include (1) large intrinsic dipole moment and electronic polarizability, (2) hydrogen bonding, (3) π‐interactions, (4) a broad distribution of charges over the entire ion, and (5) the anisotropy of the ions. Moreover, the complexity of these properties substantially increases when the ions are polymerized. Indeed, their exceptional features would overcome the hurdle due to a trade‐off between ionic conductivity and mechanical robustness in inorganic salt‐doped polymers. Given these facts, the rest of the article focuses on emerging trends in the study of the dielectric response, phase separation, ion conductivity, and mechanical robustness of the polymer electrolytes, highlighting outstanding observations in experiments that may inspire existing theory and simulation. Our discussion also includes improving computational complexity for IL‐containing polymers. To this end, recent machine learning studies that consider ILs and polymer liquids are presented.