bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expanded and Filtered Features based ELM Model for Thyroid Disease Classification
Authors: Juneja Kapil 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Thyroid disorder affects the regulation of various metabolic processes throughout the human body. The structural and functional disorders can affect the body as well as the brain. The computer-aided diagnosis system can identify the kind of Thyroid disease. One such machine learning framework is presented in this paper to recognize disease existence and type. In this paper, a fuzzy adaptive feature filtration, expansion, and again filtration based model is presented for generating the most relevant and contributing features. This two-level filtration model is processed in a controlled fuzzy-based multi-measure evaluation. At the first level, the composite-fuzzy measures are combined with expert’s recommendations for identifying the ranked and relevant features. At the second level, the statistical computation based distance measure is applied for expanding the featureset. The fuzzification is applied to expanded featureset for transiting the continuous values to fuzzy-values. At this level, the fuzzy-based composite-measure is applied for selecting the most contributing and relevant features over the expanded dataset. This processing featureset is processed by the ELM classifier to predict the disease existence and class. Five experiments are conducted on two datasets for validating the performance and reliability of the proposed framework. The comparative analysis is conducted against the NaiveBayes, Decision Tree, Decision Forest, Random Tree, Multilevel Perceptron, and RBF Networks. The analysis outcome is taken in terms of accuracy, error, and relevancy based parameters. The proposed framework clams the significant gain in accuracy, relevancy, and reduction in the error rate.
Chemoinformatic analysis of alkaloids isolated from Peganum genus
Authors: Bayazeid Omer , Nasibova Tohfa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Peganum genus is rich with its high phytochemical and botanical variability. Peganum species have been used as sedative, antitumor, analgesics, antidepressant, and other medicinal purposes. The aim of this research is to study the molecular diversity of Peganum genus to shed more lights on the structure-activity relationship of the alkaloids isolated from Peganum genus. All Peganum alkaloids were grouped according to their structure properties. A chemoinformatic approach (Swiss Model) was used to determine the molecular targets of these alkaloids. To visualize the results, R programming language was used to generate hierarchical clustering heatmaps. The results of this study helps researcher to better understanding of the structural-activity relationship of Peganum alkaloids.
Development of the CFQ-R-8D: Estimating Utilities From the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised
Authors: Acaster Sarah , Mukuria Clara , Rowen Donna , Brazier John E , Wainwright Claire E , Quon Bradley S , Duckers Jamie , Quittner Alexandra L , Lou Yiyue , Sosnay Patrick , McGarry Lisa J 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Deciphering the role of fungal calmodulin gene using Host-mediated gene silencing approach in apple
Authors: Verma Shalini , Modgil Manju , Chauhan Arjun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Premature leaf fall caused by Marssonina coronaria is one of the most destructive diseases of apple in India. In this study, host induced gene silencing approach was exploited to develop resistance to this disease in an apple cultivar ‘Red Chief’. Calmodulin gene (CaM) having its role in fungal differentiation, development and pathogenicity was selected as target. hpRNAi construct was prepared from the conserved off target free partial gene sequence of CaM and used for transformation trials. Upto 6% kanamycin resistant shoots were obtained on selective medium having 5–6 mg/l kan after 7 weeks of coculture. In PCR analysis of 13 RNAi putative transformants, 10 lines were found positive with CaM and nptII gene specific primers and six lines showed hybridization signal. Semi qRT-PCR revealed variable levels of transgene expression among RNAi lines which seems to be related to copy number of integrated gene. In vitro detached leaf assay revealed lesion development and disease progression in wild type after 5 dpi but not visible in five CaM RNAi lines. Microscopic examination of infected control leaves showed fully developed, septate mycelium, and conidia along with necrosis of whole tissue while three transformants showed reduced growth and differentiation of fungus and in rest three, hyphal development and necrosis were strongly restricted. We conclude that trafficking of dsRNA/ siRNA from apple plants to pathogen might have triggered the down regulation of fungal CaM gene which confirms that deciphering the role of CaM through HIGS lead to resistance to Marssonina blotch in apple.
Postoperatively Determined High-Risk Histopathologic Features in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Initially Eligible for Thyroid Lobectomy: A Game Changer
Authors: Bakkar Sohail , Al-Omar Khaled , Donatini Gianluca , Aljarrah Qusai , Papavramidis Theodosios S , Materazzi Gabriele , Miccoli Paolo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose.

Recent clinical practice guidelines consider thyroid lobectomy a viable alternative for low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma PTC measuring 1–4 cm in size. We aimed to assess the likelihood of finding postoperatively determined high-risk histopathologic features that would lead to the recommendation of completion thyroidectomy.
Methods.

A retrospective review of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for PTC measuring 1–4 cm in size between Jan 2012-Jan 2018 was conducted. Patients with pre-operative high-risk characteristics were excluded; history of radiation exposure, positive family history, clinically suspicious cervical lymphadenopathy, and gross extrathyroidal extension (ETE). A hypothetical group of 245 patients remained eligible for lobectomy. The pathology specimens from the cancer-containing lobes were evaluated for high-risk features: aggressive histology, capsular and/or vascular invasion, microscopic ETE, and multifocality. A subgroup analysis was performed with 2 cm being the cut-off size.
Results.

The average age was 39 years with 73% being females. Mean cancer size was 16 mm. Evaluation of the cancer-containing lobe for high-risk features revealed: aggressive histology (33%), ETE (12%), capsular invasion (33%), vascular invasion (17%), and ipsilateral multifocality (30%). The cumulative risk of having ≥ 1 high-risk feature mandating completion thyroidectomy was 59%. The risk was considerably higher for lesions ≤ 2 cm compared to larger lesions (64% vs.48%; p = 0.049; RR = 1.3).
Conclusion.

A considerable proportion of patients initially eligible for lobectomy have high-risk features that only become evident at pathology. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is advocated to determine the extent of surgery for PTC incorporating patient preferences regarding risks and benefits.
Modeling and analysis of the friction in a nonlinear sliding-mode triboelectric energy harvester
Authors: Tan Dongguo , Zhou Jiaxi , Wang Kai , Cai Changqi , Xu Daolin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Friction plays a pivotal role in the sliding-mode triboelectric energy harvester (TEH), which not only enables the charge transfer between two dielectrics, but also influences the energy harvesting performance by affecting the dynamic response of the TEH. How to evaluate the effects of the friction on TEHs is important for optimizing TEHs in engineering practices. In order to analyze the effects of the friction on the dynamic response and evaluate the energy harvesting performance of TEHs, the paper models the friction of a devised nonlinear TEH based on the Coulomb friction model and the Macro-slip friction theory. The TEH equips a pair of magnets, rendering a switching between the bistability and the monostability by tuning the distance between two magnets. The dynamic model of the nonlinear TEH is established by the extended Hamilton principle. The effects of the friction in sliding-mode TEH are dissected in detail. The influences of parameters on both the mechanical and electrical responses are also systemically studied, to explore an optimal energy harvesting performance in the low-frequency range. This work provides a guideline for designing and accurately analyzing a sliding-mode TEH.
Professional Love in Early Childhood Education: the experience of Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Stewart-MacKenzie Helen Lorraine Grace 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Love is essential for human psycho-social development, in particular in the early years. Just as the love of parents/care-givers and others in the home setting is vital, there is increasing recognition that love is important for infants, toddlers and young children in early childhood education settings (ECES). However, love demonstrated by teaching professionals continues to be under-researched (Dalli 2005; Page 2017a). As a result, educational policy and practice guidelines are still embryonic, or may not yet exist (Dalli et al 2011; Hughs 2013). This article presents findings from a nation-wide survey of early childhood professionals in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) undertaken in 2020 which explored early childhood teachers’ understandings of professional love in ECES in NZ; the first such survey undertaken. Respondents emphasised that a professional approach to love is important despite many responses indicating love is still viewed as unprofessional by early childhood education (ECE) teachers and managers. A key finding of this research is that understanding the nature of love in ECES is required in order to legitimise professional love and thereby inform policy and practice. Findings from the research suggest a way forward.
Methods for improving the accuracy of frequency shift estimation in 5G NR
Authors: Milyutin Vladimir Sergeevich , Rogozhnikov Eugeniy Vasilevich , Petrovskiy Kirill , Pokamestov Dmitriy , Dmitriyev Edgar , Novichkov Serafim 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Frequency synchronization is a necessary operation for all wireless communication systems. Due to the wide frequency range defined for 5G NR systems, this procedure becomes critical. To ensure high transmission rates and the use of high-order modulation, up to 256 QAM for 5G communication systems, it is necessary to ensure high frequency synchronization accuracy. In this article, we have reviewed various approaches to implementing frequency synchronization and proposed, in our opinion, the most effective method for correcting the frequency shift of the signal.
A Simple Nomogram Developed for Predicting HCC Metastasis Based on Micrornas&nbsp;
Authors: Zhu Yong , Jie Yusheng , Wu Yuankai , Tang Wenting , Cao Jing , Su Zhongzhen , Zhuo ZhenJian , Gong Jiao , Chong Yutian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundOwing to lack of predictive models for HCC metastasis based on the expression of miRNAs, we aimed to develop a simple model for identification of HCC patients at high risk of metastasis. MethodsHCC datasets with metastasis information were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and samples were randomly divided into training group (n=169) and testing group (n=72). Based on expression of miRNAs in the training group, we developed a predictive nomogram for HCC metastasis and evaluated its performance using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, decision curve and clinical impact curve analysis.ResultsWe found that the expression of miR-30c, miR-185 and miR-323 in HCC correlated with metastasis by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO) method and multivariate logistic regression. Based on these three miRNAs, we generated the nomogram for predicting metastasis in the training group (AUC 0.869 [95% CI .813-0.925], sensitivity 80.5%, specificity 78.9%); in testing group (0.821 [0.770-0.872], 48.5%, 92.3%). The calibration curve showed a good agreement between actual observation and prediction by nomogram. The nomogram represented high clinical net benefits using decision curve and clinical impact curve analysis. Moreover, total scores calculated by nomogram were higher in dead patients than that in alive patients. In addition, the predicted target genes of these 3 miRNAs correlated with tumor metastasis by functional enrichment analysis, such as filopodium. Our easy-to-use nomogram could assist in identifying HCC patients at high risk of metastasis, which offer valuable information for clinical treatment.
Aphid Species Specializing on Milkweed Have Distinct Bacterial Symbiont Communities
Authors: Enders Laramy , Hansen Thorsten , Brichler Kirsten , Couture John , French Elizabeth 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Host plant range is arguably one of the most important factors shaping microbial communities associated with insect herbivores. However, it is unclear whether host plant specialization limits microbial community diversity or to what extent herbivores sharing a common host plant evolve distinct microbiomes. To investigate whether variation in host plant specialization influences the composition of herbivore symbiont populations we compared bacterial diversity across three milkweed aphid species (Aphis nerii, Aphis asclepiadis, Myzocallis asclepiadis) feeding on a common host plant (Asclepias syriaca) using 16S rRNA metabarcoding. Overall, bacterial species richness did not vary with degree of host plant specialization. However, aphid species harbored distinct bacterial communities that varied in composition and relative abundance of key symbionts. Differences in aphid microbiomes were primarily due to strain variation in the obligate symbiont Buchnera and facultative symbiont Arsenophonus, as most of the low-abundant taxa were found in all three species. Interestingly, A. asclepiadis harbored a greater diversity of unique strains of Buchnera and significantly higher Arsenophonus relative abundances compared to the other two aphid species. Although many low abundance microbes were shared across all milkweed aphids, key differences exist in symbiotic partnerships that could influence additional ecological variation, including variation in ant tending observed across milkweed aphid species via microbial induced changes to honeydew or defensive chemical profiles. This study suggests generalist and specialist herbivore microbiomes are similar when feeding on a common host plant and highlights an intriguing potential role for strain level variation of key aphid symbionts in host-plant interactions.
Urinary Level of Dimethoate, Bisphenol a and Benzo[a]pyrene in the First-year Students of Hohai University From Different Geographical Regions
Authors: Xu Yu-Juan , Gao Hong-Liang , Liu He , Zhao Ning-Wei , Cheng Qi , Zhang Fu-Rong , Ye Juan , Wang Ai-Qing , Dou Yan-Jun , Ma Bei , Zhu Feng , Xu Xian-Lin , Li Chao-Jun , Wu Jing , Shen Ning , Xue Bin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The objective of this study was to detect the urinary level of dimethoate, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), and bisphenol A (BPA) in the first-year Hohai University students of different geographic origins.Methods: First-morning urine samples were collected from 540 healthy freshmen aged 17 to 19. Toxin levels were measured using β-glucuronidase hydrolysis followed by a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based method. Geometric means (GM) are presented by BMI (Body Mass Index) and different locations for these three toxins in a volume-based and creatinine-standardized way.Results: GM concentration of dimethoate, BPA and BaP were 9.47 µg/L (10.80 µg/g creatinine), 3.54 µg/L (4.04 µg/g creatinine) and 0.34 ng/L (0.39 ng/g creatinine), respectively. The GM concentration of dimethoate in males was significantly higher than that in females. The BMI higher than 23.9 had a higher GM concentration of dimethoate, BPA, and BaP. The inhabitant in the Southwest of China had a significantly lower GM concentration of dimethoate, BPA, and BaP than those who live in other locations of China.Conclusion: The average level of environmental toxins accumulation in freshmen is relatively high and differs in the youth who live in different regions. Besides, obesity is correlated to higher toxins levels in youth.
Gestational Period-Specific Renal Functions: Evidence From a Large, Community-Based, Prospective Cohort in Rural Sri Lanka
Authors: Agampodi Suneth Buddhika , Agampodi Thilini Chanchala , Amarasinghe Gayani Shashikala , Warnasekara Janith Niwanthaka , Hettiarachchi Ayesh Umeshana , Jayasinghe Imasha Upulini , Koralegedara Iresha Sandamali , Abeyrathna Parami , Sriman Shalka Madushan , de Silva Farika Nirmani , Gunaratne Sajaan Praveen , Wickramasinghe Nuwan Dharshana 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Renal functions in pregnancy undergo rapid changes, and the thresholds for normal values is a major research gap and are still debatable. We used a prospective cohort design with 2,259 first trimester pregnant women from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka to estimate the gestational age-specific serum creatinine levels and compared with 2.012 nonpregnant women from the same geographical area. The mean (SD) sCr of the 2,012 nonpregnant women was 62.8(12.4) μmol/L, with a 97.5th percentile of 89.0 μmol/L. The mean (SD) sCr was 55.1, 52.7, 51.0, 47.2, and 49.3, while the 97.5th percentile for sCr was 72.4, 69.2, 69.3, 63.9, and 66.0 μmol/L, respectively, in the sample of pregnant women. In the first and second trimesters, the average sCr value was 84.7% and 76.4% of that of the nonpregnant group, respectively. The mean eGFR increased up to 129.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the 24th week of gestation. The analysis of cohort data clearly confirmed a significant reduction in sCr with advancing pregnancy (p<0 .001). This study confirms the previously reported secondary-data-based thresholds, and the clinical validation of the upper limits proposed needs to be evaluated with pregnancy and new-born outcomes.
Evaluation of Thiamine as Adjunctive Therapy in COVID-19 Critically Ill Patients: A Multicenter Propensity Score Matched Study
Authors: Sulaiman Khalid Al , Aljuhani Ohoud , Dossari Maram Al , Alshahrani Asma , Alharbi Aisha , Algarni Rahmah , Jeraisy Majed Al , Harbi Shmeylan Al , Katheri Abdulmalik Al , Eidan Fahad Al , Bekairy Abdulkareem M. Al , Qahtani Nouf Al , Muqrin Mashael Al , Vishwakarma Ramesh , Ghamdi Ghassan Al 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Thiamine is a precursor of the essential coenzyme thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) required for glucose metabolism; it improves the immune system function and has been shown to reduce the risk of several diseases. The role of thiamine in COVID-19 critically ill patients is still unclear, however, its role in the critically ill septic patient has been addressed in multiple studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of thiamine as adjunctive therapy on the mortality in COVID 19 critically ill patients. Methods: This is a multicenter, non-interventional, retrospective cohort study for all critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID19. All patients aged 18 years or older who were admitted to ICUs between March 1st to December 31st, 2020 with positive PCR COVID-19 were included in the study. We investigated the association between thiamine use as an adjunctive therapy and clinical outcomes in COVID -19 after propensity score matching using baseline severity scores, systemic use of corticosteroids and study centers. Results: A total of 738 critically ill patients with COVID-19 who had been admitted in ICUs at the two governmental hospitals included in the study. Among 166 patients matched using propensity score, 83 had received thiamine as adjunctive therapy. There was significant association between thiamine use with in-hospital mortality (OR=0.49; 95% CI = 0.25- 0.97; P=0.04) as well with 30-day ICU mortality (OR=0.45; 95% CI = 0.215- 0.935; P=0.03). Moreover, patients who received thiamine as an adjunctive therapy were less likely to have thrombosis during ICU stay by 81 % (OR (95%CI): 0.19 (0.040,0.884), p-value=0.034).Conclusion: Thiamine use as an adjunctive therapy may have potential survival benefits in critically ill patients with COVID-19.
Network Pharmacology to Explore Active Components and Pharmacological Mechanism of Action of Compound Longmaining for the Treatment of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Li Jia , Wang Wenfei , Bu Diaodiao , Zou Junbo , Wang Yao , Jia Yanzhuo , Yu Shangshang , Zheng Jiahui , Zhang Xiaofei , Wang Changli 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background and objective: Myocardial Infarction (MI) is a cardiovascular disease with a high morbidity and mortality rate. While MI is currently treated with pharmaceuticals, there is a need for new treatment options: compound Chinese medicines may have unique advantages for the treatment of MI. In this study, we used network pharmacology to explore the molecular mechanisms of action of Compound Longmaining (CLMN) decoction as a potential treatment approach.Methods: Chip data related to Myocardial Infarction were downloaded from the GEO database and genes from GSE48060 and GSE66360 chips were obtained by R language. The targets of active components of CLMN and myocardial infarction disease were predicted by network pharmacology. After intersection analysis, the core targets were obtained and functional enrichment analysis was carried out. CLMN biological activity was verified by molecular docking prior to establishing a mouse MI model to verify efficacy using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry.Results: KEGG pathway analysis showed that TNF, IL1B, PTGS2, VCAM1, and NFKBIA which mainly act on NF-kappa B pathway contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of CLMN. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that TNF-α and TRAF-2 expression levels in MI of CLMN-treated mice were decreased, while IkBα was increased (P < 0.05). HE staining showed CLMN reduced inflammation in mouse cardiomyocytes and decreased fibrosis.Conclusion: CLMN regulates the NF-kappa B signaling pathway and the expression of TNF, IL1B, PTGS2, VCAM1 and NFKBIA. Chemical analysis showed that CLMN active components such as Daidzein-4,7-diglucoside, rutin and puerarin may be responsible for the therapeutic effect of the decoction.
A DFT Study of the Impact of Doping on the Electronic and Optical Properties of Indium Nitride Nanocage
Authors: Das Amarjyoti , Yadav Rajesh Kumar 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to investigate the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the significant fullerene-like cage of In12N12 nanoclusters with Zn (group II) and Si (group IV) dopants. In terms of formation energies and binding energies, the structural stability of the nanocages were studied. It has been seen that stability of the structure is slightly increases with the inclusion of doping. The study found that both the dopants significantly reduce the energy gap of the In12N12 nanocluster. The electronic properties of the In12N12 nanocluster seems to be sensitive to dopants, and it could be altered by a specific impurity. Moreover, electronic properties such as density of states (DOS) analysis, dipole moment, HOMO energies, LUMO energies, energy gaps, chemical potential, electron affinity, ionization potential, hardness, and electrophilicity index are also discussed. The optical absorption spectra of pure and doped nanocages were computed using TDDFT formalism. The maximum wavelength of the pure In12N12 nanocage is moved towards higher wavelength region within the infrared region after doping with Zn and Si, indicating a redshift.