bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Value of Computer Software for Assisting Sonographers in the Diagnosis of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System Grade 3 and 4 Thyroid Space‐Occupying Lesions
Authors: Lu Yuanyuan , Shi Xian Quan , Zhao Xiaohui , Song Danfei , Li Junlai 
Published: June 2019

ObjectivesTo analyze the ability of thyroid ultrasound computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) detection software (AmCAD‐UT; AmCAD BioMed Corporation, Taipei, Taiwan) to assist sonographers in diagnosing Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System grade 3 and 4 space‐occupying lesions and to provide evidence for ultrasound doctors (UDs) to use the diagnostic recommendations of the AmCAD system to inform clinical decisions.MethodsIn group 1, a retrospective study was performed on 234 cases of thyroid lesions confirmed by surgical pathology. The sensitivities, specificities, and accuracies of the diagnoses determined by the same UD independent of the software (UD) and after consulting the CAD software (UD + CAD) and by the software alone (CAD) were compared. In group 2, a prospective study was performed on 220 individuals with thyroid space‐occupying lesions recommended by physicians from our hospital to undergo needle biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Ultrasound images were imported into AmCAD, and recommendations for needle biopsy or periodic follow‐up were obtained. According to the pathologic results of needle biopsy, consistency and coincidence rates of diagnostic recommendations for AmCAD were obtained.ResultsIn group 1, CAD and UD + CAD diagnoses achieved significantly higher sensitivities and accuracies of diagnosis than did independent diagnosis by the UD (P < .05). In group 2, the software showed an overall intraclass correlation (κ = 0.786) and a diagnosis coincidence rate of 93.6% with needle biopsy results.ConclusionsAmCAD‐UT Detection improved the ability of UDs to diagnose Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System grade 3 and 4 space‐occupying lesions. Diagnostic recommendations of AmCAD are relatively consistent with needle biopsy results and can reduce the rate of unnecessary diagnostic needle biopsies.
Cellulose Nanocrystals as a Sustainable Raw Material: Cytotoxicity and Applications on Healthcare Technology
Authors: Pelegrini Bruna Luíza , Ré Fabrícia , de Oliveira Mariana Maciel , Fernandes Thiago , de Oliveira Jean Halison , Oliveira Junior Admilton Gonçalves , Girotto Emerson Marcelo , Nakamura C. V. , Sampaio Anderson Reginaldo , Valim Adriano , de Souza Lima Marli Miriam 
Published: June 2019

AbstractCellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are an environmentally friendly natural material, consisting of rod‐like crystalline nanoparticles, called whiskers, or nanocrystalline cellulose. The derivation of different natural sources, aligned to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatility, make them a class of fascinating materials with widespread industrial use. In addition, the cellulose species possess intriguing physicochemical and mechanical properties. This paper provides an overview of recent progress in the area of cellulosic nanocomposites, along with details of their structure and liquid crystalline behavior as nematic and cholesteric lyotropic materials. Guidance is subsequently provided for the physicochemical analysis of these materials, including X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, optical evaluation, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Additionally, the functional chemical and physical properties of CNCs are correlated to the resulting nanotoxicity in in vitro and in vivo assays. This review points to relevant concerns, such as sources for the synthesis of CNCs, the nanomaterial size, and the surface chemistry, that must be overcome in order to attain safe use of CNC‐based nanomaterials. The challenging perspectives on the ongoing research are presented in order to explore the technological and industrial perspectives on the use of CNC for the generation of cost‐effective advanced nanomaterials based on cellulosic fibers.
DNA methylome and transcriptome alterations and cancer prevention by triterpenoid ursolic acid in UVB‐induced skin tumor in mice
Authors: Yang Yuqing , Yin Ran , Wu Renyi , Ramirez Christina N. , Sargsyan Davit , Li Shanyi , Wang Lujing , Cheng David , Wang Chao , Hudlikar Rasika , Kuo Hsiao‐Chen , Lu Yaoping , Kong Ah‐Ng 
Published: June 2019

AbstractNonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most common type of skin cancers. Major risk factors for NMSCs include exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural triterpenoid enriched in blueberries and herbal medicinal products, and possess anticancer activities. This study focuses on the impact of UA on epigenomic, genomic mechanisms and prevention of UVB‐mediated NMSC. CpG methylome and RNA transcriptome alterations of early, promotion and late stages of UA treated on UVB‐induced NMSC in SKH‐1 hairless mice were conducted using CpG methyl‐seq and RNA‐seq. Samples were collected at weeks 2, 15, and 25, and integrated bioinformatic analyses were performed to identify key pathways and genes modified by UA against UVB‐induced NMSC. Morphologically, UA significantly reduced NMSC tumor volume and tumor number. DNA methylome showed inflammatory pathways IL‐8, NF‐κB, and Nrf2 pathways were highly involved. Antioxidative stress master regulator Nrf2, cyclin D1, DNA damage, and anti‐inflammatory pathways were induced by UA. Nrf2, cyclin D1, TNFrsf1b, and Mybl1 at early (2 weeks) and late (25 weeks) stages were identified and validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In summary, integration of CpG methylome and RNA transcriptome studies show UA alters antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer pathways in UVB‐induced NMSC carcinogenesis. Particularly, UA appears to drive Nrf2 and its upstream/downstream genes, anti‐inflammatory (at early stages) and cell cycle regulatory (both early and late stages) genes, of which might contribute to the overall chemopreventive effects of UVB‐induced MNSC. This study may provide potential biomarkers/targets for chemoprevention of early stage of UVB‐induced NMSC in human.
A functional variant in the boundary of a topological association domain is associated with pancreatic cancer risk
Authors: Mei Shufang , Ke Juntao , Tian Jianbo , Ying Pingting , Yang Nan , Wang Xiaoyang , Zou Danyi , Peng Xiating , Yang Yang , Zhu Ying , Gong Yajie , Zhong Rong , Chang Jiang , Miao Xiaoping 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAs the proper binding of CCCTC‐binding factor (CTCF) in the boundaries of topological association domains (TADs) was important for chromatin structures and gene regulation, we hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affecting CTCF binding in TAD boundaries might contribute to pancreatic cancer (PC) susceptibility. We first genome widely screened out potential SNPs via bioinformatics analysis on Hi‐C data, ChIP‐seq data, and CTCF binding motif, then tested their associations with PC risk in a previous genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) data set (981 cases and 1,991 controls), followed by another independent replication set (1,208 cases and 1,465 controls). Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTL) analyses and cell proliferation experiments were performed to uncover the biological mechanisms. The positive SNP rs2001389 was found significantly associated with PC risk with odds ratio (OR) being 1.166 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.075‐1.264, P = 2.143E−04) in the combined study. The allele G of rs2001389 weakened the binding activity with CTCF, and it was related to the lower expression of a putative antioncogene MFSD13A whose knockdown promoted proliferation of PC cells. By integrating analysis on multiomics data, association studies and functional assays, we proposed that the common variant rs2001389 and the gene MFSD13A might be genetic modifiers of PC tumorigenesis.
Statistical post‐processing of ensemble forecasts of temperature in Santiago de Chile
Authors: Díaz Mailiu , Nicolis Orietta , Marín Julio César , Baran Sándor 
Published: June 2019

AbstractModelling forecast uncertainty is a difficult task in any forecasting problem. In weather forecasting a possible solution is the use of forecast ensembles, which are obtained from multiple runs of numerical weather prediction models with various initial conditions and model parametrizations to provide information about the expected uncertainty. Currently all major meteorological centres issue forecasts using their operational ensemble prediction systems. However, it is a general problem that the spread of the ensemble is too small compared to observations at specific sites resulting in under‐dispersive forecasts, leading to a lack of calibration. In order to correct this problem, various statistical calibration techniques have been developed in the last two decades. In the present work different post‐processing techniques were tested for calibrating nine member ensemble forecasts of temperature for Santiago de Chile, obtained by the Weather Research and Forecasting model using different planetary boundary layer and land surface model parametrizations. In particular, the ensemble model output statistics and Bayesian model averaging techniques were implemented and, since the observations are characterized by large altitude differences, the estimation of model parameters was adapted to the actual conditions at hand. Compared to the raw ensemble, all tested post‐processing approaches significantly improve the calibration of probabilistic forecasts and the accuracy of point forecasts. The ensemble model output statistics method using parameter estimation based on expert clustering of stations (according to their altitudes) shows the best forecast skill.
GPU‐accelerated bi‐objective treatment planning for prostate high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy
Authors: Bouter Anton , Alderliesten Tanja , Pieters Bradley R. , Bel Arjan , Niatsetski Yury , Bosman Peter A. N. 
Published: June 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to improve upon a recently introduced bi‐objective treatment planning method for prostate high‐dose‐rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT), both in terms of resulting plan quality and runtime requirements, to the extent that its execution time is clinically acceptable.MethodsBi‐objective treatment planning is done using a state‐of‐the‐art multiobjective evolutionary algorithm, which produces a large number of potential treatment plans with different trade‐offs between coverage of the target volumes and sparing organs at risk. A graphics processing unit (GPU) is used for large‐scale parallelization of dose calculations and the calculation of the dose‐volume (DV) indices of potential treatment plans. Moreover, the objectives of the previously used bi‐objective optimization model are modified to produce better results.ResultsWe applied the GPU‐accelerated bi‐objective treatment planning method to a set of 18 patients, resulting in a set containing a few hundred potential treatment plans with different trade‐offs for each of these patients. Due to accelerations introduced in this article, results previously achieved after 1 hour are now achieved within 30 seconds of optimization. We found plans satisfying the clinical protocol for 15 of 18 patients, whereas this was the case for only 4 of 18 clinical plans. Higher quality treatment plans are obtained when the accuracy of DV index calculation is increased using more dose calculation points, requiring still no more than 3 minutes of optimization for 100 000 points.ConclusionsLarge sets of high‐quality treatment plans that trade‐off coverage and sparing are now achievable within 30 seconds, due to the GPU‐acceleration of a previously introduced bi‐objective treatment planning method for prostate HDR brachytherapy. Higher quality plans can be achieved when optimizing for 3 minutes, which we still consider to be clinically acceptable. This allows for more insightful treatment plan selection in a clinical setting.
Approximated analytical characterization of the steady‐state chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) signals
Authors: Jin Tao , Kim Seong‐Gi 
Published: June 2019

PurposeCEST MRI can indirectly detect low‐concentrated molecules via their proton exchange with the bulk water and is widely measured by a sensitivity index, the asymmetry of magnetization transfer ratio (MTRasym). Because CEST applications are often limited by their low sensitivity or specificity, it is important to characterize MTRasym analytically to optimize its sensitivity or specifity.MethodsApproximated analytical solutions of the MTRasym spectrum were derived based on a 2‐pool chemical exchange model for slow‐to‐intermediate exchanges. The optimal saturation pulse power for maximizing the MTRasym or tuning MTRasym to a specific exchange rate and the peak position and linewidth of a MTRasym spectrum were also derived. These approximated analytical solutions were compared with the solutions from the Bloch‐McConnell equations using computer simulations.ResultsThe approximated analytical solutions of the MTRasym spectra, the optimizing parameters, and the peak and linewidth of MTRasym matched well with the solutions of Bloch‐McConnell equations in the slow or slow‐to‐intermediate exchange regimes.ConclusionThese approximate analytical solutions can provide insights to the understanding of CEST signal property and help the optimization of saturation parameters and the interpretation of CEST data.
Proposed Standard Weight (W
s) Equation and Standard Length Categories for Shoal Bass
Authors: Bonvechio Timothy F. , Bonvechio Kimberly I. , Sammons Steven M. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Standard weight (Ws) equations have been proposed for a variety of fishes, including many of the black basses Micropterus spp. We developed Ws equations for Shoal Bass M. cataractae by using the traditional regression-line-percentile (RLP) technique and the relatively new empirical-percentile (EmP) method. Length and weight data for 9,058 Shoal Bass from 15 populations were used in this analysis. These fish were collected from 1978 to 2017 by various agency and university personnel from most of the known populations across the species’ range in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. The resulting Ws equations were log10W = 3.243·log10L − 5.490 for the RLP technique and log10W = 1.225·log10L + 0.415·(log10L)2 – 3.052 for the quadratic EmP technique, where W is weight (g) and L is TL (mm). Unlike the quadratic EmP equation, the RLP equation exhibited a slight length-related bias on each end of the length spectrum, so we recommend the EmP technique as the preferred equation for this species. To assess fish population size structure, we also propose minimum lengths for five standard TL categories of 18, 28, 35, 43, and 51 cm for stock, quality, preferred, memorable, and trophy sizes, respectively. Development of a Ws equation and standard TL categories will aid biologists in evaluating and monitoring Shoal Bass populations as part of continuing conservation efforts.
Synergistic improvement of fire retardancy and mechanical properties of ferrocene‐based polymer in intumescent polypropylene composite
Authors: Li Wen‐Xiong , Liao Dui‐Jun , Hu Xiao‐Ping , Cheng Zhou , Xie Chang‐Qiong 
Published: June 2019

The ferrocene‐based polymer (PDPFDE) accompanied with traditional intumescent flame retardant (IFR) system (ammonium polyphosphate (APP)/pentaerythritol (PER) = 3/1, mass ratio) has been used as additive flame retardant in polypropylene (PP), aiming to lower the total loading amount. The thermal stability and fire retardant properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical combustion (UL‐94), and cone calorimetry (CONE). The fire retardant mechanism was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the PP1 with 25 wt% IFR only passed the UL‐94 V‐1 rating, but the PP6 loaded by 0.5 wt% PDPFDE and 22.5 wt% IFR possessed an LOI value of 28.5% and passed the UL‐94 V‐0 rating; the peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) are decreased by 63% and 43%, respectively, compared with pure PP. In addition, the char residue of PP6 manifested a very compact and smooth surface, indicating a more effective barrier layer. Meanwhile, it was interesting that the addition of PDPFDE evidently improved the impact strength and elongation at break of PP/IFR composites.
Clonal and drug resistance dynamics of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pediatric populations in China
Authors: Yang Xin , Liu Yingchao , Wang Lijuan , Qian Suyun , Yao Kaihu , Dong Fang , Song Wenqi , Xu Hong , Zhen Jinghui , Zhou Wei 
Published: June 2019

AbstractImportanceRegional clonal replacements of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are common. It is necessary to understand the clonal and drug resistance changes in specific areas.ObjectiveTo evaluate the clonal and drug resistance dynamics of MRSA in Chinese children from 2010 to 2017.MethodsMRSA was isolated from patients in Beijing Children's Hospital from 2010 to 2013 and from 2016 to 2017. The molecular characteristics and antibiotic resistance were determined.ResultsIn total, 211 MRSA isolates were collected, and 104 isolates were classified as community‐associated MRSA (CA‐MRSA). ST59‐SCCmec IV was the most prevalent type in both CA‐MRSA (65.4%) and healthcare‐ associated‐MRSA (HA‐MRSA) (46.7%). ST239‐SCCmec III accounted for 21.5% of all HA‐MRSA, which were not detected in 2016, and only three isolates were detected in 2017. The pvl gene carrying rate of CA‐ MRSA was significantly higher than that of HA‐MRSA (42.3% vs. 29.0%, P = 0.0456). Among CA‐MRSA, resistance rate to all tested antibiotics excluding chloramphenicol remained stable over the periods of 2010–2013 and 2016–2017. HA‐MRSA displayed an overall trend of decreased resistance to oxacillin, gentamicin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and rifampin, and increased resistance to chloramphenicol, consistent with the difference of antibiotic resistance patterns between ST59‐SCCmec IV and ST239‐SCCmec III isolates. Vancomycin minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) creep was found in the study period in all MRSA and ST59‐SCCmec IV isolates.InterpretationST59‐SCCmec IV has spread to hospitals and replaced the traditional ST239‐SCCmec III clone, accompanied by changes in drug resistance. Furthermore, vancomycin MIC creep indicated that the rational use of antibiotics should be seriously considered.
Status epilepticus due to fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase deficiency caused by FBP1 gene mutation
Authors: Mei Shiyue , Ma Chao , Cheng Yibing , Qian Suyun , Jin Zhipeng 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIntroductionFructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase (FBPase) deficiency is a rare inherited disorder in gluconeogenesis, characterized by hypoglycemia, ketonuria, metabolic acidosis and convulsions.Case presentationWe describe two brothers with FBPase deficiency. The proband developed s evere hypoglycemia and progressed to status epilepticus, and the brother showed slightly hypoglycemia with a good prognosis. Whole exome sequencing (WES) identified compound heterozygous variants [c.333+1_333+2delinsTC and c.490G>A (p.Gly164Ser)] in fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase 1 gene in the two brothers, which were inherited from the father and the mother, respectively.ConclusionGenetic analysis provided a solid basis for a definite diagnosis and the determination of precision therapies for the patient.
Effects of graded porous structure on local strain distribution under compression in silicone rubber
Authors: Yoshimura Keijiro , Nakano Kazunori , Nishiwaki Takeshi , Iwama Yuki , Murata Masanobu 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTSilicone rubber samples with gradually changing pore sizes within the range of 70–610 μm are produced using an improved spacer method. The samples are scanned using an X‐ray computed tomography to evaluate their graded structure as compared to uniform rubber. A compressive test reveals that graded porous silicone rubber has characteristic stress–strain curves whose slope changes within a specific strain range depending on the porous structure. Analysis results of local strain based on a digital image correlation of the graded porous silicone rubber under compression demonstrate that the characteristic stress–strain properties are caused by shifts in the main deformation region in the graded structure. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1033–1042
Effectivenesss of ivacaftor in severe cystic fibrosis patients and non‐G551D gating mutations
Authors: Salvatore Donatello , Carnovale Vincenzo , Iacotucci Paola , Braggion Cesare , Castellani Carlo , Cimino Giuseppe , Colangelo Carmela , Francalanci Michela , Leonetti Giuseppina , Lucidi Vincenzina , Manca Antonio , Vitullo Pamela , Ferrara Nicola 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundIvacaftor is a significant innovation in the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) with gating mutations. A substantial percentage of patients with CF have severe lung involvement, but these patients are usually excluded from phase III clinical trials. Thus, the effectiveness of ivacaftor in this population has not been fully determined.MethodsData were collected from Italian CF centers with patients enrolled in an ivacaftor compassionate use programme (percent predicted [pp] forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] < 40%, or on lung transplant waiting list, or with a fast worsening trend of lung function). Data were collected for 1 year before and 1 year after ivacaftor commencement.ResultsThirteen patients received ivacaftor for a median of 320 days. Mean (SD) ppFEV1 increased from 35.1% (14.3%) before treatment to 46.6% (18.8%) after 12 months of treatment (absolute increase 11.5%, relative increase 32.8%). Mean distance of the 6‐minute walking test improved significantly, from 535.1 m before to 611.6 m after 12 months of treatment (P = .002). The number of pulmonary exacerbations decreased significantly, from 57 during the year before ivacaftor to 28 in the year following ivacaftor (P = .0048). Five of the 13 patients (38.5%) had no exacerbations during the 12 months after starting ivacaftor. Median weight increased significantly, from 52.7 kg to 55.6 kg (P = .0031). Mean (SD) sweat chloride concentration decreased significantly, from 99.5 (22.8) mmol/L to 39.3 (15.8) mmol/L (P < .0001). No safety concerns were registered.ConclusionsIvacaftor was safe and effective in patients with CF with severe lung disease and non‐G551D gating mutations.