bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wilms tumor in Africa: A systematic review of management challenges and outcome in two decades (2000‐2019)
Authors: Ekenze Sebastian O. , Okafor Okechukwu C. , Obasi Akputa A. , Okafor David C. , Nnabugwu Ikenna I. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe performed a systematic review to highlight trends in management and outcome of Wilms tumor (WT) in Africa in the past two decades (2000‐2019). Twenty‐seven studies involving 2250 patients were analyzed. Overall, barring regional variations, 57.7% of the cases presented with advanced disease, 57.3% completed planned treatment, and survival was 56.5%. The publications in the two decades did not show significant differences in proportions of cases with advanced disease, completion of treatment rate, and cases lost to follow up. However, significantly more cases received preoperative chemotherapy, and survival improved in the last decade (2010‐2019) compared to the earlier decade (2000‐2009). Survival of WT in Africa might have improved in the last decade, but challenges of delayed presentation and abandonment of treatment have persisted. Measures that will encourage early access to expert care as well as improve on treatment compliance may further improve survival of WT in Africa.
Much is left unspoken: Self‐reports from families in pediatric oncology
Authors: Lövgren Malin , Udo Camilla , Alvariza Anette , Kreicbergs Ulrika 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundCommunication about illness‐related subjects is complex and difficult. To support entire families in pediatric oncology, health care professionals need to know what family members think, but leave unspoken. The aim of this study was to explore how families in pediatric oncology experienced illness‐related information and communication with professionals and within the family.ProcedureA cross‐sectional web survey was used. Families were recruited from one pediatric oncology center in Sweden, 2‐3 months after diagnosis. One hundred eighteen family members (ill children, siblings, and parents) representing 27 families filled out age‐adapted surveys.ResultsEighty‐six percent of the parents and 71% of the siblings reported that they had not received enough or any information about how the cancer and its treatment could affect the child's psychological health. The families reported that they did not dare ask professionals questions about psychosocial issues and future‐related subjects. Nor did they talk with one another, even though 55% of the parents and 24% of the children wanted to reveal more about how they felt to someone in the family. The parents reported the lowest family communication, and few families had all members reporting the same perception of family communication.ConclusionsMuch is still left unspoken in pediatric oncology and the needs of the families are prominent. Assessments of each family member's needs might form a basis for professionals to give each person adequate information and family support. An increased awareness in families about family members’ different needs might lead to mutual understanding.
Numerical and experimental investigation of the erosion of zirconia particulate‐reinforced epoxy matrix composites by angular silicon carbide particles
Authors: Arani Navid H. , Eghbal Majid , Nekahi Mohammad Mahdi , Papini Marcello 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAn smooth particle hydrodynamics/finite element (SPH/FEM) model was developed to simulate the erosion of zirconia particle‐reinforced epoxy composites, due to the overlapping impacts of angular particles at both perpendicular and oblique incidences. For each composite target, multiple sub‐volumes, each having their own random reinforcement distribution, were modeled. The reinforcements were assumed as noneroding and nondeforming and were distributed in the modeled sub‐volumes according to the random distributions measured in the actual samples. Erosion tests were performed to verify the numerical model, and it was found that the erosion rates of the zirconia‐reinforced composites were in all cases significantly lower than the neat epoxy. The experimentally‐observed erosion mechanisms were successfully simulated by the model, and the predicted erosion rates matched the measured ones to within 2% to 11%. It is anticipated that similar models can be used to predict erosion of other particulate composite systems whose reinforcement erosion and fracture is negligible compared to the matrix erosion.
Viscoelastic and mechanical characterization of graphene decorated with graphene quantum dots reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: George Manuel , Mohanty Akash 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe article explores viscoelastic and mechanical property analysis of graphene decorated with graphene quantum dots (GDGQD) reinforced epoxy composite. Tensile, nanoindentation, and nano‐dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests were conducted on the composite with 0 to 1 wt% filler variation (an interval of 0.25 wt% maintained). The hardness and elastic modulus for two different loading conditions under a frequency range of 10 to 250 Hz were performed. The viscoelastic properties described through loss tangent and storage modulus graphically and the various factors such as modulus and depth of penetration were influenced by force frequency and mobility of the molecular chain. The results revealed the role of GDGQDs as filler material for enhancing the nanomechanical and tensile properties of the epoxy matrix. The differences in the properties can be ascribed to the filler interfacial bonding with the polymer matrix at the molecular level. The macro‐level properties like tensile properties following the same trend as that of the micro‐level properties like nano‐indentation and nano‐DMA results. Further, with the GDGQD aspect ratio, and assuming three‐dimensionally filled randomly orientation of filler, the Halpin‐Tsai model was satisfied with the experimental tensile modulus values.
Pediatric psycho‐oncology in Russia: Caregiver mental health and sleep outcomes on the oncology wards
Authors: Burns Mary A. , Aralova Marina , Ellis Sarah J. , Aslanyan Karapet S. , Egorkina Taisia , Wakefield Claire E. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesCaregivers are at risk of poor sleep and elevated distress during their child's cancer treatment. Russia is currently underrepresented in the international psycho‐oncology field, with no identified psychosocial standards of care, and limited or inconsistent psychological service provision, particularly for caregivers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Russian caregivers' psychological distress and identify factors associated with caregiver sleep duration when staying on the pediatric oncology ward.MethodsWe recruited 74 caregivers of children with cancer and 74 comparison caregivers in Rostov‐on‐Don, Russia. Participants completed a survey assessing clinical outcomes, sleep (St Mary's Hospital Sleep Questionnaire), and psychological distress (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales‐21 [DASS‐21]).ResultsCaregivers of children with cancer reported significantly higher scores for all DASS‐21 subscales and higher depression (48.6% vs. 24.6%), anxiety (47.3% vs. 12.3%), and stress (45.9% vs. 0%) scores from “moderate” to “extremely severe.” Caregivers of children with cancer reported significantly shorter sleep duration (5.82 vs. 7.49 h, t[143] = −6.22, p = 0.002), more night‐time awakenings (3.20 vs. 1.25, t[135] = 6.94, p < 0.001) and worse sleep quality (46.5% vs. 9.6%; x2[1] = 24.4, p < 0.001) than comparison caregivers. Caregivers with a higher total DASS‐21 score (B = −1.32, p = 0.032) and those who were closer to diagnosis (B = −1.53, p = 0.012) reported shorter sleep duration.ConclusionsRussian caregivers of children with cancer experience high rates of psychological distress and poor sleep on the oncology ward. These findings provide an important target for future research and culturally relevant clinical interventions to improve caregivers' mental health and capacity for care.
Crystal Structure, Thermal Behavior and Detonation Characterization of Bis(3‐nitro‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐yl)methane
Authors: Yan Biao , Li Hongya , Ma Haixia , Ma Yajun , Ma Xiangrong , Zhao Fengqi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBis(3‐nitro‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐yl)methane (BNTZM) was synthesized and the crystal structure was determined by X‐ray diffraction. It belongs to orthorhombic system with space group Fdd2. Its thermal behavior and non‐isothermal decomposition kinetics were studied with DSC and TG/DTG methods. The self‐accelerating decomposition temperature (TSADT), thermal ignition temperature (TTIT), and critical temperature of thermal explosion (Tb) are 540 K, 552 K, and 558 K, respectively. Its detonation velocity (D) and detonation pressure (P) were estimated using the nitrogen equivalent equation according to the experimental density. The above results of BNTZM were compared with those of Bis(5‐amino‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)methane (BATZM) and 5,5'‐dinitroimino‐3,3’‐methylene‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole (DNBTM), and the effect of amino, nitro and nitroimino group on them were discussed.
Structural characterization and computational analysis of PDZ domains in Monosiga brevicollis
Authors: Gao Melody , Mackley Iain G. P. , Mesbahi‐Vasey Samaneh , Bamonte Haley A. , Struyvenberg Sarah A. , Landolt Louisa , Pederson Nick J. , Williams Lucy I. , Bahl Christopher D. , Brooks Lionel , Amacher Jeanine F. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIdentification of the molecular networks that facilitated the evolution of multicellular animals from their unicellular ancestors is a fundamental problem in evolutionary cellular biology. Choanoflagellates are recognized as the closest extant nonmetazoan ancestors to animals. These unicellular eukaryotes can adopt a multicellular‐like “rosette” state. Therefore, they are compelling models for the study of early multicellularity. Comparative studies revealed that a number of putative human orthologs are present in choanoflagellate genomes, suggesting that a subset of these genes were necessary for the emergence of multicellularity. However, previous work is largely based on sequence alignments alone, which does not confirm structural nor functional similarity. Here, we focus on the PDZ domain, a peptide‐binding domain which plays critical roles in myriad cellular signaling networks and which underwent a gene family expansion in metazoan lineages. Using a customized sequence similarity search algorithm, we identified 178 PDZ domains in the Monosiga brevicollis proteome. This includes 11 previously unidentified sequences, which we analyzed using Rosetta and homology modeling. To assess conservation of protein structure, we solved high‐resolution crystal structures of representative M. brevicollis PDZ domains that are homologous to human Dlg1 PDZ2, Dlg1 PDZ3, GIPC, and SHANK1 PDZ domains. To assess functional conservation, we calculated binding affinities for mbGIPC, mbSHANK1, mbSNX27, and mbDLG‐3 PDZ domains from M. brevicollis. Overall, we find that peptide selectivity is generally conserved between these two disparate organisms, with one possible exception, mbDLG‐3. Overall, our results provide novel insight into signaling pathways in a choanoflagellate model of primitive multicellularity.
Room‐Temperature Skyrmion Thermopower in Fe3Sn2
Authors: Du Qianheng , Han Myung‐Geun , Liu Yu , Ren Weijun , Zhu Yimei , Petrovic Cedomir 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe present the room‐temperature thermoelectric signature of skyrmion bubbles. This is observed in Fe3Sn2, a Kagome Dirac crystal with massive Dirac fermions that features a high‐temperature skyrmion phase. The room‐temperature skyrmion bubbles show magnetic‐field dependence of the wavevector whereas the thermopower is dominated by the electronic diffusion mechanism, allowing for the skyrmionic bubble detection. The results pave the way for future skyrmion‐based devices based on the manipulation of the thermal gradient.
Novel virtual reality based training system for fine motor skills: Towards developing a robotic surgery training system
Authors: Vasudevan Madhan Kumar , Isaac Joseph H. R. , Sadanand Venkatraman , Muniyandi Manivannan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundTraining surgeons to use surgical robots are becoming part of surgical training curricula. We propose a novel method of training fine‐motor skills such as Microscopic Selection Task (MST) for robot‐assisted surgery using virtual reality (VR) with objective quantification of performance. We also introduce vibrotactile feedback (VTFB) to study its impact on training performance.MethodsWe use a VR‐based environment to perform MST with varying degrees of difficulties. Using a well‐known human–computer interaction paradigm and incorporating VTFB, we quantify the performance: speed, precision and accuracy.ResultsMST with VTFB showed statistically significant improvement in performance metrics leading to faster completion of MST with higher precision and accuracy compared to that without VTFB.DiscussionThe addition of VTFB to VR‐based training for robot‐assisted surgeries may improve performance outcomes in real robotic surgery. VTFB, along with proposed performance metrics, can be used in training curricula for robot‐assisted surgeries.
Does bacillus Calmette‐Guérin vaccine prevent herpes simplex virus recurrences? A systematic review
Authors: Pittet Laure F. , Curtis Nigel 
Published: September 2020

SummaryRecurrent infections with herpes simplex virus (HSV) in the orofacial (cold sores), ocular or genital region are common and sometimes disabling, calling for an effective preventive intervention. The bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) vaccine has beneficial off‐target effects that might impact recurrence of HSV infections. In this systematic review, Medline, EMBASE, and PubMed were searched in June 2020; 16 articles were deemed relevant comprising eight animal and eight human studies (301 patients). In animals, BCG administration led to a 1.9 to 5.5‐fold increase in survival rate following HSV challenge (vaginal, corneal, or intraperitoneal inoculation). This beneficial effect was influenced by the dose of BCG (higher better), mode of administration (intradermal better than intraperitoneal), and the interval between vaccination and viral challenge (at least 6 days required). In nonrandomized human studies (that failed to control for a placebo effect), BCG vaccination appeared beneficial in 78% of adults with recurrent herpes genitalis or labialis, with 37% being recurrence‐free for an extended period, 41% experiencing less frequent or severe episodes, and only 22% reporting no change. This clinical benefit is consistent with the findings of immunological sub‐studies. In the two studies restricted to recurrent herpes labialis, 94% appeared to benefit from BCG. The one randomized controlled trial used an intervention in the control group that has immunomodulatory effects thus limiting interpretation. In conclusion, BCG vaccine is a potential, safe, affordable and readily available candidate intervention to decrease the high burden of disease associated with HSV infection and recurrences, but properly controlled randomized trials are required.
The complexity of respiratory disease associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection: From immunopathogenesis to respiratory therapy
Authors: Magno Falcão Luiz Fábio , da Silva Pontes Lucieny , Afonso da Silva Bruno Giovanni , Vieira da Silva Franco Karen Margarete , Araujo da Costa Luiz Adriano , Barbosa Rocha Rodrigo Santiago , Simões Quaresma Juarez Antônio 
Published: September 2020

SummaryCovid‐19, a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection, may present with polymorphic symptomatology and subclinical, neurological, gastrointestinal, dermatological, renal and severe acute respiratory manifestations. The diffuse alveolar damage caused by the disease presents with fibrin deposition, oedema, lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate, destruction of epithelial cells, hyaline membrane formation and occasional angiogenesis formation of microthrombi. A common radiological finding is bilateral ground glass opacity, present even in mild cases. Severe cases occur mainly among the elderly and individuals with underlying comorbidities. Here, we provide an overview of the pathophysiology of the disease associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, interaction of the virus with the immune system, and subsequent dysfunctional immune response, essential for progression of Covid‐19. We also discuss the role of the nervous system as a possible aggravating agent of the respiratory condition and propose a protocol for airway management based on the pathophysiological and immunological characteristics of the disease. Finally, we highlight the implications of such approaches for future therapeutic intervention.
Analysis and design of event‐triggered control algorithms using hybrid systems tools
Authors: Chai Jun , Casau Pedro , Sanfelice Ricardo G. 
Published: September 2020

SummaryThis article proposes a general framework for analyzing continuous‐time systems controlled by event‐triggered algorithms. Closed‐loop systems resulting from using both static and dynamic output (or state) feedback laws that are implemented via asynchronous event‐triggered techniques are modeled as hybrid systems given in terms of hybrid inclusions. Using recently developed tools for robust stability, properties of the proposed models, including stability of compact sets, robustness, and Zeno behavior of solutions are addressed. The framework and results are illustrated by several event‐triggered strategies available in the literature, and observations about their key dynamical properties are made.
Leader‐following consensus of uncertain strict feedback multiagent systems subject to sensor and actuator attacks
Authors: Gao Rui , Huang Jiangshuai 
Published: September 2020

SummaryThis article addresses the leader‐follower consensus control of multiple uncertain strict‐feedback nonlinear systems subject to sensor and actuator attacks. The assumption on the simultaneity and uniformity of adversarial attacks in previous literature are no longer needed and a fully distributed adaptive control scheme is proposed, which does not depend on the original state information but on the disrupted state measurement. It is shown that the consensus errors of high‐order uncertain nonlinear multiagent systems are uniformly ultimate bounded in presence of cyberattacks. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is verified by numerical examples.
Design and evaluation of a modular robotic plum harvesting system utilizing soft components
Authors: Brown Jasper , Sukkarieh Salah 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe human labor required for tree crop harvesting is a major cost component in fruit production and is increasing. To address this, many existing research works have sought to demonstrate commercially viable robotic harvesting for tree crops, though successful commercial products resulting from these have been few and far between. Systems developed for specific crops such as sweet peppers or apples have shown promise, but the vast majority of cultivar types remain unaddressed, and developing a specific system for each one is inefficient. In this study, an easily modifiable development platform for robotic fruit harvesting is presented, this can be used to test specific design choices on different fruit and growing conditions. The system is evaluated in a commercial plum orchard, with no crop modifications. Both a hard and soft gripper are trialed, along with three object detector approaches and two picking motions. Some existing techniques are found to be counterproductive for plums, while soft robotics and persistent target tracking significantly improve performance. The best harvest success rate of 42%, was observed when using the soft gripper with complex motion. This is lower than expected based on prior testing with apples and indicates the difficulty in moving to new fruit types. Unique challenges specific to the plum type and growing style are examined in the context of system module design choices.
Experimental analysis of punching shear in flat slabs with variation in the anchorage of shear reinforcement
Authors: Lima Henrique , Palhares Rodolfo , Sales de Melo Guilherme , Oliveira Marcos 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study experimentally assessed the behavior of interior slab–column connection in a system of reinforced concrete slabs subjected to symmetrical loading, with anchorage variation of shear reinforcement. Eight slab models (with equal flexural reinforcement and same dimensions) were assessed, being seven with shear reinforcement (different anchorages of shear reinforcement in the flexural reinforcement) and one slab for reference only reinforced for flexion. Experimental data were compared with the theoretical methods established by the following code designs: ACI 318 (2019), Eurocode 2 (2004), ABNT NBR 6118 (2014), and fib Model Code (2010). Although anchoring is an important parameter, it was found that the anchorage of the shear reinforcement in the flexural reinforcement did not significantly interfere with punching shear. The adopted shear reinforcement anchoring obtained better results concerning ultimate load only in the compressed longitudinal reinforcements.
Hörklassen bei Patienten mit Vestibularisschwannom bei Verwendung deutschsprachiger Testverfahren
Authors: Rahne T. , Plontke S. K. , Vordermark D. , Strauss C. , Scheller C. 
Published: September 2020

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Die Klassifikation der Hörfunktion bei Patienten mit Vestibularisschwannom wird oft nach Gardner und Robertson (1988) oder Maßgaben der American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS, 1995) vorgenommen. Diesen Klassifikationssystemen liegen englische Sprachtestverfahren zugrunde. Eine deutschsprachige Entsprechung existiert nicht. Ziel der Arbeit ist die Untersuchung des Einflusses verschiedener Zielparameter auf die Hörklassifikation und die Ableitung einer Empfehlung für die Verwendung deutschsprachiger Testverfahren.

Material und Methoden
Die auf englischsprachigen Testverfahren für die Sprachaudiometrie beruhenden Regeln wurden für deutsches Sprachmaterial fortgeschrieben. Darauf basierend wurde an einer Kohorte von 91 Patienten mit Vestibularisschwannom Reintonhörschwellen, Sprachverständlichkeitsschwelle und Sprachverständlichkeit bei verschiedenen Schalldruckpegeln gemessen und das Hörvermögen nach den Klassifizierungen Gardner und Robertson (1988) und AAO-HNS (1995) kategorisiert.

Ergebnisse
Sowohl in der Gardner-Robertson-Klassifizierung als auch in der Klassifikation nach AAO-HNS ist die Anzahl der Patienten in den Hörklassen mit einer gut versorgbaren Hörschädigung (gemessen als Puretone-Average von drei (3PTA) oder vier Frequenzen (4PTA)) am höchsten, wenn der 3PTA0,5;1;2 kHz verwendet wurde, gefolgt vom 4PTA0,5;1;2;3 kHz, 4PTA0,5;1;2;4 kHz und 4PTA0,5;1;2;“3”kHz. Wird das maximale Sprachverstehen (Word Recognition Score, WRSmax) anstelle des WRS bei 40 dB Sensation Level (WRS40SL) verwendet, steigt die Anzahl der Patienten in den Hörklassen mit gut versorgbarer Hörschädigung unabhängig vom verwendeten Reintonhörschwellenmittelwert leicht.

Schlussfolgerung
Die Klassifizierung der Hörfunktion nach Gardner und Robertson sowie AAO-HNS kann im deutschsprachigen Raum angewendet werden. Für die Bestimmung der Sprachverständlichkeit bzw. der maximalen Sprachverständlichkeit kann der Freiburger Einsilbertest verwendet werden.