bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin may slow disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Findings from the Pooled Resource Open‐Access ALS Clinic Trials database
Authors: Bald Elizabeth M. , Nance Christopher S. , Schultz Jordan L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionWe utilized the Pooled Resource Open‐Access Clinical Trials (PRO‐ACT) database to investigate whether melatonin use among patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was associated with slower disease progression and prolonged survival.MethodsThis retrospective analysis of the PRO‐ACT database addresses the impact of melatonin on progression and overall survival of ALS. A Cox proportional hazards ratio model was performed to investigate the effect that melatonin had on time to death. For secondary outcome measures, linear mixed effects regression models were used to ascertain the effect of melatonin on change in standardized ALS Functional Rating Scale (sALSFRS) and percentage predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) scores.ResultsMelatonin users had a significantly decreased annualized hazard death rate compared with the non–melatonin users (hazard ratio, 0.241; 95% confidence interval, 0.088‐0.659; P = .0056). The melatonin users also had a slower rate of decline in sALSFRS score (t = 2.71; P = .0069) and change in percent predicted FVC score (t = 2.94; P = .0035) compared with the non–melatonin users.DiscussionOur findings suggest that melatonin may be beneficial for patients with ALS. Due to the nature of this database, our results are solely intended to be hypothesis‐generating and no strong associations can be made. Given the low cost and favorable safety profile of melatonin, the hypotheses generated warrant further investigation.
The complex association between pain and neuropathy
Authors: Abraham Alon , Lovblom Leif E. , Bril Vera 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies of patients with polyneuropathy failed to show differences between patients with and without pain. In the current study, we aimed to explore the association between neuropathic symptoms, mainly pain, and polyneuropathy characteristics.MethodsA prospective cross‐sectional study recruiting 151 patients with non‐diabetic polyneuropathy was performed between November 2016 and May 2017. A total of 38 patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy were excluded. Patients underwent clinical, electrophysiological and functional assessments of their polyneuropathy. Polyneuropathy characteristics were compared depending on the presence and severity of neuropathic symptoms.ResultsThe presence and the severity of weakness were associated with a more severe neuropathy as measured by clinical, electrophysiological and functional assessments, while the presence of pain was associated with higher sural amplitudes, and the severity of pain showed a curvilinear association with neuropathy severity.ConclusionsOur study shows a novel finding of a curvilinear association between pain and polyneuropathy severity.
An analytical model for the interaction between two dissimilar piles in a finite soil layer
Authors: Liu Huan , Liu Qijian 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAn analytical method is developed for the interaction between two dissimilar piles subjected to vertical loadings in a finite soil layer with a rigid base. A fictitious soil column is assumed for the corresponding shaft and the moduli of the soil–pile rod are expressed as a Heaviside step function of the modulus. The vertical soil displacements and the shaft resistances are calculated as the combined contributions by the two dissimilar piles in terms of the respective local coordinate systems. The displacements and stresses in two different local coordinates are transferred from one to the other using Graf's addition theorem. The boundary value problem for the soil layer is solved using the method of separation of variables with a series of undetermined constants. The unknown constants can be determined by considering the compatibility along the interfaces of the two soil–pile rods and the surrounding soil. A parametric study is performed to investigate the effects of the properties of the soil–pile system on the interaction between the two piles. Numerical results show that, for the dissimilar piles in the stiff soil, the effects of the difference of the pile lengths on the interaction factor are negligible. Also, the interaction factor of the dissimilar piles in the soft soil depends heavily on the difference in lengths.
An efficient eight‐node quadrilateral element for free vibration analysis of multilayer sandwich plates
Authors: Belarbi Mohamed‐Ouejdi , Zenkour Ashraf M. , Tati Abdelouahab , Salami Sattar Jedari , Khechai Abdelhak , Houari Mohammed‐Sid‐Ahmed 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis article presents a free vibration analysis of laminated sandwich plates under various boundary conditions by using an efficient C0 eight‐node quadrilateral element. This new element is formulated based on the recently proposed layerwise model. The present model assumes an improved first‐order shear deformation theory for the face sheets while a higher‐order theory is assumed for the core maintaining an interlaminar displacement continuity. The advantage of this model relies on its number of variables is fixed, does not increase when increasing the number of lamina layers. This is a very important feature compared to the conventional layerwise models and facilitates significantly the engineering analysis. Indeed, the developed finite element is free of the shear locking phenomenon without requiring any shear correction factors. The governing equations of motion of the sandwich plate are derived via the classical Hamilton's principle. Several examples covering the various features such as the effect of modular ratio, aspect ratios, core‐to‐face thickness ratio, boundary conditions, skew angle, number of layers, geometry and ply orientations are solved for laminated composites and sandwich plates. The obtained results are compared with 3D, quasi‐3D, 2D analytical solutions, and those predicted by other advanced finite element models. The comparison studies indicate that the developed finite element model is of fast convergence to the reference and valid for both thick and thin laminated sandwich plates. Finally, it can be concluded that the present model is not only simple and accurate than the conventional ones, but also comparable with refined analytical solutions found in the literature.
A variation of distance domination in composite networks
Authors: Aytaç Vecdi , Şentürk Fatmana 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLet V be the set of vertex of a graph G. The set S is a dominating set, being a subset of the set V, if every vertex in the set V is in the set S, or if it is neighbor of a vertex in the set S. The number of elements of the set S with the least number of elements is the dominating number of graph G. In this study, we have worked on a type of dominating called porous exponential domination. In this new parameter, while the distance between vertex s and vertex v grows this weight value reduces exponentially. If all vertices in S dominate all vertices of G a with a total weight of at least 1, the set S is named as a porous exponential dominating set of graph G. The cardinality of the set with the least number of elements of the obtained porous exponential domination sets is defined as the porous exponential domination number of graph G. In this paper we compute the porous exponential domination number of the R − graphs under corona and join product.
Genetic drivers and cells of origin in sarcomagenesis
Authors: Kannan Sarmishta , Lock Ian , Ozenberger Benjamin B , Jones Kevin B 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSarcoma comprises a group of malignancies that includes over 100 individual disease entities. Type‐specific genetic events initiate each tumor, occurring within a specific cellular context or circumstance. All sarcomas share a relationship with mesenchymal tissues of origin. Conceptual models for each specific route towards sarcomagenesis have developed over the years as clinical, cellular, and increasingly molecular observations have advanced hypotheses to be tested in the forward or reverse direction in experimental systems, often genetically engineered model organisms. This review considers the history of these discoveries in the context of technologies available at the time each was made and provides a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge of sarcoma genetics, including characteristic translocations, oncogene activation and loss of tumor suppressor gene events, and their putative cells of origin. Also considered are the interrelatedness of molecular clinical observations and genetic experiments in model systems to move this field of knowledge forward, as well as their implications for diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms for sarcoma. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A phase 1 study of entinostat in children and adolescents with recurrent or refractory solid tumors, including CNS tumors: Trial ADVL1513, Pediatric Early Phase‐Clinical Trial Network (PEP‐CTN)
Authors: Bukowinski Andrew , Chang Bill , Reid Joel M. , Liu Xiaowei , Minard Charles G. , Trepel Jane B. , Lee Min‐Jung , Fox Elizabeth , Weigel Brenda J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundEntinostat is an oral small molecule inhibitor of class I histone deacetylases (HDAC), which has not previously been evaluated in pediatrics. We conducted a phase I trial to determine the maximum tolerated dose/recommended phase 2 dose (MTD/RP2D), toxicity profile, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of entinostat in children with relapsed or refractory solid tumors including central nervous system (CNS) malignancies.MethodsA rolling six dose escalation design evaluated two dose levels. Entinostat oral tablet formulation was administered once per week, four doses per 28‐day cycle. PK and PD studies were performed.ResultsTwenty‐one eligible patients’ median (range) age was 14 years (6‐20). Six subjects were treated at 3 mg/m2dose level and 15 were treated in 4 mg/m2dose level. The study included patients with CNS tumors (n = 12), sarcomas (n = 6), or other solid tumors (n = 3). Eight patients were not fully evaluable for toxicity due to progression of disease prior to receiving the required percentage of protocol therapy. No cycle one dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed at either dose level. A three‐fold higher area under the curve (AUC) was achieved in our cohort compared to adults using a similar dosing schedule. The PD studies showed increase in acetylated lysine in peripheral blood leukocytes at both doses.ConclusionsEntinostat was well tolerated with no DLT observed. All patients experienced progression within the first two cycles, except one patient with ependymoma with stable disease. Based on PK and PD, the R2PD in pediatric patients with solid tumors is 4 mg/m2orally administered once weekly.
Synergized high‐load bearing bone replacement composite from poly(lactic acid) reinforced with hydroxyapatite/glass fiber hybrid filler—Mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties
Authors: Akindoyo John O. , Beg M.D.H. , Ghazali S. , Heim H‐P. , Feldmann M. , Mariatti M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHigh‐load bearing bone replacement composite was produced from poly(lactic acid) (PLA), surface modified hydroxyapatite (HA) and glass fiber (GF). Composition dependence and other salient properties of the composites were investigated with respect to the mechanical and dynamic mechanical performance of the composites. Incorporation of modified HA facilitates dispersion, improves bonding, as well as induce heterogeneous nucleation in the PLA matrix. On the other hand, GF greatly influenced the mechanical properties of the composite. The effectiveness coefficient, C, and adhesion factor, A, showed that incorporation of hybrid HA/GF filler helps to improve interfacial interaction due to increased bonding among the components, which produced remarkable enhancement in mechanical performance. For instance, tensile and flexural modulus of the PLA‐HA‐GF composite was raised by 86% and 82%, respectively. In addition, whereas incorporation of HA alone resulted in decreased impact strength (IS) of PLA, the IS of the PLA‐HA‐GF composite improved by 42%. Furthermore, damping of the ternary composite was reduced by 34% whereas the storage modulus is 1273 MPa higher than neat PLA. Therefore, hybrid HA/GF reinforced PLA offers alternative possibility for the fabrication of composites suitable for use in bone replacement and other orthopedic applications requiring high‐load bearing materials.
Waterborne epoxy sizing agent with hyperbranched structure to improve the interface performance of carbon fiber
Authors: Chen Yifan , Ding Lei , Chai Mingzhuo , Liu Li , Huang Yudong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe epoxy resin was modified by hyperbranched structure of hydroxyl terminated to obtain waterborne epoxy resin for using as the carbon fiber (CF) sizing agent. By mixing method of waterborne epoxy resin and water, the waterborne epoxy sizing agent can be fabricated directly. In the sizing process, free of volatile organic solvents ensure the safety of operators and environment. Moreover, the introduction of tertiary amine group in hyperbranched structure will promote the reaction between epoxy and hydroxyl groups, and thus enhance the bonding strength between CF and epoxy resin. Results showed that the introduction of sizing agent does not sacrifice the CF single fiber tensile strength. The structure of epoxy resin retained in sizing agent is beneficial to the good wettability between CF and epoxy resin according to surface energy results. Interfacial shear strength value increases from 51.75 to 72.34 MPa, and interlaminar shear strength value increases from 80.32 to 90.34 MPa. These mechanical properties show that hyperbranched epoxy resin sizing agent with a large amount of hydroxyl groups can effectively improving the interface adhesion between CF and epoxy resin, showing a broad application prospect in composite materials field.
Genome‐wide abnormalities in embryos: Origins and clinical consequences
Authors: Masset Heleen , Tšuiko Olga , Vermeesch Joris R. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPloidy or genome‐wide chromosomal anomalies such as triploidy, diploid/triploid mixoploidy, chimerism, and genome‐wide uniparental disomy are the cause of molar pregnancies, embryonic lethality, and developmental disorders. While triploidy and genome‐wide uniparental disomy can be ascribed to fertilization or meiotic errors, the mechanisms causing mixoploidy and chimerism remain shrouded in mystery. Different models have been proposed, but all remain hypothetical and controversial, are deduced from the developmental persistent genomic constitutions present in the sample studied and lack direct evidence. New single‐cell genomic methodologies, such as single‐cell genome‐wide haplotyping, provide an extended view of the constitution of normal and abnormal embryos and have further pinpointed the existence of mixoploidy in cleavage‐stage embryos. Based on those recent findings, we suggest that genome‐wide anomalies, which persist in fetuses and patients, can for a large majority be explained by a noncanonical first zygotic cleavage event, during which maternal and paternal genomes in a single zygote, segregate to different blastomeres. This process, termed heterogoneic division, provides an overarching theoretical basis for the different presentations of mixoploidy and chimerism.
Temporal persistence of residual fetal cell‐free DNA from a deceased cotwin after selective fetal reduction in dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies
Authors: Chen Min , Su Fengxia , Wang Jiayan , Zhou Lijun , Liu Qiang , Chai Xianghua , Yuan Yuying , Cen Miaolan , Wu Yujing , Wang Yicong , Chen Fang , Zhang Yanyan , Chen Dunjin , Gao Ya 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the temporal persistence of the residual cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) of the deceased cotwin in maternal circulation after selective fetal reduction and evaluate its long persistence in noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT).MethodsDichorionic diamniotic twins (N = 5) undergoing selective fetal reduction because of a trisomy were recruited. After informed consent, maternal blood was collected immediately before reduction and periodically after reduction until birth. The plasma cfDNA of each sample was sequenced and analyzed for fetal aneuploidy and fetal fractions.ResultsIn all pregnancies, the fetal fraction of the cfDNA of the deceased fetus increased to peak at 7–9 weeks after fetal reduction, and subsequently decreased gradually to almost undetectable during the late third trimester. The NIPT T‐scores persistently reflected the detection of fetal trisomy up to 16 (median 9.5) weeks after fetal reduction.ConclusionsResidual cfDNA from the deceased cotwin after selective reduction at 14–17 gestational weeks led to the persistent generation of false‐positive NIPT results for up to 16 weeks postdemise. Thus, providing NIPT for pregnancies with a cotwin demise in early second trimester is prone to misleading results and not recommended.
Nafion modified with simple bases and amino acid derivatives: Survey of physical properties and search for effective pervaporation membranes
Authors: Kludský Miroslav , Dendisová Marcela , Hrdlička Zdeněk , Jeništová Adéla , Hovorka Štěpán , Vopička Ondřej 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNafion, a solid perfluorinated polymeric sulfonic acid, reacts readily with bases and can thus be converted to a tremendous number of individual modifications. A survey of spectral, mechanical, thermal, and pervaporation characteristics of Nafion modified with simple inorganic and organic bases and with the derivatives of amino acids is thus reported. The spectral characteristics, thermal stability, and Tg changed pronouncedly for Nafion modified with the stronger bases, such as ammonium or tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, while minor changes were observed for Nafion modified with the derivatives of amino acids. Permeability and selectivity of Nafion observed for the pervaporation of methanol–dimethyl carbonate and methanol–methyl acetate mixtures were mainly influenced by the modification with amines bearing hydroxyl and, most pronouncedly, sulfo groups. Importantly, the pervaporation membrane from Nafion modified with taurine appeared similarly permeable and hygroscopic but more methanol‐selective than that from pure Nafion.
High‐performance hybrid luminescent‐scattering solar concentrators based on a luminescent conjugated polymer
Authors: Li Yilin , Sun Yujian , Zhang Yongcao , Li Yuxin , Verduzco Rafael 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLuminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are considered a promising building‐integrated photovoltaic technology. Over the past decade, numerous luminophores have been developed for LSCs. However, conjugated polymers are rarely reported for LSCs despite their wide application in other fields. In this study, we investigated a luminescent conjugated polymer, poly(naphthalene‐alt‐vinylene) (PNV), for LSCs. PNV exhibits an absorption wavelength (λabs) of 535 nm, an emission wavelength (λem) of 632 nm and a photoluminescence quantum yield of 0.40 in a poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix. When tested under outdoor direct sunlight (1000 W m−2 ± 10%) and indoor diffuse light‐emitting diode (LED) light (10 W m−2 ± 10%), the PNV‐based LSCs with a size of 12 in. (30.48 cm) exhibited power conversion efficiencies (ηLSC) of up to 2.9% and 3.6%, respectively, and concentration ratios (C) of up to 1.49 and 3.53, respectively. The external quantum efficiencies of the LSCs and the edge emission spectra of the luminescent waveguides were analyzed to reveal the impact of surface scattering treatment on device performance. Monte Carlo ray‐tracing simulation was employed to project the performance of large‐area LSCs with sizes of up to 120 in. (304.8 cm). For the LSCs under outdoor direct sunlight and indoor diffuse LED light, the projected ηLSC values were 1.29% and 0.88%, respectively, and the projected C values were 6.73 and 8.62, respectively. This study suggests that high‐performance LSCs can be achieved through luminescent conjugated polymers. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Registration of ‘CP 11‐1314’ sugarcane
Authors: McCord Per H. , Sandhu Hardev S. , Zhao Duli , Davidson R. Wayne , Gordon Vanessa S. , Islam Md. , Sood Sushma , Comstock Jack , Baltazar Miguel , Singh Maninder P. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract‘CP 11‐1314’ (Reg. no. CV‐196, PI 693071) sugarcane, a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp., was developed through cooperative research conducted by the USDA‐ARS, the University of Florida, and the Florida Sugar Cane League, Inc.; it was released to Florida growers in June 2018 for cultivation on organic soils and further recommended in June 2019 for sand soils. This cultivar was derived from a polycross between CP 05‐1451 and a mixture of potential pollen donors. CP 11‐1314 was selected for release based on high cane yield and acceptable sucrose content. In addition, CP 11‐1314 displays good ratooning ability (particularly on muck soils), minimal sucrose decrease following freezing temperatures, and overall disease resistance. CP 11‐1314 is positive for the Bru1 locus, which confers resistance to brown rust, and is resistant or moderately resistant to all other sugarcane diseases of concern in Florida, including ratoon stunt disease, leaf scald, mosaic, and orange rust.
The extended Woodward UV rules formula for all possible structures
Authors: Kang Grace , Kang Yinan , Kang Fu‐An 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA new accurate formula for the extended Woodward UV rules for all possible eight structures of α,β‐unsaturated ketones, λmax = 212.82 + 11.37Nsub + 4.79Nexo, was discovered by solving 56 ordered triples using Microsoft Excel's inverse matrix method, with an overall 99.9% accuracy between the observed and calculated maxima values. This discovered formula and these eight unique data points can be illustrated in the linear‐equation plane or visualized in the three‐dimensional graphics using computer software.
Functionalized polyimide based on mercaptoacetic acid locking imine reaction: Synthesis and coating application
Authors: Xu Jiangting , Cao Liaofeng , Wang Yilin , Zhu Dandan , Ye Qiang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTo meet the high requirements for polyimide (PI) manufacturing process without sacrificing material performance, a new type fabrication method for PI is proposed here. Based on the classical Kapton system, functionalized precursor polyamide acid (MPAA) resin solution with high solid content, low viscosity and high relative molecular weight was obtained via mercaptoacetic acid locking imine (MALI) reaction, and a series of linear Mali‐Polyimide (MPI) films were prepared and their properties were well investigated. The results showed that MPIs have relatively excellent thermal stability (Td5%: 598 ~ 601°C), good heat resistance (Tg: 277 ~ 278 °C) and high adhesion strength. This work emphasizes the possibility and potential of MALI reaction in PI synthesis and is expected to be applied in coating and adhesive field.