bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Study on Mecanum Wheel-Based Mobility and Suspension Solutions for Intelligent Nursing Wheelchairs
Authors: Zhang Zhewen , Yu Hongliu , Wu Chengjia , Huang Pu , Wu Jiangui 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Intelligent nursing wheelchairs play a crucial role in providing independence and improving the quality of life for disabled or semi-disabled elderly individuals. However, their maneuverability and positioning capabilities have always been key challenges. Firstly, traditional mobility methods are limited by a large turning radius, restricting the wheelchair's maneuverability in confined spaces. To address this issue, this paper proposes a design for a Mecanum mobility chassis for nursing wheelchairs, utilizing four Mecanum wheels, allowing the wheelchair to move freely in any direction. This significantly enhances maneuverability, enabling the wheelchair to navigate challenges in narrow spaces effortlessly. However, the Mecanum wheel mobility chassis design faces some issues, including variations in Mecanum wheel spacing and tilting of the hub center, which may lead to slipping and inaccurate motion control. To tackle these problems, we have designed an innovative suspension system aimed at balancing the stability of the chassis, reducing the risk of slipping, and improving the accuracy of motion control. Finally, we conducted shock absorption and positioning experiments on the wheelchair body. The experimental results indicate that the novel suspension system markedly improves the control performance and landing capabilities of the nursing wheelchair, providing users with higher precision and stability.
Quantitative and qualitative analysis of sugar beet cultivars: Implications for harvest date stability
Authors: Hemayati Saeed Sadeghzadeh , Hamdi Farahnaz , Saremirad Ali , Hamze Hamze 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This research assessed the quantitative and qualitative reactions of commercially grown sugar beets to four different harvest dates and their yield stability. The study followed a split-plot design within a randomized complete block design over three years. The main plot involved four harvest dates: August 13 (HD1), September 7 (HD2), October 3 (HD3), and November 12 (HD4), while the subplot involved 10 sugar beet cultivars. HD4 resulted in 84.95%, 30.12% and 23.73% higher root yield compared to HD1, HD2 and HD3, respectively. The best sugar content, white sugar content, and extraction coefficient of sugar were observed from HD3 in the third year. Maximum sugar yield, maximum white sugar yield, and minimum molasses sugar percentage were associated with HD4 in the third year. Perfekta displayed the highest root yield, sugar yield, white sugar content, white sugar yield, extraction coefficient of sugar, and minimum molasses sugar percentage in the third year. Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction analysis based on white sugar yield indicated that genotype and environment's additive effects, as well as the genotype- environment interaction, significantly contributed to 3.05%, 32.10%, and 8.31% of the total data variance, respectively. Arta and Arya were identified as stable for white sugar yield based on all additive main effect and multiplicative interaction stability indices and demonstrated high general adaptability in all regions. Additionally, Perfekta exhibited high specific adaptability in eight out of 12 tested environments. According to the multi-trait stability index, Perfekta and Shokoufa were recognized as stable and superior across all measured traits.
The roles of anillin in the Drosophila nervous system
Authors: Huynh Man Anh , Thao Dang Thi Phuong , Yoshida Hideki 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Anillin (Ani) is an evolutionarily conserved protein with a multi-domain structure that cross-links cytoskeletal proteins and plays an essential role in the formation of the contractile ring during cytokinesis. However, Ani is highly expressed in the human central nervous system (CNS), which does not actively divide. Moreover, it scaffolds myelin in the CNS of mice and modulates neuronal migration and growth in Caenorhabditis elegans. This protein is also highly expressed in the Drosophila CNS. However, its role remains unclear. In the present study, Ani was highly expressed in type I and II neuroblasts, whereas it was poorly expressed in the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), axons, and some neurons in the ventral nerve cord. In addition, neuron-specific ani knockdown flies had a short lifespan and larval locomotor defects, along with an abnormal morphology of the NMJ, learning disability, and a swollen CNS. These results show that Ani plays important roles not only in proliferating cells, but also in the Drosophila nervous system.
Wind Driving Longer Uncontrolled Large Fire Duration in the Western United States
Authors: Wang Sally S.-C. , Leung L. , Qian Yun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The mean large fire duration in the western US shows significant increasing trends of 0.76 days yr-1 and 0.55 days yr-1 for the summer and fall, respectively, during 1992-2020. Multiple linear regression models are used to examine the factors contributing to the trends and variability of large fire duration. Notably, the maximum daily wind speed during large fires, which has also increased during the study period, emerges as the primary predictor in both seasons. Comparison of the wind during large fires and on all days shows that the increasing maximum daily wind speed during large fires cannot be explained by the changes in the background wind, except for some small regions. Instead, the prolonged duration and increased extent of large fires may have contributed to the increase in maximum wind speed during fires by generating heat and smoke, and through the fire-wind feedback, we hypothesize that the wind changes may further prolong the fire duration and present challenges for fire control.
Template-free method synthesized NaxCa2.38-xAl2Si57.2O118.59 zeolite particles for enhanced stability
Authors: Xia Yuan , Ma Liuyang , Qin Jishu , Liu Lie , Zhao Wenwen , Xue Yuna , Jia Hongmin , Hai Guojuan , Zhu Jiaming , Wang Beibei , Liu Xiaojie 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Zeolites have been shown to accelerate hemostasis, improve trauma healing, and provide the resulting multifunctional hemostatic materials, due to their distinctive microporous structure and interfacial properties. However, natural zeolites general contain impurities and it is difficult to produce hemostatic powder of appropriate size using direct crushing methods. Herein, we develop a template free one-step hydrothermal process to synthesized NaxCa2.38−xAl2Si57.2O118.59 zeolite particles with controllable size. The size of NaxCa2.38−xAl2Si57.2O118.59 zeolite particles can be controlled from 1 to 10 µm. The ordered pores in the synthesized NaxCa2.38−xAl2Si57.2O118.59 zeolites exhibit a typical two-dimensional hexagonal structure. The synthesized zeolites exhibit excellent stability in both natural environments and serum. The Na2.38Al2Si57.2O118.59 zeolite particles maintain high stability of morphology and structure after water flow treatment. Those stability results ensure the preservation and use possibility of zeolite hemostatic powder in special environments, such as battlefield, underwater, and extreme weather.
Efficacy and safety of rituximab in patients with PLA2R associated membranous nephropathy and HCV infection
Authors: Li Xiaodan , Hao Yingxuan , Ren Mingjing , Guo Yanhong , Zhao Huayan , Wang Yulin , Tang Lin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Rituximab has become one of the first-line therapies for the treatment of phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) associated membranous nephropathy (MN). However, there is a lack of studies to report the effectiveness and safety of rituximab in patients with PLA2R associated MN and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, which is the aim of this study.
Methods: We performed a single center retrospective review of 8 consecutive PLA2R associated MN patients with HCV infection. We assessed clinical and laboratory indices, remission rates, and adverse events at rituximab infusion, month 6, month 12, and last visit.
Results: A total of 8 patients were enrolled, with a median follow-up period of 19.00 (16.00, 25.25) months. Of the 8 patients, 5 were male, and mean age was 50.13±4.29 years. At last visit, 5 (62.50%) patients achieved complete remission, and 7 (87.50%) patients achieved complete or partial remission. All 8 patients with HCV infection received antiviral agents and the load of HCV virus were undetectable at the time of rituximab treatment. No adverse effect of rituximab on HCV plasma viremia or hepatic transaminase levels was observed during the follow-up.
Conclusions: This study suggested that on the basis of successful eradication of HCV virus with antiviral drugs, rituximab can effectively induce clinical remission of patients with PLA2R associated MN and HCV infection, and does not lead to a significant increase in HCV virus load. However, this finding is based on a very small sample size and should be confirmed in larger clinical trials.
The correlation between KRAS and TP53 gene mutations and early growth of pulmonary nodules
Authors: Zhao Bin , Li Bin , Guo Haoxin , Zhao Qingtao , Zhang Xiaopeng , Zhao Huanfen , Xue Wenfei , Li Wei , Duan Guochen , Xu Shun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether gene mutations can lead to the growth of malignant pulmonary nodules.
Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with pulmonary nodules at Hebei Provincial People's Hospital, collecting basic clinical information such as gender, age, BMI, and hematological indicators. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 85 patients with malignant pulmonary nodules were selected for screening, and gene mutation testing was performed on all patient tissues to explore the relationship between gene mutations and the growth of malignant pulmonary nodules.
Results: There is a correlation between KRAS and TP53 gene mutations and the growth of pulmonary nodules (P<0.05), while there is a correlation between KRAS and TP53 gene mutations and the growth of pulmonary nodules in the subgroup of invasive malignant pulmonary nodules (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Mutations in the TP53 gene can lead to the growth of malignant pulmonary nodules and are correlated with the degree of invasion of malignant pulmonary nodules.
The southwesternmost record of late Silurian (Pridolian) early land plants of Gondwana.
Authors: Drovandi Juan M. , Conde Osvaldo A. , Lopez Fernando E. , Coturel Eliana P. , Gómez Carlos M. Alarcón , Arnol Jonatan A. , Kaufmann Cintia , Pedernera Fernando A. , Abarca Ulises , Braeckman Alejandro 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The Silurian constitutes a key period in the evolutionary history of land plants. However, records of Pridolian plants in western Gondwana are scarce, limited to outcrops located in southern Bolivia. In this contribution, an association of fossil plants housed in the Rinconada Formation, San Juan Province,Argentina, is presented. This association corresponds to fossil remains of primitive flora with reproductive structures and sterile axes linked to basal tracheophytes. The fossil assemblage is composed of Salopella marcensis, Hostinella sp, Aberlemnia caledonica, Cooksonia paranensis, C. pertoni, C. cambrensis, Steganoteca striata, Isidrophyton sp, Caia langii, two morphotypes of doubtful taxonomy, and graptolites colonies. The association between flora remains and graptolites, represents a parautochthonous fossil assemblage in an inner marine platform, dominated by gravity flows. This fossil record has paleophytogeographic importance since it allows extending the northwest Gondwana-southern Laurrusia unit to more southern areas of Gondwana. This expansion would have been favoured by the post-glacial climatic improvement of the late Silurian, together with a great radiation capacity and environmental flexibility of the flora. Furthermore, this contribution extends the biocron of three South American taxa (A. caledonica, C. paranensis and Isidrophyton sp) first known from the Lochkovian, to the Pridoli. Keywords: Early land plants, Pridoli, Gondwana, Paleophytogeography, Rinconada Formation.
Both tartaric and pantothenic acids promote Pb-phytoextraction potential of sunflower by regulating calcium and phosphorus uptake
Authors: Ghafoor Asif , Shafiq Fahad , Anwar Sumera , Zhang Lixin , Ashraf Muhammad 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Phytoextraction of Pb is a challenging task due to its extremely low mobility within soil and plant systems. In this study, we tested the influence of some novel chelating agents for Pb-phytoextraction using sunflowers. The Pb was applied at control (0.0278 mM) and 4.826 mM Pb as Pb(NO3)2 through soil-spiking. After 10 days of Pb addition, four different organic ligands (aspartic, ascorbic, tartaric, and pantothenic acids) were added to the soil at 1 mM concentration respectively. In the absence of any chelate, sunflower plants grown at 4.826 mM Pb level accumulated Pb concentrations up to 104 µg g-1 DW in roots whereas, 64 µg g-1 DW in shoot. By contrast, tartaric acid promoted significant Pb accumulation in root (191 µg g-1 DW; +45.5%) and shoot (131.6 µg g-1 DW; +51.3%). Pantothenic acid also resulted in significant Pb-uptake in sunflower shoots (123 µg g-1 DW; +47.9%) and in roots (177.3 µg g-1 DW; +41.3%). The least effective amongst the chelates tested was ascorbic acid but it still contributed to +39.0 and 45.2% more Pb accumulation in sunflower root and shoots. In addition, plant growth, biochemical, and ionomic parameters were positively regulated by organic chelates. Especially, an increase in the leaf Ca, P, and S was evident in Pb-stressed plants in response to chelates. These results highlight that the use of biocompatible organic chelates positively alters plant physio-biochemical traits contributing to higher Pb-sequestration in sunflower plant parts.
Clinical and Radiological Features of Kimura Disease: A Retrospective Case Series Study
Authors: Zhao Fanfan , Zhou Min , Mao An , Zhang Yingjiao , Chen Yao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to summarize the clinical and radiologic features of KD and discuss the treatment approaches. The clinical and radiological manifestations of four histologically confirmed KD cases were analyzed. Two neuroradiologists examined the imaging data to determine the location, size, number, margin, computed tomography (CT) density, signal intensity on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), contrast enhancement patterns, and involvement of adjacent structures. The patients consisted of three males and one female (sex ratio 3:1), and a mean age of 43 years (range, 13–71 years). The initial symptom in patients was painless subcutaneous masses with a duration ranging from 1 to 180 months. Peripheral blood eosinophilia absolute count and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were increased in 3 patients. 3 cases had multiple lesions and 1 case had a solitary lesion, the lesion regions included retroauricular (n = 2), parotid region (n = 1), submandibular gland (n = 1), maxillofacial region (n = 1), and preauricular (n = 1). Most mass margins were ill-defined and presented with diffuse subcutaneous fat atrophy around them, patients tend to present with enlarged lymph nodes with marked enhancement. KD should be considered where patients present with painless subcutaneous masses in the head and neck region, along with peripheral blood eosinophilia and elevated serum IgE levels. Given its propensity for recurrence, prolonged follow-up is required.
Integrating clinical data and ultrasonographic imaging for non-invasive prediction of HER2 status in breast cancer
Authors: Zhao AnLi , Wu JiangFeng , Du YanHong , Hu LiYan , Xu Dong , Wang ZhengPing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background The most common cancer in the world, breast cancer (BC), poses serious problems to healthcare. Making an accurate diagnosis of these patients' HER2 status is essential for therapy planning.Methods A prospective cohort of patients with BC was enrolled between June 2020 and october 2023. The patient's clinical data and features from their ultrasonography were gathered. Postoperative tumor pathology specimens were subjected to immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization examinations to ascertain the HER2 status. Lasso regression was used to choose characteristic variables. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to find the HER2 status-independent factors. The performance of the nomogram model was then assessed using calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA).Result 97 (22.25%) of the 436 BC patients enrolled in the research had positive HER2 results. Progesterone receptor expression, Ki-67 levels, and estrogen receptor expression differed statistically amongst patients with different HER2 statuses. Lasso regression identified six ultrasonographic variables closely associated with HER2 status from a pool of 786 features, leading to the generation of a radiomic score for each patient. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PR (OR = 0.15, 95%CI = 0.06–0.36, p < 0.001), Ki-67 (OR = 1.02, 95%CI = 1.00-1.03, p = 0.012), and Radiomic score (OR = 5.89, 95%CI = 2.58–13.45, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of HER2 status. The nomogram model demonstrated areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.823 (95% CI = 0.772–0.874) and 0.812 (95% CI = 0.717–0.906) in the training and validation cohort, respectively.Conclusions A methodology that integrates clinical data, cutting-edge imaging, and machine learning to provide individualized treatment plans is presented for the non-invasive prediction of HER2 status in breast cancer.
Influence of coupled water and thermal treatments on the fracture characteristics of a typical sandstone
Authors: Luo Yi , Zhong Haohong , Ren Li , Li Cunbao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Understanding the fracture behavior of rock after coupled water and thermal environment is important for many geotechnical projects. The influence of coupled water and thermal treatments on the mode-I and mode-II fracture toughness and characteristics of sandstone was investigated using notched deep beam specimens. The experimental results indicate a significant reduction in both mode-I and mode-II fracture toughness of sandstone under varying soaking temperatures. As the water temperatures increase, a slightly rising trend is observed in both mode-I and mode-II fracture toughness within the studied soaking temperature range. At lower soaking temperatures, sandstone exhibits typical brittle characteristics, which gradually transition to ductile properties as the temperature increases. Based on the Maximum Tangential Stress (MTS) criterion, the predicted values of mode-II fracture toughness and the fracture process zone were discussed. The results show that both the GMTS and MTS criteria exhibit inaccuracies in predicting the Mode-II fracture toughness of sandstone treated at different soaking temperatures. However, the GMTS criterion, which incorporates T-stress, demonstrates smaller errors compared to the MTS criterion. The study shows that the radius r0 of the fracture process zone is not a constant under both mode-I and mode-II loading conditions. The calculation of the fracture process zone radius r0 in the MTS criterion requires further theoretical and experimental study.
Elimination of apoptotic cells by non-professional embryonic phagocytes can be stimulated or inhibited by external stimuli
Authors: Pisko Jozef , Šefčíková Zuzana , Kovaříková Veronika , Čikoš Štefan , Fabian Dušan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In mouse blastocysts, the majority of incidentally occurring apoptotic cells is eliminated by neighbouring embryonic cells. Some apoptotic cells escape phagocytosis, but the frequency of such processes usually does not exceed 10%. The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether the efficiency of embryonic efferocytosis can be modulated by external stimuli. Experiments were performed in vitro on cultured mouse blastocysts with a differentiated trophectoderm and inner cell mass and on the human trophoblast cell line Ac-1M88. Samples were assessed using fluorescence immunostaining: Apoptotic cells (TUNEL) internalised within the cytoplasm of non-professional embryonic phagocytes (phalloidin T membrane staining) were considered ingested; apoptotic cells co-localised with acidified phagosomes (LysoTracker) were considered digested. First, we tested the ability of embryonic phagocytes to respond to elevated incidence of apoptosis induced by actinomycin D (4 nM). The results showed that the increase in apoptosis was accompanied by a significant elevation of the phagocytosis and digestion of dead cells in both mouse blastocysts and human trophoblast cells. We then assessed the effect of selective inhibition of lysosomal acidification in embryonic phagocytes using bafilomycin A1. The results showed that the inhibitor at 0.1 and 0.2 nM was able to negatively affect the execution of both initiative and terminal phases of efferocytosis in mouse blastocysts, although the decrease was not as profound as expected. When compared to mouse trophectoderm cells, human hybrid cells displayed a very low sensitivity to bafilomycin A1. Higher concentrations of bafilomycin A1 had a more harmful impact on overall cell viability than on digestive activity. The results show that the ability of non-professional embryonic phagocytes to successfully execute all stages of efferocytosis is not limited by the frequency of spontaneous apoptosis. The effectiveness of embryonic phagocytes can be partially decreased by selective inhibition of lysosomal acidification conducted via V-ATPase.
Electrocardiogram Abnormalities and CVD Mortality: Prospective Cohort Study of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Mahmoodian Soma , Khalili Davood , Azizi Fereydoun , Haddizadeh Noushin , Nouri Bijan , Aghaei Abbas 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: The application of electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities alongside other clinical indicators can strengthen the hypothesis of improving the diagnosis and increasing the accuracy of screening for cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to determine the risk of mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) based on ECG abnormalities, in addition to other known risk factors, within the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) cohort population.
Methods: In this prospective cohort study conducted within the TLGS framework, a total of 6422 individuals aged 30 years and older, with ECG data and without a history of cardiovascular diseases, were examined over an average follow-up period of approximately 9 years. Logistic regression models (adjusted for age, gender, abdominal obesity, BMI, high blood pressure, LDL cholesterol levels, fasting blood glucose, smoking status, education level) were used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) for factors associated with CVD mortality.
Results: Overall, 233 CVD-related deaths occurred during the follow-up period. Individuals with Q-wave (OR=2.060, 95% CI: 1.327-3.198, P=0.001), and T-wave (OR=1.990, 95% CI: 1.327-3.986, P=0.001) abnormalities had about two times higher risk of CVD mortality compared to those without these abnormalities. However, ECG abnormalities including ST-segment (OR=1.169, 95% CI: 0.728-1.879, P=0.518), QRS duration (OR=0.780, P=0.492, 95% CI: 0.385-1.582), and PR interval (OR=1.406, 95% CI: 0.297-6.662, P=0.668) did not show a significant association with CVD mortality.
Conclusion: Among the ECG abnormalities (ST, T, Q, PR, QRS), Q and T abnormalities are associated with CVD mortality. It can be concluded that ECG abnormalities in asymptomatic adults are related to the risk of CVD mortality and can serve as warning factors for the development of mortality from CVD.