bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of seropositive myasthenia gravis in Sardinia: A population‐based study in the district of Sassari
Authors: Sechi Elia , Deiana Giovanni A. , Puci Mariangela , Zara Pietro , Ortu Enzo , Porcu Caterina , Carboni Nicola , Chessa Paola , Ruiu Elisa , Nieddu Arianna , Tacconi Paolo , Russo Antonello , Manca Davide , Sechi M. Margherita , Guida Melania , Ricciardi Roberta , Ercoli Tommaso , Mascia Marcello M. , Muroni Antonella , Profice Paolo , Saddi Valeria , Melis Maurizio , Cocco Eleonora , Spagni Gregorio , Iorio Raffaele , Damato Valentina , Maestri Michelangelo , Sotgiu Stefano , Sotgiu Giovanni , Solla Paolo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsThe global incidence and prevalence of myasthenia gravis (MG) range between 6–31/million and 10–37/100,000, respectively. Sardinia is a high‐risk region for different immune‐mediated disorders, but the epidemiology of MG remains unclear. We determined the epidemiology of MG with acetylcholine receptor (AChR)‐immunoglobulin G (IgG) and muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK)‐IgG in the district of Sassari (North‐Western Sardinia; population, 325,288).MethodsFrom the laboratory of the University Hospital of Sassari (reference for AChR/MuSK‐IgG testing in Sardinia since 1998) and the main neurology units in Sardinia, we retrospectively identified MG patients with (1) AChR‐IgG and/or MuSK‐IgG positivity by radioimmunoprecipitation assay; and (2) residency in the district of Sassari. Incidence (January 2010–December 2019) and prevalence (December 31, 2019) were calculated.ResultsA total of 202 patients were included (incident, 107; prevalent, 180). Antibody specificities were AChR (n = 187 [93%]) and MuSK (n = 15 [7%]). The crude MG incidence (95% confidence interval) was 32.6 (26.8–39.2)/million, while prevalence was 55.3 (47.7–63.9)/100,000. After age‐standardization to the world population, incidence decreased to 18.4 (14.3–22.5)/million, while prevalence decreased to 31.6 (26.1–37.0)/100,000. Among incident cases, age strata (years) at MG onset were: <18 (2%), 18–49 (14%), 50–64 (21%), and ≥65 (63%).DiscussionSardinia is a high‐risk region for MG, with a prevalence that exceeds the European threshold for rare disease. Identification of the environmental and genetic determinants of this risk may improve our understanding of disease pathophysiology.
EEG and video documentation of benzodiazepine challenge in catatonic stupor: A case report
Authors: Tamune Hidetaka , Tsukioka Yu , Sakuma Shota , Taira Daiki , Takaoka Yoshie , Tamura Naoto , Kato Tadafumi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionCatatonia, a psychomotor disorder characterized by diverse clinical signs, including stupor and mutism, remains elusive in its causes and a challenge to diagnose. Moreover, it is often underrecognized due to its resemblance to disorders of consciousness. However, when diagnosing catatonia, an antipsychotic medication may exacerbate the condition. The first‐line treatment typically includes benzodiazepines and/or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).Case ReportA 60‐year‐old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and epilepsy presented with catatonic stupor. Despite stable treatment, she experienced an acute deterioration in consciousness, requiring hospitalization. Her condition improved markedly following a benzodiazepine challenge, as documented on EEG. This improvement was short‐lived, but a second benzodiazepine challenge restored her from E1V1M1 (stupor) to E4V5M6 within minutes, as documented by a video recording. The patient was treated with lorazepam 1.5 mg/day orally and did not experience further relapses.DiscussionThe diagnosis of catatonia had been based on her scores on the Bush‐Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS; Screening, 6/14; Severity, 19), despite meeting only two DSM‐5 criteria for catatonia (stupor and mutism). The diagnosis was supported by EEG and video documentation, excluding other potential differential diagnoses such as nonconvulsive status epilepticus and encephalopathy. Additional quantitative EEG analyses indicated that benzodiazepine administration increased brainwide alpha and beta band power significantly, suggesting that the benzodiazepine normalized attention, consciousness, and long‐range synchronization. This report additionally emphasizes the significance of video recordings in managing catatonia, and it helps in accurately tracking symptoms, documenting comprehensively, and improving patient understanding, which is crucial for treatment adherence.
A Computational Study of Photoinduced Borylation for Selected Boron Sources
Authors: Fan Ka Wa , Luk Hoi Ling , Phillips David Lee 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis research article uses density functional theory (DFT) to study photoinduced borylation. This work examined the electron donor‐acceptor complex (EDA) of bis(catecholato)diboron with different redox‐active leaving groups and bis(pinacol)diboron with aryl N‐hydroxyphthalimide. The results of these DFT studies show the complex ratio of B2cat2 and N, N‐dimethylacetamide (DMA) should be 1 : 2 which is consistent with the experimental results in the literature. We further proposed a reaction mechanism and calculated the energies associated with each step.
Composites based on polymeric blends reinforced with TiO2 modified aramid fibers
Authors: Pelin Cristina‐Elisabeta , Sonmez Maria , Pelin George , Stefan Adriana , Stelescu Maria Daniela , Ignat Madalina , Gurau Dana , Georgescu Mihai , Nituica Mihaela 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe paper presents a study on composites based on 50:50 (PP:LLPE‐g‐MA) reinforced with 0.5, 1, and 2 wt% aramid fibers unmodified/modified with TiO2, processed by melt compounding. Micronic aramid fibers were acetone washed to remove impurities and treated with Ti(IV)isopropoxide precursor via sol–gel method, adding microcellulose for TiO2 particle dimension control. Composites were hot‐pressed into 4 mm‐thick plates for sampling and 0.5 mm‐thick sheets for thermoforming. All composites were successfully thermoformed, fibers‐based samples showing improved thermoforming ability without wrinkling. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis confirmed the formation of TiO2 particles on the fiber surface. Optical microscopy, SEM and FTIR analysis exhibit the fibers' strong embedment into the matrix due to physical interlocking, generating surface defect reduction. Water absorption decreased from 0.195% (control) to 0.075 and 0% for 1 TiO2 and 2 TiO2 samples, due to material compactization. Contact angles increased from 95.18° (Control) to 108° (1 TiO2) and 112.89° (2 TiO2). The highest flexural strength and modulus were exhibited by 1 TiO2 sample that increased by 44.88% and 47.6% compared to the control sample, due to higher intrinsic rigidity of fibers and TiO2 modifying surface rugosity and phase interaction. The impact strength of the control sample improved by 139% compared to PP due to brittleness reduction, 1 TiO2 by 209% compared to PP, 29% compared to the control sample. The results and excellent thermoformability recommend the materials for encapsulation of electronic/expensive parts in automotive or drone applications, offering viable, facile, rapid, and cost‐effective solutions to easily replace damaged parts.Highlights
Aramid fibers were successfully modified using isopropoxide precursor;
Strong embedment of fibers in the polymer diminishes crack propagation/damage;
Improved impact and bending properties and water contact angle;
The composites showed a high ability to thermoform into complex shapes;
Potential to replace non‐reusable materials as encapsulation solutions.
The power of the communicative approach: An investigation of classroom practices of English teachers working in vocational high schools
Authors: Karataş Süleyman , Aksoy Barış , Göçer Orhan , At Emine , Çiftçi Saliha , Caner Mustafa 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis research examines classroom methodologies aligned with the communicative approach, gauging the perspectives of English teachers working within vocational high schools (VHSs). The study, employing a qualitative case study research design, engaged 10 teachers from diverse backgrounds. The participants volunteered for the study and were selected through a maximum diversity sampling technique, a purposeful sampling method. The research methodology encompassed data collection through interviews, observations, and document analysis. Content analysis was applied to scrutinize interview data, whereas observational and document‐based findings were subjected to descriptive analysis techniques. The study revealed a prevalent utilization of teacher‐controlled activities and a predominant teacher‐centric classroom layout among teachers. Notably, a considerable proportion of in‐class time was allocated to grammar instruction, whereas comparatively lesser emphasis was placed on fostering reading, speaking, writing, and listening skills. Moreover, it was found that multiple‐choice tests and alternative assessment formats such as performance evaluations and projects were exclusively employed; using other alternative assessment approaches like observations, interviews, learning diaries, and portfolios was rare. It is also found that English instruction in VHSs heavily relies on textbooks, supplemented by the occasional integration of audiovisual materials. Overall, teachers expressed a consensus that there exists a need for enhancement in curricular frameworks, teaching aids, as well as assessment and evaluation tools within the English instruction domain.
N‐glycosylation of disease‐specific haptoglobin for the early screening of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Yuan Zhonghao , Lai Zhizhen , Zhang Yixin , Zhang Jiyun , Zhou Jinyu , Li Dan , Yu Weihong , Zhou Jiang , Li Zhili 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeDiabetic retinopathy (DR), as one of the microvascular complications of diabetes, is a leading cause of acquired vision loss. Most DR cases are detected in the advanced stage through fundoscopy, making molecular biomarkers urgently needed for early diagnosis of DR.Experimental designSerum disease‐specific haptoglobin‐β (Hp‐β) chains of 100 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 156 T2DM patients with non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) were separated using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. After in‐gel digestion and enrichment, the intact N‐glycopeptides were detected by mass spectrometry.ResultsFucosylation of Hp‐β was significantly increased and sialylation of Hp‐β was significantly decreased in background DR (BDR, an early‐stage DR) patients compared with non‐diabetic retinopathy patients (p < 0.05) and yielded area under curves (AUCs) of 0.801 and 0.829 in training and validation groups, respectively, which had an advantage over glycated hemoglobin A1c (AUC ≤ 0.691). Moreover, a significant increase in sialylated Hp‐β was found in severe NPDR patients compared with BDR patients and yielded an AUC of 0.828 to distinguish severe NPDR from BDR.ConclusionChanges in Hp‐β glycosylation are closely related to DR, and may be used for early diagnosis and screening of DR.
Proteomic changes of botulinum neurotoxin injection on muscle growth in children with spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Yang Xubo , Tang Hongmei , He Lu , Peng Tingting , Li Jinling , Zhang Jingbo , Liu Liru , Zhou Hongyu , Chen Zhaofang , Zhao Jingyi , Zhang Yage , Zhong Mengru , Han Mingshan , Zhang Mengqing , Niu Huiran , Xu Kaishou 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeThe study aims to explore the proteomic profile and specific target proteins associated with muscle growth in response to botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT‐A) treatment, in order to improve spasticity management in children with cerebral palsy (CP).Experimental designA total of 54 participants provided 60 plasma samples for proteomic analysis. Among them, six children were sampled before and after receiving their first BoNT‐A injection. In addition, 48 unrelated children were enrolled, among whom one group had never received BoNT‐A injections and another group was sampled after their first BoNT‐A injection. Differentially expressed proteins were identified using the data‐independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry approach. Gene Ontology (GO), protein–protein interaction network, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome analysis were conducted to explore the function and relationship among differentially expressed proteins. The expression levels of target proteins were verified by quantitative real‐time PCR and western blotting.ResultsAnalysis identified significant differential expression of 90 proteins across two time points, including 48 upregulated and 42 downregulated proteins. The upregulated thioredoxin, α‐actinin‐1, and aggrecan, and the downregulated integrin beta‐1 may affect the growth of muscles affected by spasticity 3 months after BoNT‐A injection. This effect is potentially mediated through the activation or inhibition of PI3K‐Akt, focal adhesion, and regulation of actin cytoskeleton signaling pathways.Conclusion and clinical relevanceBoNT‐A injection could lead to a disruption of protein levels and signaling pathways, a condition subsequently associated with muscle growth. This finding might aid clinicians in optimizing the management of spasticity in children with CP.
Rapid State Transfer via All‐Microwave Scheme in Transmon Qutrit
Authors: Chen Jiasong , Ma Zhuang , Xu Jianwen , Li YuNan , Zhang Tao , Lan Dong , Tan Xinsheng , Yu Yang 
Published: March 2024

As a crucial component of superconducting quantum computing, the three‐energy‐level quantum system, known as qutrit, along with qutrit gates, has garnered significant attention over the past decades, which highlights the significance of accomplishing state transfers between levels in multiqutrit systems as a critical task. Herein, the coupling is constructed via the all‐microwave approach. Both the coupling strength and Alternating Current stark shift are calibrated, based on which a fast (70 ns) state transfer from to is investigated and achieved through the stimulated Raman shortcut‐to‐adiabatic passage.
Overview of reemerging mpox infection with a focus on neurological manifestations
Authors: Alissa Mohammed , Alghamdi Abdullah , Alghamdi Suad A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMpox, a reemerging zoonotic disease caused by the mpox virus, has garnered increasing attention due to its potential for severe clinical manifestations. While the cutaneous and systemic presentations of mpox have been well‐documented, its neurological complications have recently emerged as an area of concern. This review provides a brief overview of the neurological aspects of mpox infection, highlighting the key findings and challenges in understanding and managing these complications. Neurological manifestations in mpox patients range from mild symptoms such as headaches and dizziness to more severe conditions, including encephalitis and seizures. The pathogenesis of neurological involvement is not yet fully elucidated but is thought to involve viral dissemination to the central nervous system. This dissemination may occur through haematogenous or neuronal routes, contributing to the diverse clinical spectrum observed. Early recognition and diagnosis of neurological complications in mpox are crucial for implementing appropriate therapeutic interventions and improving patient outcomes.
Adaptive finite‐time fuzzy secure control for nonlinear MASs under deception attacks
Authors: Bai Ziqi , Bi Wenshan , Sui Shuai , Tong Shaocheng , Chen C. L. Philip 
Published: March 2024

SummaryIn this paper, the problem of adaptive security control for a class of nonlinear multi‐agent systems (MASs) under deception attacks is studied. This scheme aims to design a new adaptive fuzzy control scheme for each subsystem of MASs to reduce the impact of network attacks (from sensor to controller) on state signals, and proposes Nussbaum function to deal with unknown time‐varying control directions. In addition, for multi‐agent systems, a finite‐time convergent security control scheme is designed to ensure the convergence of tracking error and the boundedness of signals in the closed‐loop system. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by a simulation example.
Event‐triggered output feedback H∞$$ H\infty $$ control for Markovian jump networked control systems with signal quantization
Authors: Zhou Xuede , Wang Yan , Ji Zhicheng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis article studies the output feedback control problem for event‐triggered Markovian jump networked control systems with signal quantization. First, a Lyapunov–Krasovskii function is constructed, which contains time delay, upper bound of time delay and conditional transition probability information of Markovian jump systems. Second, when using the Wirtinger's inequality and the Reciprocally convex inequality to estimate the upper bound of the delay of the weak infinitesimal generator operator of the Lyapunov–Krasovskii function, the event‐triggered scheme and the signal quantization scheme are introduced. Finally, the stability criterion of the closed‐loop system of event‐triggered Markovian jump networked control systems and the design method of the output feedback controller of disturbance attenuation level are given in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by two numerical examples.
Science and Heritage Language Integrated Learning (SHLIL): Evidence of the effectiveness of an innovative science outreach program for migrant students
Authors: Schiefer Julia , Caspari Jana , Moscoso Joana A. , Catarino Ana I. , Miranda Afonso Pedro , Golle Jessika , Rebuschat Patrick 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMigrant students tend to underperform in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and are less likely to pursue higher education in STEM when compared with their nonmigrant peers. Given the substantial increase in migration, this disparity has been a central concern in science education in many European countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an innovative science outreach program that brings together migrant students and STEM professionals with the same linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The program consists of one‐off workshops that follow an inquiry‐based approach and include hands‐on activities and science communication in the students' heritage language. Using surveys with adapted scales and open‐ended questions, we applied a randomized block design with waitlist control groups and repeated measures. Eighty‐three Portuguese‐speaking migrant students aged 6–17 years participated in the workshops in Germany and the United Kingdom. Results indicate that both the students and STEM professionals evaluated the program positively and that students who participated in the workshops tended to demonstrate an increase in their attainment value for science and an increase in their self‐concept of ability for the heritage language 4 weeks after the intervention when compared with students in the control condition. These effects were particularly pronounced for students with low prior motivation to study science or speak the heritage language. Our results thus show that it is possible to foster migrant students' attainment value for science and increase their self‐concept of ability regarding the heritage language through a brief science outreach intervention.
Does stress response axis activation differ between patients with autoimmune disease and healthy people?
Authors: Montero‐López Eva , Peralta‐Ramírez María Isabel , Ortego‐Centeno Norberto , Sabio José Mario , Callejas‐Rubio José Luis , Navarrete‐Navarrete Nuria , García‐Ríos M. Carmen , Santos‐Ruiz Ana 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMany studies have shown that patients with autoimmune disease present a hypoactive hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis, but the results are controversial. Our objective was to study differences in stress response axis activity between patients with autoimmune disease and healthy people. The study sample consisted of 97 women divided into four groups: 37 healthy women (HW), 21 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 21 with Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and 18 with systemic sclerosis (SSc). After being exposed to a stress task, participants' skin conductance and salivary cortisol levels were measured in order to assess their response to psychological stress. Diurnal cortisol concentrations were assessed by measuring salivary cortisol in samples collected five times over one day. In addition, self‐administered questionnaires were used to assess psychological variables. A time × group interaction effect was found (p = 0.003) in salivary cortisol secretion in response to stressful challenge. The healthy group presented normal activation, the SS and SLE groups showed no activation, and the SSc group presented a similar activation pattern to the HW group, except at the time of recovery. Total cortisol production (AUCg) was higher in the SSc group than in the HW group (p = 0.001). Differences were also observed in the cortisol AUCg collected over one day between healthy women and patients with SLE (p = 0.004) as well as with SSc (p = 0.001): women with SLE and SSc presented higher total hormone production than healthy women. Patients with autoimmune disease present a different HPA axis response, which may contribute to the harmful effects of stress in these diseases.
Yolk‐Shell Construction of Na3V2(PO4)2F3 with Copper Substitution Microsphere as High‐Rate and Long‐Cycling Cathode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Qingbo , Wang Yingshuai , Ou Runqing , Ding Xiangyu , Xin Yuhang , Wu Feng , Gao Hongcai 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNa3V2(PO4)2F3 (NVPF) is emerging as a promising cathode material for high‐voltage sodium‐ion batteries. Whereas, the inferior intrinsic electrical conductivity leading to poor rate performance and cycling stability. To address this issue, a strategy of synthesizing unique yolk‐shell structured NVPF with copper substitution via spray drying method is proposed. Besides, the synergistic modulation of both crystalline structure and interfacial properties results in significantly enhanced intrinsic and interfacial conductivity of NVPF. The optimized yolk‐shell structured cathode materials can possess a high capacity of 117.4 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, and remains a high‐capacity retention of 91.3% after 5000 cycles. A detailed investigation of kinetic properties combined with in situ XRD technology and DFT calculations, has been implemented, particularly with regard to electron conduction and sodium ion diffusion. Consequently, the yolk‐shell structured composition of Na3V1.94Cu0.06(PO4)2F3 with nitrogen‐modified carbon coating layer shows the lowest polarization potential because of the effectively enhanced electronic conductivity and Na+ diffusion process in the bulk phase. The robust electrochemical performance suggests that developing the unique yolk‐shell structure with the collaboration of interface and bulk crystal properties is a favorable strategy to design cathode material with a high performance for sodium‐ion batteries.