bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geographic, Sociodemographic, and Clinical Factors Associated With Parental Self‐Efficacy in Pediatric Patients With Hearing Loss
Authors: Khalsa Inderpreet Kaur , Florentine Michelle M. , Liao Elizabeth N. , Stephans Jihyun , Chan Dylan K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo identify geographic, sociodemographic, and clinical factors associated with parental self‐efficacy in a diverse cohort of deaf or hard‐of‐hearing (DHH) children.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingTertiary children's hospital.MethodsFour hundred forty parents of DHH children aged 0 to 17 completed the 25‐item Scale of Parental Involvement and Self‐Efficacy (SPISE) survey from 2014 to 2022. Residential addresses were geocoded and assigned Area Deprivation Index and Social Vulnerability Index rankings, and univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted using sociodemographic and clinical variables, including sex, race/ethnicity, insurance type, survey language, age at the survey, comorbidities, newborn hearing screening results, and hearing loss laterality and severity.ResultsCompared to English and Spanish‐speaking parents, Chinese‐speaking parents were associated with overall lower parental self‐efficacy and involvement (regression coefficient = −0.518, [−0.929, −0.106]), Cohen's d = 0.606) and lower scores on items related to their ability to affect multiple aspects of their child's development and expression of thoughts as well as competency in checking and putting on their child's sensory device. Across univariable and multivariable analyses, besides Chinese language, all other sociodemographic, clinical, and geographic variables were not associated with SPISE score.ConclusionTo achieve the best patient outcomes, care teams can use the SPISE to evaluate parental self‐efficacy and provide targeted support to parents at risk for having lower knowledge and confidence scores about critical skills necessary to facilitate their child's auditory access and language development. Notably, this study found similar reports of parental efficacy across various sociodemographic, clinical, and geographic variables but significantly lower SPISE scores in Chinese‐speaking families.
Acquired NF2 mutation confers resistance to TRK inhibition in an ex vivoLMNA::NTRK1‐rearranged soft‐tissue sarcoma cell model
Authors: Chen Yanjiang , Steiner Sabrina , Hagedorn Catherine , Kollar Sarah , Pliego‐Mendieta Alicia , Haberecker Martina , Plock Jan , Britschgi Christian , Planas‐Paz Lara , Pauli Chantal 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGenomic rearrangements of the neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase genes (NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3) are the most common mechanism of oncogenic activation for this family of receptors, resulting in sustained cancer cell proliferation. Several targeted therapies have been approved for tumours harbouring NTRK fusions and a new generation of TRK inhibitors has already been developed due to acquired resistance. We established a patient‐derived LMNA::NTRK1‐rearranged soft‐tissue sarcoma cell model ex vivo with an acquired resistance to targeted TRK inhibition. Molecular profiling of the resistant clones revealed an acquired NF2 loss of function mutation that was absent in the parental cell model. Parental cells showed continuous sensitivity to TRK‐targeted treatment, whereas the resistant clones were insensitive. Furthermore, resistant clones showed upregulation of the MAPK and mTOR/AKT pathways in the gene expression based on RNA sequencing data and increased sensitivity to MEK and mTOR inhibitor therapy. Drug synergy was seen using trametinib and rapamycin in combination with entrectinib. Medium‐throughput drug screening further identified small compounds as potential drug candidates to overcome resistance as monotherapy or in combination with entrectinib. In summary, we developed a comprehensive model of drug resistance in an LMNA::NTRK1‐rearranged soft‐tissue sarcoma and have broadened the understanding of acquired drug resistance to targeted TRK therapy. Furthermore, we identified drug combinations and small compounds to overcome acquired drug resistance and potentially guide patient care in a functional precision oncology setting. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Evaluation of composites based on virgin rubber/devulcanized rubber reinforced with chemically and radiation activated polyurethane scrap for possible applications
Authors: Abdel‐Hakim Ahmed , Awad Eman H. , El‐Nemr Khaled F. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractReusing industrial waste is one of the new tactics being used to fight the dumping of solid waste for environmental protection. In the current work, the waste polyurethane (WPU) was ground to a fine powder and used for reinforcement of devulcanized waste rubber/styrene butadiene rubber (DWR/SBR) blends. DWR/SBR/WPU composites were prepared using (0, 3, 6, 9, 15, 30) phr (parts per hundred of rubber) of WPU. It was hypothesized that the treatment of WPU with trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTMA) and irradiated at 10 kGy would improve its compatibility with the DWR/SBR blend and, consequently, its reinforcement efficacy. The incorporation of 30 phr of treated WPU (TWPU) improved the tensile strength (TS) by 47.7% and 8.6% compared to neat DWR/SBR and composites containing 30 phr of untreated WPU (UWPU). In addition, the incorporation of TWPU improved other mechanical characteristics such as tear strength, hardness, and abrasion resistance. As a result of increasing polarity and cross‐link density within the DWR/SBR blend after the addition of polar WPU, the resistance to motor oil was improved. The outcomes are encouraging from the standpoint of the circular economy and help produce high‐performing, reasonably priced DWR/SBR composites for a range of industrial uses, especially in the floor tiles application.Highlights
Waste polyurethane (WPU) was activated using gamma irradiation in the presence of TMPTMA.
The treatment of WPU improved its compatibility with DWR/SBR blend.
The impact of WPU treatment on the properties of DWR/SBR blend was investigated.
TWPU improved the mechanical properties of DWR/SBR blend more than UWPU.
TWPU increased the motor oil resistance of DWR/SBR blend more than UWPU.
Encapsulated allyl isothiocyanate improves soil distribution, efficacy against soil‐borne pathogens and tomato yield
Authors: Zhang Yi , Fang Wensheng , Yan Dongdong , Ji Yutong , Chen Xinhua , Guo Anmin , Song Zhaoxin , Li Yuan , Cao Aocheng , Wang Qiuxia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDCrop quality, yield and farmer income are reduced by soil‐borne diseases, nematodes and weeds, although these can be controlled by allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a plant‐derived soil fumigant. However, its efficacy against soil‐borne pathogens varies, mainly because of its chemical instability and uneven distribution in the soil. Formulation modification is an effective way to optimize pesticide application. We encapsulated AITC in modified diatomite granules (GR) and measured the formulation's loading content and stability, environmental fate and efficacy against soil‐borne pathogens, and its impact on the growth and yield of tomatoes.RESULTSWe observed that an AITC loading content in the granules of 27.6% resulted in a degradation half‐life of GR that was 1.94 times longer than 20% AITC emulsifiable concentrate in water (EW) and shorter than AITC technical (TC) grade. The stable and more even distribution of GR in soil resulted in relatively consistent and acceptable control of soil‐borne pathogens. Soil containing AITC residues that remained 10–24 days after GR fumigation were not phytotoxic to cucumber seeds. GR significantly reduced soil‐borne pest populations, and tomato growth and yield increased as AITC dosage increased. GR containing an AITC dose of 20 g m−2 effectively controlled pathogens in soil for about 7 months and improved tomato yield by 108%.CONCLUSIONOur research demonstrates the benefits of soil fumigation with loaded AITC over other formulations for effective pest control, and improved tomato plant growth and fruit yield. Fumigant encapsulation appears to be a useful method to improve pest and disease control, environmental performance and fumigant commercial sustainability. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Curcumin as a natural potential drug candidate against important zoonotic viruses and prions: A narrative review
Authors: Azarkar Setareh , Abedi Masoud , Lavasani Ali Sheikh Olya , Ammameh Atefeh Heidar , Goharipanah Fatemeh , Baloochi Kimiya , Bakhshi Hasan , Jafari Amirsajad 
Published: April 2024

AbstractZoonotic diseases are major public health concerns and undeniable threats to human health. Among Zoonotic diseases, zoonotic viruses and prions are much more difficult to eradicate, as they result in higher infections and mortality rates. Several investigations have shown curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, to have wide spectrum properties such as anti‐microbial, anti‐vascular, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐tumor, anti‐neoplastic, anti‐oxidant, and immune system modulator properties. In the present study, we performed a comprehensive review of existing in silico, in vitro, and in vivo evidence on the antiviral (54 important zoonotic viruses) and anti‐prion properties of curcumin and curcuminoids in PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Database searches yielded 13,380 results, out of which 216 studies were eligible according to inclusion criteria. Of 216 studies, 135 (62.5%), 24 (11.1%), and 19 (8.8%) were conducted on the effect of curcumin and curcuminoids against SARS‐CoV‐2, Influenza A virus, and dengue virus, respectively. This review suggests curcumin and curcuminoids as promising therapeutic agents against a wide range of viral zoonoses by targeting different proteins and signaling pathways.
Plant‐derived flavonoids are a potential source of drugs for the treatment of liver fibrosis
Authors: Zhao Bolin , Liu Kai , Liu Xing , Li Qiuxia , Li Zhibei , Xi Jingjing , Xie Fan , Li Xiaofang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLiver fibrosis is a dynamic pathological process that can be triggered by any chronic liver injury. If left unaddressed, it will inevitably progress to the severe outcomes of liver cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma. In the past few years, the prevalence and fatality of hepatic fibrosis have been steadily rising on a global scale. As a result of its intricate pathogenesis, the quest for pharmacological interventions targeting liver fibrosis has remained a formidable challenge. Currently, no pharmaceuticals are exhibiting substantial clinical efficacy in the management of hepatic fibrosis. Hence, it is of utmost importance to expedite the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of this condition. Various research studies have revealed the ability of different natural flavonoid compounds to alleviate or reverse hepatic fibrosis through a range of mechanisms, which are related to the regulation of liver inflammation, oxidative stress, synthesis and secretion of fibrosis‐related factors, hepatic stellate cells activation, and proliferation, and extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation by these compounds. This review summarizes the progress of research on different sources of natural flavonoids with inhibitory effects on liver fibrosis over the last decades. The anti‐fibrotic effects of natural flavonoids have been increasingly studied, making them a potential source of drugs for the treatment of liver fibrosis due to their good efficacy and biosafety.
Time‐optimal trajectory generation and observer‐based hierarchical sliding mode control for ballbots with system constraints
Authors: Vu Duc Cuong , Pham Minh Duc , Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang , Nguyen Thi Van Anh , Nguyen Tung Lam 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper introduces a comprehensive motion planning–tracking–safety constraint scheme for a 3D ballbot system. A nonlinear control for the 3D ballbot system is designed based on three separate planes by utilizing extended state observer (ESO) to estimate coupling mechanisms. Three virtual control signals are generated from these distinct planes and can be used for formulating actual control signals. To overcome the complexity of nonlinear motion equations, flatness theory is used to construct the time‐optimal trajectory through an optimization problem, facilitating smooth movement of the ballbot, and obstacle avoidance based on RRT* waypoints. Furthermore, our work manipulates the hierarchical sliding mode controller (HSMC) as the nominal controller to ensure that the ballbot tracks to the optimal trajectory, unifying with the exponential control barrier function (ECBF) to address safety constraints in the body's deflection angle. Through extensive simulations and comparative analysis, the system demonstrates its effectiveness and safe operation in various working conditions.
Distributed formation control for leader‐follower quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles system based on practical sliding mode and event‐triggered mechanisms
Authors: Lin Xumei , Lin Qihang , Yin Chenglong , Peng Chengcheng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis article investigates the distributed formation trajectory tracking problem of a homogeneous quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) system using a leader‐follower consensus protocol in three‐dimensional space. To enable the follower UAVs in the swarm to track a single leader UAV and form a desired formation under undirected topology, a six‐degree‐of‐freedom dynamic model with bounded time‐varying disturbances is established, which is divided into a tracking subsystem and a stabilizing subsystem. A practical sliding mode control (PSMC) based event‐triggered algorithm is proposed to achieve distributed formation control for a leader‐follower quadrotor UAVs system and reduce the network transmission resources. To address the potential issue of inter‐UAVs collisions during formation, an artificial potential field (APF) method is introduced in the tracking subsystem, and an disturbance observer is introduced in the stabilizing subsystem to estimate the unknown external disturbances. The boundedness of signals in the closed‐loop system is demonstrated using Lyapunov stability theory, and the exclusion of Zeno behavior can be ensured by having a positive lower bound on the inter‐event time between two consecutive triggering events. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed event‐triggered algorithm is validated through simulation examples.
The Ayuso Administration menace: The challenges posed by the derogation of the Madrid antidiscrimination policies for LGBTI citizens
Authors: Argyriou Konstantinos , Platero Lucas , Gallardo‐Nieto Elena 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMadrid is the first region in Spain whose government has managed to dismantle an already existing LGBTI legal framework, going against the recently voted Legal Gender Identity and LGBTI Law that applies at a State level (4/2023). The conservative government of Madrid has modified two regional laws to re‐establish gatekeeping and gender surveillance, thus putting the depathologization and self‐determination of gender identity at stake. LGBTI minors are particularly exposed to this measure, as the partial derogation of aspects of the Madrid law directly affects their autonomy and self‐determination. Our policy analysis examines the contradictions and severe effects of this law reform. We employ a cross‐reading of the State and regional statutory terms that are being jeopardized, to reveal the different levels of policy making in which the Spanish trans community is obliged to obey. We further call for further analysis and follow up of the consequences of these law reforms and the impact on LGBTI people of all ages.
Microneedle Patch for Transdermal Sequential Delivery of KGF‐2 and aFGF to Enhance Burn Wound Therapy
Authors: He Huacheng , Huang Wen , Zhang Shihui , Li Jie , Zhang Jian , Li Bingxin , Xu Jie , Luo Yuting , Shi Huiling , Li Yue , Xiao Jian , Ezekiel Odinaka Cassandra , Li Xiaokun , Wu Jiang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSevere burn wounds usually destroy key cells’ functions of the skin resulting in delayed re‐epithelization and wound regeneration. Promoting key cells’ activities is crucial for burn wound repair. It is well known that keratinocyte growth factor‐2 (KGF‐2) participates in the proliferation and morphogenesis of epithelial cells while acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) is a key mediator for fibroblast and endothelial cell growth and differentiation. However, thick eschar and the harsh environment of a burn wound often decrease the delivery efficiency of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) to the wound site. Therefore, herein a novel microneedle patch for sequential transdermal delivery of KGF‐2 and aFGF is fabricated to enhance burn wound therapy. aFGF is first loaded in the nanoparticle (NPaFGF) and then encapsulated NPaFGF with KGF‐2 in the microneedle patch (KGF‐2/NPaFGF@MN). The result shows that KGF‐2/NPaFGF@MN can successfully get across the eschar and sequentially release KGF‐2 and aFGF. Additional data demonstrated that KGF‐2/NPaFGF@MN achieved a quicker wound closure rate with reduced necrotic tissues, faster re‐epithelialization, enhanced collagen deposition, and increased neo‐vascularization. Further evidence suggests that improved wound healing is regulated by significantly elevated expressions of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1ɑ) and heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) in burn wounds. All these data proved that KGF‐2/NPaFGF@MN is an effective treatment for wound healing of burns.
Harnessing Pb–S Interactions for Long‐Term Water Stability in Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals
Authors: Ahlawat Monika , Sahu Ankita , Govind Rao Vishal 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLead halide perovskite nanocrystals (LHP NCs) have garnered attention as promising light‐harvesting materials for optoelectronics and photovoltaic devices, attributed to their impressive optoelectronic properties. However, their susceptibility to moisture‐induced degradation has hindered their practical applications. Despite various encapsulation strategies, challenges persist in maintaining their stability and optoelectronic performance simultaneously. Here, a ligand exchange approach is proposed using (11‐mercaptoundecyl)‐N,N,N‐trimethylammonium bromide (MUTAB) to enhance the stability and dispersibility of CsPbBr3 (CPB) NCs in aqueous environments. MUTAB enables effective surface passivation of the CPB NCs via robust Pb–S interactions at the S‐terminal while concurrently directing water molecules through the unbound cationic N‐terminal or vice versa, ensuring water dispersibility and stability. Spectroscopic analysis confirms retained structural and optical integrity post‐ligand exchange. Crucially, MUTAB‐bound CPB NCs exhibit sustained charge transfer properties, demonstrated by aqueous colloidal oxidation reactions. This ligand exchange strategy offers a promising pathway for advancing LHP NCs toward practical optoelectronic and photocatalytic applications.
Effect of uniaxial loading on the spalling of concrete panels for Melbourne's Metro Tunnel Project
Authors: Guerrieri Maurice , Lee Duffy , Lee Vern , Haines Luke 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Metro Tunnel is a Victorian Government funded infrastructure project which will create a new end‐to‐end rail line from Sunbury in the west to Cranbourne/Pakenham in the south east, with bigger and better trains, next generation signaling technology and five new underground stations. This article provides a detailed summary of the structural fire testing requirements for the platform tunnel side wall and arch lining in the Metro Tunnel's State Library and Town Hall stations. Contrasted to building fires, tunnel fires are more significant within a few minutes due to the confined space which can cause concrete spalling and jeopardize the bearing capacity of the tunnel, which is a significant concern to designers. The catastrophic European tunnel fire events in 1999 and 2001 led to the development of innovative regulations and recommendations, including guidelines endorsed by the European Federation of National (EFNARC 132F r3:2006) and Efectis R0695:2020. This paper explains the methodology taken to design the fire rated concrete test for the platform tunnel side wall and arch lining in the State Library and Town Hall stations of Melbourne's Metro Tunnel Project for structural stability for the period of a serious fire event. For the first time, uniaxial loading (500T) was applied to five large‐scale flat concrete panels (1800 × 1800 × 400 mm) which are normally unloaded during fire exposure and exposed to the RABT ZTV (rail) fire curve. The first testing program investigated the influence of polypropylene dosage in the concrete mix design and its effect on the magnitude and severity of concrete spalling. The results indicated that the recommended 2.0 kg/m3 polypropylene dosage requirement as specified by Eurocode is conservative. Concrete mix designs with a stable aggregate and the correct curing regime can mitigate spalling at significantly lower polypropylene dosage rates. The water pooling effect was evident during the fire testing and the surface cracking that developed was vertical to the surface, allowing for the release of the pore water pressure build‐up.
Bond shear modulus in reinforced concrete at high temperature: A design‐oriented approach
Authors: Bamonte Patrick , Gambarova Pietro G. , Lo Monte Francesco 
Published: April 2024

AbstractModeling bond behavior in either ordinary or high‐temperature conditions requires the knowledge of bond shear modulus—called also slip modulus or simply bond stiffness—that has received so far scanty attention because of the greater interest for bond as a guarantee of equilibrium at the Ultimate Limit State (and in fire conditions) than as a means to guarantee both equilibrium and compatibility at the Serviceability Limit State (and in fire/post‐fire conditions). The limited knowledge of bond shear modulus makes it difficult to numerically model such phenomena as tension stiffening, that controls the structural behavior in both ordinary and fire conditions. The general trends identified by examining eleven experimental campaigns with anchored bars covering 27 different cases and temperatures ranging between 20 and 800°C are the starting point of the design‐oriented laws proposed in this study about bond shear modulus as a function of concrete residual strength and temperature. A simple shear‐lag model is introduced for bond shear modulus at room temperature, as its evaluation from test data is no simple matter due to initial chemical adhesion and different test procedures. Bond shear modulus is shown to be a decreasing function of concrete residual compressive strength and of the maximum temperature reached by the bar‐concrete system. Design charts are proposed to allow the designer to identify the value of the bond stiffness on the basis of the max. temperature, of concrete residual strength and of bar diameter, making it possible to realistically model tension stiffening in fire‐damaged RC structures.