bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Significance of fusion status, Oberlin risk factors, local and maintenance treatment in pediatric and adolescent patients with metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma: Data of the European Soft Tissue Sarcoma Registry SoTiSaR
Authors: Heinz Amadeus T. , Schönstein Anton , Ebinger Martin , Fuchs Jörg , Timmermann Beate , Seitz Guido , Vokuhl Christian , Münter Marc , Pajtler Kristian W. , Stegmaier Sabine , von Kalle Thekla , Kratz Christian P. , Ljungman Gustaf , Juntti Hanna , Klingebiel Thomas , Koscielniak Ewa , Sparber‐Sauer Monika ,   the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundOutcome of primary metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is poor. Certain risk factors as fusion status, Oberlin score, and local treatment of primary tumor are known to influence prognosis.ProcedurePatients with metastatic RMS were treated according to Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) guidance with chemotherapy (CHT), radiotherapy (RT) excluding total lung irradiation (TLI), complete resection of the primary tumor, and metastasectomy if possible. Kaplan–Meier estimators and Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) involving also landmark analyses.ResultsIn the European Soft Tissue Sarcoma Registry SoTiSaR (2009–2018), 211 patients were analyzed. Many patients had fusion‐positive alveolar RMS (n = 83; 39%). Median age was 9.4 years [0.1–19.7 years]. Treatment primarily consisted of CHT with CEVAIE (carboplatin, epirubicine, vincristine, actinomycin‐D, ifosfamide, etoposide: 86%, other regimens: 14%), RT (71%), resection of primary tumor (37%), metastasectomy (19%), and lymph node sampling/dissection (21%). Maintenance treatment (MT) (oral trofosfamide, idarubicin, etoposide) was added in 74% of patients. Oberlin factors, fusion status, and MT were predictive for EFS and OS. MT with O‐TIE was not improving outcome when adjusting for the immortal time bias. Local treatment of the primary tumor and radical irradiation (except TLI) improved EFS, not OS, when adjusting for the Oberlin score. Patients with fusion‐negative alveolar RMS (n = 9) had an excellent outcome with a 5‐year EFS and OS of 100%, compared to patients with embryonal RMS (49%/62%), PAX7‐ (22%/47%) and PAX3/FOXO1‐positive ARMS (10/13%), respectively (p < .001).ConclusionsPrognosis of metastatic RMS primarily depends on fusion status and Oberlin score. Fusion status needs to be considered in future trials to optimize treatment outcome. The role of radical irradiation needs further investigation.
Recent advancements in the applications of fiber‐reinforced polymer structures in railway industry—A review
Authors: Saeedi A. , Motavalli M. , Shahverdi M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe application of fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials and structures in various industrial sectors is expanding significantly to meet the rising demand for efficient, reliable, and functional building materials. Using FRPs can be an excellent strategy for enhancing railway structures and equipment because of their high strength‐to‐weight ratio, tailorable mechanical properties, and suitable long‐term characteristics. However, the railway industry appears to be hesitant to adopt composite materials compared to other transportation sectors like aerospace. It seems that there is still a long way to go before FRPs reach their full potential in railway applications. The goal of the current study is to explore the current uses of FRPs in the railway industry and the significant challenges, obstacles and difficulties that must be overcome to put FRP‐based concepts into practice for structural and rail vehicle applications.HighlightsApplications of FRPs in railway vehicles and rail lines are reviewed.Main challenges for utilization of FRP in railway industry are studied.Future trends and applications of FRPs in the railway sector are introduced.
A micromechanical cyclic constitutive model for ratchetting deformation of polymeric composites with imperfect interface
Authors: Qin Fangping , Lu Fucong , Zhang Chuanbiao , Huang Long , Hou Yuhang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this study, a micromechanical cyclic constitutive model for accurately describing the ratchetting deformation of polymeric composites is proposed. The model is based on the mean‐field homogenization method and incorporates the nonlinear viscoelastic‐viscoplastic (VE‐VP) cyclic constitutive model of the polymeric matrix and the imperfect interface. First, the nonlinear VE‐VP model was linearized using the incremental affine method and then was introduced into the homogenization process. The imperfect interface was represented using a linear spring model. A modified Mori‐Tanaka model was developed to incorporate the nonlinear VE‐VP model and imperfect interface into the micromechanical constitutive model. To implement the proposed micromechanical model, a numerical algorithm was developed. The model is capable of capturing the influence of the imperfect interface on the ratchetting deformation of polymeric composites. Furthermore, it is applicable to simulate various loading histories, including monotonic tension, stress relaxation, creep, and uniaxial ratchetting loads. The proposed model was validated by comparing its simulations with those obtained from the full‐field finite element method (FEM) model. The proposed model can predict the ratchetting deformation of polymeric composites and promote the practical application of these material in structures.Highlights
A micromechanical cyclic constitutive model is developed to describe the ratchetting deformation of polymeric composites with imperfect interface.
Nonlinear viscoelastic‐viscoplastic deformation of polymeric matrix is considered.
A modified Mori‐Tanaka method is employed to incorporate the nonlinear constitutive model and imperfect interface into the process of homogenization.
Good agreement between simulations of the proposed model and the full‐field FEM model under various loading histories.
Modification mechanism of modified diatomite with flexible amine‐based structure as a filler of epoxy resin and mechanical properties and curing kinetic of composites
Authors: Wang Huixiao , Lou Chunhua , Yu Jingjing , Yang Yuxin , Liu Yan , Gu Xiaohua 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this study, the binding of amine‐based hyperbranched macromolecular polyethyleneimine (PEI) to diatomite (DE) was carried out by using the silane coupling agent KH560 (PEI‐KH560‐DE). Fourier infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the structure of the modified DE. Then, the composites were prepared using PEI‐KH560‐DE as the filler in the epoxy resin matrix and then cured with dimethylimidazole. The cured composites were tested for impact resistance, flexural properties, and tensile properties, and then subjected to DSC. The experimental results showed that when different proportions of diatomite or modified diatomite were added to the epoxy resin matrix, the strength and toughness of the composites could be significantly enhanced. When the content of PEI‐KH560‐DE was 15 wt%, the impact strength of the composites reached the maximum value of 5.39 kJ/m2, which was 156.67% higher than that of the pure epoxy resin (2.10 kJ/m2). The tensile strength was also improved from 16.38 MPa of the pure epoxy resin to 26.55 MPa, corresponding to an increase of 62.09%. With the addition of modified diatomite, the Tdmax and char yield of the composites were significantly enhanced, indicating that the addition of diatomite can enhance the heat resistance and thermal stability of the composites. The curing kinetics study showed that the addition of PEI‐KH560‐DE can significantly reduce the apparent activation energy required for the curing reaction of epoxy resin probably due to the presence of amine group in PEI, which plays a role in promoting the curing behavior.Highlights
Amine groups and flexible chain segments were introduced into diatomite.
Mechanism of polyethyleneimine‐modified diatomite was investigated.
Improved mechanical and thermal properties of PEI‐KH560‐DE/EP composites.
Curing kinetics showed that amine groups reduce apparent activation energy.
Expected yield and economic improvements of a yam seed system in West Africa using agro‐physiological modelling
Authors: Cornet Denis , Sierra Jorge , Tournebize Régis , Dossa Komivi , Gabrielle Benoît 
Published: October 2023

Societal Impact StatementYam is a major tropical root crop and a staple food for millions of people in West Africa. The model used in this study shows that promoting the use of improved seed tubers would help increase yields and profitability for farmers. This could lead to improved food security, increased income and higher standards of living. Additionally, the model serves as a useful decision‐support tool for farmers and technicians to choose, depending on the species, the optimum seed‐tuber weight and planting date. This study provides agronomic arguments to justify investments in the improvement of yam planting materials in West Africa.Summary
Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a major tropical root crop, grown mainly in West Africa using traditional extensive techniques. Farmers typically reuse seed tubers by setting aside up to 30% of their production for the next season, leading to high planting material variability that affects yields. Several initiatives aim to promote the use of improved seed tubers. However, to help their adoption, it is necessary to quantify the agronomic and economic advantages.
To address this, a model for individual plant growth and development was developed based on six experiments in Benin from 2007 to 2009. This model simulates the combined effect of emergence (through photoperiod and temperature) and seed‐tuber weight on yam plant growth and development. Its predictions were highly correlated with observed plant tuber yield (R2 > 0.83).
Results highlight the crucial role of key processes such as seed‐tuber physiological age and photoperiod sensitivity. The study shows that for the traditional planting dates, the use of improved planting material could lead to a yield increase of 22%–27% and a gain in profitability of 30% and 40% for Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea rotundata, respectively. The model proved to be a useful decision‐support tool for choosing an optimum seed‐tuber weight, depending on the species and the planting date.
This study validates investments in yam seed systems in West Africa. However, beyond seed size and health, other factors such as dormancy, storage time and their management need to be considered to address emergence heterogeneity and its impact on yield.
Comparison of the modified shuttle walk test in children with cystic fibrosis and healthy controls
Authors: Mucha Francieli Camila , Gonçalves Wamosy Renata Maba , Scalco Janaina Cristina , Almeida Ana Carolina da Silva , Itaborahy Bianca Dana Horongozo , Cardoso Juliana , Mayer Anamaria Fleig , Santos Schivinski Camila Isabel 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate and compare performance in the modified shuttle walk test (MSWT) with cardiorespiratory parameters and respiratory muscle strength in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and healthy controls.MethodsA cross‐sectional study with children divided into the CF group (CFG) and healthy control group (HCG). Two MSWTs were performed and the data from the test with the longest distance walked and its cardiorespiratory parameters (blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation, and dyspnea sensation) were considered, the last three every 4 levels. Respiratory muscle strength was evaluated using a manometer. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the parameters before and after the MSWT, and the Mann‐Whitney and independent t‐tests were applied to compare the data between the groups. The distance walked and its association with the variation in cardiorespiratory parameters and respiratory muscle strength were analyzed by Spearman's correlation.ResultsSixty‐two children (31 in each group) participated, with an average age of 10.2 (2.1) years. Children with CF had poorer performance in the average distance walked (CFG 716.7 (274.3)) when compared to the HCG (948.0 (202.8)). Both groups exhibited an increase in all the cardiorespiratory parameters at the end of the test, but the CFG displayed less variation in some parameters. Children with CF presented a positive correlation between distance walked and respiratory muscle strength, HR variation, and systolic blood pressure.ConclusionsThere was no difference in respiratory muscle strength between the groups. In the CFG, the greater the respiratory muscle strength, the better the performance in the MSWT. The CFG exhibited less variation in cardiorespiratory parameters than the HCG.
Lessons on protein structure from interleukin‐4: All disulfides are not created equal
Authors: Vaz Daniela C. , Rodrigues J. Rui , Loureiro‐Ferreira Nuno , Müller Thomas D. , Sebald Walter , Redfield Christina , Brito Rui M. M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractInterleukin‐4 (IL‐4) is a hematopoietic cytokine composed by a four‐helix bundle stabilized by an antiparallel beta‐sheet and three disulfide bonds: Cys3‐Cys127, Cys24‐Cys65, and Cys46‐Cys99. IL‐4 is involved in several immune responses associated to infection, allergy, autoimmunity, and cancer. Besides its physiological relevance, IL‐4 is often used as a “model” for protein design and engineering. Hence, to understand the role of each disulfide in the structure and dynamics of IL‐4, we carried out several spectroscopic analyses (circular dichroism [CD], fluorescence, nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR]), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on wild‐type IL‐4 and four IL‐4 disulfide mutants. All disulfide mutants showed loss of structure, altered interhelical angles, and looser core packings, showing that all disulfides are relevant for maintaining the overall fold and stability of the four‐helix bundle motif, even at very low pH. In the absence of the disulfide connecting both protein termini Cys3‐Cys127, C3T‐IL4 showed a less packed protein core, loss of secondary structure (~9%) and fast motions on the sub‐nanosecond time scale (lower S2 order parameters and larger τc correlation time), especially at the two protein termini, loops, beginning of helix A and end of helix D. In the absence of Cys24‐Cys65, C24T‐IL4 presented shorter alpha‐helices (14% loss in helical content), altered interhelical angles, less propensity to form the small anti‐parallel beta‐sheet and increased dynamics. Simultaneously deprived of two disulfides (Cys3‐Cys127 and Cys24‐Cys65), IL‐4 formed a partially folded “molten globule” with high 8‐anilino‐1‐naphtalenesulphonic acid‐binding affinity and considerable loss of secondary structure (~50%decrease), as shown by the far UV‐CD, NMR, and MD data.
Dauricine attenuates Oct4/sonic hedgehog co‐activated stemness and induces reactive oxygen species‐mediated mitochondrial apoptosis via AKT/β‐catenin signaling in human neuroblastoma and glioblastoma stem‐like cells
Authors: Liu Cuicui , Yang Tianfeng , Cheng Cheng , Huo Jian , Peng Xiuhong , Zhang Yanmin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractNeuroblastoma and glioblastoma are primary malignant tumors of the nervous system, with frequent relapse and limited clinical therapeutic drugs. The failure of their treatment is due to the tumor cells exhibiting cancer stem‐like cells (CSLCs) properties. Octamer binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) is involved in mediating CSLCs, our previous work found that Oct4‐driven reprogramming of astrocytes into induced neural stem cells was potentiated with continuous sonic hedgehog (Shh) stimulation. In this study, we aimed to study the importance of Oct4 and Shh combination in the stemness properties induction of neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cells, and evaluate the anti‐stemness effect of dauricine (DAU), a natural product of bis‐benzylisoquinoline alkaloid. The effect of Oct4 and Shh co‐activation on cancer stemness was evaluated by tumor spheres formation model and flow cytometry analysis. Then the effects of DAU on SH‐SY5Y and T98‐G cells were assessed by the MTT, colony formation, and tumor spheres formation model. DAU acts on Oct4 were verified using the Western blotting, MTT, and so on. Mechanistic studies were explored by siRNA transfection assay, Western blotting, and flow cytometry analysis. We identified that Shh effectively improved Oct4‐mediated generation of stemness in SH‐SY5Y and T98‐G cells, and Oct4 and Shh co‐activation promoted cell growth, the resistance of apoptosis. In addition, DAU, a natural product, was found to be able to attenuate Oct4/Shh co‐activated stemness and induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via blocking AKT/β‐catenin signaling in neuroblastoma and glioblastoma, which contributed to the neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cells growth inhibition by DAU. In summary, our results indicated that the treatment of DAU may be served as a potential therapeutic method in neuroblastoma and glioblastoma.
Educating patients with upper limb dysfunction on self‐adjustment of the CPAP/NPPV mask: A case series
Authors: Kuroda Tomoko , Ichikawa Kazushige , Hinata Satoshi , Chiba Kaoru , Okabayashi Ken , Asato Yuko , Aono Hiromi , Marumo Kazuyoshi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe share our experiences of instructing three patients with severe upper limb dysfunction on how to self‐adjust CPAP/NPPV masks. In Case 1, we simplified the procedure by suturing a part of the headband as the left forearm was amputated. In Case 2, the patient had congenitally short limbs with short stature; thus, we provided an additional belt to the headband to maintain the headband's configuration while wearing the mask. In Case 3, the patient had left hemiplegia due to stroke and, repetitive coaching was conducted during the recovery phase rehabilitation program. Difficulties with self‐adjusting NPPV/CPAP masks can occur whenever there is limited hand mobility above the head, including upper limb dysfunction. Simplifying procedures and providing sufficient time for instruction could help achieve independence. There have been no previous reports describing similar training details. We believe that sharing this knowledge will be helpful to both patients and healthcare professionals.
Upregulation of iNOS and phosphorylated eNOS in the implantation‐induced blastocysts of mice
Authors: Seki Misato , Takeuchi Eisaku , Fukui Emiko , Matsumoto Hiromichi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to examine expressions of iNOS and phosphorylated eNOS (p‐eNOS) in implantation‐induced blastocysts. We also examined the upstream of p‐eNOS.MethodsTo address the protein expressions in implantation‐induced blastocysts, we performed immunohistochemical analysis using a delayed implantation mouse model. Immunostaining for iNOS, p‐eNOS, and p‐Akt was done. To address the relationship between p‐eNOS and p‐Akt, activated blastocysts were treated with an Akt inhibitor, MK‐2206.ResultsiNOS expression was at low levels in dormant blastocysts, whereas the expression was significantly increased in the activated blastocysts. Double staining of p‐eNOS and p‐Akt in individual blastocysts showed colocalization of p‐eNOS and p‐Akt of the trophectoderm. p‐eNOS and p‐Akt expressions were at low levels in dormant blastocysts, whereas both of them were significantly increased in the activated blastocysts. Both dormant and activated blastocysts showed significant positive correlations between p‐eNOS and p‐Akt. MK‐2206 treatment for activated blastocysts showed that blastocysts with lower p‐Akt had significantly lower p‐eNOS levels.ConclusionsiNOS and p‐eNOS, Ca2+ independent NOS, are upregulated by E2 in the blastocysts during implantation activation. Furthermore, p‐eNOS is upregulated in implantation‐induced blastocysts downstream of p‐Akt.
Electroencephalographic findings post‐COVID‐19 vaccination: A systematic review of case reports and case series
Authors: Fazlollahi Asra , Zahmatyar Mahdi , Shamekh Ali , Motamedi Alireza , Seyedi Fatemeh , Seyedmirzaei Homa , Mousavi Seyed Ehsan , Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Sullman Mark J. M. , Kolahi Ali‐Asghar , Arshi Shahnam , Safiri Saeid 
Published: October 2023

AbstractA number of different neurological complications have been reported following vaccination against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Electroencephalogram (EEG) is one of the modalities used to evaluate the neurological complications of diseases. The aim of the present study was to identify the EEG changes in participants vaccinated against COVID‐19. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, medRxiv, and Google Scholar were searched up to 1 September 2022, with terms related to COVID‐19 vaccines, EEG, neurological signs/symptoms, or neurological disorders. All case reports and case series were included if the participants had received at least one dose of a COVID‐19 vaccine and a post vaccination EEG report was also reported. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for case reports and case series to appraise the methodological quality of the included studies. Thirty‐one studies were included, which were comprised of 24 case reports and seven case series and a total of 36 participants. Generalised slowing and non‐convulsive focal status epilepticus were the most common EEG findings post‐COVID‐19 vaccination. The most frequent symptoms were headache, fatigue, generalised weakness, and vomiting. In addition, the most common signs were encephalopathy, post‐ictal phases, and confusion. Encephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and post‐vaccinal encephalopathy were the most commonly diagnosed adverse events. Furthermore, most of the imaging studies appeared normal. The EEG reports mainly showed background slowing and epileptiform discharges, encephalitis, encephalopathies, and demyelinating disorders. Future studies with larger samples and more vaccine types may help to further unravel the potential neurological effects of COVID‐19 vaccinations on recipients.
A GES joint position trajectory tracking smooth controller of torque‐driven robot manipulators affected by disturbances
Authors: Sandoval Jesús , Cervantes‐Pérez Luis , Santibáñez Víctor , Moreno‐Valenzuela Javier , Kelly Rafael 
Published: October 2023

SummaryThis paper presents a controller for joint position tracking of torque‐driven robot manipulators affected by torque disturbances. In particular, the proposed approach allows concluding global exponential stability (GES) of the state‐space origin of the closed‐loop system when constant disturbances affect the robot dynamics. Besides, when time‐varying disturbances are presented, the trajectories of the closed‐loop system are proven to be bounded as result of the input‐to‐state stability. The main contribution is the design of the control law and a nonlinear observer based on an alternative energy shaping approach. The nonlinear observer is designed to compute and compensate for unknown disturbances, whether they are constant or time‐varying. Furthermore, a detailed stability analysis of the closed‐loop system based on Lyapunov theory and input‐to‐state stability is presented. As far as the authors know, this is the first energy‐shaping controller for trajectory tracking control of robot manipulators affected by constant disturbances that achieves global exponential stability. Real‐time experiments on a manipulator arm of two degrees‐of‐freedom illustrate the performance of the proposed controller.