bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and acceptability of cognitive‐behavioral therapy and serotonin reuptake inhibitors for pediatric obsessive‐compulsive disorder: a network meta‐analysis
Authors: Cervin Matti , McGuire Joseph F. , D'Souza Johann M. , De Nadai Alessandro S. , Aspvall Kristina , Goodman Wayne K. , Andrén Per , Schneider Sophie C. , Geller Daniel A. , Mataix‐Cols David , Storch Eric A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are recommended treatments for pediatric obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD), but their relative efficacy and acceptability have not been comprehensively examined. Further, it remains unclear whether the efficacy of in‐person CBT is conserved when delivered in other formats, such as over telephone/webcam or as Internet‐delivered CBT (ICBT).

Methods

PubMed, PsycINFO, trial registries, and previous systematic reviews were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CBT (in‐person, webcam/telephone‐delivered, or ICBT) or SRIs with control conditions or each other. Network meta‐analyses were conducted to examine efficacy (post‐treatment Children's Yale‐Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) and acceptability (treatment discontinuation). Confidence in effect estimates was evaluated with CINeMA (Confidence in Network Meta‐Analysis).

Results

Thirty eligible RCTs and 35 contrasts comprising 2,057 youth with OCD were identified. In‐person CBT was significantly more efficacious than ICBT, waitlist, relaxation training, and pill placebo (MD range: 3.95–11.10; CINeMA estimate of confidence: moderate) but did not differ significantly from CBT delivered via webcam/telephone (MD: 0.85 [−2.51, 4.21]; moderate), SRIs (MD: 3.07 [−0.07, 6.20]; low), or the combination of in‐person CBT and SRIs (MD: −1.20 [−5.29, 2.91]; low). SRIs were significantly more efficacious than pill placebo (MD: 4.59 [2.70, 6.48]; low) and waitlist (MD: 8.03 [4.24, 11.82]; moderate). No significant differences for acceptability emerged, but confidence in estimates was low.

Conclusions

In‐person CBT and SRIs produce clear benefits compared to waitlist and pill placebo and should be integral parts of the clinical management of pediatric OCD, with in‐person CBT overall having a stronger evidence base. The combination of in‐person CBT and SRIs may be most efficacious, but few studies hinder firm conclusions. The efficacy of CBT appears conserved when delivered via webcam/telephone, while more trials evaluating ICBT are needed.
Measurement opportunities for studying sexual and gender diverse partnerships in population‐based surveys
Authors: Julian Christopher A. , Manning Wendy D. , Kamp Dush Claire M.
Published: January 2024

Objective

This article outlines for family scholars and researchers designing surveys or searching for data on sexual and gender‐diverse (SGD) families the latest methodological advancements in United States population‐based surveys for studying SGD partnerships by reviewing five recently collected, publicly available, population‐representative data sets.

Background

LGBTQIA+ adults and SGD partnerships are an expanding demographic group in the United States. Yet, measurement limitations have restricted studies of these partnerships that use population‐based studies. To address this issue, researchers designing population‐representative data collections have adopted new strategies to measure SGD partnerships accurately. However, most population representative surveys continue to lack data on growing segments of the LGBTQIA+ population by relying solely on the sex of partners or limited sexual and gender identity measures.

Conclusion

We recommend expanding population‐based surveys to incorporate inclusive measures of sexual and gender identity, directly asking about the gender composition of a couple and measurement of cohabiting and other nonmarital relationships. These approaches are especially important for understanding relationships among younger populations who do not follow heteronormative relationship trajectories and hold diverse gender and sexual identities.

Implications

Although the research opportunities on SGD individuals and partnerships are expanding; researchers must remain mindful of the limitations of current data sets and advocate for updates to the United States population data infrastructure.
Differential expression and gene correlation analyses reveal core CAZymes in Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici exposed to mutagen and heat stress
Authors: Roy Abhijeet , Kalita Barsha , Thanmalagan Raja Rajeswary , Arunachalam Annamalai , PTV Lakshmi
Published: January 2024

Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici is the casual organism of tomato wilt disease which is a devastating plant pathogen responsible for annual loss of this fruit crop. An important step in fungal growth and development is germination, that is transformation of dormant spores into a growing hypha. For this, a set of special type of enzymes known as CAZymes are required for construction and remodelling of polysaccharides and penetration into the host. This necessitates to understand the underlying mechanism of hyphal growth and the crucial CAZymes involved in the process. Therefore, a comparative transcriptomic study of F. oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici using publically available RNA‐seq data under two perturbed conditions was taken up to find out the core differentially expressed genes (DEGs) followed by CAZyme annotation and their co‐expression. Among these two perturbations, 514 core DEGs were found, from which 32 CAZymes were annotated, with majority of them being glycosyl hydrolases and glycosyl transferases. Most of these CAzymes were also found to be downregulated in both the stresses. Further, among these annotated DEGs, the interaction network revealed the association of CAZymes with zinc finger transcription factors, enzymes associated with fatty acid biosynthesis, and sulphur and citrate metabolism. Hence, in the present study, the key or core CAZymes and their association with other enzymes were revealed in the impaired fungus which are otherwise crucial for growth in normal conditions.
Polyethylene glycol–mediated genetic transformation and fluorescent labelling of Colletotrichum sublineola for studying sorghum anthracnose pathogenicity
Authors: Li Siyu , Chen Songshu , Tai Zheng , Luo Lingfeng , Jiang Ling , Wang Fen , Xie Xin
Published: January 2024

Anthracnose, a disease primarily caused by the fungus Colletotrichum sublineola, affects sorghum production in China. However, the infection mechanisms and complex host interactions of C. sublineola remain to be elucidated. Thus, this study aimed to establish and optimize a protoplast transformation system of C. sublineola so as to lay a foundation for further research on the infection mechanisms and complex host interactions of C. sublineola. A genetic transformation system was established and optimized for C. sublineola strain HX‐5‐1 and used to introduce fluorescent reporter genes, namely, green fluorescent protein (GFP) and mCherry. Results showed that the growth of HX‐5‐1 was completely inhibited on a regenerating medium containing 300 μg mL−1 hygromycin B, indicating that hygromycin B acted as a transformant‐selective marker. HX‐5‐1 produced the highest yield of protoplasts when the mycelia were cultured for 60 h and dissolved in a 0.1% lysozyme solution (0.7 M NaCl) for 3 h. Subsequently, a 106 mL−1 protoplast solution transformed using 5 μg of plasmid DNA exhibited the highest transformation efficiency. Laser confocal microscopy showed that GFP and mCherry fluorescent signals were successfully expressed in the mycelia and spores of HX‐5‐1, indicating that they were stably inherited in the transformants and did not affect colony morphology, growth rate, or pathogenicity. In conclusion, we successfully established a genetic transformation system for C. sublineola and employed it to obtain stable fluorescent protein expression. This study may serve as a foundation for understanding the infection process of C. sublineola.
The impact of investment treaties on domestic governance in developing countries
Authors: Bonnitcha Jonathan , Williams Zoe Phillips
Published: January 2024

This paper empirically examines the impact of investment treaties on domestic governance in developing countries, through cross‐country quantitative analysis and a detailed qualitative case‐study on Myanmar. We clarify a variety of mechanisms that plausibly link investment treaties to impacts on domestic governance. Considering incentive, acculturative and political economy mechanisms, we find little evidence that the treaties lead to changes in domestic law, institutional structure or policy‐making. The treaties also have surprisingly limited relevance in investor‐state bargaining outside formal adjudicatory processes. Overall, our findings point to a profound decoupling between investment treaties and domestic governance; they also clarify the conditions under which such decoupling can persist, notwithstanding material incentives for states to ensure tighter alignment. Rather than interpreting decoupling as a failure of domestic implementation, our case study suggests that the problem is with the treaties themselves, in that they place obligations on developing countries that cannot realistically be implemented.
The Implementation of Mindfulness in Early Childhood: Diversity in the Uses and Functions of Mindfulness and What This may Mean for Children's Well‐being
Authors: Duff Celeste
Published: January 2024

The growth of mindfulness is a global trend; however, the implementation of mindfulness practices in early childhood is a nascent phenomenon. There is a scarcity of research conducted for the purpose of understanding the implementation of mindfulness in early childhood. This study is, therefore, concerned with the functionality of mindfulness in early childhood within clinical and educational contexts. Using a qualitative design, 24 children aged four to five participated in focus groups, and eight primary school teachers and six clinicians participated in semi‐structured interviews. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Five diverse uses and functions of mindfulness were identified: social and emotional skills development, behavioral and emotional regulation, the recognition and awareness of emotional health and well‐being, the promotion of resilience, and contributing to long‐term outcomes for children. These findings contribute toward the interdisciplinary knowledge and research base for child well‐being practices and the diversity in the use and functionality of mindfulness.
Predicting photosynthetic pathway from anatomy using machine learning
Authors: Gilman Ian S. , Heyduk Karolina , Maya‐Lastra Carlos , Hancock Lillian P. , Edwards Erika J.
Published: January 2024

Plants with Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) have long been associated with a specialized anatomy, including succulence and thick photosynthetic tissues. Firm, quantitative boundaries between non‐CAM and CAM plants have yet to be established – if they indeed exist.

Using novel computer vision software to measure anatomy, we combined new measurements with published data across flowering plants. We then used machine learning and phylogenetic comparative methods to investigate relationships between CAM and anatomy.

We found significant differences in photosynthetic tissue anatomy between plants with differing CAM phenotypes. Machine learning‐based classification was over 95% accurate in differentiating CAM from non‐CAM anatomy, and had over 70% recall of distinct CAM phenotypes. Phylogenetic least squares regression and threshold analyses revealed that CAM evolution was significantly correlated with increased mesophyll cell size, thicker leaves, and decreased intercellular airspace.

Our findings suggest that machine learning may be used to aid the discovery of new CAM species and that the evolutionary trajectory from non‐CAM to strong, obligate CAM requires continual anatomical specialization.
Carbon and phosphorus exchange rates in arbuscular mycorrhizas depend on environmental context and differ among co‐occurring plants
Authors: Lekberg Ylva , Jansa Jan , McLeod Morgan , DuPre Mary Ellyn , Holben William E. , Johnson David , Koide Roger T. , Shaw Alanna , Zabinski Catherine , Aldrich‐Wolfe Laura
Published: January 2024

Phosphorus (P) for carbon (C) exchange is the pivotal function of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), but how this exchange varies with soil P availability and among co‐occurring plants in complex communities is still largely unknown.

We collected intact plant communities in two regions differing c. 10‐fold in labile inorganic P. After a 2‐month glasshouse incubation, we measured 32P transfer from AM fungi (AMF) to shoots and 13C transfer from shoots to AMF using an AMF‐specific fatty acid. AMF communities were assessed using molecular methods.

AMF delivered a larger proportion of total shoot P in communities from high‐P soils despite similar 13C allocation to AMF in roots and soil. Within communities, 13C concentration in AMF was consistently higher in grass than in blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata Pursh) roots, that is P appeared more costly for grasses. This coincided with differences in AMF taxa composition and a trend of more vesicles (storage structures) but fewer arbuscules (exchange structures) in grass roots. Additionally, 32P‐for‐13C exchange ratios increased with soil P for blanketflower but not grasses.

Contrary to predictions, AMF transferred proportionally more P to plants in communities from high‐P soils. However, the 32P‐for‐13C exchange differed among co‐occurring plants, suggesting differential regulation of the AM symbiosis.
Receptor‐like kinases and their signaling cascades for plant male fertility: loyal messengers
Authors: Zhu Lei , Li Fan , Xie Tianle , Li Ziwen , Tian Tian , An Xueli , Wei Xun , Long Yan , Jiao Ziwei , Wan Xiangyuan
Published: January 2024

Receptor‐like kinases (RLKs) are evolved for plant cell–cell communications. The typical RLK protein contains an extracellular and hypervariable N‐terminus to perceive various signals, a transmembrane domain to anchor into plasma membrane, and a cytoplasmic, highly conserved kinase domain to phosphorylate target proteins. To date, RLKs have manifested their significance in a myriad of biological processes during plant reproductive growth, especially in male fertility. This review first summarizes a recent update on RLKs and their interacting protein partners controlling anther and pollen development, pollen release from dehisced anther, and pollen function during pollination and fertilization. Then, regulatory networks of RLK signaling pathways are proposed. In addition, we predict RLKs in maize and rice genome, obtain homologs of well‐studied RLKs from phylogeny of three subfamilies and then analyze their expression patterns in developing anthers of maize and rice to excavate potential RLKs regulating male fertility in crops. Finally, current challenges and future prospects regarding RLKs are discussed. This review will contribute to a better understanding of plant male fertility control by RLKs, creating potential male sterile lines, and inspiring innovative crop breeding methods.
Model Properties and Clinical Application in the Finite Element Analysis of Knee Joint: A Review
Authors: Yan Mingyue , Liang Ting , Zhao Haibo , Bi Yanchi , Wang Tianrui , Yu Tengbo , Zhang Yingze
Published: January 2024

The knee is the most complex joint in the human body, including bony structures like the femur, tibia, fibula, and patella, and soft tissues like menisci, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Complex anatomical structures of the knee joint make it difficult to conduct precise biomechanical research and explore the mechanism of movement and injury. The finite element model (FEM), as an important engineering analysis technique, has been widely used in many fields of bioengineering research. The FEM has advantages in the biomechanical analysis of objects with complex structures. Researchers can use this technology to construct a human knee joint model and perform biomechanical analysis on it. At the same time, finite element analysis can effectively evaluate variables such as stress, strain, displacement, and rotation, helping to predict injury mechanisms and optimize surgical techniques, which make up for the shortcomings of traditional biomechanics experimental research. However, few papers introduce what material properties should be selected for each anatomic structure of knee FEM to meet different research purposes. Based on previous finite element studies of the knee joint, this paper summarizes various modeling strategies and applications, serving as a reference for constructing knee joint models and research design.
Does Pornography Presuppose Rape Myths?
Authors: Heck Richard Kimberly
Published: January 2024

Rae Langton and Caroline West argue that pornography silences women by presupposing misogynistic attitudes, such as that women enjoy being raped. More precisely, they claim that a somewhat infamous pictorial, ‘Dirty Pool’, makes such presuppositions, and that it is typical in this respect. I argue for four claims. (1) There are empirical reasons to doubt that women are silenced in the way that Langton and West claim they are. (2) There is no evidence that very much pornography makes the sorts of presuppositions that Langton and West's explanation of silencing requires it to make. (3) Even ‘Dirty Pool’, for all its other problems, does not make such presuppositions. (4) Langton and West misread ‘Dirty Pool’ because they do not take proper account of the fact that pornography often traffics in sexual fantasy. The broader lesson is that we need to read pornography more sensitively if we are to understand its capacity to shape socio‐sexual norms (for good or for ill).
Hadot's later Wittgenstein: A critique
Authors: Hymers Michael
Published: January 2024

Pierre Hadot is best known as a historian of ancient philosophy and for advocating the relevance of ancient thinking for contemporary lives. What is less well known is that he was one of the first French philosophers to take a serious interest in the work of Wittgenstein, publishing between 1959 and 1962 two essays on the Tractatus and two on the Philosophical Investigations, since republished as Wittgenstein et les limites de langage (Paris: J. Vrin, 2010). Only two of these essays are available (and not widely) in English translation. Part of my goal is to argue that they deserve the attention of anglophone readers. My focus here is on Hadot's remarks about the Philosophical Investigations. Hadot argues that this work produces a self‐defeating paradox because it claims that we can speak intelligibly only within a language‐game, but Wittgenstein, like the philosophers he criticises, tries to transcend language‐games in the presentation of his views. Despite this criticism, Hadot is inspired by Wittgenstein's discussion of the multiplicity of language‐games to argue that the texts of ancient philosophy are not part of the same language‐game as those of modern philosophy and must be approached as ‘spiritual exercises’, rather than as bodies of doctrine or theory. Wittgenstein is thus a key inspiration for Hadot's historiographical method. I argue that Hadot is too impressed by a faulty analogy between the Tractatus and the Investigations and that he gives a problematically reductive interpretation of Wittgenstein's talk of language‐games and implausibly attributes to Wittgenstein a reverence for ‘the ordinary’ that supposedly takes the place of his earlier wonder at the existence of the world. Many commentators since Hadot have made similar errors, so his case remains instructive. I conclude by suggesting, nonetheless, that something like Hadot's proposals about historiographical method may be justified by a better reading of the Investigations.
Time‐resolved x‐ray spectroscopy of nucleobases and their thionated analogs
Authors: Mayer Dennis , Lever Fabiano , Gühr Markus
Published: January 2024

The photoinduced relaxation dynamics of nucleobases and their thionated analogs have been investigated extensively over the past decades motivated by their crucial role in organisms and their application in medical and biochemical research and treatment. Most of these studies focused on the spectroscopy of valence electrons and fragmentation. The advent of ultrashort x‐ray laser sources such as free‐electron lasers, however, opens new opportunities for studying the ultrafast molecular relaxation dynamics utilizing the site‐ and element‐selectivity of x‐rays. In this review, we want to summarize ultrafast experiments on thymine and 2‐thiouracil performed at free‐electron lasers. We performed time‐resolved x‐ray absorption spectroscopy at the oxygen K‐edge after UV excitation of thymine. In addition, we investigated the excited state dynamics of 2‐tUra via x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy at sulfur. For these methods, we show a strong sensitivity to the electronic state or charge distribution, respectively. We also performed time‐resolved Auger–Meitner spectroscopy, which shows spectral shifts associated with internuclear distances close to the probed site. We discuss the complementary aspects of time‐resolved x‐ray spectroscopy techniques compared to optical and UV spectroscopy for the investigation of ultrafast relaxation processes.
Rhizobium rhizogenes rolC gene promotes leaf senescence and enhances osmotic stress resistance in Arabidopsis: the positive role of abscisic acid
Authors: Chen Xuefei , Favero Bruno Trevenzoli , Nardy Romain , He Junou , de Godoy Maia Ivan , Liu Fulai , Lütken Henrik
Published: January 2024

The root oncogenic loci (rol) C oncogene has been identified as a key player during the plant‐Rhizobium rhizogenes interaction and is considered to confer resistance to plant abiotic stresses, yet the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. In this study, Arabidopsis plants constitutively overexpressing rolC were produced. Biometric analysis showed that rolC induced diverse phenotypic modifications, including dwarfism, increased number of stem branches (1.3 times more than WT), weak root growth, early flowering (1.6 days earlier than WT) and premature leaf senescence. In addition, senescence stimulus (exogenous ethylene: 10 or 100 μL L−1) and 10% (w/v) polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) treatments demonstrated that rolC mediated leaf abscisic acid (ABA) enhancement in Arabidopsis, and this might be involved in rolC‐induced premature leaf senescence and resistance enhancement to osmotic stress. It is concluded that rolC‐induced premature leaf senescence may be involved in an abiotic stress escape mechanism in Arabidopsis, which is closely related to the increase of endogenous ABA levels. These findings provide new insights into the role of rolC in plant‐bacterial interaction and uncover the potential of biotechnological application associated with R. rhizogenes/rol genes in plant drought defense.
Control of lateral root formation by rapamycin‐induced dimerization of engineered RGI/BAK1 and by BIR3 chimera
Authors: Jeon Byeong Wook , Kang Na Young , Park Won‐Yong , Oh Eunkyoo , Kim Jungmook
Published: January 2024

Leucine‐rich repeat receptor kinases (LRR‐RKs) play a pivotal role in diverse aspects of growth, development, and immunity in plants by sensing extracellular signals. Typically, LRR‐RKs are activated through the ligand‐induced interaction with a SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR KINASE (SERK) coreceptor, triggering downstream signaling. ROOT MERISTEM GROWTH FACTOR1 (RGF1) INSENSITIVEs (RGIs) LRR‐RLK receptors promote primary root meristem activity while inhibiting lateral root (LR) development in response to RGF peptide. In this study, we employed rapamycin‐induced dimerization (RiD) and BAK1‐INTERACTING RECEPTOR‐LIKE KINASE3 (BIR3) chimera approaches to explore the gain‐of‐function of RGI1, RGI4, and RGI5. Rapamycin induced the association of cytosolic kinase domains (CKDs) of RGI1 and the BAK1 coreceptor, activating both mitogen‐activated protein kinase 3 (MPK3) and MPK6. Rapamycin significantly inhibited LR formation in RiD‐RGI1/RGI4/RGI5‐BAK1 plants. Using transgenic Arabidopsis expressing RGI1CKD fused to the BIR3‐LRR chimera under estradiol control, we observed a substantial reduction in LR density upon β‐estradiol treatment. Additionally, we identified a decrease in root gravitropism in BIR3 chimera plants. In contrast, RiD‐RGI/BAK1 plants did not exhibit defects in root gravitropism, implying the importance of combinatorial interactions between RGIs and SERK coreceptors in the inhibition of root gravitropism. Constitutive activation of RGIs with BAK1 in RiD‐RGI/BAK1 plants by rapamycin treatment resulted in the inhibition of primary root growth, resembling the inhibitory effects observed with high concentrations of phytohormones on primary root elongation. Our findings highlight that the interactions between CKDs of RGIs and BAK1, constitutively induced by rapamycin or BIR3 chimera, efficiently control LR development.
Therapeutic Effects of the major alkaloid constituents of Evodia rutaecarpa in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Cao Qingyu , Dong Peiliang , Han Hua
Published: January 2024

Since the report of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in 1907, it has garnered widespread attention due to its intricate pathogenic mechanisms, significant impact on patients' lives, and the substantial burden it places on society. Presently, effective treatments for AD remain elusive. Recent pharmacological studies on the traditional East Asian herb, Evodia rutaecarpa, have revealed that the bioactive alkaloid components within it can ameliorate AD‐related cognitive impairments and neurological damage through various pathways, including anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti‐acetylcholinesterase activities. Consequently, this article provides an overview of the pharmacological effects and research status of the four main alkaloid components found in Evodia concerning AD. We hope this article will serve as a valuable reference for experimental and clinical research on the use of Evodia in AD prevention and treatment.
Amygdala and cortical gamma‐band responses to emotional faces are modulated by attention to valence
Authors: Weidner Enya M. , Moratti Stephan , Schindler Sebastian , Grewe Philip , Bien Christian G. , Kissler Johanna
Published: January 2024

The amygdala might support an attentional bias for emotional faces. However, whether and how selective attention toward a specific valence modulates this bias is not fully understood. Likewise, it is unclear whether amygdala and cortical signals respond to emotion and attention in a similar way. We recorded gamma‐band activity (GBA, > 30 Hz) intracranially in the amygdalae of 11 patients with epilepsy and collected scalp recordings from 19 healthy participants. We presented angry, neutral, and happy faces randomly, and we denoted one valence as the target. Participants detected happy targets most quickly and accurately. In the amygdala, during attention to negative faces, low gamma‐band activity (LGBA, < 90 Hz) increased for angry compared with happy faces from 160 ms. From 220 ms onward, amygdala high gamma‐band activity (HGBA, > 90 Hz) was higher for angry and neutral faces than for happy ones. Monitoring neutral faces increased amygdala HGBA for emotions compared with neutral faces from 40 ms. Expressions were not differentiated in GBA while monitoring positive faces. On the scalp, only threat monitoring resulted in expression differentiation. Here, posterior LGBA was increased selectively for angry targets from 60 ms. The data show that GBA differentiation of emotional expressions is modulated by attention to valence: Top‐down‐controlled threat vigilance coordinates widespread GBA in favor of angry faces. Stimulus‐driven emotion differentiation in amygdala GBA occurs during a neutral attentional focus. These findings align with a multi‐pathway model of emotion processing and specify the role of GBA in this process.
Game‐theoretic algorithm for interdependent infrastructure network restoration in a decentralized environment
Authors: Rangrazjeddi Alireza , González Andrés D. , Barker Kash
Published: January 2024

Having reliable interdependent infrastructure networks is vital for well‐being of a safe and productive society. Systems are vulnerable to failure or performance loss due to their interdependence among various networks, as each failure can propagate through the whole system. Although the conventional view has concentrated on optimizing the restoration of critical interdependent infrastructure networks using a centralized approach, having a lone actor as a decision‐maker in the system is substantially different from the actual restoration decision environment, wherein infrastructure utilities make their own decisions about how to restore their network service. In a decentralized environment, the definition of whole system optimality does not apply as each decision‐maker's interest may not converge with the others. Subsequently, this results in each decision‐maker developing its own reward functions. Therefore, in this study, we address the concern of having multiple decision‐makers with various payoff functions in interdependent networks by proposing a decentralized game theory algorithm for finding Nash equilibria solutions for network restoration in postdisaster situations.
From childhood bullying victimization to resilience in emerging adulthood
Authors: Lidberg Johan , Berne Sofia , Frisén Ann
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study was to explore how resilience is manifested in the experiences of emerging adults who were subjected to bullying victimization in school and have high levels of psychological functioning in emerging adulthood.

Methods

Fifteen Swedish emerging adults (Mage = 29.13, SD = 0.52) who, despite experiences of bullying victimization at age 10, had high levels of psychological functioning as emerging adults were interviewed. The interviews focused on experiences of bullying victimization and the long‐term outcomes of these experiences. Qualitative methods were used in the analysis, with a specific focus on resilience.

Results/Conclusion

The findings illustrate how long‐term outcomes of bullying victimization in school, in relation to resilience, comprise a dynamic process between personal agency and social resources in the environmental context.
Comparative study on the efficacy of PRP gel and UC‐MSCs gel as adjuvant therapies in the treatment of DFU wounds
Authors: Jin Yan , Meng MingYao , Zhang YaFang , Mo Lin , Gao Hui , Liu YuHong , Wu Jun , Yang PingFen , Zhang ZhongZi , Jia Fu , Zhao YiYi , Huang Ying
Published: January 2024

Background

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a common and serious complication of diabetes, and its treatment is challenging. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) gel and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC‐MSCs) gel have been concerned as new therapies for DFU in recent years, and comparative studies on the efficacy and mechanisms of these methods, however, are rarely reported.

Methods

Thirty patients with DFU were selected and divided into the PRP group and the UC‐MSCs group, and wound healing, foot blood vessels (ABI index), infection index (CRP), neuropathy symptoms (TCSS score), and foot skin temperature before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. SPSS 21.0 was used for statistical analysis.

Results

The results showed that the efficacy of the UC‐MSCs gel group was significantly better than that of the PRP group in terms of wound healing rate, time to complete wound closure, ABI index, CRP level and TCSS score. No statistically significant difference in foot skin temperature was observed between the two groups.

Conclusion

The efficacy of UC‐MSCs gel is significantly superior to that of PRP gel in the treatment of DFU, with shortened time to complete wound closure, increased wound healing rate, better pain and infection control, and improved vascular and neurological symptoms.
Development of multiplexed flow cytometry‐based red blood cell antibody screen and identification assays
Authors: Liwski Robert , Greenshields Anna , Grace Ian , Cheng Calvino , Quinn Jason George
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to develop a high‐throughput method of performing red blood cell antibody screens and identification by utilizing flow cytometry and intracellular dyes to allow a multiplexed assay where three‐cell screens can be performed in a single test well and 11‐cell panels in three test wells.

Materials and Methods

Reagent red blood cells were labelled using Violet Proliferation Dye 450 (V450) and Oregon Green fluorescent dyes, which bind intracellular proteins to allow up to four cells to be interrogated in a single test well. Sixteen 3‐cell screen panels and ten 11‐cell identification panels were tested using sera with known antibody specificity. Antibody binding was detected using secondary anti‐immunoglobulin G and anti‐immunoglobulin M fluorescently labelled antibodies.

Results

Intracellular dyes allowed clear separation of the different screen and identification panel test cells. Three distinct populations of V450+, Oregon Green+ and negative for both stains were demonstrated in the screening panel and an additional double positive for V450 and Oregon Green was utilized to include a fourth cell in the identification panel testing to increase throughput. A total of 158 screen or identification panel RBC/serum combinations were tested against different known antibodies, and expected results were obtained with 100% concordance.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the successful development of a high‐throughput multiplexed flow cytometry‐based red cell antibody screen and identification panel assays. This method could be implemented in clinical laboratories to complement existing antibody detection methods. The multiplexing enabled via intracellular staining could be utilized to further augment other flow cytometry‐based transfusion assays.
THE EFFECT OF CO2 LASER ENGRAVE PARAMETERS ON SURFACE ROUGHNESS ON POLYMETHYLMETHACRYLATE (PMMA)
Authors: Isnin Nur Sabrina , Sh Abdul Nasir Sh Mohd Firdaus , Hemdi Abdul Rahman , Ismail Hazimi , Yusoff Hamid , Nurmalasari Riana
Published: January 2024

The investigation of the laser engraving process has been the focus of a significant amount of research in the field of laser machines. On the surface of the material, gaps and imperfections will appear as a natural result of the engraving process. It is widely held that the surface texture of a material has a significant impact on the material's mechanical qualities, as well as its functional performance and aesthetic appeal. As a result, the purpose of this study is to investigate the influence that different process parameters have on the PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) surface during the engraving process. PMMA was used throughout this investigation in the engraving process, which was carried out by a machine equipped with a 40W CO2 laser tube.  In order to explore the effect that laser engraving has on materials, a total of 25 separate experiments were carried out in line with the Taguchi design principles. It has been investigated how surface roughness (Ra), as well as total machining time, is affected by the laser power, scanning speed, scan gap, and nozzle distance that are considered to be input factors.  According to the findings, the surface roughness of the sample had a value that varied from 0.810 to 5.159 micrometres when measured in terms of distance. The factor that has the greatest influence on the Ra value is the scanning speed, which is followed by the nozzle distance, laser power, and scan gap. On the other hand, the amount of time necessary for the machine to finish engraving on the sample can range anywhere from 58 to 135 seconds, with the scanning speed being the characteristic that has the most influence on this figure.
DEVELOPMENT OF MOBILE AUGMENTED REALITY TO GUIDE THE ROUNDNESS MEASUREMENT
Authors: Azizan Zakiyuddeen , Hussin Norasikin , Mahmod Rohidatun , Mohd Nasir Siti Shareeda , Mohd Fohimi Nor Azirah
Published: January 2024

Roundness measurements are used to measure the cylindrical object, which refers to how closely the shape of the object approaches a perfect circle. Measuring the roundness requires a device that can perform measurements with precision. In this study, a roundness measuring machine is used to check the roundness of the object. However, it is difficult for engineering students to operate the machine as most of them lack the necessary skills and information. A set of questionnaires was distributed to 93 students to determine their level of ability to conduct the roundness measurement using a roundness measuring machine. The result showed that students (89.2%) claimed that they tried to operate the machine correctly but found some parts that were difficult to understand. Therefore, mobile augmented reality (AR) was created to support students in operating the machine. Most students have mobile phones for teaching and personal use. In this study, mobile AR with audio was used to guide the students on how to operate the machine. The effectiveness of mobile AR was then investigated. Thirty students were selected to operate the machine using mobile AR. Results demonstrated that 76.7% of students were satisfied when using the mobile AR for the first time, with no mistakes. The results suggest that mobile AR is effective and useful in engineering measurement.
Internet of Things Based Smart Shoe Fitness Tracker Prototype
Authors: Mohamad Mohd Riduan , Adarsh Bhagyanathan
Published: January 2024

In the modern era wearable smart technologies are highly popular and liked by the people of this generation. Smart shoe being one of the smart technologies, hypermarkets like Nike, Puma, Adidas, Xiaomi, keep launching various types of smart shoes for different purposes. Fitness being a mandatory factor in an individual’s lifestyle, people’s attention is drawn towards smart technologies meant to improve their fitness and monitor their workout routine on an everyday basis. However, there are few noticeable limitations that hinders people to not own a pair for themselves. In this paper, Internet of Things based smart shoe fitness tracker prototype has been developed considering the factors of cost, efficiency and sustainable energy. The prototype mimics the purpose of smart shoe fitness tracker where the fitness variable and health parameters are measured according to the user’s motion. The smart shoe mobile application facilitates as the user interface to monitor their day-to-day vitals and activity at real time using Internet of things. Integrating the concept of sustainable energy and energy harvesting from alternative energy resources using piezoelectric sensors to activate the tracker during fitness performance. As a result, this study has developed a smart shoe prototype that compensates the limitations of the existing smart shoes and motivates people to take up fitness as a part of everyday lifestyle and progressing towards a better future.
Concessions and Similar Legal Instruments in Argentina
Authors: Kurlat Aimar Jose Sebastian
Published: January 2024

Argentina presents a variety of legal instruments around the legal figure of concession. The present article discusses four cases which are casinos, exploitation mining and hydrocarbon resources, the advertisement in public spaces, and, finally, the exploitation of municipal parking. The selection of cases is not arbitrary as it provides a good panoramic view of the enabling titles as well as the legal regime of these activities. All of them are governed by Public Law and all of them imply the use of administrative prerogatives. In the end, we present our concluding remarks that are related to the weakness in which de private counterpart finds itself.
Effect of Filament Color and Fused Deposition Modeling/Fused Filament Fabrication Process on the Development of Bistability in Switchable Bistable Squares
Authors: Martin Katie A. , Thornell Travis L. , Hanna Hayden A. , Weiss Charles A. , McClelland Zackery B.
Published: January 2024

Switchable multistable structures (SMS) are additively manufactured metamaterials. SMS are printed in polylactic acid, a shape memory polymer, and pre-strain is stored in bilayers during fused deposition modeling 3D printing process that encode different stable states can be activated above the glass transition temperature (Tg). Eight filament colors were used to 3D print sample squares. A hot water bath was used to determine sample bistability or monostability. Differential scanning calorimetry determined the Tg and melting temperature, (Tm). Thermogravimetric analysis was used to investigate colored filament thermal stability. The viscoelasticity of colored filament was investigated with melt rheology and the crystallinity of the printed samples was studied with X-ray diffraction. Filament color was an indicator of bistability and colors with lower Tm values tended to be bistable. Polyethylene terephthalate glycol SMS exhibited the shape memory effect but did not show bistability with the given print parameters. Bistability is achieved when the difference between the pre-strain of the bilayers is less than the energy needed to snap the sample to a given state. The relationship between monostability, self-snapping back to a favored state, and bistability is explained by a series of mathematical equations. Future work includes printing pre-strain relationship and the molecular level impact.
Examining the Design Actions and Reasoning Factors That Impact Design Performance
Authors: Mirabito Yakira , Goucher-Lambert Kosa
Published: January 2024

Engineers often do not select the best designs available to them. This research investigates whether specific design actions impact performance in a design exploration task and whether the reasoning factors underpinning these actions can be inferred directly. This study uses objective performance metrics to quantitatively evaluate multiple dimensions of design behavior and cognition within concept selection. Fifty-six participants were tasked with identifying an optimal design for the gripping contact of a dishwashing robot. Results identified that specific design actions correlated with improved design performance, including exploring fewer design alternatives and isolating parameters. We found that reasoning factors stated by participants did not accurately map onto their observed actions and did not correlate with task performance. Implications related to future computational design support tools are discussed.
Formation of ZnWO4/WO3 composite film by RF magnetron sputtering and calcination
Authors: Kakuta Sho , Okada Takeru
Published: January 2024

This study demonstrates the formation of ZnWO4/WO3 composite that are engendered by cosputtering deposition followed by calcination. The concentrations of the tungsten dopant are found to have a profound effect on crystal formation, composition, and photoluminescence. The quantum efficiency measurements investigating different excitation light directions indicate that WO3 can form an underlayer of ZnWO4 at high dopant concentrations. The formation of bilayerlike films is caused by segregation, resulting from time evolution of sputtering yield due to temperature changes at the surface of the sputtering target.
Atomic layer deposition of Pt nanoparticles using dimethyl (N, N–dimethyl-3-butene-1-amine−N) platinum and H2 reactant and its application to 2D WS2 photodetectors
Authors: Shin Dain , Sohn Inkyu , Kim Donghyun , Kim Jaehyeok , Nam Taewook , Kim Youngjun , Park Jusang , Nakazawa Tatsuya , Chung Seung-min , Kim Hyungjun
Published: January 2024

2D transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDCs) have thin and flexible structures and can be widely applied to nanoelectronics technology as a representative of 2D materials. Research studies on the surface functionalization of 2D TMDCs with nanoparticles have been actively conducted for fabrication of high-performance devices. Specifically, platinum (Pt) has attracted significant attention as a surface functionalization material in various applications, including photosensors, biosensors, and gas sensors due to its effective catalytic effect and excellent corrosion resistance. However, solution-based methods and PVD technologies, widely used for Pt nanoparticle synthesis, have difficulties forming fine particles dispersed on nanomaterials. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is emerging as an advantageous method for forming nanoparticles, and dimethyl (N,N-dimethyl-3-buten-1-amine-N) platinum (DDAP) can overcome disadvantages of conventional ALD Pt precursors. In this study, we successfully synthesized Pt films using hydrogen as a new reactant in the DDAP-based ALD Pt process and evaluated formation of nanoparticles on SiO2/Si substrates. Subsequently, the ALD Pt-functionalized photodetector was fabricated with 2D WS2, a representative visible-light photodetector material, and improvement of photocurrent was confirmed by providing additional carriers via the localized surface plasmon resonance phenomenon. Furthermore, preferentially growing at high surface energy points, such as defects on WS2 nanosheets, can suppress the capture of photoexcited electrons by defects, consequently extending the carrier lifetime and preventing surface oxidation of the device. In the wavelength range of 500–1200 nm, the photoresponsivity of the ALD Pt-functionalized WS2 photodetector was improved more than 10–20 times compared to pristine WS2, and the response time was also noticeably improved. This study presents a novel approach to Pt functionalization using ALD, opening new possibilities for advanced nanodevice applications.
Effects of the growth parameters on the surface quality of InN films
Authors: Su Peng , Pei Junhong , Luo Jinping , Zheng Guangyu , Sun Yukang , Liu Lijun
Published: January 2024

On the basis of the improved Stillinger–Weber potential model, the growth process of an indium nitride (InN) film on a gallium nitride (GaN) substrate has been simulated by molecular dynamics. The effects of growth conditions, including the incident energy, polarity of the surface of the GaN substrate, substrate temperature, and deposited N:In atomic ratio, on the surface quality of the InN film have been investigated. We find that atoms with high incident energy have high mobility, which significantly improves the structures of the protrusions and pits on the surface of the film, thereby enhancing the surface quality. However, too high incident energy enhances the sputtering effect of the deposited particles on the surface atoms of the substrate and the destruction of the film, thereby reducing the density. On the basis of the optimal incident energy, the difference in the growth mode of InN films on the Ga-termination polarity surface and N-termination polarity surface is analyzed. At low temperatures, a three-dimensional island growth mode is present on the N-termination polarity surface and a two-dimensional layer growth mode is present on the Ga-termination polarity surface. It is easier to produce InN films with excellent surface quality on the Ga-termination polarity at low temperatures. Furthermore, according to the results obtained under different substrate temperatures and atomic deposition ratios, in an In-enriched environment, excessive In atoms are prone to form agglomerated island structures on the film surface, and the low-temperature substrate is more prone to produce an InN film with high surface quality. In an N-enriched environment, excessive N atoms combine with In atoms on the film surface to form a stepped island structure, and they are more prone to grow into an InN film with high surface quality on a high-temperature substrate.