bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UF‐GPSR: Modified geographical routing protocol for flying ad‐hoc networks
Authors: Kumar Sudesh , Raw Ram Shringar , Bansal Abhishek , Singh Pawan
Published: June 2023

Flying Ad‐hoc Networks (FANETs) has recently gained significant exposure for their emerging military, civil, and commercial applications. In FANETs, all Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can communicate within a restricted wireless communication range without fixed infrastructure. However, the highly dynamic nature of UAVs imposes a significant issue in FANET's communications. Therefore, designing an effective routing strategy is always necessary for sustaining appropriate network performance in FANETs. This paper is interested in modifying Greedy Perimeter Stateless Routing (GPSR) protocol named Utility Function based Greedy Perimeter Stateless Routing (UF‐GPSR) protocol for FANETs. The proposed approach optimizes the greedy forwarding strategy by considering multiple vital parameters of UAVs: residual energy ratio, distance degree, movement direction, link risk degree, and speed, respectively. The proposed UF‐GPSR applies the utility function on these parameters to enhance the routing performance by selecting optimal next‐hop within the communication range. The effectiveness of the proposed work is mathematically evaluated and then simulated through the NS‐3.23 simulator. The experimental outcomes verify that the proposed routing approach enhances the packet delivery ratio and throughput while decreasing packet drop ratio and delay compared to the other routing approaches: GPSR and GPSR‐PPU.
GC‐MS, alpha‐amylase, and alpha‐glucosidase inhibition and molecular docking analysis of selected phytoconstituents of small wild date palm fruit (Phoenix pusilla)
Authors: Srinivasan Kumaraswamy , Altemimi Ammar B. , Narayanaswamy Radhakrishnan , Vasantha Srinivasan Prabhakaran , Najm Mazin A. A. , Mahna Nasser
Published: June 2023

Phoenix pusilla (Arecaceae), commonly known as “small wild date palm”, is regarded as one of the underutilized fruit crops in South India. Methanol extract of P. pusilla ripened fruits (PPRF) was analyzed for in vitro porcine pancreatic alpha‐amylase (PPAA) and rat small intestine alpha‐glucosidase (RIAG) inhibition activities, and through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis. The GC‐MS analysis showed the presence of 25 phytoconstituents from PPRF which was further assessed on the docking behavior of five targeted enzymes diabetes mellitus (DM) namely (i) human aldose reductase, (ii) protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, (iii) pancreatic alpha‐amylase, (iv) peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma, and (v) dipeptidyl peptidase IV by using the AutoDock Vina method. In addition to this physicochemical, bioactivity score, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analysis was performed using the Molinspiration and pkCSM free online servers. Methanolic extract of PPRF showed 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) at 69.86 and 72.60 μg/mL levels against PPAA and RIAG enzymes activities, respectively. Interestingly in the present study, GC‐MS analysis showed the presence of 25 phytoconstituents from PPRF. Physicochemical analysis of PPRF has exhibited that 13 ligands have complied well with Lipinski's Rule of Five (RoF). With regard to ADMET analysis, one ligand (9,12‐octadecadienoic acid [Z,Z]) has predicated to possess both the hepatotoxicity (HT) and skin sensitization (SS) effect. The docking studies showed that 1‐formyl‐2,5‐dimethoxy‐6,9,10‐trimethyl‐anthracene exhibited the maximum atomic contact energy (ACE) for all the five target enzymes of DM. Thus, the current study suggested that the methanolic extract of PPRF and its phytoconstituents could be considered as potent antidiabetic agents.
Pre‐eclampsia in low and middle‐income settings: What are the barriers to improving perinatal outcomes and evidence‐based recommendations?
Authors: Mayrink Jussara , Reis Zilma Silveira Nogueira
Published: June 2023

Objective

To discuss the points that still challenge low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) and strategies that have been studied to help them overcome these issues.

Methods

Narrative review addressing 20 years of articles concerning pre‐eclampsia morbidity and mortality in LMICs. We summarized evidence‐based strategies to overcome the challenges in order to reduce the pre‐eclampsia impact on perinatal outcomes.

Results

Pre‐eclampsia is the first or second leading cause in the ranking of avoidable causes of maternal death, and approximately 16% of all maternal deaths are attributable to eclampsia and pre‐eclampsia. Considering the social and economic contexts, it represents a major public health concern, and prevention and early detection of pre‐eclampsia seem to be a major challenge. Reducing maternal mortality related to hypertensive disturbances depends on public policies to manage these preventable conditions. Early and continuous recognition of signs of severity related to hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and childbirth, self‐monitoring of symptoms and blood pressure, as well as preventive approaches such as aspirin and calcium, and magnesium sulfate, are lifesaving procedures that have not yet reached a universal scale.

Conclusion

This review provides a vision of relevant points to support pregnant women in overcoming the constraints to healthcare access in LMICs, and strategies that can be applied in primary prenatal care units.
Evaluation of adherence to antiretroviral medications in a supermarket‐based community pharmacy
Authors: Loi Allison , Tran Deanna , Seung Hyunuk , Kim Eric , Hein Krista
Published: June 2023

Introduction

A critical aspect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection management and prevention is adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) medications. There are limited recent studies focused on the impact of community pharmacy interventions on ARV adherence; previous studies were conducted between 2004 and 2012 with more complicated regimens.

Objectives

The primary objective was to compare the adherence rates for ARV medications for both HIV treatment and prevention in patients using HIV‐focused (HIV‐F) pharmacies compared with traditional (non‐HIV focused) pharmacies in a supermarket‐based community pharmacy. The secondary objectives were to determine which factors impact adherence rates as well as the demographic information of patients using HIV‐F pharmacies.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of de‐identified pharmacy dispensing data for patients filling ARV medications from October 2018 to July 2021 at a Safeway pharmacy in the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area. Patients 18 years and older who had fill records at a Safeway pharmacy in the DMV area of at least two 30‐day supplies of ARV medication were included. For all eligible patients, medication adherence was measured by assessing the proportion of days covered (PDC).

Results

Of the 1496 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 971 patients used an HIV‐F pharmacy. Overall, patients were predominantly male (78.9%) with a median age of 44 years. The median PDC score of HIV‐F pharmacies was higher than traditional pharmacies, but the difference was not statistically significant (97.1% vs. 96.6%, respectively, p = 0.2).

Conclusion

Patients using this regional division supermarket‐based community pharmacy have a high PDC score regardless of pharmacy type. Use of newer ARV agents may have facilitated patients' adherence and diminished the potential benefit of utilizing HIV‐F pharmacies. Pharmacies currently providing specialized patient care for ARV medications may need to re‐evaluate how best to promote medication adherence.
Blocking CCN2 Reduces Established Bone Loss Induced by Prolonged Intense Loading by Increasing Osteoblast Activity in Rats
Authors: Lambi Alex G , Harris Michele Y , Amin Mamta , Joiner Patrice G , Hilliard Brendan A , Assari Soroush , Popoff Steven N , Barbe Mary F
Published: June 2023

We have an operant model of reaching and grasping in which detrimental bone remodeling is observed rather than beneficial adaptation when rats perform a high‐repetition, high‐force (HRHF) task long term. Here, adult female Sprague–Dawley rats performed an intense HRHF task for 18 weeks, which we have shown induces radial trabecular bone osteopenia. One cohort was euthanized at this point (to assay the bone changes post task; HRHF‐Untreated). Two other cohorts were placed on 6 weeks of rest while being simultaneously treated with either an anti‐CCN2 (FG‐3019, 40 mg/kg body weight, ip; twice per week; HRHF‐Rest/anti‐CCN2), or a control IgG (HRHF‐Rest/IgG), with the purpose of determining which might improve the trabecular bone decline. Results were compared with food‐restricted control rats (FRC). MicroCT analysis of distal metaphysis of radii showed decreased trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and thickness in HRHF‐Untreated rats compared with FRCs; responses improved with HRHF‐Rest/anti‐CCN2. Rest/IgG also improved trabecular thickness but not BV/TV. Histomorphometry showed that rest with either treatment improved osteoid volume and task‐induced increases in osteoclasts. Only the HRHF‐Rest/anti‐CCN2 treatment improved osteoblast numbers, osteoid width, mineralization, and bone formation rate compared with HRHF‐Untreated rats (as well as the latter three attributes compared with HRHF‐Rest/IgG rats). Serum ELISA results were in support, showing increased osteocalcin and decreased CTX‐1 in HRHF‐Rest/anti‐CCN2 rats compared with both HRHF‐Untreated and HRHF‐Rest/IgG rats. These results are highly encouraging for use of anti‐CCN2 for therapeutic treatment of bone loss, such as that induced by chronic overuse. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Trajectories of change among highly challenging patients in intensive long‐term psychoanalytic psychotherapy
Authors: Yonatan‐Leus Refael , Abargil Maayan , Shefler Gaby , Finkenberg Ron , Amir Ilan
Published: June 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to identify and describe trajectories of change in distress among highly challenging patients who had received long and intensive psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

Methods

The longitudinal version of the K‐means algorithm was applied to the outcome measures data of 74 patients treated in four public mental health centers. The patients were measured five times at 6‐month intervals for three outcome measures.

Results

For the OQ45 and Symptom Checklist‐90, one trajectory was marked by a lower initial distress level. In this trajectory, the improvement occurred in the first half of the measurements, with a plateau thereafter. A second trajectory was characterized by higher initial severity and an improvement, mainly in the second part of the measurements. For the Beck Depression Inventory, one trajectory was marked by lower initial distress. In this group, the improvement occurred throughout the entire period. The remaining patients were characterized by higher initial distress and a decreased level of distress in the last part of treatment. They began to improve only during the third year of therapy.

Conclusion

The response to treatment is not uniform in long‐term treatment for highly challenging patients. A significant number of patients require a longer period of therapy to ignite improvement.
Following the children of depressed parents from childhood to adult life: A focus on mood and anxiety disorders
Authors: Powell Victoria , Lennon Jessica , Bevan Jones Rhys , Stephens Alice , Weavers Bryony , Osborn David , Allardyce Judith , Potter Robert , Thapar Ajay , Collishaw Stephan , Thapar Anita , Heron Jon , Rice Frances
Published: June 2023

Background

Parental depression increases risk for anxiety and depression in offspring. The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a common risk period for onset of such disorders. However, relatively few studies have considered development of these disorders from childhood to adulthood including multiple assessments during this transition period.

Method

Offspring of depressed parents aged 9–17 years at baseline were followed prospectively for 13 years (n = 337). Average length of follow‐up was 16 months between the first and second waves, 13 months between the second and third, and 8 years between the third and fourth. Current (3‐month) psychopathology was assessed at each wave using diagnostic interviews. We derived estimates of 3‐month prevalence, age at first diagnosis, course and comorbidity of disorders. Social functioning in adult life was assessed at the final wave and we assessed how prior and current disorder impacted adult functioning.

Results

A quarter of young people met criteria for a mood disorder and a third for anxiety disorder at least once. Mood and anxiety disorder prevalence increased from 4.5% and 15.8% respectively in childhood (9–11 years) to 22.3% and 20.9% respectively by age 23–28. Increased prevalence across the transition from adolescence to adulthood was particularly marked in males, while prevalence increased earlier in adolescence in females. Age at first diagnosis varied widely (mood disorder mean = 16.5 years (range 9–26); anxiety disorder mean = 14.5 years (range 9–28)). Over half (52%) reported functional impairment in early adulthood, 31% harmful alcohol use, and 10% self‐harm or a suicide attempt. Both previous and current mood or anxiety disorder were associated with functional impairment in early adulthood.

Conclusions

There is a prolonged risk period for mood and anxiety disorders in this group, with prevalence peaking in early adulthood. This highlights the need for prolonged vigilance and effective targeted interventions in the offspring of depressed parents.
Interventions to support decision making in people considering germline genetic testing for BRCA 1/2 pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants: A scoping review
Authors: Pozzar Rachel A. , Seven Memnun
Published: June 2023

Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) are medically actionable and may inform hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) treatment and prevention. However, rates of germline genetic testing (GT) in people with and without cancer are suboptimal. Individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs may influence GT decisions. While genetic counseling (GC) provides decision support, the supply of genetic counselors is insufficient to meet demand. Accordingly, there is a need to explore the evidence on interventions that aim to support BRCA1/2 testing decisions. We conducted a scoping review of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO using search terms related to HBOC, GT, and decision making. First, we screened records to identify peer‐reviewed reports that described interventions to support BRCA1/2 testing decisions. Next, we reviewed full‐text reports and excluded studies that lacked statistical comparisons or enrolled previously tested individuals. Finally, we extracted study characteristics and findings into a table. All records and reports were reviewed independently by two authors; decisions were tracked in Rayyan, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion. Of 2116 unique citations, 25 met the eligibility criteria. Articles were published between 1997 and 2021 and described randomized trials and nonrandomized, quasi‐experimental studies. Most studies tested technology‐based (12/25, 48%) or written (9/25, 36%) interventions. Nearly half (12/25, 48%) of interventions were designed to complement traditional GC. Of the interventions compared to GC, 75% (6/8) increased or had a noninferior effect on knowledge, and 67% (4/6) decreased or had a noninferior effect on decisional conflict. Intervention effects on GT uptake were mixed, which may reflect evolving eligibility criteria for GT. Our findings suggest novel interventions may promote informed GT decision making, but many were developed to complement traditional GC. Trials that assess the effects of decision support interventions in diverse samples and evaluate implementation strategies for efficacious interventions are warranted.
Gonadal morphogenesis in the South American toad Rhinella Arenarum (Anura, Bufonidae) unveils an extremely delayed rate of sex differentiation
Authors: Piazza Yanina G. , Czuchlej Silvia C. , Gómez María L. , Meijide Fernando J.
Published: June 2023

Among anurans, Bufonids are recognized for their retarded sex differentiation. However, few studies have addressed gonadal morphogenesis in this family. Here, we analyzed the early gonadogenesis in laboratory‐reared Rhinella arenarum. Few germ cells were identified in the genital ridge at Gosner stage 26. At metamorphosis, somatic cells and germ cells were observed in the outer region of the undifferentiated gonad, whereas the central region was occupied by stromal tissue. A cortico‐medullary organization was first recognized on Day 7 postmetamorphosis. The cortex was composed of germ cells and encompassing epithelial cells, whereas the medulla contained cells presumptively derived from the coelomic epithelium. Medullary somatic cells formed metameric knots along the length of the undifferentiated gonad. Consequently, a series of 12–14 gonomeres became recognizable externally. The first sign of ovarian differentiation was observed on Day 15 postmetamorphosis, when a cavity was formed within each gonomere. In contrast, testes were recognized by a uniform distribution of germ cells and intermingled somatic cells, as the division into cortex and medulla was lost. By Day 50 postmetamorphosis, the gonadal metameric organization was still apparent both in the ovaries and testes. Follicles containing diplotene oocytes were observed within the ovary. In the testis, an incipient lobular architecture was recognized without initiation of meiosis within the seminiferous cords. These observations reveal an extremely delayed gonadal development in R. arenarum, not reported previously for other anuran species. In addition, the late differentiation of the gonads contrasted with the early appearance of follicles in the Bidder's organ. Lastly, we observed that delayed metamorphs exhibited an undifferentiated gonad, demonstrating that gonadogenesis in this species is more dependent on somatic development than on age.
Deciphering the causal relationship between blood pressure and regional white matter integrity: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ye Zhenyao , Mo Chen , Liu Song , Gao Si , Feng Li , Zhao Boao , Canida Travis , Wu Yu‐Chia , Hatch Kathryn S. , Ma Yizhou , Mitchell Braxton D. , Hong L. Elliot , Kochunov Peter , Chen Chixiang , Zhao Bingxin , Chen Shuo , Ma Tianzhou
Published: June 2023

Elevated arterial blood pressure (BP) is a common risk factor for cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases, but no causal relationship has been established between BP and cerebral white matter (WM) integrity. In this study, we performed a two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis with individual‐level data by defining two nonoverlapping sets of European ancestry individuals (genetics–exposure set: N = 203,111; mean age = 56.71 years, genetics–outcome set: N = 16,156; mean age = 54.61 years) from UK Biobank to evaluate the causal effects of BP on regional WM integrity, measured by fractional anisotropy of diffusion tensor imaging. Two BP traits: systolic and diastolic blood pressure were used as exposures. Genetic variant was carefully selected as instrumental variable (IV) under the MR analysis assumptions. We existing large‐scale genome‐wide association study summary data for validation. The main method used was a generalized version of inverse‐variance weight method while other MR methods were also applied for consistent findings. Two additional MR analyses were performed to exclude the possibility of reverse causality. We found significantly negative causal effects (FDR‐adjusted p < .05; every 10 mmHg increase in BP leads to a decrease in FA value by .4% ~ 2%) of BP traits on a union set of 17 WM tracts, including brain regions related to cognitive function and memory. Our study extended the previous findings of association to causation for regional WM integrity, providing insights into the pathological processes of elevated BP that might chronically alter the brain microstructure in different regions.
Effects of soil conservation on the spatial heterogeneity of vegetation carbon sequestration in the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Cen Yunfeng , Gao Zhaoliang , Sun Guanfang , Lou Yongcai , Zhang Shuai , Li Yonghong , Wu Tong
Published: June 2023

An improved understanding of the potential controls on vegetation carbon sequestration (VCS) is essential for the prediction of VCS in response to global change. Ecosystem restoration can provide remarkable contributions to VCS. However, attention to the impact of soil conservation (SC) on VCS is lacking. Therefore, the Yellow River Basin, a typical area of soil erosion in the world, was chosen as the study area. The VCS and SC trends from 2000 to 2020 were analyzed and the potential response of VCS to SC was explored by adopting correlation analysis, elastic coefficient method, geographically weighted regression model, and geographical detector model. The influence of SC drivers on the spatial heterogeneity of VCS was also revealed. Results showed the following: (1) VCS and SC had a significant upward trend, especially in the eastern monsoonal ecoregion. (2) The area with a significant positive correlation between VCS and SC accounted for 31.74% of the total, mainly concentrated in the key areas of SC, wherein a 100% increase in SC would lead to a 25%–100% increase in VCS. (3) Among the SC drivers, vegetation cover and management (C) factor and rainfall erosion force (R) factor mainly influenced spatial heterogeneity in VCS, and their interaction considerably enhances this effect. Therefore, the interaction between precipitation and vegetation should be considered when evaluating the impact of water erosion management on VCS. The results of the study have important implications for the enhancement of VCS capacity of degraded land in the ecological restoration process.
P inputs determine denitrifier abundance explaining dissolved nitrous oxide in reservoirs
Authors: León‐Palmero Elizabeth , Morales‐Baquero Rafael , Reche Isabel
Published: June 2023

Reservoirs are important sites for nitrogen processing, especially those located in agricultural and urban watersheds. Nitrogen inputs promote N2O production and emission, but the microbial pathways controlling N2O have been seldom studied in reservoir water columns. We determined N2O concentration in the water column of 12 reservoirs during the summer stratification and winter mixing. We explored the potential microbial sources and sinks of N2O by quantifying key genes involved in ammonia oxidation (bacterial and archaeal amoA) and denitrification (nirS and nosZ). Dissolved N2O varied up to three orders of magnitude (4.7–2441.2 nmol L−1) across systems, from undersaturated to supersaturated values (37%–24,174%) depending on reservoirs and depths. N2O concentration depended on nitrogen and oxygen availabilities, with the lowest and highest N2O values at suboxic conditions. Ammonia‐oxidizing archaea dominated over ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria but were not related to the dissolved N2O. In contrast, the abundance of the nirS gene was significantly related to N2O concentration, and three orders of magnitude higher than amoA abundance. Denitrifying bacteria appeared consistently in the water column of all reservoirs. The nirS and nosZ genes appeared in oxic and suboxic waters, but they were more abundant in suboxic waters. The nitrate concentration, and nirS and nosZ relative abundances explained the dissolved N2O. Besides, nirS abundance was related positively with total phosphorus and cumulative chlorophyll a, a proxy for fresh organic matter. Therefore, P inputs, not just N inputs, promoted N2O production by denitrification in the water column of reservoirs.
Fixed ellipse theorems in metric spaces and an application of discontinuous activation function in neural networks
Authors: Ermiş Temel , Zaim Erçınar Gaye , Gelişgen Özcan
Published: June 2023

In this article, we establish new fixed ellipse theorems that will provide a geometrical perspective to the classical metric fixed point theory. Also, we provide novel fixed ellipse consequences as the expanding of some existing and known fixed circle theorems in literature to ellipse case, and give non‐trivial illuminating examples, which show the impressiveness of our results. On the other hand, using the given fixed ellipse, we give some solutions for the open question which is posed by Rhoades with respect to the presence of contractive mappings that permissive discontinuity at the fixed point. Furthermore, we give an application to usage respecting activation functions handled at neural networks via the discontinuity and the obtained results of fixed ellipse.
Framework for solving dynamics of Ca2+ ion concentrations in liver cells numerically: Analysis of a non‐negativity‐preserving non‐standard finite‐difference method
Authors: Wacker Benjamin
Published: June 2023

In this article, we consider the numerical approximation of dynamics of calcium ion concentrations in liver cells by a non‐linear first‐order system of ordinary differential equations. At first, we summarize some analytical results of the time‐continuous problem formulation which are of importance to numerically solving this system. We continue with the presentation of our numerical framework which contains two ingredients—an optimization approach for determining the unique equilibrium state and, as our main contribution, a non‐standard finite‐difference scheme for numerical approximation of the time‐discretized dynamical system. We prove that our proposed scheme conserves non‐negativity, and we show convergence towards the time‐continuous unique solution. Conclusively, we stress our theoretical findings by numerical examples.
Solvability of nonlinear pseudo‐parabolic equations involving generalized Caputo fractional derivatives
Authors: Minh Dien Nguyen , Viet Tran Quoc , Agarwal Ravi P.
Published: June 2023

This study considers nonlinear fractional pseudo parabolic equations, which include the generalized Caputo fractional derivatives of a function with respect to an appropriate function, with general nonlocal initial conditions. Here, the fractional derivative is generalized from many well‐known ones, such as the Caputo, Caputo–Katugampola, Caputo–Hadamard, Erdélyi–Kober, and Liouville–Caputo derivatives. We propose sufficient conditions to ensure that the problem has at least one or a unique mild solution. Furthermore, we investigate the continuous dependence of the mild solutions on the fractional order and other inputs. Particularly, source functions in this study may have temporal singularities. Finally, we provide numerical experiments to illustrate and confirm our theoretical findings.
Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life questionnaire: Translation, cultural adaptation and validation into Arabic language
Authors: Tekaya Rawdha , Hajji Haifa , Rouached Leila , Bouden Selma , Jones Meriem , Hamdi Wafa , Sakly Nabil , Metoui Leila , Ben Tekaya Aicha , Mahmoud Ines , Saidane Olfa , Abdelmoula Leila
Published: June 2023

Background

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a multifaceted inflammatory disease that has a strong negative impact on the quality of life (QoL) of patients. The Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life (PsAQoL) questionnaire was the first disease‐specific patient‐derived instrument developed to measure the QoL in patients with PsA. Our objective was to translate the PsAQol into Arabic language and evaluate its reliability and validity in patients with PsA.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study including patients with PsA. A clinical and biological assessment of the patients was performed at inclusion. The translation of the original PsAQoL into Arabic was performed by a professional bilingual and lay panel. Eight patients were interviewed to assess face and content validity. A separate sample of PsA patients (n = 30) were invited to participate in a test‐retest postal study in order to investigate reproducibility and construct validity. One week separated the two administrations. The Arabic version of Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) was used as a comparator instrument for convergent validity.

Results

Face and content validity were satisfactory. The Arabic version of the PsAQoL was found to be relevant, understandable and easy to complete in only a few minutes. One item was excluded (item 16). It had no correlation with either the other 19 items or the total score of PsAQol. The Arabic PsAQol had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's a = 0.926), and test‐retest reliability (r = 0.982). There was a positive correlation between the total score of the PsAQoL and the Arabic version of HAQ (Spearman's r = 0.838, p < 10−3). Exploratory factor analysis had extracted two factors explaining 55% of the total variance.

Conclusion

Nineteen items were selected to compose the Arabic version of PsAQoL, which was found to be relevant and understandable and has excellent reliability and construct validity. The new measure will be a valuable new tool for use in routine care for patients' assessment.
Synthesis of larval lamprey responses to dewatering: State of the science, critical uncertainties, and management implications
Authors: Liedtke Theresa L. , Harris Julianne E. , Blanchard Monica R. , Skalicky Joseph J. , Grote Ann B.
Published: June 2023

Objective

Dewatering of fine sediments in rivers and streams can kill many thousands of larval lampreys (order Petromyzontiformes) that are burrowed in these habitats. The larval life stage for lampreys lasts 3–10 years, and because larvae often aggregate in large numbers, negative impacts from dewatering could potentially deplete local populations and affect multiple year-classes. Larval lampreys have not traditionally been considered during instream projects, but recent efforts to increase awareness of lamprey habitats have resulted in guidance on dewatering approaches to limit impacts to lampreys. Salvage efforts to rescue and relocate lampreys aim to mitigate losses, but a lack of understanding of lamprey responses limits the optimization of dewatering and salvage procedures.

Methods

We summarize the state of the science for nine factors that influence larval lamprey (Entosphenus and Lampetra spp.) responses to dewatering, including burrowing depth, the prevalence and timing of emergence, movements, survival, shoreline slope, dewatering rate, light, and lamprey size.

Result

Research suggests that (1) shoreline slope influences movement capability, (2) hot and sunny conditions increase the risk of mortality, (3) salvage activities cause minimal direct mortality, and (4) smaller larvae are especially vulnerable to negative impacts from dewatering because they are more likely to emerge and are less capable of movement. Critical uncertainties associated with dewatering include cues that drive emergence, the influence of sediment composition and stratigraphy, vertical distribution of larvae in natural settings, use of the hyporheic zone, the scale of predation losses, and the effectiveness and impacts of salvage activities.

Conclusion

Balancing investments in salvage operations and lamprey exclusion efforts (e.g., screening) and developing field survey approaches to evaluate lamprey use of the hyporheic zone are identified management implications and research needs. Addressing the critical uncertainties discussed here and providing updated, science-based guidance on dewatering and salvage practices are suggested management actions to support lamprey conservation.
Why children differ in classroom engagement: Insights from a prospective longitudinal cohort of elementary school students
Authors: Cinar Eda , Chaput‐Langlois Sophie , Fitzpatrick Caroline , Garon‐Carrier Gabrielle
Published: June 2023

This study investigates how individual‐level factors contribute to classroom engagement variations of boys and girls across the elementary school years. Classroom engagement was assessed four times between the ages of 7 and 12 years in a large, representative population‐based sample (N = 877) using latent growth modeling. Predictors included the sex of the child, the family income, and the mother's educational attainment when the child was 5 months old, along with the child's early receptive vocabulary, numeracy, motor and attentional skills, motivation to learn, and internalizing and externalizing behaviors measured at age 6 years. On average, classroom engagement progressively improved over time. Child vocabulary skills, attention, intrinsic motivation, and externalizing behaviors predicted initial levels of classroom engagement. Child classroom engagement also showed slower progression over time when receptive vocabulary and attentional skills were high. This trend was slightly different when the analyses were conducted separately for boys and girls. Girls with higher attentional skills and fewer externalizing behaviors at age 6 showed slower improvement in classroom engagement throughout elementary school, while boys did not significantly improve in their classroom engagement. Overall, these results suggest that several individual‐level factors contribute to classroom engagement. Children with lower levels of receptive vocabulary, attentional skills, and motivation to learn, and those displaying externalizing behavior may benefit from additional help to boost their classroom engagement.
Modeling tumor size dynamics based on real‐world electronic health records and image data in advanced melanoma patients receiving immunotherapy
Authors: Courlet Perrine , Abler Daniel , Guidi Monia , Girard Pascal , Amato Federico , Vietti Violi Naik , Dietz Matthieu , Guignard Nicolas , Wicky Alexandre , Latifyan Sofiya , De Micheli Rita , Jreige Mario , Dromain Clarisse , Csajka Chantal , Prior John O. , Venkatakrishnan Karthik , Michielin Olivier , Cuendet Michel A. , Terranova Nadia
Published: June 2023

The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized cancer therapy but only a fraction of patients benefits from this therapy. Model‐informed drug development can be used to assess prognostic and predictive clinical factors or biomarkers associated with treatment response. Most pharmacometric models have thus far been developed using data from randomized clinical trials, and further studies are needed to translate their findings into the real‐world setting. We developed a tumor growth inhibition model based on real‐world clinical and imaging data in a population of 91 advanced melanoma patients receiving ICIs (i.e., ipilimumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab). Drug effect was modeled as an ON/OFF treatment effect, with a tumor killing rate constant identical for the three drugs. Significant and clinically relevant covariate effects of albumin, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status were identified on the baseline tumor volume parameter, as well as NRAS mutation on tumor growth rate constant using standard pharmacometric approaches. In a population subgroup (n = 38), we had the opportunity to conduct an exploratory analysis of image‐based covariates (i.e., radiomics features), by combining machine learning and conventional pharmacometric covariate selection approaches. Overall, we demonstrated an innovative pipeline for longitudinal analyses of clinical and imaging RWD with a high‐dimensional covariate selection method that enabled the identification of factors associated with tumor dynamics. This study also provides a proof of concept for using radiomics features as model covariates.
Cordycepin: A review of strategies to improve the bioavailability and efficacy
Authors: Chen Min , Luo Jiahao , Jiang Wenming , Chen Lijing , Miao Longxing , Han Chunchao
Published: June 2023

Cordycepin is a bioactive compound extracted from Cordyceps militaris. As a natural antibiotic, cordycepin has a wide variety of pharmacological effects. Unfortunately, this highly effective natural antibiotic is proved to undergo rapid deamination by adenosine deaminase (ADA) in vivo and, as a consequence, its half‐life is shortened and bioavailability is decreased. Therefore, it is of critical importance to work out ways to slow down the deamination so as to increase its bioavailability and efficacy. This study reviews recent researches on a series of aspects of cordycepin such as the bioactive molecule's pharmacological action, metabolism and transformation as well as the underlying mechanism, pharmacokinetics and, particularly, the methods for reducing the degradation to improve the bioavailability and efficacy. It is drawn that there are three methods that can be applied to improve the bioavailability and efficacy: to co‐administrate an ADA inhibitor and cordycepin, to develop more effective derivatives via structural modification, and to apply new drug delivery systems. The new knowledge can help optimize the application of the highly potent natural antibiotic‐cordycepin and develop novel therapeutic strategies.
Photon Statistics Modal Reconstruction by Detected and Undetected Light
Authors: Knoll Laura T. , Petrini Giulia , Piacentini Fabrizio , Traina Paolo , Polyakov Sergey V. , Moreva Ekaterina , Degiovanni Ivo Pietro , Genovese Marco
Published: June 2023

A novel technique is introduced for the reconstruction of multimode optical fields, based on simultaneously exploiting both the generalized Glauber's Kth‐order correlation function and a recently proposed anti‐correlation function (dubbed ) which is resilient to Poissonian noise. It is experimentally demonstrated that this method yields mode reconstructions with higher fidelity with respect to those obtained with reconstruction methods based only on 's, even requiring less “a priori” information. The reliability and versatility of this technique make it suitable for a widespread use in real applications of optical quantum measurement, from quantum information to quantum metrology, especially when one needs to characterize ensembles of single‐photon emitters in the presence of background noise (due, for example, to residual excitation laser, stray light or unwanted fluorescence).
Dielectric Environment Sensitivity of Carbon Centers in Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Badrtdinov Danis I. , Rodriguez‐Fernandez Carlos , Grzeszczyk Magdalena , Qiu Zhizhan , Vaklinova Kristina , Huang Pengru , Hampel Alexander , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Jiong Lu , Potemski Marek , Dreyer Cyrus E. , Koperski Maciej , Rösner Malte
Published: June 2023

A key advantage of utilizing van‐der‐Waals (vdW) materials as defect‐hosting platforms for quantum applications is the controllable proximity of the defect to the surface or the substrate allowing for improved light extraction, enhanced coupling with photonic elements, or more sensitive metrology. However, this aspect results in a significant challenge for defect identification and characterization, as the defect's properties depend on the the atomic environment. This study explores how the environment can influence the properties of carbon impurity centers in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). It compares the optical and electronic properties of such defects between bulk‐like and few‐layer films, showing alteration of the zero‐phonon line energies and their phonon sidebands, and enhancements of inhomogeneous broadenings. To disentangle the mechanisms responsible for these changes, including the atomic structure, electronic wavefunctions, and dielectric screening, it combines ab initio calculations with a quantum‐embedding approach. By studying various carbon‐based defects embedded in monolayer and bulk hBN, it demonstrates that the dominant effect of the change in the environment is the screening of density–density Coulomb interactions between the defect orbitals. The comparative analysis of experimental and theoretical findings paves the way for improved identification of defects in low‐dimensional materials and the development of atomic scale sensors for dielectric environments.
Nanographene‐Based Decoration as a Panchromatic Antenna for Metalloporphyrin Conjugates
Authors: Garcia‐Orrit Saül , Vega‐Mayoral Victor , Chen Qiang , Serra Gianluca , Paternò Giuseppe M. , Cánovas Enrique , Narita Akimitsu , Müllen Klaus , Tommasini Matteo , Cabanillas‐González Juan
Published: June 2023

Porphyrins, a type of heterocyclic aromatic compounds consisting of tetrapyrroles connected by four substituted methine groups, are appealing building blocks for solar energy applications. However, their photosensitization capability is limited by their large optical energy gap, which results in a mismatch in absorption toward efficient harvesting of the solar spectrum. Porphyrin π‐extension by edge‐fusing with nanographenes can be employed for narrowing their optical energy gap from 2.35 to 1.08 eV, enabling the development of porphyrin‐based panchromatic dyes with an optimized energy onset for solar energy conversion in dye‐sensitized solar fuel and solar cell configurations. By combining time‐dependent density functional theory with fs transient absorption spectroscopy, it is found that the primary singlets, which are delocalized across the entire aromatic part, are transferred into metal centred triplets in only 1.2 ps; and subsequently, relax toward ligand‐delocalized triplets. This observation implies that the decoration of the porphyrin moiety with nanographenes, while having a large impact on the absorption onset of the novel dye, promotes the formation of a ligand‐centred lowest triplet state of large spatial extension, potentially interesting for boosting interactions with electron scavengers. These results reveal a design strategy for broadening the applicability of porphyrin‐based dyes in optoelectronics.
A Self‐Assembly Nano‐Prodrug for Combination Therapy in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Wu Chongzhi , Zhang Fu , Li Bowen , Li Zhiyao , Xie Xin , Huang Yong , Yao Zhuo , Chen Yuan , Ping Yuan , Pan Weidong
Published: June 2023

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) displays a highly aggressive nature that originates from a small subpopulation of TNBC stem cells (TNBCSCs), and these TNBCSCs give rise to chemoresistance, tumor metastasis, and recurrence. Unfortunately, traditional chemotherapy eradicates normal TNBC cells but fails to kill quiescent TNBCSCs. To explore a new strategy for eradicating TNBCSCs, a disulfide‐mediated self‐assembly nano‐prodrug that can achieve the co‐delivery of ferroptosis drug, differentiation‐inducing agent, and chemotherapeutics for simultaneous TNBCSCs and TNBC treatment, is reported. In this nano‐prodrug, the disulfide bond not only induces self‐assembly behavior of different small molecular drug but also serves as a glutathione (GSH)‐responsive trigger in controlled drug release. More importantly, the differentiation‐inducing agent can transform TNBCSCs into normal TNBC cells, and this differentiation with chemotherapeutics provides an effective approach to indirectly eradicate TNBCSCs. In addition, ferroptosis therapy is essentially different from the apoptosis‐induced cell death of differentiation or chemotherapeutic, which causes cell death to both TNBCSCs and normal TNBC cells. In different TNBC mouse models, this nano‐prodrug significantly improves anti‐tumor efficacy and effectively inhibits the tumor metastasis. This all‐in‐one strategy enables controlled drug release and reduces stemness‐related drug resistance, enhancing the chemotherapeutic sensitivity in TNBC treatment.
Mesoscopic 3D Charge Transport in Solution‐Processed Graphene‐Based Thin Films: A Multiscale Analysis
Authors: Boschi Alex , Kovtun Alessandro , Liscio Fabiola , Xia Zhenyuan , Kim Kyung Ho , Avila Samuel Lara , De Simone Sara , Mussi Valentina , Barone Carlo , Pagano Sergio , Gobbi Marco , Samorì Paolo , Affronte Marco , Candini Andrea , Palermo Vincenzo , Liscio Andrea
Published: June 2023

Graphene and related 2D material (GRM) thin films consist of 3D assembly of billions of 2D nanosheets randomly distributed and interacting via van der Waals forces. Their complexity and the multiscale nature yield a wide variety of electrical characteristics ranging from doped semiconductor to glassy metals depending on the crystalline quality of the nanosheets, their specific structural organization ant the operating temperature. Here, the charge transport (CT) mechanisms are studied that are occurring in GRM thin films near the metal‐insulator transition (MIT) highlighting the role of defect density and local arrangement of the nanosheets. Two prototypical nanosheet types are compared, i.e., 2D reduced graphene oxide and few‐layer‐thick electrochemically exfoliated graphene flakes, forming thin films with comparable composition, morphology and room temperature conductivity, but different defect density and crystallinity. By investigating their structure, morphology, and the dependence of their electrical conductivity on temperature, noise and magnetic‐field, a general model is developed describing the multiscale nature of CT in GRM thin films in terms of hopping among mesoscopic bricks, i.e., grains. The results suggest a general approach to describe disordered van der Waals thin films.
The dynamic versus the stable team: The unspoken question in large‐scale agile development
Authors: Ståhl Daniel
Published: June 2023

The importance of the team, its internal dynamics, and its performance are widely recognized within the software engineering community. While popular frameworks identify wholeness, stability over time, and smallness as important factors, they offer little guidance on how to form teams that achieve these three characteristics. The objective of this study is to investigate how these team characteristics interact in large‐scale software development contexts, particularly focusing on the impact of stable and dynamic teaming approaches. This was done through a multivocal study of literature, followed by individual semi‐structured interviews with 19 engineers from two companies and validation workshops with an additional two companies from unrelated industry segments. The study results show that the question of stable versus dynamic approaches to forming software engineering teams is largely unaddressed in industry, with stable teams representing a habitual default option. Meanwhile, both stable and dynamic teams clearly have respective strengths and weaknesses, calling for careful consideration of the most suitable approach in any given situation. To support such consideration, this paper presents a model of how team stability, wholeness, and smallness interact. This model is found relevant, accurate, generalizable, and useful by practitioners.
Recent Progress of Advanced Materials for Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Liu Di , Zhang Jiayue , Cui Shengnan , Zhou Linglin , Gao Yikui , Wang Zhong Lin , Wang Jie
Published: June 2023

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have received intense attention due to their broad application prospects in the new era of internet of things (IoTs) as distributed power sources and self‐powered sensors. Advanced materials are vital components for TENGs, which decide their comprehensive performance and application scenarios, opening up the opportunity to develop efficient TENGs and expand their potential applications. In this review, a systematic and comprehensive overview of the advanced materials for TENGs is presented, including materials classifications, fabrication methods, and the properties required for applications. In particular, the triboelectric, friction, and dielectric performance of advanced materials is focused upon and their roles in designing the TENGs are analyzed. The recent progress of advanced materials used in TENGs for mechanical energy harvesting and self‐powered sensors is also summarized. Finally, an overview of the emerging challenges, strategies, and opportunities for research and development of advanced materials for TENGs is provided.