bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipid content evaluation of Drosophila tumour associated haemocytes through Third Harmonic Generation measurements
Authors: Mari Meropi , Voutyraki Chrysanthi , Zacharioudaki Eva , Delidakis Christos , Filippidis George
Published: August 2023

Non‐linear microscopy is a powerful imaging tool to examine structural properties and subcellular processes of various biological samples. The competence of Third Harmonic Generation (THG) includes the label free imaging with diffraction‐limited resolution and three‐dimensional visualization with negligible phototoxicity effects. In this study, THG records and quantifies the lipid content of Drosophila haemocytes, upon encountering normal or tumorigenic neural cells, in correlation with their shape or their state. We show that the lipid accumulations of adult haemocytes are similar before and after encountering normal cells. In contrast, adult haemocytes prior to their interaction with cancer cells have a low lipid index, which increases while they are actively engaged in phagocytosis only to decrease again when haemocytes become exhausted. This dynamic change in the lipid accrual of haemocytes upon encountering tumour cells could potentially be a useful tool to assess the phagocytic capacity or activation state of tumour‐associated haemocytes.
Diabetes noninvasive diagnostics and monitoring through volatile biomarkers analysis in the exhaled breath using optical absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Kistenev Yury V. , Borisov Alexey V. , Zasedatel Vyacheslav S. , Spirina Liudmila V.
Published: August 2023

The review is aimed on the analysis the abilities of noninvasive diagnostics and monitoring of diabetes mellitus (DM) and DM‐associated complications through volatile molecular biomarkers detection in the exhaled breath. The specific biochemical reactions in the body of DM patients and their associations with volatile molecular biomarkers in the breath are considered. The applications of optical spectroscopy methods, including UV, IR, and terahertz spectroscopy for DM‐associated volatile molecular biomarkers measurements, are described. The applications of similar technique combined with machine learning methods in DM diagnostics using the profile of DM‐associated volatile molecular biomarkers in exhaled air or “pattern‐recognition” approach are discussed.
Temperature behavior modeling based on resilient BPNN for a GaAs pHEMT high gain MMIC PA
Authors: Lin Qian , Jia Li‐ning , Wu Hai‐feng , Wang Xiao‐zheng
Published: August 2023

As the key component of transceiver, power amplifier (PA) plays an extremely important role in wireless communication system. In order to accurately characterize the performance variation of PA at any temperature, the temperature behavior of a gallium arsenide (GaAs) pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) high gain monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) PA is modeled in this paper. In this modeling, the resilient back propagation neural network (BPNN) is utilized to do the temperature behavior modeling for this PA. The investigation shows that the minimum mean square error (MSE) of the prediction results is 4.9607 × 10−4, which implies that it is feasible to use this modeling method to characterize the temperature behavior of PA. This modeling not only theoretically overcomes the problem of slow convergence speed of BPNN, but also solves the limitation of experimental devices and time setting. It will provide a more convenient guidance for test engineers.
Thunderstorm detection from GPM IMERG rainfall: Climatology of dynamical and thermodynamical processes over India
Authors: Sasanka Talukdar , Priya Kumari , Osuri Krishna K. , Niyogi Dev
Published: August 2023

This study aims to (i) prepare a premonsoon thunderstorms database, (ii) understand the thunderstorm frequency, duration and intensity and (iii) composite analysis of dynamic and thermodynamic processes related to thunderstorms over India. The thunderstorm associated rainfall varies across India. Hence, a percentile‐based approach is implemented with the integrated multi‐satellite retrievals for global precipitation measurement (IMERG) dataset at 0.1° resolution to identify thunderstorms for 2001–2021. The 93rd percentile appears to be better for thunderstorm detection, with a success ratio of 82% (642 events are confirmed out of 786 detected) in eastern India. Further analysis indicated that 84% of the detected thunderstorms in eastern and northeastern India are associated with lightning activity. Based on this long‐term (2001–2021) thunderstorm data, the highest frequency of thunderstorms (40–45 events·year−1) is observed over the western foothills of the Himalayas, the northeast region, and the west coast of Kerala. The thunderstorm duration in the eastern and northeastern regions and the southwest coast of India is mostly 0.5–2.5 h, producing heavy rainfall (>7 mm·h−1) due to more moisture content and stronger updrafts. The composite structure of thermodynamic indices exhibits significant spatial variations over India and can be used to differentiate the regions of high thunderstorm activity. The minimum (maximum) convective available potential energy (convective inhibition) value required for thunderstorm development is not uniform throughout the country. However, the composites of K index and total totals index during thunderstorms are mostly uniform. This study highlights the benefits of IMERG rainfall in thunderstorm detection over India and helps to understand the local forcings and the effect of thunderstorm activity on different sectors like aviation, agriculture and so forth.
Enhancement of the E12g and A1g Raman modes and layer identification of 2H‐WS2 nanosheets with metal coatings
Authors: Rajeswaran Bharathi , Konar Rajashree , Yitzhari Rena , Nessim Gilbert Daniel , Tischler Yaakov Raphael
Published: August 2023

Raman spectroscopy in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) helps determine their structural information and layer dependency. Because it is non‐destructive and fast, it is an archetypal spectroscopic technique to investigate the structure and defects in TMDCs. In our earlier study, we used a metal‐dielectric coating to enhance Raman signal of WS2 because the Raman Spectra measured from WS2 coated on the standard Si/SiO2 was significantly lower. This metal‐dielectric coating allowed access to the otherwise unavailable E12g and A1g modes of WS2. In this study, we compare the Raman spectra of WS2 on a Si/SiO2 to that of metal layers (Au [200 nm] and Al [200 nm]). A significant enhancement in the Raman signal of 2‐3L WS2 is observed for both the Au and Al coatings. Although 200 nm Au coating enhances the Raman Signal better than the 10 nm Au coating, it does not resolve the other signature vibrations other than E12g and A1g. Whereas, coating based on Al (200 nm) and Al (10 nm) both enhance the Raman signal of WS2. In the case of Al coating, we report well‐resolved vibrational modes such as the ones below <300 cm−1in a few layered WS2. This enhancement allows us to quantify the number of layers and also investigate the presence of defects. Photoluminescence measurements on 2–3L and 15L WS2 on Al (200 nm) confirm this.
Cost‐effectiveness Analysis of Inferior Turbinate Reduction and Immunotherapy in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Yong Michael , Aravinthan Kaishan , Kirubalingam Keshinisuthan , Thamboo Andrew , Hwang Peter H. , Nadeau Kari , Walgama Evan
Published: August 2023

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common condition that is frequently associated with atopic inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) resulting in nasal obstruction. Current guidelines support the use of subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) when patients fail pharmacologic management. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the role of inferior turbinate reduction (ITR), a treatment that we hypothesize is cost‐effective compared with other available treatments.

Methods

We conducted a cost‐effectiveness analysis comparing the following treatment combinations over a 5‐year time horizon for AR patients presenting with atopic nasal obstruction who fail initial pharmacotherapy: (1) continued pharmacotherapy alone, (2) allergy testing and SCIT, (3) allergy testing and SCIT and then ITR for SCIT nonresponders, and (4) ITR and then allergy testing and SCIT for ITR nonresponders. Results were reported as incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs).

Results

For patients who fail initial pharmacotherapy, prioritizing ITR, either by microdebrider‐assisting submucous resection or radiofrequency ablation, before SCIT was the most cost‐effective strategy. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis demonstrated that prioritizing ITR before SCIT was the most cost‐effective option in 95.4% of scenarios. ITR remained cost‐effective even with the addition of concurrent septoplasty.

Conclusion

For many AR patients who present with nasal obstruction secondary to atopic inferior turbinate hypertrophy that is persistent despite pharmacotherapy, ITR is a cost‐effective treatment that should be considered prior to immunotherapy.

Level of Evidence

NA – Laryngoscope, 2023 Laryngoscope, 134:1572–1580, 2024
Hydrophobic Bombyx mori Silk Fibroin: Routes to Functionalization with Alkyl Chains
Authors: Rizzo Giorgio , Ricciardelli Carola , Sardella Eloisa , Musio Roberta , Presti Marco Lo , Vona Danilo , Omenetto Fiorenzo G. , Farinola Gianluca Maria
Published: August 2023

Bombyx mori silk fibroin (SF) is a very versatile biopolymer due to its biocompatibility and exceptional mechanical properties which make possible its use as a functional material in several applications. SF can be modified with a large variety of chemical approaches which endow the material with tailored chemical–physical properties. Here, a systematic investigation of different routes is reported to graft long alkyl chains on SF based on both liquid‐ and solid‐phase, aiming to modulate its hydrophobic behavior. The liquid phase method involves direct activation of SF tyrosine residues via diazo coupling and cycloaddition reactions, generating hydrophobic materials insoluble in any common solvent. The solid phase approach consists of the chemical modification of drop‐casted SF films by esterification of hydroxyl groups of serine, threonine, and tyrosine SF residues with acyl chlorides of fatty acids. For the solid‐state functionalization, a new class of hydrophobic pendant groups is synthesized, based on triple esters of gallic acid anhydrides, that are reacted with the biopolymer to further enhance its resulting hydrophobic features.
Harnessing Formamide Groups to Enhance the Heat‐Resistance of Poly(β‐amino esters) with Investigation into Reprocessability and Fluorescence
Authors: Li Guanglong , Zhao Yunxiang , Huang Jing , Wei Xiaobo , Li Ting , Wang Yang , Wang Shibo , Dong Weifu
Published: August 2023

Poly(β‐amino ester)s, which can be reprocessed via aza‐Michael adducts catalyzing transesterification, are a type of highly promising thermosetting material. However, the low heat deformation temperatures of poly(β‐amino ester)s limit their applications in high‐performance materials. In this study, formamide groups are introduced into poly(β‐amino ester) networks to prepare a series of poly(β‐hydrazide ester)s (PHE)s. The presence of formamide groups in PHE networks is found to be effective in improving the heat deformation temperatures (glass transition temperature, Tg = 130 °C) of PHEs through hydrogen bonding without affecting network rearrangement rates. This enabled reprocessing temperatures and times of PHEs to remain close to those of poly(β‐ amino ester)s. In addition, the aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) of ester and formamide groups allowed PHEs to demonstrate fluorescence, potentially expanding their application gallery. These discoveries offer a new way to produce high‐value reprocessable materials that possess both high heat resistance and fluorescence capability.
Evaluating models and assessment techniques for understanding oral biofilm complexity
Authors: Ramachandra Srinivas Sulugodu , Wright Patricia , Han Pingping , Abdal‐hay Abdalla , Lee Ryan S. B. , Ivanovski Saso
Published: August 2023

Oral biofilms are three‐dimensional (3D) complex entities initiating dental diseases and have been evaluated extensively in the scientific literature using several biofilm models and assessment techniques. The list of biofilm models and assessment techniques may overwhelm a novice biofilm researcher. This narrative review aims to summarize the existing literature on biofilm models and assessment techniques, providing additional information on selecting an appropriate model and corresponding assessment techniques, which may be useful as a guide to the beginner biofilm investigator and as a refresher to experienced researchers. The review addresses previously established 2D models, outlining their advantages and limitations based on the growth environment, availability of nutrients, and the number of bacterial species, while also exploring novel 3D biofilm models. The growth of biofilms on clinically relevant 3D models, particularly melt electrowritten fibrous scaffolds, is discussed with a specific focus that has not been previously reported. Relevant studies on validated oral microcosm models that have recently gaining prominence are summarized. The review analyses the advantages and limitations of biofilm assessment methods, including colony forming unit culture, crystal violet, 2,3‐bis‐(2‐methoxy‐4‐nitro‐5‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium‐5‐carboxanilide inner salt assays, confocal microscopy, fluorescence in situ hybridization, scanning electron microscopy, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and next‐generation sequencing. The use of more complex models with advanced assessment methodologies, subject to the availability of equipment/facilities, may help in developing clinically relevant biofilms and answering appropriate research questions.
A novel m7G regulator‐based methylation patterns in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ying Yukang , Zhang Wei , Zhu Haoran , Luo Jun , Xu Xuhui , Yang Suqing , Zhao Yue , Zhang Zhenxing
Published: August 2023

Abnormal RNA N7‐methylguanosine (m7G) modification is known to contribute to effects on tumor occurrence and development. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of its function in immunoregulation, tumor microenvironment (TME) modulation, and tumor promotion remain largely unknown. A series of computer‐aided bioinformatic analyses were conducted based on transcriptomic, single‐cell sequence, and spatial transcriptomic data to determine the m7G modification patterns in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Consensus clustering approach was employed according to the expressions of 33 m7G regulators. ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and single sample gene set enrichment analysis algorithms were adopted to investigate the immune cell infiltration features. A prognostic model named m7Gscore was established. Seurat, SingleR, and Monocle2 were used to analyze the single‐cell sequence profiling. STUtility was used to integrate multiple spatial transcriptomic datasets. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, transwell, and wound‐healing assay were performed to verify the oncogenes. Here, three different m7G modification patterns were highlighted in HNSCC patients, which were also related to various clinical manifestations and three representative immunophenotypes: immune‐excluded, immune‐desert, and inflamed, separately. Patients with lower m7Gscore were highlighted by higher immune cell infiltrations, better overall survival rates, lesser tumor mutation burden (TMB), lower sensitivities to target inhibitors therapies, and better immunotherapeutic response. Moreover, DCPS, EIF4E, EIF4E2, LSM1, NCBP2, NUDT1, and NUDT5 were identified to play critical roles in T‐cell differentiation. Knockdown of LSM1/NUDT5 could restrain the malignancy of HNSCC cells. Collectively, quantitative assessment of m7G modification patterns in individual HNSCC patients could contribute to identifying more efficient immunotherapeutic approaches and improve the clinical outcome of HNSCC.
Aberrant expression of CKS2 induced by ELK1 contributes to malignant progression of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Chen Qiuyang , Fu Yue , Liu Xinchun , Wang Peng , Dai Shangnan , Zhu Feng , Liu Tongtai , Xu Wenbin , Wu Junli
Published: August 2023

Cyclin‐dependent kinase subunit 2 (CKS2) has been reported to promote various malignancies. This study investigated the functional role of CKS2 in pancreatic cancer (PC). An analysis of abnormally expressed genes and their prognostic value for PC was performed by using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database and performing immunohistochemical staining on 64 samples of tumor tissue. CCK‐8 assays, EdU staining, colony formation assays, flow cytometry, and a xenograft tumor model were used to analyze the biological function of CKS2 in PC. Our results revealed that CKS2 was expressed at significantly higher levels in PC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues, and a high level of CKS2 expression was associated with a poor prognosis for patients with PC. Moreover, functional assays revealed that CKS2 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, induced cell cycle S phase, G2/M phase arrest, and apoptosis in vitro, and also reduced tumor growth in vivo. In addition, CKS2 knockdown increased the levels of Bax, caspase‐3, P53, P21, and GADD45α expression, but decreased Bcl‐2, Cyclin B1, CDK1, Cyclin A, and Cdc25C expression. CKS2 overexpression produced the opposite effects of CKS2 knockdown. Furthermore, we found that ELK1 protein regulated transcription of the CKS2 gene. In conclusion, our findings suggest that CKS2 expression is regulated by ELK1, which could possibly serve as prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for PC.
Cerebellar Modulation of Sensorimotor Associative Plasticity Is Impaired in Cervical Dystonia
Authors: Grimm Kai , Prilop Lisa , Schön Gerhard , Gelderblom Mathias , Misselhorn Jonas , Gerloff Christian , Zittel Simone
Published: August 2023

Background

In recent years, cervical dystonia (CD) has been recognized as a network disorder that involves not only the basal ganglia but other brain regions, such as the primary motor and somatosensory cortex, brainstem, and cerebellum. So far, the role of the cerebellum in the pathophysiology of dystonia is only poorly understood.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of the cerebellum on sensorimotor associative plasticity in patients with CD.

Methods

Sixteen patients with CD and 13 healthy subjects received cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (ctDCS) followed by a paired associative stimulation (PAS) protocol based on transcranial magnetic stimulation that induces sensorimotor associative plasticity. Across three sessions the participants received excitatory anodal, inhibitory cathodal, and sham ctDCS in a double‐blind crossover design. Before and after the intervention, motor cortical excitability and motor symptom severity were assessed.

Results

PAS induced an increase in motor cortical excitability in both healthy control subjects and patients with CD. In healthy subjects this effect was attenuated by both anodal and cathodal ctDCS with a stronger effect of cathodal stimulation. In patients with CD, anodal stimulation suppressed the PAS effect, whereas cathodal stimulation had no influence on PAS. Motor symptom severity was unchanged after the intervention.

Conclusions

Cerebellar modulation with cathodal ctDCS had no effect on sensorimotor associative plasticity in patients with CD, in contrast with the net inhibitory effect in healthy subjects. This is further evidence that the cerebello‐thalamo‐cortical network plays a role in the pathophysiology of dystonia. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Multiplicity of nontrivial solutions for p‐Kirchhoff type equation with Neumann boundary conditions
Authors: Wang Weihua
Published: August 2023

This paper is concerned with the multiplicity results to a class of
‐Kirchhoff type elliptic equation with the homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions by the abstract linking lemma due to Brézis and Nirenberg. We obtain the twofold results in subcritical and critical cases, which is a meaningful addition and completeness to the known results about Kirchhoff equation. At the same time, this paper also gives a method to deal with
‐Laplacian, Kirchhoff equation, and some Kirchhoff type equation in a unified variational framework.
W‐band large‐scale high‐gain filtering reflectarray antenna
Authors: Zang Jiawei , Wang Shouyuan , Pan Juan , Meng Meng , Wang Ziren , An Shaogeng
Published: August 2023

This article presents a W‐band three‐layer reflectarray antenna that can be easily fabricated using printed circuit board (PCB) process. The proposed reflectarray element is composed of substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) structure and slot‐coupled patch. By controlling the length of SIW in each element, the compensation phases required for the reflectarray to generate focused beam at in‐band frequencies are realized. However, at the out‐of‐band frequencies, the elements fail to provide the required compensation phases as the incident electromagnetic wave cannot couple to the SIW. Thus, filtering performance is realized. A circular aperture prototype reflectarray comprising of 5024 elements are employed to yield a high‐gain narrow beam. The measured results show that the proposed reflectarray antenna attains a peak gain of 40.5 dB at 94 GHz with aperture efficiency of 41.3%, and out‐of‐band suppression higher than 22 dB.
Four‐quadrant vector mapping of hybrid multidimensional MRI data for the diagnosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Chatterjee Aritrick , Fan Xiaobing , Oto Aytekin , Karczmar Gregory
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The interpretation of prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is subjective in nature, and there is large inter‐observer variability among radiologists and up to 30% of clinically significant cancers are missed. This has motivated the development of new MRI techniques and sequences, especially quantitative approaches to improve prostate cancer diagnosis. Using hybrid multidimensional MRI, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T2 have been shown to change as a function of echo time (TE) and b‐values, and that this dependence is different for cancer and benign tissue, which can be exploited for prostate cancer diagnosis. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether four‐quadrant vector mapping of hybrid multidimensional MRI (HM‐MRI) data can be used to diagnose prostate cancer (PCa) and determine cancer aggressiveness.

Methods

Twenty‐one patients with confirmed PCa underwent preoperative MRI prior to radical prostatectomy. Axial HM‐MRI were acquired with all combinations of TE = 47, 75, 100 ms and b‐values of 0, 750, 1500 s/mm2, resulting in a 3 × 3 data matrix associated with each voxel. Prostate Quadrant (PQ) mapping analysis represents HM‐MRI data for each voxel as a color‐coded vector in the four‐quadrant space of HM‐MRI parameters (a 2D matrix of signal values for each combination of b‐value and TE) with associated amplitude and angle information representing the change in T2 and ADC as a function of b‐value and TE, respectively.

Results

Cancers have a higher PQ4 (22.50% ± 21.27%) and lower PQ2 (69.86% ± 28.24%) compared to benign tissue: peripheral, transition, and central zone (PQ4 = 0.13% ± 0.56%, 5.73% ± 15.07%, 2.66% ± 4.05%, and PQ2 = 98.51% ± 3.05%, 86.18% ± 21.75%, 93.38% ± 9.88%, respectively). Cancers have a higher vector angle (206.5 ± 41.8°) and amplitude (0.017 ± 0.013) compared to benign tissue. PQ metrics showed moderate correlation with Gleason score (|ρ| = 0.388–0.609), with more aggressive cancers being associated with increased PQ4 and angle and reduced PQ2 and amplitude. A combination of four‐quadrant analysis metrics provided an area under the curve of 0.904 (p < 0.001) for the differentiation of prostate cancer from benign prostatic tissue.

Conclusions

Four‐quadrant vector mapping of HM‐MRI data provides effective cancer markers, with cancers associated with high PQ4 and high vector angle and lower PQ2 and vector amplitude.
Fog‐Sec: Secure end‐to‐end communication in fog‐enabled IoT network using permissioned blockchain system
Authors: Babu Erukala Suresh , Rao Mekala Srinivasa , Swain Gandharba , Nikhath A. Kousar , Kaluri Rajesh
Published: August 2023

The technological integration of the Internet of Things (IoT)‐Cloud paradigm has enabled intelligent linkages of things, data, processes, and people for efficient decision making without human intervention. However, it poses various challenges for IoT networks that cannot handle large amounts of operation technology (OT) data due to physical storage shortages, excessive latency, higher transfer costs, a lack of context awareness, impractical resiliency, and so on. As a result, the fog network emerged as a new computing model for providing computing capacity closer to IoT edge devices. The IoT‐Fog‐Cloud network, on the other hand, is more vulnerable to multiple security flaws, such as missing key management problems, inappropriate access control, inadequate software update mechanism, insecure configuration files and default passwords, missing communication security, and secure key exchange algorithms over unsecured channels. Therefore, these networks cannot make good security decisions, which are significantly easier to hack than to defend the fog‐enabled IoT environment. This paper proposes the cooperative flow for securing edge devices in fog‐enabled IoT networks using a permissioned blockchain system (pBCS). The proposed fog‐enabled IoT network provides efficient security solutions for key management issues, communication security, and secure key exchange mechanism using a blockchain system. To secure the fog‐based IoT network, we proposed a mechanism for identification and authentication among fog, gateway, and edge nodes that should register with the blockchain network. The fog nodes maintain the blockchain system and hold a shared smart contract for validating edge devices. The participating fog nodes serve as validators and maintain a distributed ledger/blockchain to authenticate and validate the request of the edge nodes. The network services can only be accessed by nodes that have been authenticated against the blockchain system. We implemented the proposed pBCS network using the private Ethereum 2.0 that enables secure device‐to‐device communication and demonstrated performance metrics such as throughput, transaction delay, block creation response time, communication, and computation overhead using state‐of‐the‐art techniques. Finally, we conducted a security analysis of the communication network to protect the IoT edge devices from unauthorized malicious nodes without data loss.
Validating the caregiver self‐efficacy in contribution to self‐care scale Thai version for stroke: A psychometric evaluation
Authors: Suwanno Jom , Klinjun Nuntaporn , Srisomthrong Kannika , Kelly Matthew , Mayeng Marzukee , Suwanno Juk
Published: August 2023

Aim

To test the validity and reliability of the Caregiver Self‐Efficacy in Contribution to Self‐Care Scale Thai Version (CC‐Self Efficacy Scale (Thai)) for Stroke.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was undertaken from September to December 2022.

Methods

Four hundred thirty‐four caregivers of people with stroke were selected from the registry of stroke patients in primary care units or hospitals following inclusion criteria. The research assistants collected information when the caregiver took a patient for a doctor's appointment or visited the patient's and caregiver's home.

Results

The 434 caregivers had a mean age of 48 years, female 77.67%, 51.97% child or grandchild of patients, and 72.85% living with the patient. Ten items of the CC‐Self Efficacy Scale (Thai) were normally distributed and appropriate for exploratory factor analysis (EFA). EFA suggested three‐factor model. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the three‐factor model was an unfit model, with the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.09. We regrouped items based on content to create six‐factor model. CFA supported the six‐factor model of CC‐Self Efficacy Scale (Thai) questionnaire with the reliability judged by McDonald's omega being 0.87. The 434 sample size was enough for EFA and CFA. The CC‐Self Efficacy Scale (Thai) with the six‐factor model is appropriate for evaluating the caregiver confidence of people with stroke.
Managing middle school students' disruptive behaviors during physical education classes using the color wheel system
Authors: Tounsi Olfa , Trabelsi Omar , Souissi Mohamed Abdelkader , Koubaa Abdessalem , Gharbi Adnene , Scharenberg Swantje , Mkaouer Bessem , Bahloul Mourad
Published: August 2023

This study investigated whether the use of the color wheel system (CWS) during physical education (PE) classes is associated with a significant decrease in disruptive behaviors among middle school students. Using a multiple‐baseline single‐case design, we investigated the effects of the CWS on disruptive behavior in nine middle school students with identified disruptive tendencies, aged 13.33 ± 1.1 years on average. Disruptive behaviors were tracked through observation using a 15‐s partial time sampling technique. The results, as indicated by time series graphs and Nonoverlap of All Pairs values ranging from 0.79 to 1.00, consistently demonstrated that the implementation of the CWS led to a reduction in disruptive behaviors across the three classrooms. The findings suggest that the CWS is an effective intervention for mitigating disruptive behaviors among school‐aged children during PE classes. However, it should be noted that the training procedures for implementing the CWS were relatively brief. To address potential limitations in future CWS implementations, it is recommended to address these shortcomings and carefully consider the implementation of the CWS as a behavioral intervention in PE.
Fluctuating selection and rapid evolution of oaks during recent climatic transitions
Authors: Caignard Thomas , Truffaut Laura , Delzon Sylvain , Dencausse Benjamin , Lecacheux Laura , Torres‐Ruiz José M. , Kremer Antoine
Published: August 2023

Societal Impact Statement

The rapidity of evolutionary changes in trees and whether this pace is sufficient to cope with ongoing climatic change are hotly debated issues in ecology today. Climate warming began in the mid‐19th century, after the Little Ice Age (LIA). Monitoring temporal genetic changes during this climatic transition in multicentennial oak populations revealed evidence of fluctuating selection and rapid evolution. These findings suggest that rapid evolution is probably also currently underway. They may lead to management options for operational forestry aiming to stimulate evolutionary mechanisms during the renewal of oak stands and to decrease potential temporal gene flow.

Retrospective studies of the evolutionary responses of tree populations to past documented climate change can provide insight into the adaptive responses of these organisms to ongoing environmental changes. We used a retrospective approach to monitor genetic changes over time in multicentennial sessile oak (Quercus petraea L.) forests.

We compared the offspring of three age‐structured cohorts (340, 170, and 60 years old, dating from about 1680, 1850, and 1960) spanning the late Little Ice Age and early Anthropocene. The experiment was repeated in three different forests in western France. The offspring were raised in a common garden experiment, with 30 to 53 open‐pollinated families per cohort.

We assessed 16 phenotypic traits in the common garden and observed significant shifts between cohorts for growth and phenology‐related traits. These shifts were correlated with differences in the prevailing temperatures in the past and could be interpreted as temporal genetic changes. However, there was no temporal trend for genetic variation. The genetic changes between the cold (late Little Ice Age) and warm (early Anthropocene) periods were mostly opposite for growth and phenology‐related traits.

These findings highlight fluctuations of selection and a rapid evolutionary response of tree populations to climatic transitions in the past, suggesting that similar trends may be at work now. We discuss these results in terms of the mode and direction of evolution, and their potential implications for the adaptive management of oak forests.
Changes in plasma alpha‐1 acid glycoprotein following hemorrhagic trauma: Possible role in dose differences of ALM drug therapy in rat and pig resuscitation
Authors: Letson Hayley L. , Morris Jodie L. , Dobson Geoffrey P.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The binding of drugs to plasma proteins is an important consideration in drug development. We have reported that the dose of adenosine, lidocaine, and magnesium (ALM) fluid therapy for resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock is nearly 3‐times higher for pigs than rats. Since lidocaine strongly binds to serum alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP), the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of hemorrhagic shock on levels of AGP in rats and pigs.

Materials and Methods

Healthy adult male Sprague–Dawley rats and female crossbred pigs (n = 33 each) underwent tail vein and peripheral ear vein blood sampling, respectively, to collect plasma for AGP measurements. Rats (n = 17) and pigs (n = 16) underwent surgical instrumentation and uncontrolled hemorrhage via liver resection, and were treated with 3% NaCl ± ALM IV bolus followed 60 min later by 4 h 0.9% NaCl ± ALM IV drip. Rats were monitored for 72 h with blood samples taken post‐surgery, and at 5.25, 24, and 72 h. Pigs were monitored for 6 h with blood samples taken post‐surgery, and at 60 min and 6 h. Plasma AGP was measured with rat‐ and pig‐specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits.

Results

Baseline AGP levels in rats were 3.91 μg/mL and significantly 83‐fold lower than in pigs (325 μg/mL). Surgical instrumentation was associated with ~10‐fold increases in AGP in rats and a 21% fall in pigs. AGP levels remained elevated in rats after hemorrhage and resuscitation (28–29 μg/mL). In contrast, no significant differences in plasma AGP were found in ALM‐ or Saline‐treated pigs over the monitoring period.

Conclusions

We conclude that the trauma of surgery alone was associated with significant increases in AGP in rats, compared to a contrasting decrease in pigs. Higher levels of plasma AGP in pigs prior to hemorrhagic shock is consistent with the higher ALM doses required to resuscitate pigs compared with rats.
Distributed robust‐multivariate‐observer‐based FDI attacks estimation for nonlinear multi‐agent systems with directed graphs
Authors: Dong Lewei , Xu Huiling , Park Ju H. , Li Zhengcai
Published: August 2023

This article investigates the distributed robust estimation problem for false data injection (FDI) attacks in nonlinear multi‐agent systems with directed graphs. To approximate the realistic attack scenario, the case where both the actuator network channel and sensor network channel suffering from FDIs are considered, and the attack signals contain time‐varying circumstances. A novel distributed robust‐multivariate‐observer (DRMO) strategy is developed such that the online estimation of FDI attack dynamics can be realized with the partially unknown nonlinear dynamics, attack transient increments, and disturbances impact being eliminated. The designed DRMO scheme only depends on the received compromised/uncompromised measurement output information on the account that whole state information cannot be measured directly. Finally, two simulation examples, including a network of four one‐link flexible joint manipulator systems with comparisons to existing methods, are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Parameter and order estimation algorithms and convergence analysis for lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Hu Chong , Liu Haibo , Ji Yan
Published: August 2023

The fractional‐order equivalent circuit model can reflect the internal reaction mechanism of a lithium‐ion battery well. This article aims to design an effective model and optimization method to describe and analyze the operating characteristics of the lithium‐ion battery based on online measurement data. The fractional‐order controlled autoregressive model is derived by exploiting the memory superiorities of the fractional‐order, which comprises the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the ‐RC equivalent circuit model as the special cases. The utilization of polynomial properties reduces the difficulty of identification while preserving the ability of the controlled autoregressive model to fit the characteristics of the battery. To realize simultaneous parameter and the order estimation, a weighted gradient descent algorithm is proposed. The approach designs a new gradient direction and fully utilizes the data from the lithium‐ion battery by adding a suitable weighted factor. In addition, the forgetting factor is introduced to speed up convergence and produce more accurate parameter estimation. Furthermore, in order to analyze the convergence of the proposed algorithms, the convergence properties are proved by using martingale convergence theory and stochastic principle. Finally, the experimental simulation result shows the performance of the proposed algorithms.
Cooperative robust output regulation of linear uncertain multi‐agent systems: A dynamic event‐triggered approach
Authors: Wu Jieshuai , Lu Maobin , Deng Fang , Chen Jie
Published: August 2023

In the article, the cooperative robust output regulation problem of multi‐agent systems with general linear uncertain dynamics is investigated by event‐triggered control. Recently, the similar problem is solved practically by a distributed event‐triggered control law where the tracking error of the system tends to some small neighborhood of the origin asymptotically. In comparison, we develop a distributed event‐triggered output feedback control law together with a class of dynamic event‐triggered mechanisms to solve this problem exactly. In particular, we first design a class of dynamic event‐triggered mechanisms. Then, based on the internal model principle, we propose a distributed event‐triggered output feedback control law. By rigorous proofs, we show that under the proposed distributed control law together with the dynamic event‐triggered mechanism, the cooperative robust output regulation problem is solved exactly, which means that the tracking errors of all followers converge to zero asymptotically while prohibiting the Zeno behavior. Finally, we use an example to illustrate our control approach.
Influence of bed surface structure on bedload transport in mountain rivers
Authors: Liu Xingnian , Cao Hui , Wu Weiming , Luo Ming , Wang Lu , Liu Chao
Published: August 2023

Mountain rivers are characterized by wide grain size distributions and complex bed surface structures, which significantly affect bedload transport. Owing to the lack of a clear understanding of the quantitative influence of the bed surface structure on the bedload transport rate, existing methods for estimating the bedload transport rate in mountain rivers produce large errors. Based on theoretical analysis and flume experiments, this study reveals the influence of bed surface structure on nonuniform bedload transport and proposes a method for estimating bedload transport rate considering the quantitative influence of bed surface structure. The findings of the present study provide theoretical methodological support for predicting the sediment transport and bed evolution in mountain rivers.
Rating systems and increased heterogeneity in firm performance: Evidence from the New York City Restaurant Industry, 1994–2013
Authors: Greenberg Jason , Sands Daniel B. , Cattani Gino , Porac Joseph
Published: August 2023

Research Summary

We investigate the extent to which the increasing availability of ratings information has affected heterogeneity in firm performance and, if so, what market segments are responsible for these changes. A unique dataset was constructed with restricted‐access government data to examine these questions in the context of the New York City restaurant industry between 1994 and 2013. We find that firms serving tourist and expensive price point market segments experienced increasing sales discrepancies as a function of rating differentials when ratings information became more easily accessible with the advent of online rating platforms. These findings depict how the prevalence of online rating systems have shaped competition and value capture, thus providing insight into the determinants of firm performance heterogeneity.

Managerial Summary

We examine the extent to which increasing availability of ratings information has affected firm performance by estimating changes in comparative sales between New York City restaurants between 1994 and 2013. Analyses indicate that increased access to ratings information during this period had a considerable effect on comparative sales for firms serving the tourist and the expensive price point market segments. These results provide insights into other industries where access to evaluations and rating systems have also increased. This work suggests that online ratings have affected how firms compete and capture value, and managers have opportunities to use rating systems to their advantage.
Uncovering the Redox Shuttle Degradation Mechanism of Ether Electrolytes in Sodium‐Ion Batteries and its Inhibition Strategy
Authors: Yi Xiaoli , Li Xinhai , Zhong Jing , Wang Zhixing , Guo Huajun , Peng Wenjie , Duan Jianguo , Wang Ding , Wang Jiexi , Yan Guochun
Published: August 2023

Ether‐based electrolytes exhibit excellent performance when applied in different anode materials of sodium ion batteries (SIBs), but their exploration on cathode material is deficient and the degradation mechanism is still undiscovered. Herein, various battery systems with different operation voltage ranges are designed to explore the electrochemical performance of ether electrolyte. It is found for the first time that the deterioration mechanism of ether electrolyte is closely related to the “redox shuttle” between cathode and low‐potential anode. The “shuttle” is discovered to occur when the potential of anodes is below 0.57 V, and the gas products coming from “shuttle” intermediates are revealed by differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS). Moreover, effective inhibition strategies by protecting low‐potential anodes are proposed and verified; ethylene carbonate (EC) is found to be very effective as an additive by forming an inorganics‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on low‐potential anodes, thereby suppressing the deterioration of ether electrolytes. This work reveals the failure mechanism of ether‐based electrolytes applied in SIBs and proposes effective strategies to suppress the “shuttle,” which provides a valuable guidance for advancing the application of ether‐based electrolytes in SIBs.
Recent Progress in Hot Spot Regulated Strategies for Catalysts Applied in Li–CO2 Batteries
Authors: Xiao Ying , Hu Shilin , Miao Yue , Gong Fenglian , Chen Jun , Wu Mingxuan , Liu Wei , Chen Shimou
Published: August 2023

As a high energy density power system, lithium–carbon dioxide (Li–CO2) batteries play an important role in addressing the fossil fuel crisis issues and alleviating the greenhouse effect. However, the sluggish transformation kinetic of CO2 and the difficult decomposition of discharge products impede the achievement of large capacity, small overpotential, and long life span of the batteries, which require exploring efficient catalysts to resolve these problems. In this review, the main focus is on the hot spot regulation strategies of the catalysts, which include the modulation of the active sites, the designing of microstructure, and the construction of composition. The recent progress of promising catalysis with hot spot regulated strategies is systematically addressed. Critical challenges are also presented and perspectives to provide useful guidance for the rational design of highly efficient catalysts for practical advanced Li–CO2 batteries are proposed.
Contributing to the Revolution of Electrolyte Systems via In Situ Polymerization at Different Scales: A Review
Authors: Zhang Bo‐Han , Wu Yu , Hou Yun‐Lei , Chen Jing‐Zhou , Ma Zhuang , Zhao Dong‐Lin
Published: August 2023

Solid‐state batteries have become the most anticipated option for compatibility with high‐energy density and safety. In situ polymerization, a novel strategy for the construction of solid‐state systems, has extended its application from solid polymer electrolyte systems to other solid‐state systems. This review summarizes the application of in situ polymerization strategies in solid‐state batteries, which covers the construction of polymer, the formation of the electrolyte system, and the design of the full cell. For the polymer skeleton, multiple components and structures are being chosen. In the construction of solid polymer electrolyte systems, the choice of initiator for in situ polymerization is the focus of this review. New initiators, represented by lithium salts and additives, are the preferred choice because of their ability to play more diverse roles, while the coordination with other components can also improve the electrical properties of the system and introduce functionalities. In the construction of entire solid‐state battery systems, the application of in situ polymerization to structure construction, interface construction, and the use of separators with multiplex functions has brought more possibilities for the development of various solid‐state systems and even the perpetuation of liquid electrolytes.
Crystalline Porous Material‐Based Nanogenerators: Recent Progress, Applications, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Rajaboina Rakesh Kumar , Khanapuram Uday Kumar , Vivekananthan Venkateswaran , Khandelwal Gaurav , Potu Supraja , Babu Anjaly , Madathil Navaneeth , Velpula Mahesh , Kodali Prakash
Published: August 2023

Nanogenerator (NG) is a potential technology that allows to build self‐powered systems, sensors, flexible and portable electronics in the current Internet of Things (IoT) generation. Nanogenerators include piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) and triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), convert different forms of mechanical motion into useful electrical signals. They have evolved and expanded their applications in various fields since their discovery in 2006 and 2012. Material selection is crucial for designing efficient NGs, with high conversion efficiencies. In the recent past, crystalline porous mat erials (metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs)) have been widely reported as potential candidates for nanogenerators, owing to their special properties of large surface area, porosity tailoring, ease of surface, post‐synthesis modification, and chemical stability. The present organized review provides a complete overview of all the crystalline porous materials (CPMs)‐based nanogenerator devices reported in the literature, including synthesis, characterization, device fabrication, and potential applications. Additionally, this review article discusses current challenges, future directions, and perspectives in the field of CPMs‐NGs.