bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neferine inhibits the development of lung cancer cells by downregulating TGF‐β to regulate MST1/ROS‐induced pyroptosis
Authors: Zhong Peng‐Cheng , Liu Zhi‐Wen , Xing Qi‐Chang , Chen Jia , Yang Rui‐Pei
Published: September 2023

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for ~85% of all lung cancer cases. Neferine is used as a traditional Chinese medicine with many pharmacological effects, including antitumor properties; however, it has not been reported whether neferine plays an anticancer role by causing pyroptosis in NSCLC cells. We used two typical lung cancer cell lines, A549 and H1299, and 42 lung cancer tissue samples to investigate the regulatory effects of neferine on TGF‐β and MST1. We also treated lung cancer cells with different concentrations of neferine to study its effects on lung cancer cell survival, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as on pyroptosis. Lentivirus‐mediated gain‐of‐function studies of TGF‐β and MST1 were applied to validate the roles of TGF‐β and MST1 in lung cancer. Next, we used murine transplanted tumor models to evaluate the effect of neferine treatment on the metastatic capacity of lung cancer tissues. With increasing neferine concentration, the viability, migration, invasion, and EMT capacity of A549 and H1299 cells decreased, whereas pyroptosis increased. Neferine repressed TGF‐β expression to modulate the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by MST1. Overexpression of TGF‐β in either in vitro or mouse‐transplanted A549 cells restored the inhibitory effect of neferine on tumor development. Overexpression of MST1 clearly enhanced pyroptosis. Neferine contributed to pyroptosis by regulating MST1 expression through downregulation of TGF‐β to induce ROS formation. Therefore, our study shows that neferine can serve as an adjuvant therapy for NSCLC patients.
Teledelivery of Aural Rehabilitation to Improve Cochlear Implant Outcomes
Authors: Brewer Diane Majerus , Bernstein Claire Marcus , Calandrillo Dominique , Muscato Nancy , Introcaso Kailey , Bosworth Cassandra , Olson Anne , Vovos Rachel , Stillitano Gina , Sydlowski Sarah
Published: September 2023

Objective(s)

This randomized controlled study evaluated the effectiveness of a Telehealth Aural Rehabilitation (TeleAR) training protocol to improve outcomes for adult cochlear implant (CI) users.

Methods

This was a multisite clinical study with participants randomized to either an AR treatment or active control group. The AR protocol consisted of auditory training (words, sentences, and speech tracking), informational counseling, and communication strategies. The control group participants engaged in cognitive stimulation activities (crosswords, sudoku, etc.). Each group completed 6 weekly 90‐min individual treatment sessions delivered remotely. Twenty postlingually deafened adult CI users participated. Assessments were completed pretreatment and 1 week and 2 months posttreatment.

Results

Repeated‐measures ANOVA and planned contrasts were used to compare group performance on AzBio Sentences, Hearing Handicap Inventory (HHI), Client Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI), and Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI). The two groups were statistically equivalent on all outcome measures at pre‐assessment. There was a statistically significant main effect of time for all measures. Improvement over time was observed for participants in both groups, with greater improvement seen for the AR than the CT group on all outcome measures. The AR group showed medium to large effect sizes on all measures over time, suggesting clinically significant outcomes.

Conclusion

This randomized controlled study provides evidence of improved speech recognition and psychosocial outcomes following 6 weeks of TeleAR intervention. For adult post‐lingually deafened CI users, including those >3 months post‐activation, AR treatment can leverage neuroplasticity to maximize outcomes.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 134:1861–1867, 2024
A computable biomedical knowledge object for calculating in‐hospital mortality for patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Sadsad Rosemarie , Ruber Gema , Zhou Johnson , Nicklin Steven , Tsafnat Guy
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Quality indicators play an essential role in a learning health system. They help healthcare providers to monitor the quality and safety of care delivered and to identify areas for improvement. Clinical quality indicators, therefore, need to be based on real world data. Generating reliable and actionable data routinely is challenging. Healthcare data are often stored in different formats and use different terminologies and coding systems, making it difficult to generate and compare indicator reports from different sources.

Methods

The Observational Health Sciences and Informatics community maintains the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model (OMOP). This is an open data standard providing a computable and interoperable format for real world data. We implemented a Computable Biomedical Knowledge Object (CBK) in the Piano Platform based on OMOP. The CBK calculates an inpatient quality indicator and was illustrated using synthetic electronic health record (EHR) data in the open OMOP standard.

Results

The CBK reported the in‐hospital mortality of patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) for the synthetic EHR dataset and includes interactive visualizations and the results of calculations. Value sets composed of OMOP concept codes for AMI and comorbidities used in the indicator calculation were also created.

Conclusion

Computable biomedical knowledge (CBK) objects that operate on OMOP data can be reused across datasets that conform to OMOP. With OMOP being a widely used interoperability standard, quality indicators embedded in CBKs can accelerate the generation of evidence for targeted quality and safety management, improving care to benefit larger populations.
Effect of In‐Plane Electric Field on the Microphase Separation in Thin Films of a Symmetric ABA Triblock Copolymer
Authors: Kriksin Yury A. , Kudryavtsev Yaroslav V.
Published: September 2023

The structure of a thin film of symmetric ABA triblock copolymer melts in an external in‐plane DC or AC electric field is studied theoretically. The situation is considered when the triblock copolymer forms a hexagonal morphology of standing cylinders in bulk in the absence of an external field. Self‐consistent field theory calculations are carried out to determine the most thermodynamically favorable thin film structure among the cylindrical phases perpendicular and parallel to the substrate and the lamellar phase perpendicular to the substrate. The results are presented as phase diagrams with the film thickness and electric field energy on the axes and as distributions of the local composition, which serve as an order parameter in the system. It is confirmed that electric fields only weakly affect the spinodal curves of block copolymers but they can reorient or markedly modify microphase‐separated morphologies in those systems. Such restructuring is consistent with a considerable modulation of the free surface of a copolymer film and it can lead to the coexistence of different phases that appear in the film areas with different local thicknesses.
Exploring the Spectrum of RHOBTB2 Variants Associated with Developmental Encephalopathy 64: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: de Pedro Baena Sonia , Sariego Jamardo Andrea , Castro Pedro , López González Francisco Javier , Sánchez Carpintero Rocío , Cerisola Alfredo , Troncoso Mónica , Witting Scarlet , Barrios Andrés , Fons Carmen , López Pisón Javier , Ortigoza‐Escobar Juan Darío
Published: September 2023

Background

Rho‐related BTB domain‐containing protein 2 (RHOBTB2) is a protein that interacts with cullin‐3, a crucial E3 ubiquitin ligase for mitotic cell division. RHOBTB2 has been linked to early infantile epileptic encephalopathy, autosomal dominant type 64 (OMIM618004), in 34 reported patients.

Methods

We present a case series of seven patients with RHOBTB2‐related disorders (RHOBTB2‐RD), including a description of a novel heterozygous variant. We also reviewed previously published cases of RHOBTB2‐RD.

Results

The seven patients had ages ranging from 2 years and 8 months to 26 years, and all had experienced seizures before the age of one (onset, 4–12 months, median, 4 months), including various types of seizures. All patients in this cohort also had a movement disorder (onset, 0.3–14 years, median, 1.5 years). Six of seven had a baseline movement disorder, and one of seven only had paroxysmal dystonia. Stereotypies were noted in four of six, choreodystonia in three of six, and ataxia in one case with multiple movement phenotypes at baseline. Paroxysmal movement disorders were observed in six of seven patients for whom carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine treatment was effective in controlling acute or paroxysmal movement disorders. Four patients had acute encephalopathic episodes at ages 4 (one patient) and 6 (three patients), which improved following treatment with methylprednisolone. Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed transient fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery abnormalities during these episodes, as well as myelination delay, thin corpus callosum, and brain atrophy. One patient had a novel RHOBTB2 variant (c.359G>A/p.Gly120Glu).

Conclusion

RHOBTB2‐RD is characterized by developmental delay or intellectual disability, early‐onset seizures, baseline movement disorders, acute or paroxysmal motor phenomena, acquired microcephaly, and episodes of acute encephalopathy. Early onsets of focal dystonia, acute encephalopathic episodes, episodes of tongue protrusion, or peripheral vasomotor disturbances are important diagnostic clues. Treatment with carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine was found to be effective in controlling acute or paroxysmal movement disorders. Our study highlights the clinical features and treatment response of RHOBTB2‐RD.
Business model innovation driven by corporate social responsibility in a digital innovation ecosystem: Evidence from Chinese manufacturers
Authors: Liao Minchao , Gao Zeng'an , Zhou Jingsong , Li Dehui
Published: September 2023

This study focuses on examining the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) fulfillment and business model innovation (BMI) in the context of China's business environment. The research utilizes data from 1028 manufacturing firms in China and specifically explores the impact of CSR fulfillment on BMI within the digital innovation ecosystem. The findings indicate that both internal CSR (ICSR) and external CSR (ECSR) have a significant positive influence on BMI, with ECSR having a stronger effect. Additionally, the study reveals that value co‐creation (VCC) plays a mediating role in strengthening the relationship between CSR fulfillment and BMI. Furthermore, the study highlights that the positive association between CSR fulfillment and BMI is more prominent in firms with higher digital platform capability (DPC). Overall, this research provides valuable insights for manufacturers seeking to achieve BMI and sustainable development.
Planners of Wisconsin 988 system anticipated residents’ questions
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: September 2023

Substantial growth in call volume and a healthy percentage of repeat callers are confirming to Wisconsin leaders that they have been on the right track in their implementation of the state's 988 crisis lifeline system. Managers of the state's effort have worked hard to convince the public that 988 offers a safe and compassionate response that in only the rarest of cases will lead to a well‐being check‐in on a caller or law enforcement's involvement.
RAND: Patients lack option to receive in‐person, remote care
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2023

The majority of adults receiving mental health treatment who had been surveyed by researchers earlier this year said they felt that they did not have much choice as to whether they could see their clinician in person or via telehealth, according to new research conducted by the RAND Corporation and published this month in Health Affairs.
An analysis on approximate controllability results for impulsive fractional differential equations of order 1 < r < 2 with infinite delay using sequence method
Authors: Mohan Raja Marimuthu , Vijayakumar Velusamy , Veluvolu Kalyana Chakravarthy
Published: September 2023

In this work, we discuss the existence and approximate controllability results for impulsive fractional differential systems of order
with infinite delay. Sectorial operator of type
, the nonlinear alternative of the Leray–Schauder fixed point theorem, sequence method, and impulsive systems have been used to establish these results. First, we investigate the existence of mild solutions for impulsive fractional differential equations of order
. We also establish the approximate controllability results for the nonlocal fractional delay differential equations. An example is also given to illustrate our main results.
The acceptability and feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a walking intervention for older people with persistent musculoskeletal pain in primary care: A mixed methods evaluation of the iPOPP pilot trial
Authors: Healey Emma L. , McBeth John , Nicholls Elaine , Chew‐Graham Carolyn A. , Dent Stephen , Foster Nadine E. , Herron Daniel , Pincus Tamar , Hartshorne Liz , Hay Elaine M. , Jinks Clare
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Persistent musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is associated with physical inactivity in older people. While walking is an acceptable form of physical activity, the effectiveness of walking interventions in this population has yet to be established.

Objectives

To assess the acceptability and feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to test the effectiveness of a healthcare assistant‐led walking intervention for older people with persistent MSK pain (iPOPP) in primary care.

Methods

A mixed method, three arm pilot RCT was conducted in four general practices and recruited patients aged ≥65 years with persistent MSK pain. Participants were randomised in a 1:1:1 ratio to: (i) usual care, (ii) usual care plus a pedometer intervention, or (iii) usual care plus the iPOPP walking intervention. Descriptive statistics were used in an exploratory analysis of the quantitative data. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. A triangulation protocol was used to integrate the analyses from the mixed methods.

Results

All pre‐specified success criteria were achieved in terms of feasibility (recruitment, follow‐up and iPOPP intervention adherence) and acceptability. Triangulation of the data identified the need, in the future, to make the iPOPP training (for intervention deliverers) more patient‐centred to better support already active patients and the use of individualised goal setting and improve accelerometry data collection processes to increase the amount of valid data.

Conclusions

This pilot trial suggests that the iPOPP intervention and a future full‐scale RCT are both acceptable and feasible. The use of a triangulation protocol enabled more robust conclusions about acceptability and feasibility to be drawn.
“Homogenization with non‐homogeneous plastic flow”
Authors: Anglade Elsa , Sellier Alain , Papon Aurélie , Aubert Jean‐Emmanuel
Published: September 2023

This paper provides the solution of a homogenization model that simultaneously considers the plastic and elastic strain fields in a single analytical formulation. In addition, the authors aim to decouple plastic flows triggered in the inclusions, in the matrix at the interfaces with the inclusions, and in the matrix at a large distance from the inclusions. The authors propose an admissible displacement field containing elastic and anelastic contributions in series. This field provides a new strain homogenization formula in which the plastic deformations in the inclusions, at the interface between the matrix and the inclusions, and in the matrix far from the inclusions appear explicitly. Applications allow to evaluate the pertinence of the approximation provided by this field, and show that this new formulation is able to create macroscopic work hardening while all the elementary phases have elastic‐perfectly plastic behaviour without resorting to expensive numerical simulations (such as mesoscopic finite element modelling). This is the consequence of the simultaneous presence of elasticity and plasticity on the one hand and, on the other, the possibility of triggering plastic flows independently on the surface of each type of inclusion and in the matrix at a large distance from the inclusions.
Theoretical analysis of dynamic stress distribution around a circular damaged roadway under transient disturbance
Authors: Zhao Huatao , Tao Ming , Li Xibing
Published: September 2023

Excavation damaged zone (EDZ) widely exists in the surrounding rock of underground roadway due to blasting excavation, which can further change the surrounding rock property and deteriorate the stability of the roadway. In the presented research, a damaged roadway model was developed to investigate the dynamic stress concentration factor (DSCF) distribution around the damaged roadway under a transient plane P wave. The influencing factors on DSCF distribution were discussed, including the shear modulus (μe/μd) of the intact surrounding rock to that of the damaged surrounding rock, the thickness of EDZ (Rd/R0), and the wavelength of the incident stress wave. Results indicated that the damaged surrounding rock around the roadway belongs to stress‐relaxed zones, and the existence of EDZ can reduce the overall DSCF of surrounding rock. As the ratio of μe/μd is increasing, both the maximum compressive and tensile stress concentrations in the damaged zones decrease gradually, which is opposite to that in the intact surrounding rock. A larger EDZ can induce a higher DSCF in the damaged surrounding rock and a smaller DSCF in the intact surrounding rock. As the incident stress wave's wavelength is increasing, the peak value of DSCF grows first before declining, finally followed by a constant value. Furthermore, the maximum compressive and tensile stress concentrations are always found near the surrounding rock that is perpendicular to and along the incoming direction of stress waves, respectively. The stress concentration in both intact and damaged surrounding rock near the incoming side of stress waves is higher than that at the transmitted side.
Design, Fabrication and Characterization of Multi‐Yolk@Shell NiCuFe2O4@mSiO2 Mesoporous Nanocomposite Spheres for the Synthesis of Pyrimido‐Quinolines under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Kazempour Somayeh , Naeimi Hossein
Published: September 2023

Multi‐yolk@shell mesoporous silica spheres are becoming more and more attractive as high‐performance catalysts because of their high surface areas, variable pore sizes, and low densities. In this work, a NiCuFe2O4 magnetic core with a shell of mesoporous silica mesoporous has been prepared in an easy two‐step procedure. The prepared multi‐yolk@shell NiCuFe2O4@mSiO2 spheres were characterized by using FT‐IR, XRD, VSM, EDX, BET, FE‐SEM and HR‐TEM techniques. These unique multi‐yolk@shell NiCuFe2O4@mSiO2 spheres demonstrated high catalytic activity for the synthesis of pyrimidoquinolines. Also, this method exposes obvious benefits such as catalyst recyclability, easy reaction condition, simplicity of work up, high product yields and short reaction times.
Methane Decomposition to Hydrogen Over Zirconia‐Supported Fe Catalysts–Effects of the Modified Support
Authors: Bayazed Mohammed , Fakeeha Anis H. , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Alanazi Yousef M. , Abasaeed Ahmed E. , Khan Wasim U. , Abu‐Dahrieh Jehad K. , Al‐Fatesh Ahmed S.
Published: September 2023

Methane decomposition is a promising route to synthesize COx‐free hydrogen and carbon nanomaterials (CNMs). In this work, the impregnation method was employed for the preparation of the catalysts. Systematic investigations on the activity and stability of Fe‐based catalysts were carried out in a packed‐bed micro‐activity reactor at 800 °C with a feed gas flow rate of 18 mL/min. The effect of doping Y2O3, MgO, SiO2 and TiO2 over ZrO2 on the catalytic performance was also studied. BET revealed that the specific surface areas and pore volumes are increased after SiO2, TiO2, and Y2O3 are added to ZrO2 while MgO had a negative impact and hence a little decrease in specific surface area is observed. The catalytic activity results showed that the Fe‐based catalyst supported over TiO2‐doped ZrO2 that is, Fe−TiZr, demonstrated the highest activity and stability, with a maximum methane conversion of 81.3 % during 180 min time‐on‐stream. At 800 °C, a maximum initial methane conversion of 73 %, 38 %, 64 %, and 69 % and a final carbon yield of 121 wt. %, 55 wt. %, 354 wt. %, and 174 wt. % was achieved using Fe−MgZr, Fe−SiZr, Fe−TiZr and Fe−YZr catalysts, respectively. Moreover, bulk deposition of uniform carbon nanotubes with a high degree of graphitization and different diameters was observed over the catalysts.
A surface finite element method for the Navier–Stokes equations on evolving surfaces
Authors: Krause Veit , Kunze Eric , Voigt Axel
Published: September 2023

We introduce a surface finite element method for the numerical solution of Navier–Stokes equations on evolving surfaces with a prescribed deformation of the surface in the normal direction. The method is based on approaches for the full surface Navier–Stokes equations in the context of fluid‐deformable surfaces and adds a penalization of the normal component of the velocity. Numerical results demonstrate the same optimal order of convergence as proposed for surface (Navier–)Stokes equations on stationary surfaces. The approach is applied to high‐resolution three‐dimensional scans of clothed bodies in motion to provide interactive virtual fluid‐like clothing.
Time‐limited balanced truncation within incremental four‐dimensional variational data assimilation
Authors: König Josie , Freitag Melina A.
Published: September 2023

Four‐dimensional variational data assimilation (4D‐Var) is a data assimilation method often used in weather forecasting. Based on a numerical model and observations of a system, it predicts the system state beyond the last time of measurement. This requires the minimisation of a functional. At each step of the optimisation algorithm, a full nonlinear model evaluation and its adjoint is required. This quickly becomes very costly, especially in high dimensions. For this reason, a surrogate model is needed that approximates the full model well, but requires significantly less computational effort. In this paper, we propose time‐limited balanced truncation to build such a reduced‐order model. Our approach is able to deal with unstable system matrices. We demonstrate its performance in experiments and compare it with α‐bounded balanced truncation, which is an another reduction approach for unstable systems.
Transitioning disopyramide to mavacamten in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A case series and clinical guide
Authors: Willeford Andrew , Silva Enciso Jorge
Published: September 2023

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disorder for which first‐line treatments for obstructive HCM (oHCM) include beta‐blockers, non‐dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, and disopyramide for refractory cases. Mavacamten, a selective cardiac myosin inhibitor, is indicated for symptomatic oHCM to improve functional capacity and symptoms. Use of disopyramide and mavacamten together is not recommended due to concerns of additive negative inotropic effects. Transitioning from disopyramide to mavacamten may be preferred to avoid adverse effects and frequent administration, however, the best approach for making the transition has not been established.

Cases

We present a series of seven patients with oHCM who transitioned from disopyramide to mavacamten and underwent echocardiograms mandated by a Risk Evaluation and Mitigations Strategies program. Two methods were employed. The first approach, involving washout of disopyramide before starting mavacamten, resulted in worsening of heart failure symptoms in the first two cases. The second approach, involving tapering disopyramide when starting mavacamten, was successfully implemented in the last five cases, with no adverse effects or worsening of systolic dysfunction.

Conclusion

Our method of tapering disopyramide when starting mavacamten using a stepwise approach is feasible and safe. Our report fulfills an unmet need by serving as a guide for other clinicians who seek to transition their patients from disopyramide to mavacamten.
Photochemical afterglow of single organic molecules with wide‐range tunable lifetime
Authors: Pei Yuetian , Fan Yiwei , Liu Yawei , Sun Kuangshi , Feng Wei , Liu Qian , Li Fuyou
Published: September 2023

Background

Photochemical afterglow that relies on slow release of photons from the chemical energy stored by light pre‐irradiation has emerged as a new optical imaging modality. However, conventional photochemical afterglow systems are considerably dependent on the interaction between multiple functional molecules, such as the afterglow initiator, the substrate, and the emitter. Therefore, these isolated functional molecules for afterglow luminescence have to be embedded in a nanoparticle with a confined space for many applications, which may suffer from problems like reproducibility and dye leakage.

Aim

Herein, we developed an “All‐in‐one” strategy that integrated all functional units for afterglow luminescence into one molecule to achieve photochemical afterglow of single organic small molecules.

Material & Methods

Triphenylamine and its derivatives contained single organic molecule were synthesized as “All‐in‐one” molecules, and underwent photochemical reactions triggered by singlet oxygen. We investigated the effect of substituents on the afterglow luminescence of the “All‐in‐one” molecules. Experimental measurements and theoretical calculations were performed to exhibit the wide‐range tunable lifetimes and to reveal the involving mechanisms.

Results

By tailoring the electron‐withdrawing ability of substituents, the afterglow lifetime of the “All‐in‐one” molecules can be conveniently tuned in a wide range from 28.6 s to 50.9 min. Moreover, the “All‐in‐one” afterglow materials were used to make smart printable security inks for optical multiplexing.

Discussion & Conclusion

Such “All‐in‐one” afterglow molecules successfully achieved bright afterglow with wide‐range tunable lifetimes by the regulation of molecular structure according to the effect of substituents. This work provided a novel strategy to convert traditional fluorescent dyes into afterglow materials of single organic molecules and showed its great potential in multiple information encryption and advanced biological.
In search of the perfect process
Authors: Luft Axel , Franciosa Pasquale , Marben Philip
Published: September 2023

Battery cases in modern electric vehicles must meet very demanding functional requirements. WMG – an independent research and development Institute at the University of Warwick – tested laser welding processes for optimizing aluminum battery cases on behalf of major automotive manufacturers. In extensive laboratory tests, WMG studied which production technology could produce the best results.
The next generation of tactile laser processing heads
Authors: Wedel Björn
Published: September 2023

For more than twenty years, tactile laser processing has been the state of the art for laser brazing and filler wire‐assisted laser welding. The expectations of process efficiency, uptime and machine integration have been growing during this time. A new generation of processing heads is responding to that with a simplified optomechanical design and a monitoring system that continuously shows the status of all critical components.
Integrated leadership for coherent school improvement in Ethiopia: The moderating role of transformational leadership on the relationship between instructional leadership and student academic achievement mediated by school improvement process
Authors: Gao Chunhai , Khalid Sabika , Lianyu Cai , Tadesse Endale
Published: September 2023

Unfortunately, the role of school leadership in fostering school improvement in non‐Western countries, especially African countries, is relatively little discussed. The present study sheds light on the contextual role of instructional leadership (IL) and transformational leadership (TL) in promoting the Ethiopian School Improvement Program (SIP), which is intended to enhance student academic performance. Hence, this study aimed to extend the integrated leadership model by conceptualizing the moderating mediation effect of IL on student academic achievement in public primary schools. A cross‐sectional study was performed by distributing a survey to 1280 public primary school teachers in Addis Ababa. Surprisingly, the study's findings affirmed that unlike previous studies, IL and TL significantly directly affect student academic performance, and TL plays a significant role as a moderator of the indirect effect of IL on student academic achievement.
Construction and validation of the foreign language learning enjoyment scale
Authors: Aydın Selami , Tekin Işıl , Akkaş Ferdane D.
Published: September 2023

Since the original and adapted versions of the scales that aim to measure foreign language enjoyment may not be appropriate for learners with low English proficiency levels, it seems necessary to develop scales in their native languages. This study aims to create a valid and reliable scale of foreign language learning enjoyment that can be applied to Turkish students learning English as a foreign language (EFL). The sample group of the study consisted of 18 students in the focus group study, 408 learners in the exploratory study, 630 students in the confirmatory group, and 66 students in the study in the assessment phase of convergent validity and test–retest reliability. The participants had different educational backgrounds and proficiency levels in English. After administering a background questionnaire and the Foreign Language Learning Enjoyment Scale (FLLES), exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and reliability analysis were performed. The findings showed that the FLLES comprising 12 items obtained high reliability and validity with a one‐factor solution. The study also concluded that the FLLES displayed a moderate correlation with the Foreign Language Enjoyment Scale (FLES) developed by Dewaele and MacIntyre, and had a good level of test–retest reliability.
Proposed Specifiers for Conduct Disorder (PSCD) self‐report: Factor structure and validation in a community sample of Belgian youth
Authors: Salekin Randall T. , López‐Romero Laura , Grant Jessica C. , Batky Blair D. , Uzieblo Kasia , Colins Olivier F.
Published: September 2023

The current study examined the psychometric properties of the Proposed Specifiers for Conduct Disorder (PSCD) in a sample of school‐attending adolescent Belgian youth (N = 599; M age = 16.51 years, SD = 1.27). Given the recent interest in the PSCD‐Short Version (PSCD‐SV), this study focused on the 13‐item variant of the PSCD. Study findings showed that the PSCD‐SV had a hierarchical four‐factor structure including the components of grandiose‐manipulative (GM), callous‐unemotional (CU), daring‐impulsive (DI), and conduct disorder (CD). These interrelated factors were found to be internally consistent. The study also showed that the PSCD‐SV total score was positively and significantly related to an alternate measure of psychopathy. Further, the study revealed the PSCD‐SV was meaningfully related to the five‐factor personality domains (i.e., extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness) as well as peer functioning and prosocial behavior. Bivariate correlations demonstrated that the dimensions differed in their associations with external correlates (e.g., peer functioning). Regression analyses showed that the GM, CU, and CD components of the PSCD‐SV were uniquely associated to externalizing difficulties, whereas only the GM and CU components of the PSCD‐SV were associated with low prosocial behaviors. These findings shed light on the conceptual and developmental models for the consideration of psychopathy and conduct problems. The use of the broader psychopathy condition as well as its underpinning dimensions may have important implications for assessment, treatment, and diagnostic manuals. The implications of the current study are further discussed.
LC‐MS‐based urine metabolomics analysis of chronic subdural hematoma for biomarker discovery
Authors: Sun Jiameng , Ou Yunwei , Liu Xiaoyan , Sun Haidan , Guo Zhengguang , Qi Feng , Lan Ying , Liu Weiming , Sun Wei
Published: September 2023

Background

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgical diseases with atypical manifestations. The aim of this study was to utilize urine metabolomics to explore potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of CSDH.

Methods

Seventy‐seven healthy controls and ninety‐two patients with CSDH were enrolled in our study. In total, 261 urine samples divided into the discovery group and validation group were analyzed by LC‐MS. The statistical analysis and functional annotation were applied to discover potential biomarker panels and altered metabolic pathways.

Results

A total of 53 differential metabolites were identified in this study. And the urinary metabolic profiles showed apparent separation between patients and controls. Further functional annotation showed that the differential metabolites were associated with lipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, biotin metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and pentose and glucuronate interconversions. Moreover, one panel of Capryloylglycine, cis‐5‐Octenoic acid, Ethisterone, and 5,6‐DiHETE showed good predictive performance in the diagnosis of CSDH, with an AUC of 0.89 in discovery group and an AUC of 0.822 in validation group. Another five metabolites (Trilobinol, 3′‐Hydroxyropivacaine, Ethisterone, Arginyl‐Proline, 5‐alpha‐Dihydrotestosterone glucuronide) showed the levels of them returned to a healthy state after surgery, showing good possibility to monitor the recovery of CSDH patients.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

The findings of the study revealed urine metabolomic differences between CSDH and controls. The potentially diagnostic and prognostic biomarker panels of urine metabolites were established, and functional analysis demonstrated deeper metabolic disorders of CSDH, which might conduce to improve early diagnose of CSDH clinically.
Dynamic monitoring of the insecticide resistance status of Bemisia tabaci across China from 2019–2021
Authors: Ji Yao , Zheng Huixin , Zhang Chengjia , Tan Xing , He Chao , Fu Buli , Du Tianhua , Liang Jinjin , Wei Xuegao , Gong Peipan , Liu Shaonan , Yang Jing , Huang Mingjiao , Yin Cheng , Xue Hu , Hu Jinyu , Du He , Xie Wen , Yang Xin , Zhang Youjun
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a major agricultural insect pest that causes severe economic losses worldwide. Several insecticides have been applied to effectively control this key pest. However, owing to the indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides, B. tabaci has developed resistance against these chemical compounds over the past several years.

RESULTS

From 2019 to 2021, 23 field samples of B. tabaci were collected across China. Twenty species were identified as the Mediterranean ‘Q’ type (MED) and three were identified as MED/ Middle East‐Asia Minor 1 mixtures. Subsequently, resistance of the selected populations to different insecticides was evaluated. The results showed that 13 populations developed low levels of resistance to abamectin. An overall upward trend in B. tabaci resistance toward spirotetramat, cyantraniliprole and pyriproxyfen was observed. In addition, resistance to thiamethoxam remained low‐to‐moderate in the 23 field populations.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the overall resistance of the field‐collected B. tabaci populations has shown an upward trend over the years in China. We believe our study can provide basic data to support integrated pest management and insecticide resistance management of field B. tabaci in China. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Demonstration of wafer‐level white light emitting diode with 92,000 lm luminous flux
Authors: Zhang Yibin , Xu Jianwei , Zhao Desheng , Huang Hongjuan , Ding Mingdi , Miao Zhenlin , Wang Yanming , He Peng , Zhang Baoshun , Cai Yong
Published: September 2023

A high‐power phosphor‐converted white wafer‐level LED with 92,000 lm was demonstrated. The high‐power white LED was manufactured by utilising a blue single wafer‐level LED chip coated with a 60‐µm‐thick thin film phosphor layer. The electrical and optical characteristics of the LED were measured. Results show that the luminous flux and luminous efficacy reach to 92,000 lm and ∼89 lm/W at an input electrical power of 1035 W, respectively. The view angle is about 133°.
Ultraviolet and visible micro‐Raman and micro‐photoluminescence spectroscopy investigations of stress on a 75‐mm GaN‐on‐diamond wafer
Authors: Hancock B. Logan , Nazari Mohammed , Anderson Jonathan , Piner Edwin , Faili Firooz , Oh Seajin , Francis Daniel , Twitchen Daniel , Graham Samuel , Holtz Mark W.
Published: September 2023

Investigations of stress distributions and material quality across a 75‐mm wafer consisting of device‐quality GaN integrated with a diamond substrate are presented. Stress in the GaN are mapped both over the full wafer and across the layer along the growth direction. Ultraviolet (UV) and visible micro‐Raman and UV photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy from both sides of the wafer reveal an unexpected gradient between the tensile stress at the free GaN surface (∼0.86–0.90 GPa) and the GaN/diamond interface (∼0.05–0.23 GPa). The stresses obtained exhibit good cross‐wafer uniformity. The stress gradient is understood through variations in the material along the growth direction of the layers due to the presence of threading dislocations which result in local stress relaxation. Transmission electron microscopy confirms the presence of extended defects to be greater near the interface with diamond, corresponding to the initial GaN growth regime, and diminished toward the surface where transistors would be fabricated in a full device technology. Finite element (FE) simulations describing the observed stress dependence along with TEM imaging of the GaN cross‐section support the relaxation interpretation.
A weighted‐Weibull distribution: Properties and applications
Authors: Xavier Thomas , Nadarajah Saralees
Published: September 2023

The paper describes a two parameter model and its relationship to the widely used Weibull model. Mathematical properties of the distribution like survival and hazard functions, moments, harmonic and geometric means, Shannon entropy and mean residual life are derived. Different methods of estimation are discussed and a simulation study is performed to verify the efficiency of estimation methods. Applications of our distribution in different scenarios observed in real life are illustrated.
Plasmonic Dodecahedral‐Walled Elongated Nanoframes for Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Hilal Hajir , Haddadnezhad MohammadNavid , Oh Myeong Jin , Jung Insub , Park Sungho
Published: September 2023

Here, elongated pseudohollow nanoframes composed of four rectangular plates enclosing the sides and two open‐frame ends with four ridges pointing at the tips for near‐field focusing are reported. The side facets act as light‐collecting domains and transfer the collected light to the sharp tips for near‐field focusing. The nanoframes are hollow inside, allowing the gaseous analyte to penetrate through the entire architecture and enabling efficient detection of gaseous analytes when combined with Raman spectroscopy. The resulting nanostructures are named Au dodecahedral‐walled nanoframes. Synthesis of the nanoframes involves shape transformation of Au nanorods with round tips to produce Au‐elongated dodecahedra, followed by facet‐selective Pt growth, etching of the inner Au, and regrowth steps. The close‐packed assembly of Au dodecahedral‐walled nanoframes exhibits an attomolar limit of detection toward benzenethiol. This significant enhancement in SERS is attributed to the presence of a flat solid terrace for a large surface area, sharp edges and vertices for strong electromagnetic near‐field collection, and open frames for effective analyte transport and capture. Moreover, nanoframes are applied to detect chemical warfare agents, specifically mustard gas simulants, and 20 times higher sensitivity is achieved compared to their solid counterparts.
Multifunctionality of Additively Manufactured Kelvin Foam for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption and Load Bearing
Authors: Lee Jeongwoo , Lim Dahyun Daniel , Park Jinwoo , Lee Jaemin , Noh Dowon , Gu Grace X. , Choi Wonjoon
Published: September 2023

Rationally engineered porous structures enable lightweight broadband electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbers for countering radar signals or mitigating EM interference between multiple components. However, the scalability of such structures has been hindered by their limited mechanical properties resulting from low density. Herein, an additively manufactured Kelvin foam‐based EM wave absorber (KF‐EMA) is reported that exhibits multifunctionality, namely EM wave absorption and light‐weighted load‐bearing structures with constant relative stiffness made possible using bending‐dominated lattice structures. Based on tuning design parameters, such as the backbone structures and constituent materials, the proposed KF‐EMA features a multilayered 3D‐printed design with geometrically optimized KF structures made of carbon black‐based backbone composites. The developed KF‐EMA demonstrated an absorbance greater than 90% at frequencies ranging from 5.8 to 18 GHz (average EM wave absorption rates of 95.89% and maximum of 99.1% at 15.8 GHz), while the low‐density structures of the absorber (≈200 kg m−3) still maintained a compression index between the stiffness and relative density (n = 2) under compression. The design strategy paves the way for using metamaterials as mechanically reinforced EM wave absorbers that enable multifunctionality by optimizing unit‐cell parameters through a single and low‐density structure.
A longitudinal case study on Nexus transformation: Impact on productivity, quality, and motivation
Authors: Ersoy Ersin , Çallı Engin , Erdoğan Batuhan , Bağrıyanık Selami , Sözer Hasan
Published: September 2023

There have been success stories reported regarding the adoption of agile software development methods in the industry. There also exist observations on their limitations. One of these limitations is scalability since agile methods like Scrum were originally designed for small software teams. Scalable agile frameworks were introduced to address this limitation. We conducted an industrial case study on the adoption of such a framework, called Nexus. Our study involves quantitative and qualitative evaluation based on observations within a product development organization over a period of 12 months. Scrum is used for the development of a product during the first 6 months of this period. Nexus is used in the remaining 6 months. Data are collected throughout the whole period for measuring productivity, quality, and team member motivation. Results suggest a significant increase in productivity and product quality after switching to Nexus. Team motivation was slightly improved as well.
Mitigation of Potential‐Induced Degradation in Glass‐Encapsulated Perovskite Solar Cells Using a NiOx Barrier Layer
Authors: Nakka Laxmi , Shen Guibin , Aberle Armin G. , Lin Fen
Published: September 2023

While the efficiency of perovskite solar cells has been increasing rapidly in recent years, studies on potential‐induced degradation (PID) in these devices have so far been very limited. Herein, the first successful mitigation of PID in glass‐encapsulated perovskite solar cells is reported. A thin NiOx blocking layer between the indium tin oxide and the self‐assembled monolayer is proposed to suppress the PID in these solar cells. Two groups of devices are fabricated, with and without the presence of the NiOx layer. When −1000 V is applied between the short‐circuited solar cell and the front glass pane, the original devices without NiOx only retain about 27% of the initial efficiency, and the modified devices with NiOx retained ≈65% after an extended stress duration of 96 h. The Na+ ions from the glass pane occupy NiOx vacancies under high voltage stress and, as a result, the Nax ion migration toward the perovskite layer is heavily suppressed due to the introduction of NiOx. The modified devices also demonstrate good long‐term stability, retaining more than 80% of initial efficiency after the PID stress test. The results of this work are helpful on the journey toward successful commercialization of perovskite solar cells.
Assembly of Multi‐Compartment Cell Mimics by Droplet‐Based Microfluidics
Authors: Ivanov Tsvetomir , Cao Shoupeng , Doan‐Nguyen Thao P. , Bremm Madalosso Heloísa , Caire da Silva Lucas , Landfester Katharina
Published: September 2023

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in multi‐compartment systems as a means of developing materials that mimic the structure and function of biological cells. These hierarchical systems, including artificial cells and cell‐like reactors, can efficiently perform biochemical tasks by exploiting compartmentalization inspired by biological systems. However, the bottom‐up design of cell mimics presents significant challenges due to the need for precise and efficient assembly of components. This short review examines recent advances in droplet‐based microfluidics (DBM), which has emerged as a powerful technique for creating cell‐like systems with multi‐compartment architectures, precise composition, and biomimetic functionality. DBM has proven to be a reliable method for generating populations of cell‐mimics with a compartment‐in‐compartment structure, some of which have adaptable properties that resemble the dynamic properties of natural cells. Notable examples will be discussed to illustrate how droplet‐based microfluidics provides a versatile approach to create, manipulate, and study cell‐mimics.