Functional Significance Research Articles

Regulating Interfacial Chemistry to Boost Ionic Transport and Interface Stability of Composite Solid‐State Electrolytes for High‐Performance Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries

AbstractComposite solid‐state electrolytes (CSSEs) that combine the benefits of inorganic and polymer electrolytes hold great potential for solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) due to their high ionic conductivity and superior mechanical properties. However, their overall performance is severely hindered by several practical challenges, including inorganic component aggregation, poor interface behavior, and limited Li+ transport. Here, a unique ultrathin coating of triaminopropyl triethoxysilane with a bifunctional structure is introduced that effectively bridges the inorganic fillers (Li1+xAlxTi2‐x(PO4)3, LATP) and the polyvinylidene fluoride hexafluoropropylene /polyethylene oxide polymer matrix, thereby enabling high‐performance CSSEs (referred to as SLPH). This design prevents LATP particle agglomeration, improves interfacial compatibility, and ensures the enrichment and fast transport of Li+ within SLPH. Consequently, the SLPH exhibits a low ionic conduction energy barrier (Ea = 0.462 eV), desirable ionic conductivity (4.19 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 60 °C), and a high Li+ transference number ( = 0.694). As a result, SSLMBs with SLPH, including Li| SLPH |Li symmetric cells, LiFePO4| SLPH |Li coin‐type, and pouch cells, demonstrate superior rate capability and long‐time cycling stability. This work underscores the significance of surface functionalization of inorganic electrolytes to create a stable solid‐solid interface and enhance ionic conduction, paving the way for high‐performance CSSEs in SSLMBs.

Formation and regulation of calcium sparks on a nonlinear spatial network of ryanodine receptors.

Accurate regulation of calcium release is essential for cellular signaling, with the spatial distribution of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) playing a critical role. In this study, we present a nonlinear spatial network model that simulates RyR spatial organization to investigate calcium release dynamics by integrating RyR behavior, calcium buffering, and calsequestrin (CSQ) regulation. The model successfully reproduces calcium sparks, shedding light on their initiation, duration, and termination mechanisms under clamped calcium conditions. Our simulations demonstrate that RyR clusters act as on-off switches for calcium release, producing short-lived calcium quarks and longer-lasting calcium sparks based on distinct activation patterns. Spark termination is governed by calcium gradients and stochastic RyR dynamics, with CSQ facilitating RyR closure and spark termination. We also uncover the dual role of CSQ as both a calcium buffer and a regulator of RyRs. Elevated CSQ levels prolong calcium release due to buffering effects, while CSQ-RyR interactions induce excessive refractoriness, a phenomenon linked to pathological conditions such as ventricular arrhythmias. Dysregulated CSQ function disrupts the on-off switching behavior of RyRs, impairing calcium release dynamics. These findings provide new insights into RyR-mediated calcium signaling, highlighting CSQ's pivotal role in maintaining calcium homeostasis and its implications for pathological conditions. This work advances the understanding of calcium spark regulation and underscores its significance for cardiomyocyte function.

Platinum-Nickel Oxide Cluster-Cluster Heterostructure Enabling Fast Hydrogen Evolution for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers.

Carbon black has been extensively employed as the support for noble metal catalysts for electrocatalysis applications. However, the nearly catalytic inertness and weak interaction with metal species of carbon black are two major obstacles that hinder the further improvement of the catalytic performance. Herein, we report a surface functionalization strategy by decorating transition metal oxide clusters on the commercial carbon black to offer specific catalytic activity and enhanced interaction with metal species. In the case of NiOx cluster-decorated carbon black, a strongly coupled cluster-cluster heterostructure consisting of Pt clusters and NiOx clusters (Pt-NiOx/C) is formed and delivers greatly enhanced alkaline hydrogen evolution kinetics. The NiOx clusters can not only accelerate the hydrogen evolution process as the co-catalyst, but also optimize the adsorption of H intermediates on Pt and stabilize the Pt clusters. Notably, the anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer with Pt-NiOx/C as the cathode catalyst (with a loading of only 50 μgPt cm-2) delivers the most competitive electrochemical performance reported to date, requiring only 1.90 V to reach a current density of 2 A cm-2. The results demonstrate the significance of surface functionalization of carbonaceous supports toward the development of advanced electrocatalysts.

The NMDAR-BK channelosomes as regulators of synaptic plasticity.

Large conductance voltage- and calcium-activated potassium channels (BK channels) are extensively found throughout the central nervous system and play a crucial role in various neuronal functions. These channels are activated by a combination of cell membrane depolarisation and an increase in intracellular calcium concentration, provided by calcium sources located close to BK. In 2001, Isaacson and Murphy first demonstrated the coupling of BK channels with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) in olfactory bulb neurons. Since then, additional evidence has confirmed this functional coupling in other brain regions and highlighted its significance in neuronal function and pathophysiology. In this review, we explore the current understanding of these macrocomplexes in the brain, the molecular mechanisms behind their interactions and their potential roles in neurodevelopmental disorders, paving the way for new treatment strategies.

Generalized functional varying-index coefficient model for dynamic synergistic gene-environment interactions with binary longitudinal traits.

The genetic basis of complex traits involves the function of many genes with small effects as well as complex gene-gene and gene-environment interactions. As one of the major players in complex diseases, the role of gene-environment interactions has been increasingly recognized. Motivated by epidemiology studies to evaluate the joint effect of environmental mixtures, we developed a functional varying-index coefficient model (FVICM) to assess the combined effect of environmental mixtures and their interactions with genes, under a longitudinal design with quantitative traits. Built upon the previous work, we extend the FVICM model to accommodate binary longitudinal traits through the development of a generalized functional varying-index coefficient model (gFVICM). This model examines how the genetic effects on a disease trait are nonlinearly influenced by a combination of environmental factors. We derive an estimation procedure for the varying-index coefficient functions using quadratic inference functions combined with penalized splines. A hypothesis testing procedure is proposed to evaluate the significance of the nonparametric index functions. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance of the method under finite samples. The utility of the method is further demonstrated through a case study with a pain sensitivity dataset. SNPs were found to have their effects on blood pressure nonlinearly influenced by a combination of environmental factors.

Significance of KLK7 expression, polymorphisms, and function in sheep horn growth

BackgroundSheep horns play a critical role in the survival and reproduction of sheep. Research on sheep horns not only aids in comprehending their biological roles but is also vital for developing hornless breeds. Although previous studies have suggested that KLK7 may be associated with keratin growth, there are few studies that have focused on the role of KLK7 in sheep horns. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between KLK7 and sheep horns by analyzing the expression, genetic polymorphisms, and potential functions of KLK7 in sheep horns.ResultsThis study utilized RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data to analyze the expression levels of the KLK7 gene across different species, as well as among different breeds, tissue types, and genders in sheep. Potential functional sites of KLK7 were explored using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data. Allele specific expression sites in the KLK7 gene sequence were identified. Finally, the WGS data were linked with sheep horn length for association analysis, and significantly different single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected and validated by Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) genotyping.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that KLK7 was highly expressed in soft horn and skin tissues, and its expression was significantly higher in small-horned sheep than it was in large-horned sheep, suggesting that KLK7 may have an inhibitory effect on horn growth. By comparing the amino acid sequence of KLK7 with KLK7 sequences in other species, we discovered eight amino acids at specific positions in the KLK7 protein sequence that may have regulatory functions in determining the size of horns in ruminant animals. Thirteen SNPs with F-statistic value (Fst) > 0.15 were identified. By integrating RNA-Seq and WGS data, we discovered two SNPs (g.56695395 T > C and g.56695484A > C) with allele specific expression between the large- and small-horned sheep. The two SNPs were validated and were found to have significantly different (P < 0.05) effects on horn length. Our findings suggest a strong association between KLK7 and sheep horn length, indicating the potential role of KLK7 in inhibiting horn growth and providing novel insights into the functionality of KLK7.

Mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between family functioning and self-management behaviors in patients with coronary heart disease: A cross-sectional study in Jiangsu, China.

Self-management behaviors can prevent the negative consequences among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The reality of patients followed the self-management behaviors rate are unoptimistic. This study aimed to examine whether self-efficacy serves as a mediating role between family functioning and self-management behaviors among coronary heart disease patients. A cross-sectional approach was applied, and 140 patients with CHD were included using a cluster sampling strategy. Family functioning was assessed utilizing the Family APGAR Index, self-efficacy was evaluated using the Self-efficacy for Chronic Disease 6-item Scale, and self-management behaviors was examined utilizing the Coronary Artery Disease Self-Management Scale. Data were collected from July to October 2022 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses to evaluate the mediating influence. The degree of self-management behaviors among patients with CHD was at a low level (Mean = 82.23, SD = 11.863). Self-efficacy had a direct and positive impact on self-management behaviors (β = 0.39, p <0.001). Moreover, self-efficacy had a partially intermediary function in the relationship between family functioning and self-management behaviors (indirect effect = 0.14, 95% CI [0.04, 0.27]; direct effect = 0.39, p <0.001). Self-efficacy demonstrated an association with self-management behaviors and served as a mediation function in the relationship between self-management behaviors and family functioning. Therefore, the significance of family functioning and self-efficacy should be highlighted in nursing practice when developing methods to encourage patients with CHD to improve their self-management behaviors.

Supranormal renal function in pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction: a multiparameter analysis to guide clinical management.

The clinical significance and optimal management of supranormal differential renal function (DRF ≥ 55%) in pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) remain debated. This study investigated supranormal DRF clinical characteristics and evaluated surgical versus conservative management outcomes to guide decision-making. We retrospectively reviewed 76 children with unilateral UPJO who underwent standardized DMSA and DTPA scans at a single center (2020-2022). Patients were stratified into: normal DRF (40-55%) with pyeloplasty (n = 38), supranormal DRF with pyeloplasty (n = 12), and supranormal DRF with observation (n = 26). Primary outcomes included changes in DRF, renal parenchymal parameters, and hydronephrosis severity. Supranormal DRF occurred in 11.1% of cases, predominantly in younger children (median 20 vs 42months, p = 0.01). Surgically managed supranormal cases demonstrated more severe hydronephrosis (75% grade 4, median APD 3.6cm) compared to conservatively managed cases (27% grade 4, median APD 2.9cm, p < 0.001). Post-pyeloplasty, supranormal kidneys showed consistent normalization of both DRF (58.2% to 51.6%, p < 0.001) and anatomical parameters. However, 77% of conservatively managed cases with less severe hydronephrosis maintained stable supranormal function without deterioration over median 14-month follow-up. Only 8% required delayed surgery for clinical progression. Supranormal DRF warrants careful evaluation, particularly when accompanied by severe hydronephrosis (grade 4 or APD ≥ 3.0cm). While early pyeloplasty effectively normalizes renal parameters in severe cases, observation may be appropriate for selected patients with less severe hydronephrosis. Treatment decisions should prioritize anatomical severity over DRF values alone.

DEVELOPMENT OF NONPARAMETRIC PATH FUNCTION USING HYBRID TRUNCATED SPLINE AND KERNEL FOR MODELING WASTE-TO-ECONOMIC VALUE BEHAVIOR

Waste management remains a challenge, including in Batu City, East Java, Indonesia. Rapid population growth and economic activities in the city have resulted in a substantial increase in waste volume. One of the key factors in solving waste problems is the mindset of the community towards waste management. The application of statistical analysis methods can be an effective approach to solving problems related to waste management from an economic point of view. Nonparametric path analysis is a statistical method that does not rely on the assumption that the curve is known. Nonparametric path analysis is performed if the data does not fulfill the linearity assumption. This study aims to determine the best nonparametric path function with a hybrid truncated spline and kernel approach among EV values of 0.5; 0.8; and 1. In addition, this study also aims to test the significance of the best path function obtained. The data used in this study are timer data obtained from the Featured Basic Research Grant. The results showed that the best model of hybrid truncated spline and kernel nonparametric path analysis is a hybrid model of truncated spline nonparametric path of linear polynomial degree 1 knot and kernel triangle nonparametric path at EV 0.5. In addition, the significance of the best nonparametric truncated spline and kernel hybrid path function estimation using jackknife resampling shows that all exogenous variables have a significant effect on endogenous variables as evidenced by a p-value smaller than (0.05).

Obesity modulates NK cell activity via LDL and DUSP1 signaling for populations with adverse social determinants.

African American (AA) women are disproportionately affected by obesity and hyperlipidemia, particularly in the setting of adverse social determinants of health (aSDoH) that contribute to health disparities. Obesity, hyperlipidemia, and aSDoH appear to impair NK cells. As potential common underlying mechanisms are largely unknown, we sought to investigate common signaling pathways involved in NK cell dysfunction related to obesity and hyperlipidemia in AA women from underresourced neighborhoods. We determined in freshly isolated NK cells that obesity and measures of aSDoH were associated with a shift in NK cell subsets away from CD56dim/CD16+ cytotoxic NK cells. Using ex vivo data, we identified LDL as a marker related to NK cell function in an AA population from underresourced neighborhoods. Additionally, NK cells from AA women with obesity and LDL-treated NK cells displayed a loss in NK cell function. Comparative unbiased RNA-sequencing analysis revealed DUSP1 as a common factor. Subsequently, chemical inhibition of Dusp1 and Dusp1 overexpression in NK cells highlighted its significance in NK cell function and lysosome biogenesis in a mTOR/TFEB-related fashion. Our data demonstrate a pathway by which obesity and hyperlipidemia in the setting of aSDoH may relate to NK cell dysfunction, making DUSP1 an important target for further investigation of health disparities.

Survival Prognostic Factors of Non-Invasive Ventilation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review

Objective: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease with high rates of disability and mortality. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is an effective method of treating patients, increasing life expectancy, but currently, predictors available to determine the best outcome of therapy in this category of patients are unknown. This systematic review aimed to determine the impact of prognostic factors on benefits from NIV application compared with non-NIV tools of treatment (invasive ventilation and standard care) in case of survival of ALS patients. Method: We systematically sought relevant longitudinal cohort and case-control studies published in PubMed, CINAHL/EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Scopus. Results: We included seven prospective studies, published in 2010–2020, in the analysis. According to the evidence base available to date, NIV favors survival compared to non-NIV in patients with bulbar onset ALS. We obtained conflicting data on the significance of spinal onset and bulbar function. Survival depending on patient age, and also for spinal, cervical, and flail limb phenotypes during NIV therapy has not been sufficiently studied and needs further investigation. Conclusions: The studies analyzed in this review allow us to state with confidence that NIV is effective in bulbar onset ALS, taking into account recommendations for duration of ventilation and the use of the full range of symptomatic therapy, including mechanically assisted coughing. The effectiveness of NIV on severe bulbar symptoms requires further research.

Cognitive disorders: Potential astrocyte-based mechanism.

Cognitive disorders are a common clinical manifestation, including a deterioration in the patient's memory ability, attention, executive power, language, and other functions. The contributing factors of cognitive disorders are numerous and diverse in nature, including organic diseases and other mental disorders. Neurodegenerative diseases are a common type of organic disease related to the pathology of neuronal death and disruption of glial cell balance, ultimately accompanied with cognitive impairment. Thus, cognitive disorder frequently serves as an extremely critical indicator of neurodegenerative disorders. Cognitive impairments negatively affect patients' daily lives. However, our understanding of the precise pathogenic pathways of cognitive defects remains incomplete. The most prevalent kind of glial cells in the central nervous system are called astrocytes. They have a unique significance in cerebral function because of their wide range of functions in maintaining homeostasis in the central nervous system, regulating synaptic plasticity, and so on. Dysfunction of astrocytes is intimately linked to cognitive disorders, and we are attempting to understand this phenomenon predominantly from those perspectives: neuroinflammation, astrocytic senescence, connexin, Ca2 + signaling, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the glymphatic system.

Association of Neurokinin-1 Receptor Signaling Pathways with Cancer.

Numerous biochemical reactions leading to altered cell proliferation cause tumorigenesis and cancer treatment resistance. The mechanisms implicated include genetic and epigenetic changes, modified intracellular signaling, and failure of control mechanisms caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors alone or combined. No unique biochemical events are responsible; entangled molecular reactions conduct the resident cells in a tissue to display uncontrolled growth and abnormal migration. Copious experimental research supports the etiological responsibility of NK-1R (neurokinin-1 receptor) activation, alone or cooperating with other mechanisms, in cancer appearance in different tissues. Consequently, a profound study of this receptor system in the context of malignant processes is essential to design new treatments targeting NK-1R-deviated activity. This study reviews and discusses recent literature that analyzes the main signaling pathways influenced by the activation of neurokinin 1 full and truncated receptor variants. Also, the involvement of NK-1R in cancer development is discussed. NK-1R can signal through numerous pathways and cross-talk with other receptor systems. The participation of override or malfunctioning NK-1R in malignant processes needs a more precise definition in different types of cancers to apply satisfactory and effective treatments. A long way has already been traveled: the current disposal of selective and effective NK-1R antagonists and the capacity to develop new drugs with biased agonistic properties based on the receptor's structural states with functional significance opens immediate research action and clinical application.

Onconephrology: The Significance of Renal Function for the Development, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Cancer.

Modern treatment strategies have markedly improved the chances of survival for patients with cancer. As the population ages, cancer is becoming more common, as is chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD increases the risk of cancer; conversely, cancer treatments can cause CKD. This review is based on publications retrieved by a selective literature search concerning the epidemiology and comorbidities of cancer and kidney diseases, the renal side effects of new anticancer drugs, and the need to consider renal function in cancer treatment. The prevalence of severe CKD in Germany is 2.3%. Persons who have CKD, are on dialysis, or have undergone kidney transplantation are 1.2 to 3.5 times more likely to develop cancer than the general population. For patients who have CKD or are dialysis-dependent, the doses of approximately 67% of anticancer drugs need to be adjusted on the basis of their glomerular filtration rate and the renally excreted fraction of the drug. The optimal efficacy of therapeutic drugs, as well as of those used for diagnostic purposes, and the minimization of side effects, depend critically on adapted dosing and on proper timing of administration before or after dialysis. Modern anticancer drugs can also cause acute kidney damage (incidence with checkpoint inhibitors: 2-16%). Patients who have CKD, are on dialysis, or have undergone kidney transplantation make up a considerable fraction of persons being treated for cancer, and they need interdisciplinary treatment.

Evolution and Significance of Sine Function in Ancient Indian Mathematics

This research article delves into the historical and mathematical intricacies of the construction of sine functions, particularly focusing on ancient Indian mathematical concepts and their evolution. It begins by highlighting the significance of sine (jya) as a fundamental trigonometric function in Indian mathematics, alongside its synonyms in Sanskrit. The historical journey of the term “sine” is traced back to ancient Indian mathematical texts, which were later translated into Arabic and then into Latin, ultimately leading to the adoption of the term “sine” in modern mathematics. The article elaborates on the definitions and interpretations of sine (ज्या), cosine (कोटिज्या), versed sine (उत्क्रमज्या), and co-versed sine (कोट्युत्क्रमज्या) in Indian mathematical traditions. It explains how these functions were conceptualized and utilized in astronomical calculations, emphasizing their geometric and trigonometric significance. Furthermore, the article discusses the division of a circle into quadrants (Vṛttapādas) and the concept of Trijyā (radius), highlighting the mathematical sophistication and terminology used by ancient Indian mathematicians. Several mathematical formulas related to the construction and calculation of sine functions are presented, including formulas for finding sine values at specific angles such as 45 degrees, 18 degrees and 72 degrees. These formulas showcase the mathematical ingenuity and problem-solving skills of ancient Indian mathematicians. Overall, this research article provides a comprehensive overview of the historical development and mathematical foundations of sine functions in ancient Indian mathematics, shedding light on their enduring legacy and contributions to modern trigonometry.

Decoding the Significance of Alpha Cell Function in the Pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes.

Alpha cells in the pancreas, traditionally known for their role in secreting glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels, are gaining recognition for their involvement in the pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes (T1D). In T1D, autoimmune destruction of beta cells results in insulin deficiency, which in turn may dysregulate alpha cell function, leading to elevated glucagon levels and impaired glucose homeostasis. This dysfunction is characterized by inappropriate glucagon secretion, augmenting the risk of life-threatening hypoglycemia. Moreover, insulin deficiency and autoimmunity alter alpha cell physiological responses, further exacerbating T1D pathophysiology. Recent studies suggest that alpha cells undergo transdifferentiation and interact with beta cells through mechanisms involving gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling. Despite these advances, the exact pathways and interactions remain poorly understood and are often debated. Understanding the precise role of alpha cells in T1D is crucial, as it opens up avenues for developing new therapeutic strategies for T1D. Potential strategies include targeting alpha cells to normalize glucagon secretion, utilizing glucagon receptor antagonists, enhancing GABA signaling, and employing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These approaches aim to improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of hypoglycemic events in individuals with T1D. This review provides an overview of alpha cell function in T1D, highlighting the emerging focus on alpha cell dysfunction in the context of historically well-developed beta cell research.

Circumstantial and tactic augmentation

Abstract The present study attempts to unveil patterns in interactive information structure of clause enhancement that conventionalize the actual representation of circumstantial elements which add information about time, place, manner, means, and reason/cause through circumstantial augmentation, tactic augmentation, or connectives in method sections of research articles (RAs). The dataset consisted of 120 method sections of randomly selected empirical RAs from ISI-indexed Q1-ranked applied linguistic journals published between 2020 and 2022. The results of the study point to a significant distinction in hypotactic augmentation to register circumstantial information in comparison to other choices available to authors. Moreover, the most striking observation to emerge from the data is that a logical information structure of circumstantial meaning is mostly facilitated through hypotactic non-finite enhancement rather than its finite counterpart. This viable preference lies in elliptical, evincing, and expressive functions of hypotactic clauses that make comprehension more attainable to the readers and assist authors in fulfilling the generic conventions and communicative purposes of academic writing and managing interactive information structures. A major theoretical implication of the current research entails the significance of the interactive functions of the options available to authors which can impose priorities on the system of choices within the context of information.

ARF alters PAF1 complex integrity to selectively repress oncogenic transcription programs upon p53 loss

The polymerase associated factor 1 (PAF1) complex (PAF1c) promotes RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) transcription at the elongation step; however, how PAF1c transcription activity is selectively regulated during cell fate transitions remains poorly understood. Here, we reveal that the alternative reading frame (ARF) tumor suppressor operates at two levels to restrain PAF1c-dependent oncogenic transcriptional programs upon p53 loss in mouse cells. First, ARF assembles into homo-oligomers to bind the PAF1 subunit to promote PAF1c disassembly, consequently dampening PAF1c interaction with RNA Pol II and PAF1c-dependent transcription. Second, ARF targets the RUNX family transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) to selectively tune gene transcription. Consistently, ARF loss triggers RUNX1- and PAF1c-dependent transcriptional activation of pro-growth ligands (growth differentiation factor/bone morphogenetic protein [GDF/BMP]), promoting a cell-intrinsic GDF/BMP-Smad1/5 axis that aberrantly induce cell growth. Notably, pharmacologic inactivation of GDF/BMP signaling and genetic perturbation of RUNX1 significantly attenuate cell proliferation mediated by dual p53 and ARF loss, offering therapeutic utility. Our data underscore the significance of selective ARF-mediated tumor-suppressive functions through a universal transcriptional regulator.

Shaking Table Test Studies on Adaptive-Passive Variable Frequency Gas-Spring DVA for Structural Seismic Response Mitigation

The control performance of a passive dynamic vibration absorber (DVA) is known to be sensitive to its frequency deviation. This study upgrades the conventional device and proposes an adaptive-passive variable frequency gas-spring DVA (APVF-GSDVA) for controlling the structural seismic response, while an adaptive control algorithm is developed that requires only a single input signal. The DVA’s vibration frequency is precisely modulated by adjusting the gas pressure in the gas-spring, aligning it with the inherent frequency of the multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) structure. The working principle and control algorithm of the APVF system is introduced and derived in detail, the corresponding gas-spring DVA and implementation are designed, and the configuration of the entire control system is realized. An adaptive variable frequency test scheme is designed and the frequency retuning function of the prototype APVF-GSDVA device installed on an MDOF structure is experimentally validated. The seismic response control effectiveness of the retuned DVA is demonstrated by comparing the detuned DVA, highlighting the necessity of implementing adaptive frequency adjustment of the gas-spring DVA. Experimental findings demonstrate that APVF-GSDVA accurately identifies the inherent frequency of the MDOF structure in ambient excitation, it then adjusts the pressure of the gas-spring according to the frequency-pressure relationship, optimally retuning the DVA. A retuned GSDVA can effectively suppress the structural seismic responses, compared to a detuned DVA, its control effectiveness on peak and RMS responses can be improved by a maximum of nearly 13.5% and 53.3% at a frequency deviation of 10%. Furthermore, results from two “detuning-retuning” test paths with distinct seismic excitations indicate that the retuned DVA exhibits superior control effectiveness, underscoring the significance of the adaptive frequency adjustment function in passive DVAs.

Family Resources and Parental Problem-Solving Skills Mediate Family Functioning and Family Adaptation in Families of Children With Cancer.

To explore the mediating roles of family resources (at the individual [parental self-efficacy], family [family resilience] and social level [social support]) and parental problem-solving skills in the association between family functioning and family adaptation in families of children with cancer. A cross-sectional study. This study recruited 318 parents of children with cancer from three tertiary hospitals in mainland China. Self-report questionnaires were used to collect data on key variables, including family functioning, parental self-efficacy, family resilience, social support, parental problem-solving skills and family adaptation. Data analyses were carried out using descriptive analysis, univariate analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, hierarchical linear regression and bootstrapping. Family functioning was significantly and positively correlated with family adaptation. Family resources (parental self-efficacy at the individual level, family resilience at the family level or social support at the social level) and parental problem-solving skills both independently mediated the relationship between family functioning and family adaptation. Additionally, family resources at all three levels mediated the relationship through their effects on cumulatively parental problem-solving skills, constructing a chain mediating model. The study underscores the significance of family functioning, family resources at the individual, family and social levels and parental problem-solving skills in promoting adaptation in families of children with cancer. It highlights the need for family-centred interventions targeted at these factors to improve family adaptation. This study extended related theories and previous studies to confirm the mediating role of family resources and parental problem-solving skills, both independently and sequentially. Moreover, parental problem-solving skills were confirmed as key elements that can be incorporated into future interventions, suggesting that problem-solving skills training may serve as a highly promising program for families of children with cancer. This study was reported according to the STROBE checklist. No Patient or Public Contribution.