bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concomitant oxidative haemolysis and methaemoglobinaemia following inhaled nitric oxide in a patient with G6PD deficiency
Authors: Cao Zhang Alexander Mingjie , Zale Andrew D , Tabbara Nadeem , Yui Jennifer C
Published: August 2024

We report the case of a man in his 50s who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and right heart failure, necessitating intubation and initiation of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) to decrease right ventricular afterload and improve the right heart function. The course was complicated by acute anaemia, with a diagnostic workup revealing methaemoglobinaemia and evidence of oxidative haemolysis indicated by blister and bite cells on peripheral blood film. The patient received conservative management, including successive red blood cell transfusion and gradual iNO weaning due to suspected glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Discontinuation of iNO led to the resolution of both oxidative haemolysis and methaemoglobinaemia. Subsequent enzymatic assay, conducted 4 months later, confirmed G6PD deficiency. This case highlights a rare instance of concurrent methaemoglobinaemia and oxidative haemolytic anaemia following iNO in a patient with underlying G6PD deficiency.
Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis and herpes simplex virus: a case of possible overlap
Authors: Zachian Rachel Leigh , Sidhu Bernita V , Liu Phillip , Weimann Rina
Published: August 2024

Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare cutaneous disorder that presents with numerous non-follicular, pinpoint sterile pustules on a background of oedematous erythema that can coalesce, leading to desquamation. 90% of cases are triggered by medications, most often with antibiotics as the culprit. However, other triggers including viral infection have also been reported. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) as a viral trigger has not been previously explored. Here, we present a case of AGEP caused by bupropion, followed by a second presentation of assumed acute limited exanthematous pustulosis in the setting of disseminated HSV. This case may represent the first report of AGEP and HSV overlap. It also presents the interesting dilemma of differentiating AGEP and disseminated HSV (which can present similarly) as well as determining appropriate treatment and the utility versus risk of systemic steroid administration.
Super-response to renal denervation in treatment-resistant essential hypertension
Authors: Safdar Nawaz Z , Shah Muhammad Usman , Ali Ali , Naqvi Syed Yaseen
Published: August 2024

Renal denervation may be indicated in patients with treatment-resistant essential hypertension to decrease sympathetic nervous activity and optimise blood pressure. We present the case of a woman in her 50s with long-standing essential hypertension, a previous transient ischaemic attack, obesity and a family history of cardiovascular disease, who presented with persistent 24-hour ambulatory hypertension despite ongoing lifestyle modifications and being on five antihypertensive agents with no evidence of an alternative primary aetiology. She had intermittent palpitations and blurring of vision alongside evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy on a CT scan. She underwent renal denervation, following which, not only was she able to cease all antihypertensive therapy but managed to maintain optimised blood pressure with subsequent reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy. Trials have demonstrated modest but inconsistent reductions in blood pressure whereas our case represents a ‘super-response’ likely due to a higher number of circumferential ablations in comparison to previous studies.
Fishy story: paradoxical reaction associated withMycobacterium marinum
Authors: Tatara Alexander M , Basgoz Nesli , Nelson Sandra B
Published: August 2024

Paradoxical reactions occur when an infection has acute worsening in response to antibiotic therapy. Here, we describe a patient with chronic cutaneous ulcerative lymphangitis that acutely worsened following initiation of antibiotic therapy. The infection was caused byMycobacterium marinum, a species which has not previously been associated with paradoxical reaction in immunocompetent persons. In this case report, we describe our patient’s diagnosis and management, review the management ofMycobacterium marinuminfection, and discuss paradoxical reactions in mycobacterial disease.
Isolated tuberculosis of the patella mimicking as prepatellar bursitis
Authors: Anjum Rashid , Sharma Vivek , Singh Navdeep
Published: August 2024

Patellar tuberculosis (TB) is a rare manifestation of musculoskeletal tuberculosis, accounting for a small proportion of cases. This case report presents a detailed analysis of a female patient in her early 30s who presented with isolated TB of the patella without concurrent pulmonary involvement. The patient received antitubercular chemotherapy, consisting of a 4-month intensive phase followed by an 8-month continuation phase. This case report underscores the rarity and diagnostic complexities associated with patellar TB. The condition often presents with non-specific symptoms, often mimicking prepatellar bursitis, necessitating a high level of clinical suspicion, particularly in patients from the endemic areas. Radiographic imaging and histopathological examination play crucial roles in establishing an accurate diagnosis. Antitubercular chemotherapy forms the cornerstone of treatment while surgical intervention is reserved for cases of extensive bone destruction or treatment failure.
Association between optic disc pallor and lacunar stroke
Authors: Gibbon Samuel , Doubal Fergus , Chappell Francesca , Wardlaw Joanna M , Dhillon Baljean , MacGillivray Thomas
Published: August 2024

Objective

To test for associations between optic disc pallor and two clinical variables: ischaemic stroke subtype (cortical and lacunar) and cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) scores in a cohort of hospital patients admitted with mild stroke (Mild Stroke Study 1).

Methods

We used previously validated software,PallorMetrics, to quantify optic disc pallor in colour fundus photographs of patients diagnosed as having either cortical (n=92) or lacunar (n=92) stroke. We used logistic regression to assess the relationship between stroke type and disc pallor in several zones and ordinal logistic regression to assess the relationship between disc pallor and total SVD score. The left and right eyes were analysed separately.

Results

In the right eye, independent of age, sex, disc area, hypertension and diabetes, increased optic disc pallor was significantly associated with lacunar stroke in all zones (for global pallor: OR per SD increase=1.55, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.17, p=0.011) and total SVD score in the temporal superior (standardised β=0.36, SE=0.15, p=0.020) and nasal-inferior zones (standardised β=0.44, SE=0.15, p=0.004) in the right eye. Weaker trends were observed in the left eye; however, these did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Optic disc pallor may be associated with SVD severity and lacunar stroke, which may reflect vascular damage to the optic nerve or its pathways. Our findings underscore the utility of colour fundus photography to learn more about SVD pathology.
Effects of vitamin D supplementation on the glycaemic indices, lipid profile and liver function tests in patients with cirrhosis: a double-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Derogar Kasmaei Seyedeh Roghayeh , Parastouei Karim , Hosseini Ahangar Behnam , Saberifiroozi Mehdi , Taghdir Maryam
Published: August 2024

Background

Liver cirrhosis is considered a progressive disease that can eventually result in death. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in patients with cirrhosis. Few studies have been conducted on the effect of vitamin D supplementation in patients with cirrhosis.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify the effect of vitamin D supplementation on lipid profile, glycaemic indices and liver function tests in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

Sixty patients with cirrhosis were involved in this double-blind, randomised controlled clinical trial. During the intervention, patients received one 50 000 IU pearl of vitamin D supplement or placebo per week for 12 weeks. Before and after supplementation, we assessed serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin-D3 (25(OH) D3), glycaemic indices (insulin, haemoglobin A1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)), lipid profile and liver function tests.

Results

Baseline variables were not significantly different between groups. The present study indicated that over the 12 weeks, vitamin D supplementation significantly increased serum 25(OH) D3 (p<0.001), and also significantly decreased FBG (p=0.006), and HOMA-IR (p=0.001).

Conclusions

Vitamin D supplementation significantly improves FBG and HOMA-IR as well as serum 25(OH) D3in patients with cirrhosis.

Trial registration number

The protocol of the study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) (IRCT20140502017522N2).
Peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thinning in patients with X-linked retinoschisis
Authors: Kiraly Peter , Gavrić Ana Uršula , Reichel Felix F , Birtel Johannes , Mautone Luca , Atiskova Yevgeniya , Herrmann Philipp , Jarc-Vidmar Martina , Hawlina Marko , Downes Susan M , Fischer M Dominik
Published: August 2024

Aims

To assess peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) thickness in patients with X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS), as pRNFL thinning may limit functional improvements in gene therapy trials.

Methods

This retrospective multicentre study included 49 eyes from 25 patients diagnosed with XLRS. Data collected with multimodal imaging at baseline and last follow-up (when available) included age, best-recorded visual acuity (BRVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), macular volume (MV), presence and location of peripheral retinoschisis and pRNFL thickness in the global (G), superotemporal (TS), superonasal (NS), inferotemporal (TI), inferonasal (NI), nasal (N) and temporal (T) sectors. Retinal sensitivity, assessed by microperimetry, was also recorded for seven patients at baseline.

Results

pRNFL was thinner (below the fifth percentile) in at least one sector in 72% of the right eyes and 79% of the left eyes, with thinning across three or more sectors in 20% of the right and 17% of the left eyes. In 44% of cases, thinning occurred in the temporal sectors of both eyes, with no nasal sectoral thinning. Peripheral retinoschisis quadrants topographically matched the corresponding thinned pRNFL sectors. A strong positive correlation was found between MV and temporal pRNFL thickness (r=0.71, p<0.01), while weak negative correlation trends were noted with age (p=0.05) and BRVA (logMAR; p=0.12) related to temporal thickness of pRNFL sectors.

Conclusion

pRNFL thinning, predominantly sectoral and linked to macular or peripheral retinoschisis, occurs in about three-quarters of patients with XLRS, while diffuse thinning occurs in one-fifth. Temporal pRNFL thinning might occur only after the collapse of intraretinal cystoid cavities in the macula.
Implementation of the WHO standards to assess quality of care for children with acute pain in EDs: findings of a multicentre study (CHOICE) in Italy
Authors: Balestra Elia , Cozzi Giorgio , Sforzi Idanna , Liguoro Ilaria , Felici Enrico , Fasoli Silvia , Bressan Silvia , Minute Marta , Portale Laura , Dalena Paolo , Lubrano Riccardo , Troisi Angela , Valentino Kevin , Casciana Maria Luisa , Ferro Benedetta , Bloise Silvia , Marchetti Federico , Baltag Valentina , Barbi Egidio , Lazzerini Marzia
Published: August 2024

Background

There is little experience on the use of the WHO Standards for improving the quality of care (QOC) for children. We describe the use of four prioritised WHO Standard-based Quality Measures to assess the provision of care for children with pain in emergency departments (EDs).

Methods

In a multicentre observational study in 10 EDs with different characteristics in Italy, we collected data on 3355 children accessing the EDs between January 2019 and December 2020. The association between children and facility characteristics and quality measures was analysed through multivariate analyses.

Results

The proportion of children whose pain was measured was 68.7% (n=2305), with extreme variations across different centres (from 0.0% to 99.8%, p<0.001). The proportion of children treated for pain was 28.9% (n=970) again with a wide range (5.3%–56.3%, p<0.001). The difference between the frequency of children with pain measured and pain treated varied widely between the facilities (ranging from −24.3 to 82). Children with moderate and severe pain were more frequently treated (48.9% and 62.9% of cases, respectively), although with large variations across centres (ranges: 0%–74.8% and 0%–100% respectively, p<0.001). After correction for children’s characteristics, the variable more strongly associated with analysed outcomes was the facility which the child accessed for care. Being a facility in Northern Italy was associated with a higher rate of pain measurement (67.3%–95% CI: 39.9% to 94.6%, p<0.001) compared with facilities in South Italy (−22.1% lower (95% CI: −41.7% to −2.50%, p=0.03).

Conclusions

The use of few WHO Standard-based measures related to pain can help identifying priority gaps in QOC for children and in monitoring it over time. There is a need for more implementation research to establish which are the most sustainable and effective interventions to improve the QOC for acute pain in children.
Uncovering early predictors of cerebral palsy through the application of machine learning: a case–control study
Authors: Rapuc Sara , Stres Blaž , Verdenik Ivan , Lučovnik Miha , Osredkar Damjan
Published: August 2024

Objective

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders with profound implications for children’s development. The identification of perinatal risk factors for CP may lead to improved preventive and therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to identify the early predictors of CP using machine learning (ML).

Design

This is a retrospective case–control study, using data from the two population-based databases, the Slovenian National Perinatal Information System and the Slovenian Registry of Cerebral Palsy. Multiple ML algorithms were evaluated to identify the best model for predicting CP.

Setting

This is a population-based study of CP and control subjects born into one of Slovenia’s 14 maternity wards.

Participants

A total of 382 CP cases, born between 2002 and 2017, were identified. Controls were selected at a control-to-case ratio of 3:1, with matched gestational age and birth multiplicity. CP cases with congenital anomalies (n=44) were excluded from the analysis. A total of 338 CP cases and 1014 controls were included in the study.

Exposure

135 variables relating to perinatal and maternal factors.

Main outcome measures

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC), sensitivity and specificity.

Results

The stochastic gradient boosting ML model (271 cases and 812 controls) demonstrated the highest mean ROC value of 0.81 (mean sensitivity=0.46 and mean specificity=0.95). Using this model with the validation dataset (67 cases and 202 controls) resulted in an area under the ROC curve of 0.77 (mean sensitivity=0.27 and mean specificity=0.94).

Conclusions

Our final ML model using early perinatal factors could not reliably predict CP in our cohort. Future studies should evaluate models with additional factors, such as genetic and neuroimaging data.
Biogeochemical stability of organic covers and mine wastes under climate change simulated mesocosms
Authors: Asemaninejad Asma , Mackinnon Ted , Langley Sean
Published: August 2024

Mine environments in boreal and sub-boreal zones are expected to experience extreme weather events, increases in temperature, and shifts in precipitation patterns. Climate change impacts on geochemical stability of tailings contaminants and reclamation structures have been identified as important climate-related challenges to Canadian mining sector. Adapting current reclamation strategies for climate change will improve long-term efficiency and viability of mine tailings remediation/restoration strategies under a changing climate. Accordingly, mesocosm experiments were conducted to investigate associations of climate-driven shifts in microbial communities and functions with changes in the geochemistry of organic covers and underlying tailings. Our results show that warming appears to significantly reduce C:N of organic cover and promote infiltration of nitrogen into deeper, unoxidized strata of underlying tailings. We also observed an increase in the abundance of some nitrate reducers and sulfide oxidizers in microbial communities in underlying tailings. These results raise the concern that warming might trigger oxidation of sulfide minerals (linked to nitrate reduction) in deeper unoxidized strata where the oxygen has been eliminated. Therefore, it would be necessary to have monitoring programs to track functionality of covers in response to climate change conditions. These findings have implications for development of climate resilient mine tailings remediation/restoration strategies.
Photon orbits and phase transitions in Kiselev-AdS black holes from $$f(R,\; T)$$ gravity
Authors: Sood Ashima , Kumar Arun , Singh J. K. , Ghosh Sushant G.
Published: August 2024

The acceleration observed in cosmological expansion is often attributed to negative pressure, potentially arising from quintessence. We explore the relationship between the photon orbit radius and the phase transition of spherical AdS black holes in f(R, T) gravity influenced by quintessence dark energy, specifically Kiselev-AdS black holes in f(R, T) gravity. We are treating the negative cosmological constant $$\Lambda $$
Λ
as the system’s pressure to examine the impact of the state parameter $$\omega $$
ω
and the f(R, T) gravity parameter $$\gamma $$
γ
. Interestingly, Kiselev-AdS black holes within the f(R, T) gravity framework exhibit a van der Waals-like phase transition. In contrast, these black holes display a Hawking–Page-like phase transition in general relativity. We demonstrate that below the critical point, the black hole undergoes a first-order vdW-like phase transition, with $$r_{ps}$$

r

ps

and $$u_{ps}$$

u

ps

serving as order parameters exhibiting a critical exponent of 1/2, similar to ordinary thermal systems. It suggests that $$r_{ps}$$

r

ps

and $$u_{ps}$$

u

ps

can serve as order parameters in characterizing black hole phase transitions, hinting at a potentially universal gravitational relationship near critical points within black hole thermodynamic systems. Investigating the correlation between photon sphere radius and thermodynamic phase transitions provides a valuable means of distinguishing between different gravity theory models, ultimately shedding light on the nature of dark energy. Finally, as $$\gamma $$
γ
tends towards zero, our results precisely align with those of Kiselev-AdS black holes.
Growth kinetics and structure of a colloidal silica-based network: in situ RheoSAXS investigations
Authors: Seljelid Konstanse Kvalem , Neto Osvaldo Trigueiro , Akanno Andrew Ndubuisi , Ceccato Bruno Telli , Ravindranathan Rini Padinjakkara , Azmi Namrah , Cavalcanti Leide P. , Fjelde Ingebret , Knudsen Kenneth Dahl , Fossum Jon Otto
Published: August 2024

Silica gels have a multitude of applications ranging from cosmetics and food science to oil and gas recovery. For proper design and application, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms of gel formation under different circumstances. The growth and structure of colloidal silica gels has been investigated using RheoSAXS to study the effect of silica concentration, NaCl concentration, temperature and shear rate. Additionally, SAXS in combination with a strong magnetic field has been applied to investigate the effect of magnetic microparticles and magnetic field on the development of the gel structure. Results indicate that the strongest effect on the gel kinetics are achieved by altering the activator concentration, here in the form of NaCl, followed by silica concentration and temperature. Small structural effects were also observed, with larger cluster sizes being produced at lower silica concentration and at higher NaCl concentration. Applying shear caused major changes both in structure as well as the macroscopic behavior of the silica, preventing the gel from reaching an arrested state, instead forming a viscous liquid. Applying a magnetic field appears to suppress the formation of larger clusters. The same effect is observed for increasing magnetic microparticle concentrations.

Graphical Abstract
A Lightweight Convolutional Neural Network-Reformer Model for Efficient Epileptic Seizure Detection
Authors: Cui Haozhou , Zhong Xiangwen , Li Haotian , Li Chuanyu , Dong Xingchen , Ji Dezan , He Landi , Zhou Weidong
Published: August 2024

A real-time and reliable automatic detection system for epileptic seizures holds significant value in assisting physicians with rapid diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. Aiming to address this issue, a novel lightweight model called Convolutional Neural Network-Reformer (CNN-Reformer) is proposed for seizure detection on long-term EEG. The CNN-Reformer consists of two main parts: the Data Reshaping (DR) module and the Efficient Attention and Concentration (EAC) module. This framework reduces network parameters while retaining effective feature extraction of multi-channel EEGs, thereby improving model computational efficiency and real-time performance. Initially, the raw EEG signals undergo Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) for signal filtering, and then fed into the DR module for data compression and reshaping while preserving local features. Subsequently, these local features are sent to the EAC module to extract global features and perform categorization. Post-processing involving sliding window averaging, thresholding, and collar techniques is further deployed to reduce the false detection rate (FDR) and improve detection performance. On the CHB-MIT scalp EEG dataset, our method achieves an average sensitivity of 97.57%, accuracy of 98.09%, and specificity of 98.11% at segment-based level, and a sensitivity of 96.81%, along with FDR of 0.27/h, and latency of 17.81 s at the event-based level. On the SH-SDU dataset we collected, our method yielded segment-based sensitivity of 94.51%, specificity of 92.83%, and accuracy of 92.81%, along with event-based sensitivity of 94.11%. The average testing time for 1[Formula: see text]h of multi-channel EEG signals is 1.92[Formula: see text]s. The excellent results and fast computational speed of the CNN-Reformer model demonstrate its potential for efficient seizure detection.
Gradient estimates for Δpu + Δqu + a|u|s−1u + b|u|l−1u = 0 on a complete Riemannian manifold and applications
Authors: Wang Youde , Zhang Liqin
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we use the Nash–Moser iteration method to study the local and global behaviors of non-negative solutions to the nonlinear elliptic equation [Formula: see text] defined on a complete Riemannian manifold [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] are constants and [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text], is the usual [Formula: see text]-Laplace operator. Under some assumptions on [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], we derive gradient estimates and Liouville-type theorems for non-negative solutions to the above equation. In particular, we show that, if [Formula: see text] is a non-negative entire solution to [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) on a complete non-compact Riemannian manifold [Formula: see text] with non-negative Ricci curvature and [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] then [Formula: see text] is a trivial constant solution.
Classical entanglement and entropy
Authors: Duan Haowu , Kovner Alex , Skokov Vladimir V.
Published: August 2024

Motivated by recent discussions of entanglement in the context of high energy scattering, we consider the relation between the entanglement entropy of a highly excited state of a quantum system and the classical entanglement entropy of the corresponding classical system. We show on the example of two weakly coupled harmonic oscillators that the two entropies are equal. Quantum mechanically, the reduced density matrix which yields this entropy is close to the maximally entangled state. We thus observe that the nature of entanglement in this type of state is purely classical.
Federated Learning-Based Traffic Flow Prediction Model in Intelligent Transportation Systems
Authors: Hu Fang , Jin Mengyuan , Zhang Yin , Fang Xingang , Guizani Mohsen
Published: August 2024

The existing Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) achieves high success. As an essential component of ITS, Traffic Flow Prediction (TFP) has attracted tremendous attention. It is a critical but challenging task to improve the robust convergence and high accuracy of TFP in real-world scenarios. This study presents an optimized Federated Learning (FL)-based ChebNet model, FedproxChebNet, to realize the highly effective and accurate TFP. By selecting the best penalty constant in the proximal term to optimize the objective function, this model can achieve fast and stable convergence. Using the ChebNet model to aggregate neighbor nodes’ characteristics, more hidden information underlying the spatio-temporal traffic data can be taken into consideration for training the global and local models. All the superiority of the FedproxChebNet model makes it outperform other FL models with the Graph Convolutional Network (GCN), Graph Attention Network (GAT) and Spatio-Temporal Graph Convolutional Network (STGCN). We designed a series of experiments on various FL-based GNN model comparisons, parameter sensitivity tests, and on verifying the performance of FedproxChebNet with different heterogeneous systems with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Based on four real-world data sets from the cognitive network, the experimental results demonstrate that the presented FedproxChebNet provides the best convergence and the highest accuracy in TFP, and achieves the best performance in a highly heterogeneous system ([Formula: see text]). Specifically, the accuracy of FedproxChebNet is at least improved by [Formula: see text] on PeMS07 than other FL-based GNN models. This proposed FedproxChebNet model may be preferable for different scenarios in ITS such as route planning, traffic congestion control and reversible lanes.
Periodic Orbit Dividing Surfaces in Rotating Hamiltonian Systems with Three Degrees of Freedom – II
Authors: Katsanikas Matthaios , Wiggins Stephen
Published: August 2024

This paper expands the concept of periodic orbit dividing surfaces within rotating Hamiltonian systems possessing three degrees of freedom. Initially, we detail the implementation of our second method for constructing these surfaces, as outlined in [ Katsanikas & Wiggins ,  2021b ,  2023b ], for such systems. Subsequently, we analyze the configuration of these surfaces within a rotating quadratic normal-form Hamiltonian system characterized by three degrees of freedom.
IRaDT: LLVM IR as Target for Efficient Neural Decompilation
Authors: Li Yuzhang , Xu Tao , Wang Chunlu
Published: August 2024

Decompilation is a widely utilized technique in reverse engineering, aimed at restoring binary code to human-readable high-level language code. However, the readability of the output from traditional decompilers is often poor. With advancements in language models, several learning-based decompilation methods have emerged. Nevertheless, the probabilistic nature of language models leads to outputs whose correctness cannot be guaranteed, necessitating further analysis by engineers to identify the corresponding functionality of the code. Inspired by compiler toolchains, we propose a novel approach to enhance the effectiveness of language models in decompilation tasks. Traditional rule-based methods and learning-based techniques are fused together in our approach, drawing insights from both paradigms. Specifically, we present a pre-trained sequence-to-sequence model called IRaDT tailored to refine decompilation outputs at the intermediate representation level. Through this hybridization, we aim to address the limitations of existing methodologies and achieve more accurate and robust decompilation. We construct a diverse decompilation dataset targeting IR and evaluated IRaDT based on this dataset. The experimental results indicate that IRaDT has the ability to improve the readability of IR while ensuring its compileability, achieving a 74% improvement compared to RetDec and a 93% improvement compared to ChatGPT.
EVOLUTION OF THE PRESS BONDING PROPERTIES OF Al/Cu BIMETAL BULK COMPOSITES (EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION)
Authors: RODRIGUEZ-BENITES CARLOS , ALHADRAWI MERWA , DIAKINA EKATERINA , WIDATALLA SABIR , NIE FANG
Published: August 2024

Nowadays, the application of bimetallic laminates with special capabilities is increasing and has experienced high growth. These properties include high corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, thermal stability, and lightweight. In the midst of the technologies of multilayer composite materials, accumulative press bonding (APB) as a solid-phased method of welding is one of the most common techniques for the production of multilayer composites. One of the most important aims for this choice is the press pressure, which can generate a suitable mechanical connection and strong bonding between produced metal layer components. In this study, bimetal aluminum/copper bulk composites have been fabricated via the APB technique. Then, the effect of pressing parameters such as plastic strain and the number of layers on the stress distribution has been investigated. For samples with eight layers, the shear stress between the layers reached 3.1 MPa which is a suitable condition to generate a successful bonding. The stress applied on the layers has also increased with increasing the thickness reduction ratio. The interlayer shear stresses also increase with decreeing the thickness. With a higher reduction in thickness ratios, the amount of sinking layers was greater along the entire length of the sample, which led to the crushing of copper layers. During the APB process at higher pressing passes, increasing the volume of virgin material in the direction of the press led to increasing the compaction and better bonding of Al and Cu layers to each other.
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON CORROSION BEHAVIOR OF 316 STAINLESS STEEL AND Ti6Al4V ALLOY IN SIMULATED SEAWATER
Authors: WEI YIFAN , LIN NAIMING , XIE RUIZHEN , ZENG QUNFENG , NOURI MEISAM
Published: August 2024

This work presents a systematic investigation of the corrosion behavior of two materials, 316 stainless steel (316), and Ti6Al4V alloy (Ti6Al4V), in simulated seawater (3.5[Formula: see text]wt.% NaCl solution). This includes electrochemical tests, immersion experiments, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS) analyses. The polarization curves demonstrate that passivation occurs in both alloys. The lower self-corrosion and passivation current densities of Ti6Al4V indicate that its corrosion resistance is superior to that of 316. However, the impedance spectrum of the 316 shows a larger capacitive arc radius, which is indicative of the presence of a more robust passivation film on its surface. The results of the immersion experiments demonstrate that 316 exhibits a high-corrosion rate under static conditions, which can be attributed to the instability of the passivation film and environmental factors. However, under dynamic conditions, the corrosion rate is lower due to the effect of scouring. In contrast, Ti6Al4V demonstrated superior corrosion resistance in a variety of environmental conditions. In the context of simulated seawater, both 316 and Ti6Al4V exhibited varying degrees of corrosion behavior. Consequently, when selecting corrosion-resistant materials, it is imperative to select suitable materials according to the specific use environment and requirements.
A Hierarchical Structure Consisting of In2S3 Nanoparticles and ZnO Nanoarrays for UV Detection
Authors: Shen Hong , Xu Yaowen , Guo Zihan , Jin Zhiyuan , Gao Guangcheng , Hu Beiting , Liu Linsheng , Yu Naisen
Published: August 2024

A hierarchical structure consisting of In2S3 nanoparticles decorated on ZnO nano arrays is synthesized via a straightforward coupling way. Compared to bare ZnO nano arrays, high photoresponse is measured through the coupling of ZnO nano arrays with In2S3 nanostructures. The hierarchical structure exhibited high-performance UltraViolet (UV) detection with a short recovery time, and its self-powered operation is notable in counterpart of pure In2S3 nanoparticles. It will offer a cost-efficient approach for fabricating high-performance photodetectors utilizing a metal oxide hierarchical structure.
Effects of Two Different Size ZnO Nanoparticles on the Growth of Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Zhu Gaiqin , Liu Hua , Dan Jiangrong , Lei Yan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Chen Zhong , Shen Youliang , Duo Shuwang , Li Xiaoxia
Published: August 2024

Two different kinds of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with distinct particle sizes were synthesized by a precipitation method. For the first time, the effects of two distinct sizes ZnO NPs on the growth, photoluminescence properties and kojic acid (KA) yield of Aspergillus oryzae (A. oryzae) were examined. The findings showed that ZnO-A and -B NPs, with average particle sizes of 11.93 nm and 34.41[Formula: see text]nm, respectively, exhibited a hexagonal crystal structure. It was found that when the concentration of NPs was below 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL, ZnO NPs were nontoxic and served as activators to stimulate the growth of A. oryzae, and the biomass of solid and liquid medium, the total integral emission intensity, the content of extracellular protein and total organic carbon and KA yield of A. oryzae grown with ZnO-A (ZnO-B) NPs were about 2.19 (1.97), 2.47 (1.56), 1.67 (1.16), 2.45 (1.95), 0.47 (0.50) and 2.07 (1.37) times more than that of control sample (without NPs), respectively.
Cardboard Fans in the Stands: COVID and Compensation in Major League Baseball
Authors: Krautmann Anthony
Published: August 2024

The pandemic’s impact on Major League Baseball (MLB) was especially dire. In 2020, a single player testing positive was enough to cancel the entire game, with a few teams sidelined for weeks. This paper looks at all free-agent contracts signed during the 2017–2023 off-season signing periods. Since this horizon spanned the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic seasons, we can examine the degree to which contract negotiations were affected by the pandemic. Using a sample of 643 free-agent signings, we found that contract compensation fell by as much as 20% during the pandemic. By 2022, however, player compensation had rebounded to pre-pandemic trends.
Fair Single Index Model
Authors: Wang Yidong , Ding Meng , Xu Jinhui , Wang Di
Published: August 2024

Single-index models (SIMs) have been widely used in various applications due to their simplicity and interpretability. However, despite the potential for SIMs to result in discriminatory outcomes based on sensitive attributes like gender, race, or ethnicity, the issue of fairness has not been thoroughly examined in recent studies on the topic. This paper aims to address these fairness concerns by proposing methods for building fair SIMs. Specifically, based on the definition of equal opportunity, we first provide a fairness definition for SIM. Next, we develop a unified fair SIM model and propose an efficient method to solve the fair SIM. Theoretically, we also show that our output is consistent in fairness. Finally, we conduct comprehensive experimental studies over 7 benchmark datasets and demonstrate that our fair SIM outperforms the other 8 baseline methods.
State of Charge Estimation of Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Fractional-Order Model with Mul-ti-Innovations Dual Cubature Kalman Filter Method
Authors: Li Xin , Song Yangwanhao , Ren Hengqi
Published: August 2024

An accurate estimation of the lithium battery’s state of charge (SOC) is critical. The article proposes a dual fractional order multi-innovations cubature Kalman filter (DFOMICKF) algorithm for estimating lithium battery SOC. The algorithm adopts the idea of multiple time scales, where one of the FOMICKF is used to identify the circuit model parameters online in the macro time scale. Another FOMICKF is used to estimate the SOC in the micro time scale, and the circuit parameters updated online in real-time are passed into the estimation of the SOC filter to form an online joint estimation method of SOC and circuit parameters. Finally, multiple algorithms of DFOMICKF, FOMICKF, FOCKF, and CKF are compared and experimented under different working conditions to compare and analyze the estimated SOC errors. It is verified that the proposed algorithm can solve the problems of inaccuracy, poor convergence, and poor robustness of the traditional Kalman filtering algorithm for estimating SOC, which has good research value.
Review—Principles and Applications of Electrochemical Polishing
Authors: Xu Yanqiu , Mao Yachun , Ijaz Muhammad Hammad , Ibrahim Mohamed E. , Le Shiru , Wang Fang , Jiang Jie , Chi Dazhao , An Maozhong , Song Shuhuan , Huang Yuhui , Zhang Yuhan
Published: August 2024

Electrochemical machining (ECM) is an efficient and precise manufacturing technology with broad prospects for numerous applications. As a subset of electrochemical machining, electrochemical polishing (ECP) is an advanced surface finishing method that utilizes electrochemical principles to produce smooth and reflective surfaces on various materials, particularly metals. This process is distinguished by its ability to refine surfaces without causing scratches or other forms of mechanical damage, thereby providing a significant advantage over traditional mechanical polishing techniques. The high processing efficiency of ECP renders it particularly suitable for industries that demand large-scale production and high-quality surface finishes. This work reviews the fundamental aspects of ECP, comparing three mechanisms: viscous film theory, salt film theory, and enhanced oxidation–dissolution equilibrium theory. Furthermore, it examines the factors influencing the effectiveness of ECP, including electrolyte composition, temperature, electropolishing time, voltage, and current. Applications of ECP in stainless steel, copper, nickel, and tungsten are also explored, along with a summary of its integration with advanced technologies. Finally, perspectives on the future development of ECP are discussed.
Protective Effects of Dietary Etlingera elatior (Jack) Bud Flower Powder against Edwardsiella tarda Infection in African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus
Authors: Lee Seong Wei , Liew Vui Kien , Kari Zulhisyam Abdul , Kabir Muhammad Anamul , Azra M. N. , Khoo Martina Irwan , Wee Wendy
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the impacts of dietary Etlingera elatior (Jack) bud flower powder (EE) supplementation on the growth and health status of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Each treatment group received different formulated diets: basal diet without EE (control), basal diet + 1% EE (EE1), basal diet + 2% EE (EE2), basal diet + 3% EE (EE3), and basal diet + 4% EE (EE4). After an 8‐week feeding trial, fish supplemented with dietary EE exhibited significantly improved growth performance, such as weight gain (WG; 1,251.4%–1,604.3%; p < 0.0001), specific growth rate (SGR; 2.02%–2.20%; p < 0.0001), and final weight (FW; 141.7–178.9 g; p < 0.0001) than the control group (WG: 1,192.0%, SGR: 1.98%, and FW: 136.1 g), particularly EE2 and EE3. Furthermore, EE‐treated fish recorded significantly lower feed conversion rate (FCR; 1.19–1.53; p < 0.0001), viscerosomatic index (VSI; 3.40%–4.50%; p < 0.0001), and hepatosomatic index (HSI; 3.13%–4.40%; p < 0.0001) than the control (FCR: 1.59, VSI: 5.48%, and HSI: 4.75%), particularly EE2 and EE3. The EE‐treated fish also had significantly higher white blood cell (WBC) count (124.6–148.6/µL; p < 0.0400), red blood cell (RBC) count (2.43–4.03 × 103/µL; p < 0.0002), hemoglobin (HGB) concentration (6.27–7.87 g/dL; p < 0.0160), and hematocrit (HCT; 26.8%–38.7%; p < 0.0200) compared to the control (WBC count: 112.1/µL, RBC count: 2.17 ×103/µL, HGB concentration: 5.60 g/dL, and HCT: 23.7%), with the highest being EE2 and EE3. Dietary EE diets enhanced digestive enzyme activities, including amylase (p < 0.0090), protease (p < 0.0040), and lipase (p < 0.0060), significantly (p < 0.05) than the control, where EE2 and EE3 demonstrated the highest activities. The EE supplementation also significantly improved the fish’s antioxidative responses, particularly catalase (CAT; p < 0.0100), glutathione peroxidase (GPx; p < 0.0300), and superoxide dismutase (SOD; p < 0.0100) in EE2 and EE3. Similarly, the cumulative survival rate of EE2 (66.7% ± 5.77%) and EE3 (66.7% ± 5.77%) were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher than other groups post‐Edwardsiella tarda challenge. Therefore, this study findings highlighted the potential benefits of EE as a feed additive to boost the production in African catfish farming.
Damage Detection of Large‐Scale Space Trusses Based on Changes in Static Flexibility Matrix
Authors: Li Cui , Zhu Xuekun , Ma Jun
Published: August 2024

Detecting damages in large‐scale space trusses poses a significant challenge due to numerous elements that can generate disturbances with relative ease. Based on changes in the static flexibility matrix, a two‐stage method to localize and quantify damages of large‐scale space trusses was thus proposed. The first‐order sensitivity equation between damage severities and flexibility matrix changes is established in the damage localization stage. A singular value contribution index (SVCI) was constructed to truncate singular values of the flexibility sensitivity matrix properly. Then, an iterative process using SVCI was suggested to make damaged elements more outstanding, so that suspiciously damaged elements could be readily determined. In the damage quantification stage, the improved particle swarm optimization algorithm was employed to further estimate damage severities by merely setting suspiciously damaged elements as optimization variables. Take a space truss as the numerical example. Analysis results show that the proposed method has good antinoise ability and can accurately achieve damage localization and quantification by using an incomplete static flexibility matrix composed merely of vertical degrees of freedom.
Massive Gastrointestinal Bleeding Related to NSAID Use in a Patient with Ileorectal Anastomosis
Authors: Nesiama Esere , Mirembe Letisha , Weber Kierra , Isaac Sruthy , Trammell Deborah , Obokhare Izi
Published: August 2024

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation in over 30 million individuals daily. Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) associated with NSAID consumption has been well documented in gastric and duodenal bleeding; however, NSAID‐associated GIB distal to the duodenum lacks extensive documentation. This report highlights small bowel occult bleeding related to NSAID use in a patient with a surgical history of robotic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis completed 1 year prior. In the case of bright red blood per rectum with associated NSAID use, we recommend NSAID cessation followed by an individualized treatment plan, such as upper/lower endoscopy and/or angioembolization.
Treatment of Brachial Plexus Injuries following Gunshot Injuries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gupta Rohun , Herzog Isabel , Phung Lauren , Roth Jacquelyn , Weisberger Joseph , Luthringer Margaret , Lee Edward S. , Ignatiuk Ashley
Published: August 2024

Introduction. Brachial plexus injuries (BPI) from gunshot injuries are uncommon but usually severe and can cause chronic pain, loss of function, and permanent nerve damage. Multiple surgical techniques including neurolysis, end‐to‐end suture repair, and graft repair have been described for the treatment of these injuries. However, surgical indication, timing, and technique for these injuries remain controversial. This systematic review aims to investigate the treatment modalities for patients with BPI due to gunshot‐related injuries. Methods. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) methodology was employed for this review. PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, Embase, and CINAHL databases were included. The following keywords constituted our search criteria: gun‐shot‐wounds, brachial plexus, traum ∗, and management. Results. A total of 90 studies were imported for screening, from which 9 papers met our final inclusion/exclusion criteria. The most common studies utilized in this review were retrospective chart reviews followed by case series. In total, there were 628 patients that suffered from gunshot wounds to the brachial plexus. Most patients underwent some form of delayed nerve repair consisting of neurolysis, end‐to‐end epineural repair, or graft repair with a sural or antebrachial cutaneous nerve graft. Several patients suffered from complications, with neuroma being the most common long‐term complication that required reoperation. Conclusion. The optimal timing for surgeries involving BPIs should be determined after examining the level of nerve damage, associated injuries, operative risks, and electrophysiological workup for indications of spontaneous regeneration. Early surgical interventions were indicated for patients presenting with associated vascular or thoracic injuries, compressive masses, and nerve transection by sharp instruments in most selected papers.
Working Metaphors: Cross‐Sector Collaboration between Domestic Violence and Substance Use Services
Authors: Callaly Van , Kertesz Margaret , Laslett Anne-Marie , Davidson Jennifer , Humphreys Cathy
Published: August 2024

Collaboration between services addressing domestic violence and substance use presents scope for enhancement. This study presents the first stage of an Australian action research project that aimed to investigate cross‐sector collaboration between domestic violence and substance use services. The study employed purposive sampling for data collection, with the primary author conducting semistructured interviews with 26 senior policy workers, practitioners, and managers about their previous experiences in promoting collaboration between these two sectors. Employing metaphor analysis as a heuristic tool, the authors identified the metaphorical concepts that interviewees used to frame their understanding of cross‐sector collaboration. These metaphorical concepts reveal the diverse approaches to conceptualizing and implementing cross‐sector collaboration. Collaboration was understood by participants as engaging with geopolitics, fixing infrastructure, running a business, and playing a game. Each metaphorical concept has implications for how professionals understand and perform cross‐sector collaboration. The predominant language of cross‐sectoral collaboration illuminates the discursive field in which policymakers and senior managers are situated. Certain metaphorical concepts hindered participants’ capacity to engage and sustain collaborative practice, while others held potential to promote collaboration. Researchers identified potential opportunities to promote collaborative practices between substance use and domestic violence sectors. By gaining insight into how professionals conceptualized cross‐sector collaboration, leverage points were identified that supported the development of a policy stakeholder group working to address systemic issues of cross‐sectoral practice.