bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The framework of Hammer (CAFÉ) credit rating for capital markets in China with international credit rating standards
Authors: Yuan George X. , He Hua , Liu Haiyang , Zhou Yunpeng , Chen Wen
Published: August 2023

The goal of this paper is to discuss how we establish the so‐called “Hammer (CAFÉ) Credit System” by applying the Gibbs sampling algorithm under the framework of a big data approach supported by both traditional structured and unstructured data as a breakthrough, in particular, to extract those highly related risk features in depicting default (bad) events and related fraudulent behaviors (action) by following the “five step principle” incorporated with the international credit rating standards in the practice. The analysis shows that our Hammer (CAFÉ) Credit System is able to handle current three issues raised by the credit rating business for capital markets in China, which are as follows: (1) The rating is falsely high, (2) the differentiation of credit rating grades is insufficient, and 3) the performance in predicting early warning and related issues is poor. In addition, the Hammer (CAFÉ) credit discussed in this paper is supported by clearly defining the “BBB” grade rate as the basic investment level associated with the annualized rate of default probability, and the credit transition matrix for “AAA‐A” to “CCC‐C” credit grades in accordance with international standards used in the practice of risk management and decision services.
Consensus for Hegselmann–Krause type models with time variable time delays
Authors: Continelli Elisa , Pignotti Cristina
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we analyze a Hegselmann–Krause opinion formation model with time variable time delay and prove that if the influence function is always positive, then there is exponential convergence to consensus without requiring any smallness assumptions on the time delay function. The analysis is then extended to a model with distributed time delay.
Multi‐layer clustering‐based residual sparsifying transform for low‐dose CT image reconstruction
Authors: Chen Ling , Yang Xikai , Huang Zhishen , Long Yong , Ravishankar Saiprasad
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The recently proposed sparsifying transform (ST) models incur low computational cost and have been applied to medical imaging. Meanwhile, deep models with nested network structure reveal great potential for learning features in different layers. In this study, we propose a network‐structured ST learning approach for X‐ray computed tomography (CT), which we refer to as multi‐layer clustering‐based residual sparsifying transform (MCST) learning. The proposed MCST scheme learns multiple different unitary transforms in each layer by dividing each layer's input into several classes. We apply the MCST model to low‐dose CT (LDCT) reconstruction by deploying the learned MCST model into the regularizer in penalized weighted least squares (PWLS) reconstruction.

Methods

The proposed MCST model combines a multi‐layer sparse representation structure with multiple clusters for the features in each layer that are modeled by a rich collection of transforms. We train the MCST model in an unsupervised manner via a block coordinate descent (BCD) algorithm. Since our method is patch‐based, the training can be performed with a limited set of images. For CT image reconstruction, we devise a novel algorithm called PWLS‐MCST by integrating the pre‐learned MCST signal model with PWLS optimization.

Results

We conducted LDCT reconstruction experiments on XCAT phantom data, Numerical Mayo Clinical CT dataset and “LDCT image and projection dataset” (Clinical LDCT dataset). We trained the MCST model with two (or three) layers and with five clusters in each layer. The learned transforms in the same layer showed rich features while additional information is extracted from representation residuals. Our simulation results and clinical results demonstrate that PWLS‐MCST achieves better image reconstruction quality than the conventional filtered back‐projection (FBP) method and PWLS with edge‐preserving (EP) regularizer. It also outperformed recent advanced methods like PWLS with a learned multi‐layer residual sparsifying transform (MARS) prior and PWLS with a union of learned transforms (ULTRA), especially for displaying clear edges and preserving subtle details.

Conclusions

In this work, a multi‐layer sparse signal model with a nested network structure is proposed. We refer this novel model as theMCSTmodel that exploits multi‐layer residual maps to sparsify the underlying image and clusters the inputs in each layer for accurate sparsification. We presented a new PWLS framework with a learned MCST regularizer for LDCT reconstruction. Experimental results show that the proposed PWLS‐MCST provides clearer reconstructions than several baseline methods. The code for PWLS‐MCST is released athttps://github.com/Xikai97/PWLS‐MCST.
Isola in a linear one‐degree‐of‐freedom feedback system with actuator rate saturation
Authors: Nguyen Duc H. , Hill Thomas L. , Lowenberg Mark H.
Published: August 2023

This short communication uses numerical continuation to highlight the existence of an isola in a simple one‐degree‐of‐freedom harmonically forced feedback system with actuator rate limiting as its only nonlinear element. It was found that the isola (1) contains only rate‐limited responses, (2) merges with the main branch when the forcing amplitude is sufficiently large, and (3) includes stable solutions that create a second attractor in regions where rate limiting is not expected. Furthermore, the isola is composed of two solutions for a given forcing frequency. These solutions have the same amplitudes in the state (pitch rate) projection; however, they have distinct phases, and their amplitudes are also distinct when projected onto the integrator state in the controller. The rich dynamics observed in such a simple example underlines the impact of rate limiting on feedback systems. Specifically, the combination of feedback and rate limiting can create detrimental dynamics that is hard to predict and requires careful analysis.
Reliability of confocal corneal microscopy for measurement of dendritic cell density in suspected small fiber neuropathy
Authors: Idiaquez Juan Francisco , Martinez Rodrigo , Barnett‐Tapia Carolina , Perkins Bruce A. , Bril Vera
Published: August 2023

Introduction/Aims

Dendritic cells (DCs) and their contacts with corneal nerves are described in animal models of nerve damage. Dendritic cell density (DCD) is a potential marker of immune activity in suspected small‐fiber neuropathy (SFN). Here, we aim to evaluate the intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of DCD measurements in suspected SFN.

Methods

This retrospective study collected DCD from confocal microscopy images from the corneal sub‐basal epithelium of the eye from 48 patients (mean age 49.6 ± 12.1 y, 61% female). Two examiners, each blinded to the other's examinations and measurements, assessed DCD to evaluate inter‐rater reliability. For intra‐rater reliability, the first examiner performed a second measurement after 14 days. DCs were classified into two cell morphological subtypes: mature and immature.

Results

Test–retest reliability for total DCD showed excellent agreement, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.96 and inter‐rater reliability intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.77. The immature cell subtype showed excellent intra‐rater reliability but lower inter‐rater reliability.

Discussion

We found that DCD measurements in the corneal sub‐basal epithelium are sufficiently reliable for consideration in clinical studies of patients with suspected SFN.
Communication, academic and social outcomes of childhood cancer survivors with hearing loss: A systematic review
Authors: Carter Ciara , Boisvert Isabelle , Docking Kimberley
Published: August 2023

Many children treated for cancer are at risk of hearing loss. However, little is known about how hearing loss impacts their communication, academic and social outcomes. To examine the impact, this systematic review aimed to synthesise and appraise quantitative and qualitative studies reporting on (i) participants with hearing loss treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy or cranial radiotherapy during childhood; and (ii) speech, language, academic performance, or social participation findings. Systematic database searches yielded 23 relevant articles that were analysed using narrative synthesis. Difficulties were reported for some but not all communication, academic and social aspects; however, a quality assessment using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) revealed low to very low certainty in the findings. Future research should aim to increase the quality of the research evidence and explore how multidisciplinary services can provide evidence‐based support for childhood cancer survivors with competing hearing, communication, and social difficulties.
Image‐defined risk factors in localized thoracic neuroblastoma and ganglioneuroma
Authors: Butzer Sarina K. , Krug Barbara , Reisberg Maike , Fuchs Jörg , Warmann Steven W. , Hubertus Jochen , Körber Friederike , Berthold Frank , Simon Thorsten , Hero Barbara
Published: August 2023

Background

The pretreatment International Neuroblastoma Risk Group Staging System (INRGSS) discriminates localized tumors L1/L2 depending on the absence/presence of image‐defined risk factors (IDRFs) at diagnosis. Referring to this new staging system, we assessed initial imaging of localized thoracic neuroblastoma (NB) and ganglioneuroma (GN) and the extent of initial tumor resection.

Methods

Patients with localized thoracic NB/GN from the German clinical trials NB97 and NB2004 were included. Imaging at diagnosis and operative reports were reviewed retrospectively. IDRFs were assessed centrally and correlated to International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS) stage and extent of tumor resection. Additionally, we analyzed data on surgery‐related complications.

Results

Imaging series of 88 patients were available for central review. In 18 children, no IDRF was present, 28 exhibited one IDRF, 42 two or more IDRFs, resulting in 70 patients with L2 disease. The most frequently observed IDRF was encasement of any vessel (n = 38). Initial surgical resection was aimed for in 45 patients (L1: n = 11; L2: n = 34). Complete and gross total resection rates were higher children with L2 NB (n = 8/25 L1, n = 17/25 L2 vs. n = 2/15 L1, n = 13/15 L2, respectively). The proportion of surgical complications was very similar between INRGSS L1 and L2 (n = 4/11 vs. n = 17/34). All complications were manageable, and no surgery‐related deaths were observed.

Conclusion

In this retrospective cohort, the extent of resection and the rate of surgical complications did not differ substantially between patients classified as L1/L2, indicating that INRGSS L2 does not equate unresectability. It appeared that individual IDRFs differ in value. Larger studies are needed to assess the significance and therapeutic/prognostic impact of such findings.
Silane coupling agent 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane modified silica/epoxidized solution‐polymerized styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Hui Jiong , Liu Ling , Yu Zhexu , Wu Qifei , Zhang Liqun
Published: August 2023

In this paper, epoxidized solution‐polymerized styrene butadiene rubber (ESSBR) as the matrix and silica as filler, a small quantity of 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) is used to adjust the cross‐linking network of ESSBR/silica. The effect of two APTES addition methods (ESSBR/APTES/silica and ESSBR/silica/APTES) on the nanocomposite properties is investigated. The epoxy groups of ESSBR and the ethoxy groups of APTES can react with the hydroxyl groups on silica to improve dispersion. At the same time, the amino groups at another end of APTES can react with the epoxy groups of ESSBR to increase the cross‐linking density. Compared with bis(3‐triethoxysilylpropyl) disulfide (TESPD) modified SSBR/silica (SSBR/TESPD/silica), ESSBR/APTES/silica shows 133% improvement in wet‐skid resistance, 14% reduction in rolling resistance with less silane coupling agent and volatile organic compounds emissions. ESSBR/APTES/silica has excellent overall performance and offers a good prospect for the preparation of green tire tread.

Highlights

APTES modified silica/ESSBR nanocomposites are prepared.

Epoxy groups and APTES react with silica to improve dispersion.

APTES can increase the cross‐linking density.

The nanocomposite has excellent comprehensive performance as green tire tread.

The nanocomposite has less silane coupling agent and VOCs emission.
Comparison of fumigation efficacy of methyl bromide alone and phosphine applied either alone or simultaneously or sequentially against Bactrocera correcta in Selenicereus undatus (red pitaya) fruit
Authors: Shan Changyao , Li Baishu , Li Li , Du Xin , Ren Yonglin , McKirdy Simon J. , Liu Tao
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Bactrocera correcta (Bezzi) is a significant pest of the red pitaya fruit (Selenicereus undatus). This study investigated the insecticidal effects of methyl bromide (MB) alone, phosphine (PH3) alone, both applied simultaneously (PH3 + MB), and PH3 application followed sequentially by MB (PH3 → MB) against B. correcta in red pitaya fruits.

RESULTS

The 3rd instar larvae of B. correcta were the most tolerant to MB alone and the combined treatments, whereas eggs were the most susceptible stage. Both the PH3 + MB and PH3 → MB treatments resulted in higher mortality at all stages than MB alone, demonstrating a synergistic effect between MB and PH3. The toxicity of the combined treatments increased with increasing PH3 concentrations, with the optimal concentration recorded being 1.42 to 2.84 g m−3. Further probit analysis revealed that compared to the MB treatment alone, the median lethal dose values of MB in PH3 + MB and PH3 → MB treatment, were reduced to 63.73% and 66.82%, respectively. Fruit quality was not adversely affected by either of the combined treatments.

CONCLUSION

This work provides robust evidence that combining MB and PH3 to control B. correcta is highly effective, especially the PH3 → MB treatment. This combination decreased the amount of MB required for effective control at all life stages, while protecting fruit quality against MB phytotoxicity to a greater extent than conventional MB fumigation alone. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
A case of humidifier lung; the key diagnosis is detailed medical history taking
Authors: Hara Munechika , Yashiro Yasuaki
Published: August 2023

A 74‐year‐old woman was admitted with a dry cough and dyspnea that had persisted for 2 weeks at the beginning of winter. Chest computed tomography revealed bilateral diffuse non‐segmental ground‐glass opacities without centrilobular nodules. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed a marked increase in the lymphocyte ratio. Her condition and chest radiographic findings improved spontaneously after admission. An additional interview conducted after admission revealed that the patient had started using a contaminated humidifier approximately 2 weeks before the onset of symptoms. Thus, the diagnosis of humidifier lung was established. Humidifier lung is a rare phenotype of hypersensitive pneumonitis that often occurs during dry winter when the use of humidifiers increases. Humidifier lung is an important differential diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia during dry winter, and detailed history‐taking regarding the use of humidifiers, assuming a humidifier lung, is crucial for its diagnosis.
The impact of multi‐word units in early foreign language learning and teaching contexts: A systematic review
Authors: Schulz Johannes , Hamilton Catherine , Wonnacott Elizabeth , Murphy Victoria
Published: August 2023

This systematic review reports on research investigating the impact of multi‐word unit (MWU) input on young learners' second language (L2) attainment in instructed settings. Recent findings suggest that L2 learners can generalise from MWU input, abstract patterns and employ such schemata productively via slot‐filling, indicating that MWUs are key catalysts of learners' L2 development. Simultaneously, primary school L2 instruction is on the rise worldwide and the importance of MWUs is acknowledged in curricula, teacher education and teaching materials. Therefore, the incentive of this review is to systematically report the state of the art of research regarding the impact of MWU instruction in early L2 teaching contexts. The review covers English, German and French research into typically developing monolingual children aged 5–12 learning an L2 in instructed teaching settings. Only two of the total results (n = 2233) met the inclusion criteria. Following quality assessment using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and based on a narrative synthesis of available results, we cannot report trustworthy evidence of the effectiveness of teaching MWUs to young L2 learners. We highlight the lack of research evidence and conclude that existing research lacks robust evidence that MWU input already established in teaching contexts has a measurable effect on specific aspects of students' L2 attainment, such as productive skills. Although we promote MWU's potentially facilitating role in L2 development, we call for more classroom‐based intervention research on MWUs in primary school contexts to enable much‐needed evidence‐based recommendations for L2 teaching to support L2 learning outcomes in primary schools.

Context and implications

Rationale for this study

Research has shown that multi‐word units (MWUs) are key catalysts for L1 and L2 learning. MWUs are crucial to current primary school L2 teaching and their importance is acknowledged in curricula. This review systematically examines the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of MWU instruction on L2 attainment.

Why the findings matter

Our review cannot report trustworthy evidence of the effectiveness of teaching MWUs to young L2 learners. This lack of evidence is striking since early L2 instruction is on the rise worldwide and MWUs are already integral parts of L2 curricula, teacher education and teaching materials.

Implications for the research community and policy makers

Given our findings, we call for more research in instructed settings to better understand the impact of MWU input on specific aspects of students' L2 attainment, such as productive skills. Based on such work, researchers could provide policy makers and practitioners with evidence‐based recommendations that help integrate MWU input into L2 curricula and teaching in such a way that is most beneficial for young students' L2 attainment.
Towards data‐driven stochastic predictive control
Authors: Pan Guanru , Ou Ruchuan , Faulwasser Timm
Published: August 2023

Data‐driven predictive control based on the fundamental lemma by Willems et al. is frequently considered for deterministic LTI systems subject to measurement noise. However, little has been done on data‐driven stochastic control. In this paper, we propose a data‐driven stochastic predictive control scheme for LTI systems subject to possibly unbounded additive process disturbances. Based on a stochastic extension of the fundamental lemma and leveraging polynomial chaos expansions, we construct a data‐driven surrogate optimal control problem (OCP). Moreover, combined with an online selection strategy of the initial condition of the OCP, we provide sufficient conditions for recursive feasibility and for stability of the proposed data‐driven predictive control scheme. Finally, two numerical examples illustrate the efficacy and closed‐loop properties of the proposed scheme for process disturbances governed by different distributions.
One‐pot synthesis of V doped mesoporous SiO2 catalysts for selective oxidation of ethane and propane
Authors: Song Jiaxin , Fan Xiaoqiang , Yu Xuehua , Kong Lian , Xiao Xia , Xie Zean , Zhao Zhen
Published: August 2023

A series of vanadium‐doped mesoporous SiO2 catalysts were prepared using a one‐pot emulsion method. The effects of VOx species with different structures on C−H bond activation and product selectivity in ethane and propane selective oxidation were investigated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption‐desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman, ultraviolet‐visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV‐Vis DRS), hydrogen temperature programmed reduction (H2‐TPR), and ammonia temperature programmed desorption (NH3‐TPD) characterizations. The results revealed that the highly dispersed isolated tetrahedral VOx species on the catalyst gradually polymerized into highly dispersed oligomeric VOx species with the increased V loading. The former is beneficial for the formation of olefins and total aldehydes during the selective oxidation of propane. Oligomeric VOx species are conducive to improving the selectivity of ethylene and acetaldehyde in the selective oxidation of ethane. The highest catalytic performances for selective oxidation of ethane and propane were obtained at a temperature of 650 °C. The conversion of ethane was 41.6 %, with a corresponding yield of ethylene and acetaldehyde of 23.6 % over a 0.5 V−SiO2 catalyst. In contrast, the propane conversion was 61.5 %, with a corresponding total yield of olefins and aldehydes of 41.3 % over a 1.0 V−SiO2 catalyst.
A New Biodegradable Linear mPEG‐b‐poly(Schiff Base‐Acetal) Copolymer Carrier Co‐Delivery Cinnamaldehyde and Gemcitabine for Combined Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Zheng Fen , Shi Jianghuan , Zhang Shanming , Liu Kaige , Xu Long
Published: August 2023

Due to significant pH difference among the healthy tissue, tumor tissue as well as intracellular endo/lysosome, constructing pH‐responsive biodegradable nanodrug delivery systems has received more and more attention. Herein, double‐end alkenylated acetal monomer (based on cinnamaldehyde (CA)) and double‐end sulfhydrylation Schiff base monomer were designed and synthesized, and three pH‐responsive biodegradable block copolymer mPEG‐b‐poly(Schiff base‐acetal) (P1), mPEG‐b‐poly(acetal) (P2), and mPEG‐b‐poly(Schiff base) (P3) were obtained by Michael addition reaction. All these polymers could be self‐assembled with gemcitabine (GEM) to form GEM‐loaded micelles. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiments proved that these polymer micelles have good pH responsiveness. The size and morphology of both blank and GEM‐loaded micelles were characterized by DLS and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The GEM/P1, GEM/P2, and GEM/P3 micelles exhibited pH‐sensitive drug release properties and the GEM/P1 micelles has the relatively fastest drug release rate. Containing multiple acetal and Schiff base moieties GEM/P1 micelles showed fastest cellular internalized rate and best in vitro antitumor activity among all GEM‐loaded micelles.
5‐Arylidene‐2,4‐thiazolidinediones as Cysteine Protease Inhibitors against Leishmania Donovani
Authors: Sharma Sweta , Anjaneyulu Yakkala Prasanna , Beg Mirza A. , Tanwar Supriya , Latief Insha , Khan Arif , Sharma Kalicharan , ur Rehman Sayeed , Selvapandiyan Angamuthu , Shafi Syed
Published: August 2023

A series of 5‐arylidene‐2,4‐thiazolidinediones were synthesized using Knoevenagel condensation and evaluated for their anti‐leishmanial activity against L. donovani promastigotes and axenic amastigotes. Among the compounds tested, three were the most active, with IC50 values of 0.82–1.42 μM against L. donovani promastigotes and 0.69–1.19 μM against L. donovani amastigote. (Z)‐5‐(4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene)thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione was the most prominent among all the tested compounds and demonstrated better anti‐leishmanial properties when compared to the standard drug miltefosine (1.26 μM against L. donovani promastigotes and 1.17 μM against L. donovani amastigotes). It was insignificantly toxic compared to the standard miltefosine in THP‐1 human monocytic cells. It was further evaluated for its in vitro cysteine protease (papain) inhibitory activity using Z‐RR‐AMC fluorogenic peptide substrate. It demonstrated promising inhibitory activity with the IC50 value of 3.42 μM. In silico docking studies also supported that the (Z)‐5‐(4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene)thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione is bound to cysteine protease proteins′ catalytic active binding site. Anti‐leishmanial properties of this class of compounds have been evaluated for the first time, and (Z)‐5‐(4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene)thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione emerged as a lead molecule from the library of compounds tested. This may serve as a template for further drug discovery in Leishmania.
Heterogeneous adaptability: Learning, cash resources, and the fine‐grained adjustment of misaligned governance
Authors: Martin Xavier , Cuypers Ilya R. P.
Published: August 2023

Research Summary

When can a firm make fine‐grained adjustments to misaligned subsidiary governance? We examine whether and under what conditions a firm will adapt the equity stake it owns in a subsidiary, enabling improved alignment of the stake with the uncertainty in the local environment. We predict that the rate of adaptation of misaligned equity stakes depends on the experiential and vicarious learning from which the firm can draw, and that these learning effects are contingent on possessing fungible slack resources, specifically cash. Using a sample of 726 Japanese‐foreign subsidiaries established in 38 host countries over a 21‐year period, we find support in line with our predictions. Overall, this study explicates heterogeneous adaptability in subsidiary governance and similar strategic tasks.

Managerial Summary

Whether due to suboptimal choices or changing conditions, firms must sometimes change how they relate with and control their subsidiaries. Whereas much research has addressed adaptation in the form of discrete changes in ownership mode, we examine under what conditions a firm can make fine‐grained adjustments to misaligned subsidiary governance. We argue that a firm can learn to make such adjustments, not only from its own experience but also vicariously by observing other firms in the same foreign environment. Furthermore, we consider whether cash is a valuable resource for this purpose. Overall, this study shows how firms can pursue strategic adaptation in subsidiary governance and related tasks.
Pt‐Loaded Nb─W Metal Composite Oxide for Selective Cleavage of Secondary C─O Bonds
Authors: Chen Jinghu , Xia Qineng , Guo Yong , Wang Yangang , Li Xi , Wang Mingming , Qiu Jieshan , Wang Yanqin , Sofianos Maria Veronica , Liu Shaomin
Published: August 2023

Selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,3‐propanediol (1,3‐PDO) is recognized as one of the most promising reactions for the valorization of biomass. Precise activation of C─O bonds of glycerol molecule is the key step to realize the high yield of catalytic conversion. Here, a Pt‐loaded Nb–W composite oxides with crystallographic shear phase for the precise activation and cleavage of secondary C─O (C(2)─O) bonds are first reported. The developed Nb14W3O44 with uniform structure possesses arrays of W–O–Nb active sites that totally distinct from individual WOx or NbOx species, which is superior to the adsorption and activation of C(2)─O bonds. The Nb14W3O44 support with rich reversible redox couples also promotes the electron feedback ability of Pt and enhances its interaction with Pt nanoparticles, resulting in high activity for H2 dissociation and hydrogenation. All these favorable factors confer the Pt/Nb14W3O44 excellent performance for selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,3‐PDO with the yield of 75.2% exceeding the record of 66%, paying the way for the commercial development of biomass conversion. The reported catalysts or approach can also be adopted to create a family of Nb–W metal composite oxides for other catalytic reactions requiring selective C─O bond activation and cleavage.
Modulating Photoinduced Electron Transfer between Photosensitive MOF and Co(II) Proton Reduction Sites for Boosting Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Bai Jianguo , Wang Jun , Zheng Hao , Zhao Xiaoli , Wu Pengyan , Pei Li , Wang Jian
Published: August 2023

Photocatalytic hydrogen production via water splitting is the subject of intense research. Photoinduced electron transfer (PET) between a photosensitizer (PS) and a proton reduction catalyst is a prerequisite step and crucial to affecting hydrogen production efficiency. Herein, three photoactive metal–organic framework (MOF) systems having two different PET processes where PS and Co(II) centers are either covalently bonded or coexisting to drive photocatalytic H2 production are built. Compared to these two intramolecular PET systems including CoII‐Zn‐PDTP prepared from the post‐synthetic metalation toward uncoordinated pyridine N sites of Zn‐PDTP and sole cobalt‐based MOF Co‐PDTP, the CoII(bpy)3@Zn‐PDTP system impregnated by molecular cocatalyst possessing intermolecular PET process achieves the highest H2 evolution rate of 116.8 mmol g−1 h−1 over a period of 10 h, about 7.5 and 9.3 times compared to CoII‐Zn‐PDTP and Co‐PDTP in visible‐light‐driven H2 evolution, respectively. Further studies reveal that the enhanced photoactivity in CoII(bpy)3@Zn‐PDTP can be ascribed to the high charge‐separation efficiency of Zn‐PDTP and the synergistic intermolecular interaction between Zn‐PDTP and cobalt complexes. The present work demonstrates that the rational design of PET process between MOFs and catalytic metal sites can be a viable strategy for the development of highly efficient photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic activities.
Using Low‐Cost Additive to Improve Perovskite Crystallization for Efficient Solar Cells
Authors: Ren Guanhua , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Zhiguo , Deng Yanyu , Li Zhuowei , Liu Chunyu , Guo Wenbin
Published: August 2023

In the two‐step sequential deposition, the reaction of PbI2 and organic halides for conversion to perovskite is crucial for achieving high‐performance perovskite solar cells, which heavily depends on the morphology of the PbI2 film. The highly structured and dense PbI2 film is not conducive to the diffusion of organic halides in the planar heterojunction. To solve this problem, acetone is introduced into the PbI2 precursor as the regulator of the film morphology. The addition of acetone weakens the interaction between dimethyl sulfoxide and PbI2, leading to the appropriate morphology of PbI2 film. Therefore, PbI2 can react with organic halides and convert to perovskite more efficiently. The high‐quality FA1−xMAxPbI3 perovskite film with reduced defect density is achieved. The device delivers an outstanding power conversion efficiency enhancement with a low‐cost additive.
A Computational Fluid Dynamics‐Thermodynamics Coupled Approach to Simulate Desulfurization in Ladle Furnace Based on Interface Equilibrium Assumption
Authors: He Bingchang , Xin Zicheng , Zhang Jiangshan , Li Limin , Han Dongya , Xiao Shan , Liu Qing
Published: August 2023

This study proposes a coupled computational fluid dynamics and thermodynamics model based on the assumption of interface equilibrium at the steel–slag interface to simulate the desulfurization process in a ladle furnace. The species transport equation is solved to analyze the kinetic behavior and chemical content variation in the melt. The sulfur distribution ratio is calculated based on the slag sulfide capacity and oxygen activity. Subsequently, the solutions are coupled by introducing the species transfer and source terms generated by comparing the initial and predicted thermodynamic equilibrium states at the steel–slag interface cell. The model is validated by experimentally comparing the sulfur content. Furthermore, the model is applied under different kinetics and thermodynamics conditions. With an increase in the gas flow rate, the in‐phase effective diffusion coefficient increases, but the number of interface cells involved in the sulfur transfer process decreases. The complex relationship between the desulfurization process and the gas flow rate results from the mutual antagonism between these two factors. Moreover, the study findings demonstrate that a higher slag basicity enhances the calculated sulfur distribution ratio and final desulfurization ratio.
Investigation of the Precipitation and Solid Solution Behavior of TiN Inclusions in SWRH92A High‐Carbon Tire Cord Steel
Authors: Li Chengzhi , Wang Peng , Xue Zhengliang
Published: August 2023

TiN, a typical nonmetallic titanium inclusion, is regarded harmful for the quality of hypereutectoid tire cord steel. At present, the effective methods of controlling the TiN inclusions in the high‐carbon tire cord steel are still uncertain. Herein, the precipitation and solid solution behavior of the TiN inclusions in SWRH92A tire cord steel are studied. The main characteristics, e.g., size distribution and morphology, of the TiN inclusions precipitated under different steel remelting conditions (e.g., Ti and N concentrations and cooling rate) are analyzed. The results indicate that the average TiN inclusion size is proportional to the Ti and N concentration product, and Ti shows larger effect on the TiN inclusion size than N. For the samples with heat treatment, the number percentage and average size of larger TiN inclusions decrease compared with reference sample. As heating temperature increases from 1150 to 1250 °C, the total TiN inclusion number decreases, and the number percentage and average size of larger TiN inclusions decrease. After heating, the sample with a higher cooling rate has a higher number percentage of finer inclusions and the average size of larger inclusions is smaller, indicating that increasing cooling rate is helpful to refining the TiN inclusions.
Boosting Mechanical Properties of W6Mo5Cr4V2 Alloy Fabricated by Directed Energy Deposition Through Tempering Heat Treatment
Authors: Chen Siyu , Liu Xingyu , Lei Jianbo , Zhu Lei , Wang Tao
Published: August 2023

The utilization of laser‐directed energy deposition (DED) for fabricating alloys offers the potential to customize their mechanical and physical properties, surpassing traditional casting limitations. Herein, a DED‐adopted flat‐top laser is applied in producing W6Mo5Cr4V2 alloy, a material widely used in mold making, double‐screw production, and crushing roller manufacturing. To minimize its residual stress and potential defects, and enhance the performance of the deposited sample, it undergoes tempering heat treatment at 560 °C for 1 h. According to the analysis results, the deposited W6Mo5Cr4V2 alloy is predominantly composed of martensite, carbide, and a minor amount of retained austenite. Upon tempering, the retained austenite transforms into martensite, effectively reinforcing the properties of the W6Mo5Cr4V2 alloy by precipitating secondary carbides. Furthermore, the microhardness value of the alloy increases by 12% after tempering heat treatment. Both adhesive and abrasive wear are observed during the friction and wear process, resulting in a 10% reduction in friction coefficient, thereby significantly improving the wear resistance of the W6Mo5Cr4V2 alloy. The average tensile strength of the heat‐treated W6Mo5Cr4V2 sample is 762.34 MPa, which is higher than the deposited sample's 646.6 MPa. Notably, the tensile fracture displays typical brittle characteristics.
Using Generative Artificial Intelligence for Language Education Research: Insights from Using OpenAI's ChatGPT
Authors: Pack Austin , Maloney Jeffrey
Published: August 2023

Progress made in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recent years has resulted in these tools becoming more accessible for individuals who lack professional training. Of particular note are large language models, such as OpenAI's GPT‐3.5. Discussions of utilizing AI for language education usually focus on the impact the technology will have on students and teachers. Less frequently the center of attention is how generative AI tools can empower researchers. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness by demonstrating and discussing examples of how OpenAI's chatbot, ChatGPT, can be leveraged as a tool for language education researchers. After briefly introducing the use of AI generative tools in the field, this paper demonstrates how a researcher, without any understanding of NLP or AI, may use ChatGPT to assist with research through multiple means, including approaches to its use for compiling and summarizing information, and as a research assistant throughout multiple steps of research. This is followed by a discussion of potential ethical concerns of using AI for research in the field. We conclude by issuing a call for further work examining how researchers can harness the potential of this technology in ethical ways.
Integrated Diagnostics: The Future of Diagnostic Medicine?
Authors: Plebani Mario , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

Recent progress in diagnostic testing could enable more accurate diagnosis and improved clinical outcomes. However, diagnostic data are fragmented, being produced and delivered within the “silo” of each diagnostic discipline, and the electronic health record does little to synthesize existing data to be translated into usable and actionable information. Therefore, despite great promise, diagnoses may still be incorrect, delayed, or never made. Integrated diagnostics represents a vision for the future, wherein laboratory, pathology and imaging data, together with clinical information, are aggregated to support through expert systems, algorithms based on machine learning and artificial intelligence the provision to clinicians of a more actionable diagnostic information. The possible convergence of laboratory, pathology, and imaging test results within the same medical report is, therefore, a valuable goal to foster earlier and more accurate diagnoses, and personalized medicine.
Biochemical Diagnosis of Thyroid Dysfunctions
Authors: Giovanella Luca , D’Aurizio Federica , Ovčariček Petra Petranović
Published: August 2023

Thyroid dysfunctions are among the most common endocrine disorders and accurate biochemical testing is integral to assess thyroid patients. Notably, true hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in the setting of a normal thyroid-stimulating hormone level are highly unlikely, making the assessment of free thyroxine (FT4) inappropriate in most new cases. However, FT4 measurement is pivotal in both the diagnosis and management of relevant central dysfunctions (central hypothyroidism and central hyperthyroidism) as well as for monitoring therapy in hyperthyroid patients treated with antithyroid drugs or radioiodine.

Serum free triiodothyronine (FT3) measurement, however, rarely adds clinically relevant information with the exception of patients with suppressed TSH and normal FT4 levels, in order to confirm or exclude the so-called T3-toxicosis, generally observed in patients with autonomously functioning thyroid nodules and potentially associate with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. However, technical and interpretative challenges still remain making bidirectional communication between the laboratory and clinical specialists pivotal to properly select reliable methods, establish clinically appropriate reference intervals, investigate discordant results, and monitor the analytical and clinical performances of different methods over time.
Breaking and Fixing Garbled Circuits When a Gate has Duplicate Input Wires
Authors: Nieminen Raine , Schneider Thomas
Published: August 2023

Garbled circuits are a fundamental cryptographic primitive that allows two or more parties to securely evaluate an arbitrary Boolean circuit without revealing any information beyond the output using a constant number of communication rounds. Garbled circuits have been introduced by Yao (FOCS’86) and generalized to the multi-party setting by Beaver, Micali and Rogaway (STOC’90). Since then, several works have improved their efficiency by providing different garbling schemes and several implementations exist. Starting with the seminal Fairplay compiler (USENIX Security’04), several implementation frameworks decoupled the task of compiling the function to be evaluated into a Boolean circuit from the engine that securely evaluates that circuit, e.g., using a secure two-party computation protocol based on garbled circuits. In this paper, we show that this decoupling of circuit generation and evaluation allows a subtle attack on several prominent garbling schemes. It occurs when violating the implicit assumption on the circuit that gates have different input wires which is most often not explicitly specified in the respective papers. The affected garbling schemes use separate calls to a deterministic encryption function for the left and right input wire of a gate to derive pseudo-random encryption pads that are XORed together. When a circuit contains a gate where the left and right input wire are the same, these two per-wire encryption pads cancel out and we demonstrate that this can result in a complete break of privacy. We show how the vulnerable garbling schemes can be fixed easily.
Generic Gröbner basis of a parametric ideal and its application to a comprehensive Gröbner system
Authors: Nabeshima Katsusuke
Published: August 2023

A relationship between a parametric ideal and its generic Gröbner basis is discussed, and a new stability condition of a Gröbner basis is given. It is shown that the ideal quotient of the parametric ideal by the ideal generated using the generic Gröbner basis provides the stability condition. Further, the stability condition is utilized to compute a comprehensive Gröbner system, and hence as an application, we obtain a new algorithm for computing comprehensive Gröbner systems. The proposed algorithm has been implemented in the computer algebra system Risa/Asir and experimented with a number of examples. Its performance (execution timings) has been compared with the Kapur-Sun-Wang’s algorithm for computing comprehensive Gröbner systems.
Spectrum of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) including renal parenchymal malformations during fetal life and the implementation of prenatal exome sequencing (WES)
Authors: Koenigbauer Josefine Theresia , Fangmann Laura , Reinhardt Charlotte , Weichert Alexander , Henrich Wolfgang , Saskia Biskup , Gabriel Heinz-Peter
Published: August 2023

Objectives and background

Congenital malformations of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) have a prevalence of 4–60 in 10,000 livebirths and constitute for 40–50% of all end stage pediatric kidney disease. CAKUT can have a genetic background due to monogenetic inherited disease, such as PKD or ciliopathies. They can also be found in combination with extra-renal findings as part of a syndrome. Upon detection of genitourinary malformations during the fetal anomaly scan the question arises if further genetic testing is required. The purpose of this study was to determine the phenotypic presentation of CAKUT cases and the results of exome analysis (WES).

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of 63 fetal cases with a diagnosis of CAKUT or DSD at a single center between August 2018 and December 2022.

Results

A total of 63 cases (5.6%) out of 1123 matched CAKUT phenotypes including renal parenchyma malformations. In 15 out of 63 WES analysis a pathogenic variant was detected (23.8%). In fetuses with isolated CAKUT the rate of detecting a pathogenic variant on exome sequencing was five out of 44 (11.4%). Ten out of 19 fetuses (52.6%) that displayed extra-renal findings in combination with CAKUT were diagnosed with a pathogenic variant.

Conclusions

WES provides an increase in diagnosing pathogenic variants in cases of prenatally detected CAKUT. Especially in fetuses with extra-renal malformations, WES facilitates a gain in information on the fetal genotype to enhance prenatal counselling and management.
More than just blood, saliva, or sperm—setup of a workflow for body fluid identification by DNA methylation analysis
Authors: Konrad Helen , Jürgens Leandra , Hartung Benno , Poetsch Micaela
Published: August 2023

Abstract

The determination of cellular origin of DNA is a useful method in forensic genetics and complements identification of the DNA donor by STR analysis, since it could provide helpful information for the reconstruction of crime scenes and verify or disprove the descriptions of involved people. There already exist several rapid/pre-tests for several secretions (blood, sperm secretion, saliva, and urine), RNA-based expression analyses (blood, menstrual blood, saliva, vaginal secretion, nasal secretion, and sperm secretion), or specific CpG methylation analyses (nasal blood, blood, saliva, vaginal secretion, nasal secretion, and sperm secretion) for determining the cell type.

To identify and to discriminate seven different body fluids and mixtures thereof in a simple workflow from each other, assays based on specific methylation patterns at several CpGs combined with pre-/rapid tests were set up in this study. For each of the seven secretions listed above, we selected the CpG marker achieving the highest possible discrimination (out of 30 markers tested). Validation studies confirmed a definite identification for saliva, vaginal secretion, and semen secretion in 100% of samples as well as discrimination from all other secretions. Moreover, the unambiguously correctly determined proportion of nasal samples, blood and menstrual blood varied between 61% (nasal blood) and 85% (nasal secretion).

In summary, our workflow proved to be an easy and useful tool in forensic analysis for the identification and discrimination of seven different body fluids often found at a crime scene.
A case study in applying artificial intelligence-based named entity recognition to develop an automated ophthalmic disease registry
Authors: Macri Carmelo Z , Teoh Sheng Chieh , Bacchi Stephen , Tan Ian , Casson Robert , Sun Michelle T , Selva Dinesh , Chan WengOnn
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Purpose

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI)-based named entity extraction (NER) have improved the ability to extract diagnostic entities from unstructured, narrative, free-text data in electronic health records. However, there is a lack of ready-to-use tools and workflows to encourage the use among clinicians who often lack experience and training in AI. We sought to demonstrate a case study for developing an automated registry of ophthalmic diseases accompanied by a ready-to-use low-code tool for clinicians.

Methods

We extracted deidentified electronic clinical records from a single centre’s adult outpatient ophthalmology clinic from November 2019 to May 2022. We used a low-code annotation software tool (Prodigy) to annotate diagnoses and train a bespoke spaCy NER model to extract diagnoses and create an ophthalmic disease registry.

Results

A total of 123,194 diagnostic entities were extracted from 33,455 clinical records. After decapitalisation and removal of non-alphanumeric characters, there were 5070 distinct extracted diagnostic entities. The NER model achieved a precision of 0.8157, recall of 0.8099, and F score of 0.8128.

Conclusion

We presented a case study using low-code artificial intelligence-based NLP tools to produce an automated ophthalmic disease registry. The workflow created a NER model with a moderate overall ability to extract diagnoses from free-text electronic clinical records. We have produced a ready-to-use tool for clinicians to implement this low-code workflow in their institutions and encourage the uptake of artificial intelligence methods for case finding in electronic health records.
Periodic solutions in next generation neural field models
Authors: Laing Carlo R. , Omel’chenko Oleh E.
Published: August 2023

We consider a next generation neural field model which describes the dynamics of a network of theta neurons on a ring. For some parameters the network supports stable time-periodic solutions. Using the fact that the dynamics at each spatial location are described by a complex-valued Riccati equation we derive a self-consistency equation that such periodic solutions must satisfy. We determine the stability of these solutions, and present numerical results to illustrate the usefulness of this technique. The generality of this approach is demonstrated through its application to several other systems involving delays, two-population architecture and networks of Winfree oscillators.