bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A data‐driven assessment of mobile operator service quality in Ghana
Authors: Choi Bong Jun , Brown Suzana , Komey Nii Ayitey 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe rapid proliferation of mobile services has increased the need for data‐driven oversight of service quality, yet deriving insights from regulator‐collected datasets remains challenging. This study demonstrates techniques to tap the rich potential of drive test measurement data for analytical regulatory and policy decision‐making. Focusing on leading operator MTN in Ghana, we analyzed 4 years of drive test data supplied by the telecom regulator for the capital city of Accra. Three key performance indicators were evaluated—coverage, call setup time, and speech quality. We assessed service quality trends through statistical summaries, data visualization, and machine learning modeling and predicted speech quality scores. Our analysis revealed deteriorating performance post‐2019 and found that the light gradient boosting machine algorithm provided the highest accuracy predictions of speech quality. Overall, this work showcases how regulators can capitalize on vast datasets using big data mining techniques to evaluate network conditions over time and geography, enhancing field measurements for oversight. Our approach and techniques provide a template for evidence‐based policy‐making to uphold consumer service quality as mobile networks evolve.
C/EBPα alleviates hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion injury by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress via HDAC1‐mediated deacetylation of ATF4
Authors: Li Rong , Yang Longbao , Li Shunle , Chen Shuo , Ren Yifan , Shen Lin , Dong Lei , Chen Xi , Li Junhui , Xu Meng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHepatic ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) injury is a complex systemic process causing a series clinical problem. C/EBPα is a key transcription factor for hepatocyte function, but its role and mechanism in regulating hepatic IR injury are largely unknown. Occluding portal vein and hepatic artery was used to establish a mouse model of hepatic IR injury. C/EBPα expression was decreased in IR‐injured liver compared with the sham, accompanied by increased contents of serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), high mobility group box‐1, and proportion of hepatic cells. Oxygen and glucose deprivation/recovery (OGD/R) was used to establish a cellular hepatic IR model in WRL‐68 hepatocytes in vitro, and C/EBPα was overexpressed in the hepatocytes to evaluate its effect on hepatic IR injury. OGD/R promoted oxidative stress, cell apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in hepatocytes, which was reversed by C/EBPα overexpression. Then, we found that C/EBPα promoted histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) transcription through binding to HDAC1 promoter. Moreover, HDAC1 deacetylated the activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), a key positive regulator of ER stress. Trichostatin‐A (an HDAC inhibitor) or ATF4 overexpression reversed the improvement of C/EBPα on OGD/R‐induced ER stress and hepatocyte dysfunction. 4‐Phenylbutyric acid (an endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor) also reversed the hepatic IR injury induced by ATF4 overexpression. Finally, lentivirus‐mediated C/EBPα overexpression vector was applied to administrate hepatic IR mice, and the results showed that C/EBPα overexpression ameliorated IR‐induced hepatic injury, manifesting with reduced ALT/AST, oxidative stress and ER stress. Altogether, our findings suggested that C/EBPα ameliorated hepatic IR injury by inhibiting ER stress via HDAC1‐mediated deacetylation of ATF4 promoter.
Cyberattacks, cash conversion cycle, and corporate performance
Authors: Harris Oneil , Nguyen Trung 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study examines the effect of working capital efficiency on the performance of firms that experience cyberattacks. We find robust evidence that an aggressive working capital policy improves the immediate and after‐market stock returns as well as the operating performance of firms that suffer an outside party or a malware hacker attack. Specifically, we document a negative relationship between announcement period abnormal returns and the industry‐adjusted cash conversion cycle, implying that investors react less favorably when breached firms have more conservative working capital policies. We also find a negative association between the cash cycle and long‐horizon buy‐and‐hold abnormal returns indicating that working capital efficacy has a protracted positive effect on stock performance after an attack. The cash conversion cycle is also negatively related to operating performance, as measured by industry‐adjusted market power, industry‐adjusted return on assets, and industry‐adjusted market‐to‐book ratio. In addition, we find that access to trade credit and the ability to delay payments made to suppliers (depicted via days’ payables outstanding) are the most important factors in helping breached firms mitigate the financial and operating costs of cyberattacks. Overall, our results are robust to endogeneity concerns and expand the literature on the firm‐level aspects of data breaches.
An efficient enzyme cascade bio‐platform based on metal‐organic frameworks nanozyme for the detection of glucose
Authors: Sang Xiao 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveEnzyme cascade reaction typically involves the synergistic action of two or more enzymes. It is an efficient tool in the field of biosensing. In this research, with the combination of natural enzyme and nanozyme, a high‐performance enzyme cascade bio‐platform is constructed for sensing of H2O2 and glucose.MethodsThe enzyme cascade bio‐platform consisting of natural enzyme glucose oxidase (GOX) and nanozyme (hemin@ZIF‐8) was constructed through one‐step co‐precipitation method. The morphology and structure of the composites were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. UV‐vis spectrophotometer was used to research the catalytic activity and sensing performances of enzyme cascade bio‐platform.ResultsThe synergistic catalysis between hemin and ZIF‐8 in hemin@ZIF‐8 nanozyme resulted in highly efficient peroxidase‐like activity, which could be used for H2O2 sensing. The porous structure of the metal‐organic framework provided a good microenvironment for loading the natural enzyme, guaranteeing the enzyme activity and spatial proximity of enzymes. The bio‐platform achieved the sensitive detection of glucose with low detection limit of 7.15 μM. Due to the color change in the catalytic reaction, this bio‐platform can be used for detecting glucose qualitatively and semi‐quantitatively with the naked eye.ConclusionsThe constructed efficient enzyme cascade bio‐platform combined the advantages of natural enzyme and nanozyme. This research not only expanded the application possibilities of nanozyme‐based enzyme cascade system, but also offered an effective strategy for the development of simple, rapid and reliable sensing methods for real application.
Pyruvate carboxylase deficiency type C; variable presentation and beneficial effect of triheptanoin
Authors: Bernhardt I. , Van Dorp L. , Dixon M. , McSweeney M. , Gan C. , Baruteau J. , Chakrapani A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPyruvate carboxylase is a mitochondrial enzyme essential for the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), gluconeogenesis and fatty‐acid synthesis. Pyruvate carboxylase deficiency (PCD) mostly presents with life‐limiting encephalopathy (types A/B). A milder type C presentation is rare, with a comparatively favourable prognosis. Therapies remain essentially supportive. Triheptanoin is an odd‐chain triglyceride, with the potential to replenish TCA intermediates (anaplerosis), and its metabolites cross the blood–brain‐barrier. Outcomes of triheptanoin treatment in PCD types A/B have been disappointing, but have not been reported in type C. Here, we present two new patients with PCD type C, and report the response to treatment with triheptanoin in one. Patient 1 (P1) presented with neonatal‐onset lactic acidosis and recurrent symptomatic lactic acidosis following exercise and during illnesses, with frequent hospitalisations. Speech development was delayed. MRI‐brain showed delayed cerebral myelination. Patient 2 (P2) presented with episodic ketoacidosis, hyperlactataemia and hypoglycaemia at 2 years of age, with gross motor delay and mild global volume loss on MRI brain. Treatment with triheptanoin was commenced in P1 at 3 years of age with up‐titration to 35 mL/day (25% of daily energy intake) over 6 months, due to transient diarrhoea. Dietary long‐chain triglycerides were restricted, with fat‐soluble vitamin supplementation. Subsequently, hospitalisations during intercurrent illnesses decreased, post‐exertional hyperlactataemia resolved and exercise tolerance improved. Continued developmental progress was observed, and repeat MRI 18 months after initiation showed improved myelination. Triheptanoin was well‐tolerated and appeared efficacious during 2 years' follow‐up, and has potential to restore energy homeostasis and myelin synthesis in PCD type C.
Deregulated mitochondrial quality control, the heel of Achilles in elucidating the role of autophagy in SARM1‐mediated axon degeneration
Authors: Wang Shuai , Zhang Yifan , Song Mingxue , Zhao Xiulan , Song Fuyong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAutophagic dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases is being extensively studied, yet the exact mechanism of macroautophagy/autophagy in axon degeneration is still elusive. A recent study by Kim et al. links autophagic stress to the sterile α and toll/interleukin 1 receptor motif containing protein 1 (SARM1)‐dependent core axonal degeneration program, providing a new insight into the role of autophagy in axon degeneration. In the classical Wallerian axon degeneration model of axotomy, disruption of axonal transport destroys the coordinated activity of pro‐survival and pro‐degenerative factors in the axoplasm and activates the NADase activity of SARM1, thus triggering the axonal self‐destruction program. However, the mechanism for SARM1 activation in the chronic neurodegenerative disorders is more complex. Mitochondrial defects and oxidative stress contribute to the activation of SARM1, while mitophagy can inhibit mitochondrial dysfunction and promote the clearance of SARM1 on mitochondria, thus protecting against neuronal degeneration. Therefore, in‐depth elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of mitophagy during axonal degeneration can help develop promising strategies for the prevention and treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders.
Duodenal obstruction: A rare complication of severe acute pancreatitis in children
Authors: Leclercq Olivier , Lecomte Laurie , Stephenne Xavier , Scheers Isabelle 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDuodenal obstruction (DO) is an uncommon complication of pancreatitis. It has been described in groove and severe acute and chronic pancreatitis in adults but, to the best of our knowledge, it has not yet been reported in pediatric acute pancreatitis. Current guidelines comment on management of several early and late‐onset complications, but DO is not mentioned. We describe two patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis who presented with several complications including walled‐off necrosis and DO. In adults, DO is generally managed with adapted nutrition but may require surgical bypass, such as gastroenterostomy. Our patients were managed conservatively and fully recovered 2 months after DO diagnosis. DO may require lengthy hospitalizations and markedly restrict patients' quality of life; however, prolonged conservative treatment was effective in our patients and should be considered even in severe pediatric cases.
Neurometabolism and brain morphometry in an adolescent female with an extra‐hepatic congenital portosystemic shunt
Authors: Chabbey Isaline , Cudalbu Cristina , Barras Eugénie , Hanquinet Sylviane , Maréchal Bénédicte , Rougemont Anne‐Laure , Wacker Julie , Zangas‐Gheri Florence , McLin Valérie A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundChronic hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) has been reported both in patients with congenital porto‐systemic shunts (CPSS) and chronic liver disease. CHE is difficult to recognize in children as there is no clear definition and its manifestations are highly variable. CHE is associated with variations in brain volumes and metabolites that have already been demonstrated using 1.5‐3T MRI systems. However, the in‐depth study of brain metabolism requires the high spectral resolution of high magnetic fields.Objectives and MethodsWe analyzed the neurometabolic profile, brain volumes and T1 relaxation times of a child with a CPSS using high field proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS, 7T) combined with MRI and compared it to an age‐matched control group. We also evaluated the impact of shunt closure on neurocognitive symptoms using adapted neuropsychological tests.Results7T MRS revealed a significant increase in glutamine compared to controls, a decrease in brain osmolytes, and a slight elevation in NAA concentrations. 7T MRI scans showed morphological abnormalities but no changes in the signal intensity of the globus pallidus. Neurocognitive testing revealed attention deficit disorder, language difficulties, and mild intellectual disability. Most of these areas improved after shunt closure.ConclusionsIn this paediatric case of type B HE with normal fasting ammonia, neurometabolic profile was compatible with what has been previously shown in chronic liver disease, while also demonstrating an isolated glutamine peak. In addition, neurocognitive function partially improved after shunt closure, arguing strongly for shunt closure in both presymptomatic and symptomatic patients.
Mitigating biomass recalcitrance for plant‐based bioenergy production
Authors: Ninkuu Vincent , Liu Zhixin , Zhou Yaping , Guo Enzhi , Song Xiao , Gao Peibo , Xie Yajia , Sun Xuwu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe emission of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, predominantly from fossil fuel combustion has received critical warnings several times as their levels exceed the tolerable limits in view of global warming. This calls for a paradigm shift from a fossil fuel‐based source to a less hazardous bioenergy source. Plant feedstock is an attractive source of raw materials for bioenergy production; however, chemical or enzymatic digestion of the feedstock is expensive owing to the supramolecular lignocellulosic barrier, indicating the need for better alternatives. Several attempts have been made towards reducing the biomass recalcitrance of straw using genetic transformations. We present a review highlighting potential plant candidates for bioenergy production, the lignocellulose composition of the feedstock, how the composition can impede enzymatic degradation, the regulation of lignocellulose polymer biosynthesis, and the influence of genetic transformation on biomass saccharification. Moreover, the review also discusses conflicting research interests in biomass recalcitrance and suggests a common ground. The review findings suggest that bioenergy production from crop straws will drastically reduce over‐dependence on fossil fuels and consequently pollution levels.
Multiscale Monte Carlo simulations for dosimetry in x‐ray breast imaging: Part I ‐ Macroscopic scales
Authors: Massera Rodrigo T. , Tomal Alessandra , Thomson Rowan M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundX‐ray breast imaging modalities are commonly employed for breast cancer detection, from screening programs to diagnosis. Thus, dosimetry studies are important for quality control and risk estimation since ionizing radiation is used.PurposeTo perform multiscale dosimetry assessments for different breast imaging modalities and for a variety of breast sizes and compositions. The first part of our study is focused on macroscopic scales (down to millimeters).MethodsNine anthropomorphic breast phantoms with a voxel resolution of 0.5 mm were computationally generated using the BreastPhantom software, representing three breast sizes with three distinct values of volume glandular fraction (VGF) for each size. Four breast imaging modalities were studied: digital mammography (DM), contrast‐enhanced digital mammography (CEDM), digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and dedicated breast computed tomography (BCT). Additionally, the impact of tissue elemental compositions from two databases were compared. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were performed with the MC‐GPU code to obtain the 3D glandular dose distribution (GDD) for each case considered with the mean glandular dose (MGD) fixed at 4 mGy (to facilitate comparisons).ResultsThe GDD within the breast is more uniform for CEDM and BCT compared to DM and DBT. For large breasts and high VGF, the ratio between the minimum/maximum glandular dose to MGD is 0.12/4.02 for DM and 0.46/1.77 for BCT; the corresponding results for a small breast and low VGF are 0.35/1.98 (DM) and 0.63/1.42 (BCT). The elemental compositions of skin, adipose and glandular tissue have a considerable impact on the MGD, with variations up to 30% compared to the baseline. The inclusion of tissues other than glandular and adipose within the breast has a minor impact on MGD, with differences below 2%. Variations in the final compressed breast thickness alter the shape of the GDD, with a higher compression resulting in a more uniform GDD.ConclusionsFor a constant MGD, the GDD varies with imaging modality and breast compression. Elemental tissue compositions are an important factor for obtaining MGD values, being a source of systematic uncertainties in MC simulations and, consequently, in breast dosimetry.
Modeling and solving a multi‐objective optimal portfolio of upstream oil and gas assets
Authors: Yan Wei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper focuses on optimizing project investments in oil and gas companies. It proposes a multi‐objective method for investing in oil and gas assets, considering factors such as scale and efficiency. The model takes into account the presence of nonlinear equations and integer constraints, and establishes a nonlinear multi‐objective mixed integer programming portfolio model for oil and gas. The weights of multiple objectives are determined using support vector machines. The optimization model incorporates the displacement transfer concept of particle swarm optimizer and the mutation operation of genetic algorithm using the transfer strategy of Gaussian particle swarm. The effectiveness of the model and algorithm is demonstrated through two examples.
Transformer‐based 2D/3D medical image registration for X‐ray to CT via anatomical features
Authors: Qu Feng , Zhang Min , Shi Weili , He Wei , Jiang Zhengang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground2D/3D medical image registration is one of the key technologies for surgical navigation systems to perform pose estimation and achieve accurate positioning, which still remains challenging. The purpose of this study is to introduce a new method for X‐ray to CT 2D/3D registration and conduct a feasibility study.MethodsIn this study, a 2D/3D affine registration method based on feature point detection is investigated. It combines the morphological and edge features of spinal images to accurately extract feature points from the images, and uses graph neural networks to aggregate anatomical features of different points to increase the local detail information. Meanwhile, global and positional information are extracted by the Swin Transformer.ResultsThe results indicate that the proposed method has shown improvements in both accuracy and success ratio compared with other methods. The mean target registration error value reached up to 0.31 mm; meanwhile, the runtime overhead was much lower, achieving an average runtime of about 0.6 s. This ultimately improves the registration accuracy and efficiency, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed method.ConclusionsThe proposed method can provide more comprehensive image information and shows good prospects for pose estimation and achieving accurate positioning in surgical navigation systems.
Bright and Stable Yellow Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes Through Core–Shell Nanostructure Engineering
Authors: Li Saifei , Xu Xiongping , Lin Qingli , Sun Jiahui , Zhang Han , Shen Huaibin , Li Lin Song , Wang Lei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSolution‐processed and efficient yellow quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) are considered key optoelectronic devices for lighting, display, and signal indication. However, limited synthesis routes for yellow quantum dots (QDs), combined with inferior stress‐relaxation of the core–shell interface, pose challenges to their commercialization. Herein, a nanostructure tailoring strategy for high‐quality yellow CdZnSe/ZnSe/ZnS core/shell QDs using a “stepwise high‐temperature nucleation‐shell growth” method is introduced. The synthesized CdZnSe‐based QDs effectively smoothed the release stress of the core–shell interface and revealed a near‐unit photoluminescence quantum yield, with nonblinking behavior and matched energy level, which accelerated radiative recombination and charge injection balance for device operation. Consequently, the yellow CdZnSe‐based QLEDs exhibited a peak external quantum efficiency of 23.7%, a maximum luminance of 686 050 cd m−2, and a current efficiency of 103.2 cd A−1, along with an operating half‐lifetime of 428 523 h at 100 cd m−2. To the best of the knowledge, the luminance and operational stability of the device are found to be the highest values reported for yellow LEDs. Moreover, devices with electroluminescence (EL) peaks at 570–605 nm exhibited excellent EQEs, surpassing 20%. The work is expected to significantly push the development of RGBY‐based display panels and white LEDs.
Architecting the Microenvironment Skeleton of Active Materials in High‐Capacity Electrodes by Self‐Assembled Nano‐Building Blocks
Authors: Zhu Zhiwei , Wu Dichen , Feng Lanxiang , He Xuewei , Hu Ting , Ye Ang , Fu Xuewei , Yang Wei , Wang Yu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn analogy to the cell microenvironment in biology, understanding and controlling the active‐material microenvironment (ME@AM) microstructures in battery electrodes is essential to the successes of energy storage devices. However, this is extremely difficult for especially high‐capacity active materials (AMs) like sulfur, due to the poor controlling on the electrode microstructures. To conquer this challenge, here, a semi‐dry strategy based on self‐assembled nano‐building blocks is reported to construct nest‐like robust ME@AM skeleton in a solvent‐and‐stress‐less way. To do that, poly(vinylidene difluoride) nanoparticle binder is coated onto carbon‐nanofibers (NB@CNF) via the nanostorm technology developed in the lab, to form self‐assembled nano‐building blocks in the dry slurry. After compressed into an electrode prototype, the self‐assembled dry‐slurry is then bonded by in‐situ nanobinder solvation. With this strategy, mechanically strong thick sulfur electrodes are successfully fabricated without cracking and exhibit high capacity and good C‐rate performance even at a high AM loading (25.0 mg cm−2 by 90 wt% in the whole electrode). This study may not only bring a promising solution to dry manufacturing of batteries, but also uncover the ME@AM structuring mechanism with nano‐binder for guiding the design and control on electrode microstructures.