bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility study of multiple‐energy Bragg peak proton FLASH on a superconducting gantry with large momentum acceptance
Authors: Zeng Yiling , Li Heng , Wang Wei , Liu Xu , Qin Bin , Dai Shuyang , Pang Bo , Liu Muyu , Quan Hong , Yang Kunyu , Chang Yu , Yang Zhiyong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundWhile the Bragg peak proton beam (BP) is capable of superior target conformity and organs‐at‐risk sparing than the transmission proton beam (TB), its efficacy in FLASH‐RT is hindered by both a slow energy switching process and the beam current. A universal range shifter (URS) can pull back the high‐energy proton beam while preserving the beam current. Meanwhile, a superconducting gantry with large momentum acceptance (LMA‐SC gantry) enables fast energy switching.PurposeThis study explores the feasibility of multiple‐energy BP FLASH‐RT on the LMA‐SC gantry.Method and MaterialsA simultaneous dose and spot map optimization algorithm was developed for BP FLASH‐RT treatment planning to improve the dose delivery efficiency. The URS was designed to be 0–27 cm thick, with 1 cm per step. BP plans using the URS were optimized using single‐field optimization (SFO) and multiple‐field optimization (MFO) for ten prostate cancer patients and ten lung cancer patients. The plan delivery parameters, dose, and dose rate metrics of BP plans were compared to those of TB plans using the parameters of the LMA‐SC gantry.ResultsCompared to TB plans, BP plans significantly reduced MUs by 42.7% (P < 0.001) with SFO and 33.3% (P < 0.001) with MFO for prostate cases. For lung cases, the reduction in MUs was 56.8% (P < 0.001) with SFO and 36.4% (P < 0.001) with MFO. BP plans also outperformed TB plans by reducing mean normal tissue doses. BP‐SFO plans achieved a reduction of 56.7% (P < 0.001) for prostate cases and 57.7% (P < 0.001) for lung cases, while BP‐MFO plans achieved a reduction of 54.2% (P < 0.001) for the prostate case and 40.0% (P < 0.001) for lung cases. For both TB and BP plans, normal tissues in prostate and lung cases received 100.0% FLASH dose rate coverage (>40 Gy/s).ConclusionsBy utilizing the URS and the LMA‐SC gantry, it is possible to perform multiple‐energy BP FLASH‐RT, resulting in better normal tissue sparing, as compared to TB plans.
Thermal consolidation of layered saturated soil under time‐dependent loadings and heating considering interfacial flow contact resistance effect
Authors: Xie Jiahao , Wen Minjie , Tu Yuan , Wu Dazhi , Liu Kaifu , Tang Kejie 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDue to the presence of tiny gaps at the interface of two layers of saturated soil, water seepage occurs at a slower rate within these gaps, resulting in laminar flow at the interface. Based on the Hagen‐Poiseuille law, a general imperfect flow contact model was established for layered saturated soil interfaces by introducing the flow contact transfer coefficient Rω and the flow partition coefficient ηω. The investigation focused on the thermal consolidation behavior of layered saturated soil foundations under variable loadings considering the flow contact resistance effect at the interface. By employing the Laplace transform and its inverse transform, a semi‐analytical solution for the thermal consolidation of layered saturated soil foundations was derived. In the context of a two‐layer soil system, the effects of Rω, ηω, and permeability coefficient k on the consolidation process were examined. The obtained results were then compared with three other interfacial contact models, thereby confirming the rationality of the presented model. The study findings revealed that the flow contact resistance effect leads to a clear jump in the pore water pressure. Furthermore, an increase in Rω and a decrease in ηω were found to significantly enhance displacement and pore water pressure, while having minimal impact on the temperature increment. These insights contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the thermal consolidation behavior of layered saturated soil foundations and underscore the significance of accounting for the flow contact resistance effect in such analyses.
A coupled phase‐field method (PFM) and thermo‐hydro‐mechanics (THM) based framework for analyzing saturated ice‐rich porous materials
Authors: Kebria Mahyar Malekzade , Na SeonHong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study proposes a novel framework for ice‐rich saturated porous media using the phase‐field method (PFM) coupled with a thermo‐hydro‐mechanical (THM) formulation. By incorporating the PFM and THM approaches based on the continuum theory, we focus on the mechanical responses of fully saturated porous media under freeze‐thaw conditions. The phase transition between liquid water and crystalline ice can be explicitly expressed as captured by evaluating the internal energy and implementing thermal, mechanical, and hydraulic couplings at a diffused interface using PFM. Accurately modeling the coupled mechanical behaviors of ice and soil presents significant challenges. Therefore, in previous numerical frameworks, ad hoc constitutive models were adopted to phenomenologically estimate the overall behavior of frozen soil. To address this, we employ a method that differentiates between the kinematics of the solid and ice constituents, enabling our framework to accommodate distinct constitutive models for each constituent. Within this framework, we naturally introduce anisotropy of frozen soil as it undergoes the freezing process by integrating a transversely isotropic plastic constitutive model for ice. We illustrate the capabilities of our proposed approach through numerical examples, demonstrating its effectiveness in modeling the phase transition process and revealing the overall anisotropic responses of frozen soil.
Practical sketching‐based randomized tensor ring decomposition
Authors: Yu Yajie , Li Hanyu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBased on sketching techniques, we propose two practical randomized algorithms for tensor ring (TR) decomposition. Specifically, on the basis of defining new tensor products and investigating their properties, the two algorithms are devised by applying the Kronecker sub‐sampled randomized Fourier transform and TensorSketch to the alternating least squares subproblems derived from the minimization problem of TR decomposition. From the former, we find an algorithmic framework based on random projection for randomized TR decomposition. We compare our proposals with the existing methods using both synthetic and real data. Numerical results show that they have quite decent performance in accuracy and computing time.
Mechanical and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer composite with carbon nanotubes addition
Authors: Singh Aditya Pratap , Zafar Sunny , Suman Siddharth , Pathak Himanshu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMechanical and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties are investigated for developed synthesized green composite. The varying content of kenaf fiber‐reinforced high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composite has been fabricated using microwave‐assisted compression molding techniques with and without the addition of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). X band range has been used for EMI shielding characterization. Optimization for mechanical strength has been done using tensile test, impact test, and translaminar fracture toughness test. Fractography by scanning electron and optical microscopy concluded that interfacial adhesion between kenaf fiber and HDPE matrix and the degree of ductility of the matrix are primary governing factors for change in mechanical properties. The differential scanning calorimetry confirmed no change in the degree of crystallization of the matrix with the addition of MWCNTs. Composite with EMI shielding effect above 30 dB along with superior mechanical properties is obtained at 16% (v/v) kenaf fiber content with the addition of 5% (wt.) conductive MWCNTs for possible application in electronic equipment casing, overhead bin, or unmanned aerial vehicles.
Defining the relationship between cellular and extracellular vesicle (EV) content in breast cancer via an integrative multi‐omic analysis
Authors: Lane Rebecca E. , Korbie Darren , Khanna Kum Kum , Mohamed Ahmed , Hill Michelle M. , Trau Matt 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMuch recent research has been dedicated to exploring the utility of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as circulating disease biomarkers. Underpinning this work is the assumption that the molecular cargo of EVs directly reflects the originating cell. Few attempts have been made, however, to empirically validate this on the ‐omic level. To this end, we have performed an integrative multi‐omic analysis of a panel of breast cancer cell lines and corresponding EVs. Whole transcriptome analysis validated that the cellular transcriptome remained stable when cultured cells are transitioned to low serum or serum‐free medium for EV collection. Transcriptomic profiling of the isolated EVs indicated a positive correlation between transcript levels in cells and EVs, including disease‐associated transcripts. Analysis of the EV proteome verified that HER2 protein is present in EVs, however neither the estrogen (ER) nor progesterone (PR) receptor proteins are detected regardless of cellular expression. Using multivariate analysis, we derived an EV protein signature to infer cellular patterns of ER and HER2 expression, though the ER protein could not be directly detected. Integrative analyses affirmed that the EV proteome and transcriptome captured key phenotypic hallmarks of the originating cells, supporting the potential of EVs for non‐invasive monitoring of breast cancers.
Flash MS/MS proteotyping allows identifying microbial isolates in 36 s of mass spectrometry signal
Authors: Chabas Madisson , Gaillard Jean‐Charles , Alpha‐Bazin Béatrice , Armengaud Jean 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRapid identification of microorganisms is essential for medical diagnostics, sanitary controls, and food safety. High‐throughput analytical platforms currently rely on whole‐cell MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry to process hundreds of samples per day. Although this technology has become a reference method, it is unable to process most environmental isolates and opportunistic pathogens due to an incomplete experimental spectrum database. In most cases, its discriminating power is limited to the species taxonomical rank. By recording much more sequence information at the peptide level, proteotyping by tandem mass spectrometry is able to identify the taxonomic position of any microorganism in the tree of life and can be highly discriminating at the subspecies level. We propose here a methodology for ultra‐fast identification of microorganisms by tandem mass spectrometry based on direct sample infusion and a highly sensitive procedure for data processing and taxonomic identification. Results obtained on reference strains and hitherto uncharacterized bacterial isolates show identification to species level in 36 s of tandem mass spectrometry signal, 102 s when including the injection procedure. Flash proteotyping is highly discriminating, as it can provide information down to strain level. The methodology enables high throughput identification of isolates, opening up new prospects, particularly in culturomics, and diagnostics.
The genetic framework of primary ciliary dyskinesia assessed by soft computing analysis
Authors: Pifferi Massimo , Boner Attilio L. , Cangiotti Angela , Cudazzo Alessandro , Maj Debora , Gracci Serena , Michelucci Angela , Bertini Veronica , Piazza Michele , Valetto Angelo , Caligo Maria Adelaide , Peroni Diego , Bush Andrew 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundInternational guidelines disagree on how best to diagnose primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), not least because many tests rely on pattern recognition. We hypothesized that quantitative distribution of ciliary ultrastructural and motion abnormalities would detect most frequent PCD‐causing groups of genes by soft computing analysis.MethodsArchived data on transmission electron microscopy and high‐speed video analysis from 212 PCD patients were re‐examined to quantitate distribution of ultrastructural (10 parameters) and functional ciliary features (4 beat pattern and 2 frequency parameters). The correlation between ultrastructural and motion features was evaluated by blinded clustering analysis of the first two principal components, obtained from ultrastructural variables for each patient. Soft computing was applied to ultrastructure to predict ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and motion patterns by a regression model. Another model classified the patients into the five most frequent PCD‐causing gene groups, from their ultrastructure, CBF and beat patterns.ResultsThe patients were subdivided into six clusters with similar values to homologous ultrastructural phenotype, motion patterns, and CBF, except for clusters 1 and 4, attributable to normal ultrastructure. The regression model confirmed the ability to predict functional ciliary features from ultrastructural parameters. The genetic classification model identified most of the different groups of genes, starting from all quantitative parameters.ConclusionsApplying soft computing methodologies to PCD diagnostic tests optimizes their value by moving from pattern recognition to quantification. The approach may also be useful to evaluate atypical PCD, and novel genetic abnormalities of unclear disease‐producing potential in the future.
Credit rating agencies during credit crunch
Authors: Nejad Ali Ebrahim , Hoseinzade Saeid , Niazi Ali 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we study whether credit rating agencies (CRAs), as they claim, follow the rating through‐the‐cycle approach as opposed to a pro‐cyclical approach. In particular, we compare the behavior of CRAs during the credit crunch and normal market conditions. Using the credit rating data by S&P, we find that CRAs assign lower credit ratings to firms during credit crunch relative to normal times. Nevertheless, this result does not necessarily imply that CRAs show an excessively pro‐cyclical behavior if credit crunches have a long‐term fundamental impact on firms. Our further investigation reveals that downgrades during a credit crunch will not be reversed over the subsequent 1–5 years, which supports through‐the‐cycle credit rating.
ADP‐based robust consensus for multi‐agent systems with unknown dynamics and random uncertain channels
Authors: Xiong Chunping , Ma Qian , Zhou Guopeng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis article pursues the robust consensus for linear discrete‐time multi‐agent systems with unknown dynamics and random uncertain channels. Stochastic multiplicative uncertainties depending on relative states of agents inevitably appear in the signal transmission channels. To handle these uncertainties, the distributed robust controllers are designed. Before designing this robust controller, the optimal control problem of a single‐agent system is considered first. Based on the technology of adaptive dynamic programming, a model‐free off‐policy algorithm is proposed to solve the optimal controller for every agent with fully unknown system dynamics. According to the theory of mean square stability, it is revealed that the distributed robust controller can be obtained by using the optimal controller of the single‐agent system and other related parameters without relying on the dynamic information of the systems. Besides, the relationship between uncertainty and the robust controller is described by a sufficient condition. Finally, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis, a numerical example is presented.
Venture governance, CEO duality, and new venture performance
Authors: Li Mingxiang , Cao Zhi , Terjesen Siri 
Published: January 2024

AbstractResearch summaryHow a new venture improves performance when facing both principal and agency problems is an important yet understudied question. This study examines the effectiveness of CEO duality in mitigating the principal problem and enhancing entrepreneurial success. By granting more power to CEOs, CEO duality can alleviate the principal problem; however, CEO duality may simultaneously exacerbate CEOs' agency problems. Using manually collected panel data on 1403 newly established U.S. commercial banks, we find a positive relationship between CEO duality and new venture performance. The CEO duality–new venture performance relationship strengthens when CEOs are also founders of their firms and weakens when the share of corporate ownership reflects heavy investment by incumbent firms. Our findings highlight that venture governance needs to address principal and agency problems simultaneously.Managerial summaryLarge corporations typically face agency problems due to the separation of ownership and control such that managers do not act in the best interests of owners. New ventures tend to experience fewer agency problems because owners/principals are also likely to be managers/agents. New ventures often face severe principal problems due to directors' potential conflict of interests such as investments in rival companies. Our study suggests that new ventures can mitigate principal problems by appointing a CEO as the chair of the board of directors. Our longitudinal analysis of new U.S. commercial banks finds that this dual CEO‐chair structure leads to better performance. This relationship strengthens in the case of founder‐CEOs and weakens among new banks co‐founded by other large bank holding companies.
Electroless Deposition of Gold on a Glassy Carbon Electrode (GCE) Surface for Selective Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Imran Hossain Mohammad , Dutta Anim , Ahmed Jahir , Faisal Mohd , Algethami Jari S , Harraz Farid A. , Hasnat Mohammad A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractElectroless deposition technique was employed to coat the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with nanoparticles of gold (AuNPs). Afterward, sulfur (S) components were immobilized onto this AuNPs/GC electrode via an in‐situ chemisorption approach that considerably enhanced the catalytic activity, conductivity, and persistent durability of the electrode. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the modified electrode surface. The experimental results indicated that the S−AuNPs/GC electrode exhibits outstanding catalytic activity for the selective detection of H2O2 (HP). SWV measurements showed that the electrochemical sensor has a wide linear range of 10 to 2500 μM and a heightened sensitivity of 50.08 μA mM−1 cm−2. The proposed HP sensor demonstrated adequate repeatability and durability, as well as interference‐free quantitative analysis capability.
Photo‐catalytic Performance of MAPbI3/g‐C3N4 for Efficient Hydrogen Production under Visible Light
Authors: Ahmad Khursheed , Niyitanga Theophile , Chaudhary Archana , Khan Rais Ahmad , Kim Haekyoung 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRecently, hydrogen (H2) production via photocatalytic process has been received enormous attention of the scientific community globally. Perovskite materials such as methyl ammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) has excellent photovoltaic and photocatalytic properties and may be a promising photocatalyst for H2 production reaction. In this paper, we have designed and synthesized MAPbI3 perovskite embedded graphitic carbon nitride (MAPbI3@g‐C3N4) composite via benign approaches. The phase and crystalline nature was authenticated by powder X‐ray diffractometer. Morphological characteristics of the MAPbI3@g‐C3N4 composite was further checked by scanning electron microscope. The elemental composition and valence states of the MAPbI3@g‐C3N4 was determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Furthermore, MAPbI3@g‐C3N4 has been explored as photocatalyst for H2 production reaction using hypophosphorous acid (H3PO2) as stabilizing agent. Platinum (Pt) has been used as co‐catalyst. The reasonably good amount of H2 of 21.25 μmol/g was produced using MAPbI3 as photocatalyst. Further, improved H2 amount of 939.4 μmol/g was produced using MAPbI3@g‐C3N4. The MAPbI3@g‐C3N4 exhibited decent H2 production rate of 93.94 μmol/h/g. The excellent stability of the MAPbI3@g‐C3N4 offers its potential applications for reusable studies. This work proposed the potential application of MAPbI3@g‐C3N4 towards H2 generation applications.
Advancing Photoelectrochemical Systems: Unleashing the Remarkable Performance of In : SnO2/Nd4In5S13for Sustainable Energy Applications
Authors: Mahar Gul Mahwash , Shahzad Ahmad Khuram , Guy Thomas Andrew , Tawfeek Ahmed M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNeodymium Indium sulphide (Nd4In5S13) photoactive electrode was produced by spin‐coating for photoelectrochemical cell. The photoactive electrode is analysed for its crystalline, structural and elements makeup in addition to its optical and electrical responses. A 56 nm sized orthorhombic crystallite was found and geometrical compact structures were observed. The presence of chief elements with core levels of In3d, Nd4d and S2p were detected. The bandgap energy was found to be 4.1 eV. Electrochemical investigations were performed to evaluate the photoactive efficiency of the electrode. Photo‐cyclic voltammetry present a specific capacitance under illumination to be 570 Fg−1, as contrasting to 481 Fg−1when in dark. A photocurrent density of 282 mA cm−2was obtained from photo‐linear sweep voltammetry. It had also been discovered that the transient chronoamperometry provided a photocurrent density of 46.1 mA cm−2. Whereas electrical impedance spectroscopy presented internal resistance (Rs) to be 232 Ω. All scan rates show an increase in the specific capacitance of photo‐electrode when illuminated. The research created an effective photo‐electrode for renewable energy structures. It can be posited that the study presented a pragmatic photoelectrode, which had the potential to be employed in sustainable energy frameworks, including but not limited to photovoltaics, supercapacitors, and photoelectrochemical solar cells.
Humidity Adaptive Antifreeze Hydrogel Sensor for Intelligent Control and Human‐Computer Interaction
Authors: Liu Ruonan , Liu Yiying , Fu Simian , Cheng Yugui , Jin Kaiming , Ma Jingtong , Wan Yucen , Tian Ye 
Published: January 2024

AbstractConductive hydrogels have emerged as ideal candidate materials for strain sensors due to their signal transduction capability and tissue‐like flexibility, resembling human tissues. However, due to the presence of water molecules, hydrogels can experience dehydration and low‐temperature freezing, which greatly limits the application scope as sensors. In this study, an ionic co‐hybrid hydrogel called PBLL is proposed, which utilizes the amphoteric ion betaine hydrochloride (BH) in conjunction with hydrated lithium chloride (LiCl) thereby achieving the function of humidity adaptive. PBLL hydrogel retains water at low humidity (<50%) and absorbs water from air at high humidity (>50%) over the 17 days of testing. Remarkably, the PBLL hydrogel also exhibits strong anti‐freezing properties (−80 °C), high conductivity (8.18 S m−1 at room temperature, 1.9 S m−1 at −80 °C), high gauge factor (GF approaching 5.1). Additionally, PBLL hydrogels exhibit strong inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), as well as biocompatibility. By synergistically integrating PBLL hydrogel with wireless transmission and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, this study has accomplished real‐time human‐computer interaction systems for sports training and rehabilitation evaluation. PBLL hydrogel exhibits significant potential in the fields of medical rehabilitation, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).