Privacy-Preserving Predictive Modeling: Harmonization of Contextual Embeddings From Different Sources

Background: Data sharing has been a big challenge in biomedical informatics because of privacy concerns. Contextual embedding models have demonstrated a very strong representative capability to describe medical concepts (and their context), and they have shown promise as an alternative way to support deep-learning applications without the need to disclose original data. However, contextual embedding models acquired from individual hospitals cannot be directly combined because their embedding spaces are different, and naive pooling renders combined embeddings useless. Objective: The aim of this study was to present a novel approach to address these issues and to promote sharing representation without sharing data. Without sacrificing privacy, we also aimed to build a global model from representations learned from local private data and synchronize information from multiple sources. Methods: We propose a methodology that harmonizes different local contextual embeddings into a global model. We used Word2Vec to generate contextual embeddings from each source and Procrustes to fuse different vector models into one common space by using a list of corresponding pairs as anchor points. We performed prediction analysis with harmonized embeddings. Results: We used sequential medical events extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database to evaluate the proposed methodology in predicting the next likely diagnosis of a new patient using either structured data or unstructured data. Under different experimental scenarios, we confirmed that the global model built from harmonized local models achieves a more accurate prediction than local models and global models built from naive pooling. Conclusions: Such aggregation of local models using our unique harmonization can serve as the proxy for a global model, combining information from a wide range of institutions and information sources. It allows information unique to a certain hospital to become available to other sites, increasing the fluidity of information flow in health care

Room-temperature intrinsic ferromagnetism in epitaxial CrTe2 ultrathin films

While the discovery of two-dimensional (2D) magnets opens the door for fundamental physics and next-generation spintronics, it is technically challenging to achieve the room-temperature ferromagnetic (FM) order in a way compatible with potential device applications. Here, we report the growth and properties of single- and few-layer CrTe2, a van der Waals (vdW) material, on bilayer graphene by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Intrinsic ferromagnetism with a Curie temperature (TC) up to 300 K, an atomic magnetic moment of ~0.21 [Formula: see text]/Cr and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) constant (Ku) of 4.89 × 105 erg/cm3 at room temperature in these few-monolayer films have been unambiguously evidenced by superconducting quantum interference device and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism. This intrinsic ferromagnetism has also been identified by the splitting of majority and minority band dispersions with ~0.2 eV at Г point using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The FM order is preserved with the film thickness down to a monolayer (TC ~ 200 K), benefiting from the strong PMA and weak interlayer coupling. The successful MBE growth of 2D FM CrTe2 films with room-temperature ferromagnetism opens a new avenue for developing large-scale 2D magnet-based spintronics devices

Forecasting: theory and practice

Forecasting has always been in the forefront of decision making and planning. The uncertainty that surrounds the future is both exciting and challenging, with individuals and organisations seeking to minimise risks and maximise utilities. The lack of a free-lunch theorem implies the need for a diverse set of forecasting methods to tackle an array of applications. This unique article provides a non-systematic review of the theory and the practice of forecasting. We offer a wide range of theoretical, state-of-the-art models, methods, principles, and approaches to prepare, produce, organise, and evaluate forecasts. We then demonstrate how such theoretical concepts are applied in a variety of real-life contexts, including operations, economics, finance, energy, environment, and social good. We do not claim that this review is an exhaustive list of methods and applications. The list was compiled based on the expertise and interests of the authors. However, we wish that our encyclopedic presentation will offer a point of reference for the rich work that has been undertaken over the last decades, with some key insights for the future of the forecasting theory and practice

Forecasting: theory and practice

peer reviewedForecasting has always been at the forefront of decision making and planning. The uncertainty that surrounds the future is both exciting and challenging, with individuals and organisations seeking to minimise risks and maximise utilities. The large number of forecasting applications calls for a diverse set of forecasting methods to tackle real-life challenges. This article provides a non-systematic review of the theory and the practice of forecasting. We provide an overview of a wide range of theoretical, state-of-the-art models, methods, principles, and approaches to prepare, produce, organise, and evaluate forecasts. We then demonstrate how such theoretical concepts are applied in a variety of real-life contexts. We do not claim that this review is an exhaustive list of methods and applications. However, we wish that our encyclopedic presentation will offer a point of reference for the rich work that has been undertaken over the last decades, with some key insights for the future of forecasting theory and practice. Given its encyclopedic nature, the intended mode of reading is non-linear. We offer cross-references to allow the readers to navigate through the various topics. We complement the theoretical concepts and applications covered by large lists of free or open-source software implementations and publicly-available databases

Suppression of transient overvoltage in renewable energy transmission terminal by grid-forming based reactive power compensation

Line commutated converter based high voltage direct current (LCC-HVDC) is the key to large-scale grid connection and long-distance transmission of renewable energy. However, faults such as DC blocking and commutation failure may lead to short-term excess reactive power and transient overvoltage at the sending end, endangering operational safety. In this paper, a method based on grid-forming based reactive power compensation device (GFM-RPC) to suppress transient overvoltage at the renewable energy transmission terminal is proposed, which is different from the traditional reactive power compensation with the characteristic of current source based on voltage-current cascade control. A voltage dynamic analysis model based on differential-algebraic relationship is constructed to clarify the mechanism of GFM-RPC suppressing transient overvoltage, and the advantages of the proposed method compared to existing methods based on static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) for suppressing transient overvoltage is compared and analyzed. The simulation is used to verify the effect of GFM-RPC on the suppression of transient overvoltage at the renewable energy transmission terminal, and the influence of the main parameters on the overvoltage suppression effect is analyzed. It is shown that reactive power compensation devices such as STATCOM with external characteristics of current sources exhibit a reverse regulation characteristic of deteriorating voltage dynamics at the moment of DC transmission system fault, while the reverse regulation characteristic can be eliminated by GFM-RPC, as well as suppression of voltage magnitude overshoot can be achieved through reasonable parameter configuration for GFM-RPC

FeCl₃‑Mediated One-Pot Domino Reactions for the Synthesis of 9‑Aryl/9-Arylethynyl-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro‑1<i>H</i>‑xanthen-1-ones from Propargylic Amines/Diaryl Amines and 1,3-Cyclohexanediones

An efficient, environmentally friendly and one-pot route to new 9-aryl/9-arylethynyl-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1<i>H</i>-xanthen-1-one derivatives from inexpensive starting materials has been developed. This method proceeded by a domino nucleophilic-substitution/​intramolecular cyclization/​dehydration sequence of propargylic amines/diaryl amines and 1,3-cyclohexanediones under the promotion of FeCl₃, which involved the formation of two new σ (C–C and C–O) bonds in a single operation for the construction of novel tetrahydroxanthene skeletons in 68–95% yields

FeCl₃‑Mediated One-Pot Domino Reactions for the Synthesis of 9‑Aryl/9-Arylethynyl-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro‑1<i>H</i>‑xanthen-1-ones from Propargylic Amines/Diaryl Amines and 1,3-Cyclohexanediones

An efficient, environmentally friendly and one-pot route to new 9-aryl/9-arylethynyl-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1<i>H</i>-xanthen-1-one derivatives from inexpensive starting materials has been developed. This method proceeded by a domino nucleophilic-substitution/​intramolecular cyclization/​dehydration sequence of propargylic amines/diaryl amines and 1,3-cyclohexanediones under the promotion of FeCl₃, which involved the formation of two new σ (C–C and C–O) bonds in a single operation for the construction of novel tetrahydroxanthene skeletons in 68–95% yields

Table1_Bibliometric analysis of stem cells for spinal cord injury: current status and emerging frontiers.DOCX

Background: This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the literature on stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury to visualize the research status, identify hotspots, and explore the development trends in this field.Methods: We searched the Web of Science Core Collection database using relevant keywords (“stem cells” and “spinal cord injury”) and retrieved the published literature between 2000 and 2022. Data such as journal title, author information, institutional affiliation, country, and keywords were extracted. Afterwards, we performed bibliometric analysis of the retrieved data using Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace.Results: A total of 5375 articles related to stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury were retrieved, and both the annual publication volume and the cumulative publication volume showed an upward trend. neural regeneration research was the journal with the most publications and the fastest cumulative publication growth (162 articles), Okano Hideyuki was the author with the highest number of publications and citations (114 articles), Sun Yat-sen University was the institution with the highest number of publications (420 articles), and China was the country with the highest number of publications (5357 articles). However, different authors, institutions, and countries need to enhance their cooperation in order to promote the generation of significant academic achievements. Current research in this field has focused on stem cell transplantation, neural regeneration, motor function recovery, exosomes, and tissue engineering. Meanwhile, future research directions are primarily concerned with the molecular mechanisms, safety, clinical trials, exosomes, scaffolds, hydrogels, and inflammatory responses of stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries.Conclusion: In summary, this study provided a comprehensive analysis of the current research status and frontiers of stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury. The findings provide a foundation for future research and clinical translation efforts of stem cell therapy in this field.</p

An Investigation of Physical and Mental Health Consequences among Chinese Parents who Lost their Only Child

Background: The term “loss-of-only-child family” means that the only child in a family passed away or is disabled due to an accident or other events. The parents who cannot conceive or do not adopt another child, are known as Shidu parents in China. This study compares the physical and mental health of Shidu parents with those parents who have not experienced such loss. Methods: The target group is comprised of parents being Shidu for more than 1 year (N = 95) and the control group is comprised of parents with a living child (N = 97) from the same area as the Shidu parents. Socio-demographic information and physical health outcomes were collected by the adapted questionnaires. PCL-C (PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version), CES-D (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) and GHQ-12 (General Health Questionnaire) were applied to evaluate the parents’ physical and mental status. Results: Shidu parents have a higher risk of developing PTSD and depression, and suffer more severe psychiatric disorders compared to parents with a living child. The rate of PTSD in the Shidu group was up to 32.6% and the scores of PCL-C are much higher than the control group. The physical status of Shidu parents were much worse than that of the control group, characterized by higher morbidity of chronic diseases and more hospital visits. Conclusions: Shidu parents have more severe mental health problems and a higher rate of chronic diseases than parents who have a living child. Loss of the only child is the most traumatic event for the parents, which is a serious and unique problem in Chinese society that deserves attention. More studies and support are desired to improve the physical and mental health of Shidu parents