bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The X-ray binaries in M83: Will any of them form gravitational wave sources for LIGO-VIRGO-KAGRA?
Authors: Kotko I. , Belczynski K.
Published: January 2024

There are 214 X-ray point sources (LX > 1035 erg s−1) identified as X-ray binaries (XRBs) in the nearby spiral galaxy M83. Since XRBs are powered by accretion onto a neutron star (NS) or a black hole (BH) from a companion or donor star, these systems are promising progenitors of merging double compact objects (DCOs): BH-BH, BH-NS, or NS-NS systems. The connection (i.e., XRBs evolving into DCOs) may provide some hints to the as-yet-unanswered question: what is the origin of the LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA mergers? Available observations do not allow us to determine what the final fate of the XRBs observed in M83 will be. However, we can use an evolutionary model of isolated binaries to reproduce the population of XRBs in M83 by matching model XRB numbers, types, and luminosities to observations. Knowing the detailed properties of M83 model XRBs (donor and accretor masses, and their evolutionary ages and orbits), we follow their evolution to the deaths of donor stars to check whether any merging DCOs are formed. Although all merging DCOs in our isolated binary evolution model go through the XRB phase (defined as reaching X-ray luminosity from RLOF or wind accretion onto NSs or BHs above 1035 erg s−1), only very few XRBs evolve to form merging (in Hubble time) DCOs. For M83, with its solar-like metallicity stars and continuous star formation, we find that only ∼1 − 2% of model XRBs evolve into merging DCOs depending on the adopted evolutionary physics. This is caused by (i) the merger of the donor star with a compact object during the common envelope phase, (ii) a binary disruption at the supernova explosion of a donor star, (iii) the formation of a DCO on a wide orbit (merger time longer than Hubble time).
General notions regarding ex repairs
Authors: Burian Sorin , Colda Cosmin
Published: January 2024

SR EN 60079 is a series of standards for the use of equipment in explosive atmosphere that covers a wide range of considerations for them, as well as the definition of various classifications of hazardous areas. An important section of the series specifically covers the repair, overhaul and modification of equipment. This is different from the maintenance of equipment, unless the repair and overhaul cannot be separated from the maintenance. SR EN 60079-19 edition 2020 establishes the general principles of repair, revision, and modification, which are common to all explosion-proof equipment, with additional clauses to provide instructions relevant to certain types of protection. Assuming that repairs and revisions are carried out using good engineering practices and details of the certificate, then the final equipment is considered to comply with the original standard and the manufacturer's specifications. Where these specific data are not available, the equipment can be simply described as having been repaired in accordance with SR EN 60079-19 and the relevant standards for which the equipment was designed.
Prognosis of Ground Surface Deformation of the Victoria Mine –Slănic Prahova Saline
Authors: Marina Ovidiu , Postolachi Bogdan , Marian Dacian-Paul , Onica Ilie
Published: January 2024

The Victoria mine, from Slănic Prahova Saline operated in the period 1970-1992 and was mined with small rooms and square pillars, on 11 overstory levels, of 16 m high. It resulted in a volume of mining voids of 7.4 million m3, which led to the pronounced degradation of the resistance structures (rooms and pillars) and to the deformation of the ground surface of the saline. Systematic, annual monitoring of ground surface deformation has been carried out since 2004, through geometric levelling, on certain representative alignments. The prediction of the time evolution of ground surface subsidence was carried out with some power approximation functions of prognosis and the future ground subsidence curves were established on the analyzed alignments. Also, 3D numerical modeling was used to estimate ground surface subsidence and displacements.
Hydrogen, the new green energy resource
Authors: Grecea Danut , Csaszar Tiberiu , Pupazan Gabriela , Nicola Aurelian
Published: January 2024

The desire to reduce pollution and price instability generated by the major share of fossil fuel use requires firm solutions for green transition of economy, that must provide access to clean, safe and affordable energy. An important sector, seriously affected, being a competitive field with consistent limitations, is the transport system, where use of alternative fuels, the hydrogen, is perhaps a solution.

Hydrogen can be used as a raw material, fuel, and can be stored with many other possible uses in industry sectors, not only transportation. Most importantly, it does not emit CO2 and almost does not pollute the air when in use. It therefore provides a solution for decarbonising industrial processes and economic sectors where carbon reduction is both urgent and difficult to achieve. All this makes hydrogen essential to support the EU's commitment to climate neutrality, on the one hand, and to global effort to implement the Paris Agreement, on the other.

The present paper presents all aspects, through simulation in MATLAB-Simulink, of the production, storage and use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel source.
Environmental risk assessment in coal mining with methane degassing
Authors: Fidalgo-Valverde Gregorio , Menéndez-Díaz Agustín , Krzemień Alicja , Riesgo-Fernández Pedro , Marqués Sierra Antonio Luis
Published: January 2024

The environmental directives within the European Union consider the necessary environmental protection, establishing strict protocols for controlling methane emissions in mining operations. On the other hand, the exploitation of coal mines has found in the degasification of methane an end in itself, providing a fuel of undoubted energy value that can be easily transformed into electrical or calorific energy. All this must be accompanied by a mining control that establishes the extraction of methane and the prior degasification of the layers as a fundamental task to guarantee the safety of coal mining. Following developments under the Research Fund for Coal and Steel “DD-MET” project (Advanced methane drainage strategy-technology employing underground directional drilling technology for major risk prevention and greenhouse gases emission mitigation), this paper will analyze the related problems, establishing a comparative scenario between Polish and Spanish mines. In Polish mines, it is essential to ensure maximum methane extraction, as the degassed methane has a high economic value in long shafts, while in Spanish mines, the priority is to minimise degassing to control the environmental impact of closed mines. After an analysis of the possible types of methane-emitting sources that could be found distributed throughout the large extensions of the mine surfaces, it is proposed to use as a first approximation to know the areas with environmental risk due to the presence of methane, that of creating a dynamic map of methane concentrations both along the surface of the mine and its surroundings, due to the possible movement of methane by air currents. Subsequently, methane concentration meters on the earth's surface will specify the areas on which we must act to capture or dilute methane until the environmental risk disappears. The results obtained have allowed us to locate the most important environmental concentrations in the access shafts for people and materials and in the ventilation shafts.
Time evolution of sulphur dioxide concentration generated by solid fuel combustion systems during the cold periods of the year
Authors: Kovacs Marius , Toth Lorand , Vlad Lăutaru
Published: January 2024

About 99% of sulphur dioxide present in the atmosphere comes from anthropogenic activities, the main source being industrial activity that processes sulphur materials, including burning fuels (coal, oil or gas), thus releasing sulphur dioxide into the air.

The purpose of this paper is to monitor the concentration of sulphur dioxide during two seasons, in the ambient air of Petroșani, with the aim of highlighting the possible atmospheric pollution caused by thermal power plants that use solid fuel during the winter period.

The monitoring periods were distributed over a period of 6 months (three in summer and three in winter), namely the summer months (May, June, July of 2022), the winter months of December (2022), January and February of 2023.

The main objective of the measurements is to identify if there is an increase in sulphur dioxide concentration in the atmosphere, resulting from the burning of solid fuels from household activities during the winter period.

Results indicate that there is a higher degree of SO2 pollution in the winter period, but the recorded values are far below the limits set by national legislation. The paper presents some measures to limit sulphur dioxide pollution in the context of climate change.
Practical training of rescuers in high temperature and humidity environments in the training facility
Authors: Ilie Cosmin , Găman George Artur , Nicolescu Cristian
Published: January 2024

Heat is normally generated as a result of metabolic processes taking place in the body. As a result of muscle activity, when working or exercising, a considerable amount of heat is released. The amount of heat generated is proportional to the intensity of activities. Intervention and rescue activities in special conditions can be carried out exclusively by personnel trained and authorized in this regard, personnel using individual breathing protection equipment. The decisive factor in ensuring the success of an intervention and rescue operation in toxic or chemically aggressive environments resides in the optimal and efficient design of a training process of personnel, in correlation, among others, with their testing in high temperatures and humidity environments. The current paper presents the structuring of rescuers’ physical effort during training, taking into account high temperature and humidity environments, structuring that aims to make the training process of intervention and rescue personnel in toxic / explosive / flammable environments more efficient. The paper analyses a correlation between changes in the physiological parameters of intervention and rescue personnel and different values of temperature and humidity of the training environment.
Reducing the Negative Impact on Atmospheric Air: An Overview of Economic and Administrative and Legal Tools
Authors: Karaeva Anzhelika , Ivascu Larisa , Tolkou Athanasia K. , Kyzas George Z. , Giurea Ramona
Published: January 2024

Solving the problem of atmospheric air pollution has been one of the most pressing topics on the modern agenda of sustainable development for more than a decade. Every day mankind emits significant amounts of greenhouse gases and toxic substances such as SO2, particulate matters, benzene, lead, etc. The low quality of atmospheric air caused by high degree of contamination entails significant negative consequences for the environment and human health in the long term. A steady increase in greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere provokes an increase in average temperature and, consequently, serious climate changes. Governments of different countries are developing a wide range of state programs to protect the environment and are implementing various initiatives to eco-modernize industrial enterprises that are the largest emitters of emissions. However, despite the measures taken, the situation with atmospheric air pollution remains acute in most countries of the world. The purpose of this study is to review and analyse the most common economic and administrative-legal instruments used to reduce the negative impact on atmospheric air. Based on the results of the study, the most effective tools were identified and recommendations for their further improvement were proposed.
Optical evaluation of the surfaces of the CuAlBe samples after the test of resistance to harsh wear stresses in an explosive atmosphere
Authors: Chelariu Romeo Gabriel , Cimpoeșu Nicanor , Cazac Alin Marian , Bernevig Mihai Adrian , Bejinariu Costică
Published: January 2024

A material with both non-sparking and good mechanical properties based on CuBe-Al elements was proposed for anti-sparking materials intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (design and manufacture of technical equipment, tools and implements intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres). The alloy was obtained using a classical induction furnace from Cu-Be master alloy and pure Al. Using hot-rolled bands (heated to 800 °C and rolled from ingots with 10 mm diameter to 2 mm thickness plates) experimental devices were made to perform laboratory tests in explosive mixtures for the acceptance of spark arresting materials intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. A hard wear process by forcefully applying some steel elements to the experimental CuAlBe alloy was carried out in an enclosure with an explosive atmosphere consisting of an atmosphere with 10% H2. The main purpose of the tests is to verify whether or not the tested materials produce mechanical sparks. They are considered non-sparking materials and are checked/tested accordingly. Their appearance was not observed in the first 16000 friction tests between the two materials. The tests left deep traces of wear on the surface of the experimental alloys, leading to damage to their surface. The wear marks were analyzed macroscopically by optical microscopy (LOM). The test response after 16 000 frictions was negative to explosion and the material can be used as non spark alloy.
Virtual experiments about hydrogen explosions with linear propagation
Authors: Șimon-Marinică Adrian Bogdan , Manea Florin , Vass Zoltan , Păsculescu Vlad Mihai
Published: January 2024

The dangers associated with hydrogen mainly come from its wide flammability range, it’s extremely fast burning rate (having much more aggressive explosive properties than methane gas) and the considerable amount of energy released when it burns or explode. The development of new applications that use hydrogen as clean energy is constantly increasing, thus, hydrogen can be used on a large scale. This paper presents the use of computational fluid dynamics techniques, regarding the linear propagation of the explosion of air and hydrogen mixture in closed spaces, the main purpose being the determination of the overpressures to which a test stand of this processes is subjected.
Endoscopic ultrasound for structured surveillance after curative treatment of esophageal cancer
Authors: Bohle Wolfram , Nowack Lioba , Schaudt Andre , Koeninger Joerg , Zoller Wolfram G. , Albert Jörg G.
Published: January 2024

Background Structured surveillance after treatment of esophageal cancer is not established. Due to a paucity of data, no agreement exists on how surveillance should be performed. The main argument against intensive follow-up in esophageal cancer is that it may not lead to true survival advantage.

Methods Structured surveillance was performed in 42 patients after multimodal therapy with peri-operative chemotherapy (29) or definitive chemoradiotherapy (13) of esophageal cancer. The surveillance protocol included gastroscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, and CEA measurement at regular intervals of up to five years. We analyzed relapse rate, time to relapse, localization of recurrence, diagnosis within or without structured surveillance, diagnostic method providing the first evidence of a relapse, treatment of recurrence, and outcome.

Results Median follow-up was 48 months; 18/42 patients suffered from tumor relapse, with 16 asymptomatic patients diagnosed within structured surveillance. Median time to recurrence was 9 months. Isolated local or locoregional recurrence occurred in 6, and isolated distant relapse in 9 patients. All patients with isolated locoregional recurrence were exclusively diagnosed with endoscopic ultrasound. Six patients received curatively intended therapy with surgery or chemoradiation, leading to long-lasting survival.

Conclusion Structured surveillance offers the chance to identify limited and asymptomatic tumor relapse. Especially in cases of locoregional recurrence, long-lasting survival or even a cure can be achieved. Endoscopic ultrasound is the best method for the detection of locoregional tumor recurrence and should be an integral part of structured surveillance after curative treatment of esophageal cancer.
Lebertransplantation
Authors: Zimmermann Katrin , Golriz Mohammad
Published: January 2024

Am Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg ist das Standardverfahren bei einer Lebertransplantation die kavokavale Seit-zu-Seit-Anastomose (modifizierte Piggy-Back-Technik nach Belghiti). Die Autor*innen schildern Schritt für Schritt, wie die OP abläuft und welche Besonderheiten es dabei gibt.
Man kann es nicht alleine lösen – Vernetzte physiotherapeutische Versorgung bei Long Covid
Authors: Aschoff Frank
Published: January 2024

Nach einer akuten Covid-19-Erkrankung entwickelt sich bei manchen Menschen Long/Post Covid. Diese komplexe Gesundheitsstörung erfordert eine multidisziplinäre und fachgerechte Herangehensweise. Welche Erfahrungen werden gemacht? Welche Vernetzungsinitiativen gibt es?
Einschleusen von Notfall- und Intensivpatienten
Authors: Lissner Malte
Published: January 2024

Generell läuft das Einschleusen immer identisch ab. Je nach Dringlichkeitsstufe unterscheiden sich jedoch die Geschwindigkeit und die benötigte Manpower. Im letzten Teil unserer Serie behandeln wir daher unter anderem das Einschleusen mittels Holding Area sowie bei ambulanten Patienten oder Notfall- und Intensivpatienten.
Does Age Influence Gastrointestinal Status Responses to
Exertional-heat Stress?
Authors: Young Pascale , Henningsen Kayla , Snipe Rhiannon , Gaskell Stephanie , Alcock Rebekah , Mika Alice , Rauch Christopher , Costa Ricardo J. S.
Published: January 2024

This meta-data exploration aimed to determine the impact of exertional-heat
stress (EHS) on gastrointestinal status of masters age and young adult endurance
athletes. Sixteen MASTERS (mean: 44y) and twenty-one YOUNG (26y) recreational
endurance athletes completed 2 h of running at 60%
˙V O2max in 35˚C ambient
conditions. Blood samples were collected pre-, immediately and 1 h post-EHS, and
analyzed for markers of exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome (EIGS).
Thermo-physiological measures and gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) were recorded
every 10–20 min during EHS. Peak Δ pre- to post-EHS did not
substantially differ (p>0.05) between MASTERS and YOUNG for intestinal
epithelial injury [I-FABP: 1652pg/ml vs. 1524pg/ml,
respectively], bacterial endotoxic translocation [sCD14:
-0.09µg/mL vs. 0.84µg/mL, respectively],
lipopolysaccharide-binding protein [LBP: 0.26µg/mL vs.
1.76µg/mL, respectively], and systemic inflammatory response
profile (SIR-Profile: 92.0arb.unit vs. 154arb.unit, respectively). A
significantly higher peak Δ pre- to post-EHS in endogenous endotoxin
anti-body IgM (p=0.042), and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β
(p=0.038), was observed in YOUNG compared to MASTERS. No difference was
observed between incidence (81% and 80%, respectively) and
severity (summative accumulation: 21 and 30, respectively) of reported GIS
during EHS between MASTERS and YOUNG. Pathophysiology of EIGS in response to EHS
does not substantially differ with age progression, since masters and younger
adult endurance athletes responded comparably.
Living-Donor Liver Transplantation for a Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Genetically Identical Twin Sister
Authors: Koek Ger , Schmitz Sophia M. , Bednarsch Jan , Heise Daniel , Longerich Thomas , Bakers Frank , Trautwein Christian , Luedde Tom , Ulmer Tom Florian , Neumann Ulf Peter
Published: January 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is, to date, the most common malignant tumor of the liver and is commonly staged with the Milan criteria. While deceased-donor liver transplantations (DDLT) are reserved for patients within the Milan criteria, living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) might be a curative option for patients outside the Milan criteria. We here report a case of a 32-year-old woman who developed a giant, unresectable HCC out of a hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) after a pregnancy. The genetically identical twin sister donated her left hemi-liver after ethical approval and preoperative screening. No long-term immunosuppressive therapy was necessary, and after more than eight years, both are in perfect health and the recipient gave birth to a second child. This case shows that in certain situations large HCCs outside the standard criteria can be cured by LT. Careful evaluation of both donor and recipient should be performed for indications like this to assure optimal clinical outcome.
Full trisomy 14 in one of bichorionic biamniotic
twins
Authors: Habek Dubravko , Cerovac Anis
Published: January 2024

Case presentation

We describe the case of the lethal full trisomy (T) 14 in a fetus from bichorionic
biamniotic (BCBA) twin pregnancy. This is a case of a 28-year-old primigravida, with
an unremarkable personal and family history, who just like her 30-year-old husband,
was without consanguinity between spouses. She conceived spontaneously, without a
burdened gynecological-obstetric history. By the 12th week of pregnancy, she had
hyperemesis gravidarum and one episode of bleeding due to which progesterone
supplementation was prescribed. Due to asymptomatic bacteriuria, she took cefuroxime
axetil in the 13th week of pregnancy and azithromycin in the 15th week due to
cervicitis with ureaplasma urealyticum.
Liver transplantation meets gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Loosen Sven H. , Leyh Catherine , Neumann Ulf Peter , Bock Hans , Weigel Christian , Luedde Tom , Roderburg Christoph
Published: January 2024

Liver transplantation (LT) has emerged as a standard of care for patients with end-stage liver disease, providing a life-saving intervention for patients with severely compromised liver function in both the acute and chronic setting. While LT has also become a routine procedure for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), offering a potential cure by treating both the tumor and the underlying liver disease, its relevance in the context of other malignancies such as cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCA), combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) or liver metastases is still the subject of intense debate and no definite recommendations have yet been established. This review summarizes the current therapeutic standards in the context of LT for gastrointestinal malignancies and provides a reflection and outlook on current scientific and clinical developments.
Liver transplantation for HCC in cirrhosis: Are Milan criteria outdated?
Authors: Linecker Michael , Braun Felix , Gundlach Jan-Paul , Ellrichmann Mark , van Rosmalen Marieke , Vogelaar Serge , Eimer Christine , Rheinbay Corinna , Rösgen Sabina , Schäfer Jost-Philipp , Becker Thomas
Published: January 2024

In Germany, organ allocation is based on the MELD-system and lab-MELD is usually low in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhosis. Higher medical urgency can be achieved by standard exception for HCC (SE-HCC), if Milan criteria (MC) are met. Noteworthy, UNOS T2 reflects MC, but excludes singular lesions < 2 cm. Thus, SE-HCC is awarded to patients with one lesion between 2 and 5 cm or 2 to 3 lesions between 1 and 3 cm. These criteria are static and do not reflect biological properties of HCC.

We present a retrospective cohort of 111 patients, who underwent liver transplantation at UKSH, Campus Kiel between 2007 and 2017. No difference was found in overall survival for patient cohorts using Milan, UCSF, up-to-seven, and French-AFP criteria. However, there was a significantly reduced survival, if microvascular invasion was detected in the explanted organ and in patients with HCC-recurrence. The exclusive use of static selection criteria including MC appear to limit the access to liver transplantation.
Overview: Chronic Pain and Cannabis-Based Medicines
Authors: Karst Matthias
Published: January 2024

Chronic pain is primarily conceptualized as a disease in its own right when it is
associated with emotional distress and functional impairment.
Pathophysiologically, dysfunction of the cortico-mesolimbic connectome is of
major importance, with overlapping signals in the nociceptive and stress
systems. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the central
processing of nociceptive signals and regulates the central stress response.
Clinically, there is moderate evidence that cannabis-based medicines (CBM) can
contribute to a significant reduction in pain, especially the associated pain
affect, and improvement in physical function and sleep quality in a proportion
of patients with chronic pain. The analgesic effect appears to be largely
independent of the cause of pain. In this context, CBM preferentially regulates
stress-associated pain processing.
Ocular Trauma Characterization in a Reference Emergency Eye Centre in Colombia (FOSCAL)
Authors: Pedraza-Concha Angelica , Tello Alejandro , Diaz Alberto Luis , Díaz-Martínez Luis Alfonso , Ortiz Rafael , Galvis Virgilio
Published: January 2024

Background Ocular trauma is one of the most important causes of ocular morbidity and inadequate visual acuity in developed and developing countries. In some countries, eye trauma is the leading cause of monocular blindness. Studies conducted in developing countries like Colombia suggest that there is a lack of awareness of preventive measures. In Colombia, there is no countrywide ocular trauma registry. The purpose of the present study is to describe and analyse characteristics of ocular trauma at a tertiary ophthalmology emergency department in Colombia.

Patients/Methods and Material Patients who consulted or were referred to the ophthalmologic emergency department of FOSCAL due to eye injuries between March 1, 2022, and January 10, 2023, were included in this cross-sectional study.

Results Of 1 957 patients, 2 088 eyes were included. Men comprised 78.5% of the patients, the median age was 36 years, and 75.0% lived in urban areas. The median latency between trauma and ophthalmology consultation was 21.8 hours. Of the eyes, 1 805 (88.4%) had suffered mechanical or mixed (mechanical plus burn) trauma. Of the injuries, 87.5% were unilateral. In terms of the circumstances, 45.9% of injuries occurred during working or educational activities (in 85.6% of these cases, without eye protection), 28.2% in home accidents, and 14.0% in transportation situations. According to the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology System (BETT), 1 735 eyes (91.1%) were closed globe injuries, and 49 eyes (2.7%) were open globe injuries. Fifty eyes (2.8%) could not be categorised according to BETT at the initial consultation and were classified as “still to be determined”. In the Ocular Trauma Score (OTS), 85.8% were category 5. Of the ocular burn cases, 93.0% were categorised as
grade I according to the Roper Hall classification.

Conclusions In line with global literature, a much higher proportion of men than women sought consultation for ocular trauma. The findings suggest a need for improvement in the referral process from institutions with the lowest level of care. Lack of awareness about eye protection is an issue. Surgical exploration or additional tests may be necessary for precise injury classification. We therefore propose adding a “still to be determined” category to the BETT initial classification. These cases may be reclassified later, thus improving the accuracy of OTS calculation.
Association of Red Blood Cell and Platelet Parameters with Metabolic
Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 170,000
Patients
Authors: Mahmood Aysal , Samad Saba , Haider Hoorain , Hassan Wardah , Mushtaq Rabeea , Perwaiz Aimen , Ali Abraish , Azharuddin Muhammad
Published: January 2024

This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to establish associations between
metabolic syndrome (MetS) and erythrocyte and platelet markers, contributing to
improved diagnostic tests for identifying individuals at risk. Observational
studies and Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were included. The standardized
mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of erythrocyte
and platelet markers between individuals with and without MetS were used as
effect size (inverse variance model). Methodological quality assessment was
conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) for observational studies and
the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0 for RCTs. The analysis included 51 articles.
Compared to controls, individuals with MetS exhibited significantly higher
concentrations of mean red blood cell count [Standardized Mean Difference
(95% CI): 0.15 (0.13−0.18); p<0.00001], hemoglobin [0.24
(0.18−0.31); p<0.00001], blood platelet count [5.49
(2.78–8.20); p<0.0001], and red blood cell distribution width
[(0.55 (0.05–1.04); p=0.03]. Regarding mean platelet volume
[0.16 (– 0.03 to 0.35); p=0.10] and
platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) [7.48 (–2.85–17.81);
p=0.16], a non-significant difference was observed in patients with
MetS. There was no statistically significant difference in hematocrit counts
between the two groups [0.47 (–0.40 to –1.34); p=0.29].
Biomarkers such as mean red blood cell count, hemoglobin, blood platelet count,
and RDW are associated with higher levels in patients in MetS, whereas mean
platelet volume and PLR tend to be lower. These markers can potentially provide
new avenues for early diagnosis of MetS.
Esterification as a Demonstration of Electrochemically Powered Catalytic Dehydration
Authors: Nacsa Eric D. , Haines Christopher A. , Han Jian
Published: January 2024

The reliance on wasteful stoichiometric reagents to accomplish dehydration reactions such as esterification, amidation, and alcohol substitution is a longstanding challenge in synthetic chemistry. To address this problem, an electrochemical approach has been developed as a new conceptual platform for dehydration reactions. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, an electrochemical esterification protocol has been described that proceeds at room temperature, without acid or base additives, and without consuming stoichiometric reagents. This approach therefore overcomes key complications of esterification chemistry, and we envision that it will similarly enable improvements to a range of important, related transformations.

1 Introduction

2 An Electrochemical Design for Catalytic Dehydration

3 Electrochemical Esterification

4 Conclusions
Facial Nerve Considerations for the Deep Plane Facelift and Neck Lift
Authors: Azizzadeh Babak , Lu Richard J.
Published: January 2024

The surgical approach to facial rejuvenation has evolved significantly over the last century. As surgeons have deepened their understanding of facial anatomy over the last half century, so have their surgical approaches to the rhytidectomy, with increasingly extensive manipulation of the underlying soft tissue in the face. While these procedures have become more comprehensive and natural in their approach, the risk of temporary facial palsy also appears to be on the rise. In this text, we review the technique for deep plane facelifts and neck contouring with an emphasis on the facial nerve anatomy and methods to preserve the intricate facial nerve network during tissue dissection and modification. Careful execution of the surgical steps involved, including deep neck contouring, SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) suspension, and skin management, is essential to achieve the authentic aesthetic outcomes that patients desire while ensuring patient safety.
Imaging of Soft-Tissue Pseudotumors: A Pictorial Review
Authors: Chaudhary Priya , Satija Bhawna , Solanki RS , Lal Romesh , Agarwal Kiran
Published: January 2024

Soft-tissue pseudotumors are a myriad group of clinically palpable masses that mimic soft-tissue tumors. These mimickers may be misinterpreted as malignant sarcomas despite appropriate clinical and radiological evaluation, resulting in unwarranted interventions and a diagnosis of a pseudotumors is achieved only after histopathological evaluation. A systematic approach is needed to achieve a definitive diagnosis or to limit the differential diagnosis by using imaging in conjunction with clinical history, physical examination, and anatomical location. The objective of this article is to provide an overview of the imaging features of some of the most common soft-tissue pseudotumors. Recognition of these pseudotumors is of paramount importance as no further investigation or intervention may be required in majority of the cases.
An ensemble multi-scale framework for long-term forecasting of air quality
Authors: Jiang Shan , Yu Zu-Guo , Anh Vo V. , Lee Taesam , Zhou Yu
Published: January 2024

The significance of accurate long-term forecasting of air quality for a long-term policy decision for controlling air pollution and for evaluating its impacts on human health has attracted greater attention recently. This paper proposes an ensemble multi-scale framework to refine the previous version with ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and nonstationary oscillation resampling (NSOR) for long-term forecasting. Within the proposed ensemble multi-scale framework, we on one hand apply modified EMD to produce more regular and stable EMD components, allowing the long-range oscillation characteristics of the original time series to be better captured. On the other hand, we provide an ensemble mechanism to alleviate the error propagation problem in forecasts caused by iterative implementation of NSOR at all lead times and name it improved NSOR. Application of the proposed multi-scale framework to long-term forecasting of the daily PM2.5 at 14 monitoring stations in Hong Kong demonstrates that it can effectively capture the long-term variation in air pollution processes and significantly increase the forecasting performance. Specifically, the framework can, respectively, reduce the average root-mean-square error and the mean absolute error over all 14 stations by 8.4% and 9.2% for a lead time of 100 days, compared to previous studies. Additionally, better robustness can be obtained by the proposed ensemble framework for 180-day and 365-day long-term forecasting scenarios. It should be emphasized that the proposed ensemble multi-scale framework is a feasible framework, which is applicable for long-term time series forecasting in general.
Investigation of geometry-dependent sensing characteristics of microfluidic for single-cell 3D localization
Authors: Wang Tan , Fang Qiang , Huang Liang
Published: January 2024

Flow cytometry-based measurement techniques have been widely used for single-cell characterizations, such as impedance, size, and dielectric properties. However, in the measurement process, the reliability of the output measurement signal directly affects the ability of the microsystem to judge the characteristics of single cells. Here, we designed a multiple nonparallel electrode structure for single-cell 3D localization. The performance of the structures was studied by analyzing the changes in electric field strength and the output differential current. The effects of microchannel height, sensing electrode distance, electrode inclination angle, and electrode width on output signals are investigated by analyzing the current change and electric field strength of single cells passing from the center of the microchannel. The numerical simulation results indicate that, when the microchannel height is 20 µm, the distance of the sensing electrodes is 100 µm, the inclination angle is 30°, the electrode width is 20 µm, and the optimal signal quality can be obtained. Reducing the height of the flow channel and shortening the sensing electrode spacing can significantly improve the signal amplitude. When the channel height is 20 µm, the signal intensity increases by 80% than that of 30 µm. The signal intensity of induced current with the sensing electrode spacing of 100 µm is 42% higher than that with the spacing of 120 µm. We analyzed the presence of multiple independent cells and adherent cells in the detection area and demonstrated through simulation that the signal changes caused by multi-cells can be superimposed by multiple single-cell signals. The induced current signal intensity of the same volume of cells with an ellipticity of 1 is 49% lower than that of cells with an ellipticity of 4. Based on the numerical investigation, we expect that the optimal geometry structure design will aid in the development of better performance signal cell impedance cytometry microsystems.
Lévy-walk-like Langevin dynamics with random parameters
Authors: Chen Yao , Wang Xudong , Ge Mengyan
Published: January 2024

Anomalous diffusion phenomena have been widely found in systems within an inhomogeneous complex environment. For Lévy walk in an inhomogeneous complex environment, we characterize the particle’s trajectory through an underdamped Langevin system coupled with a subordinator. The influence of the inhomogeneous environment on the particle’s motion is parameterized by the random system parameters, relaxation timescale τ, and velocity diffusivity σ. We find that the two random parameters make different effects on the original superdiffusion behavior of the Lévy walk. The random σ contributes to a trivial result after an ensemble average, which is independent of the specific distribution of σ. By contrast, we find that a specific distribution of τ, a modified Lévy distribution with a finite mean, slows down the decaying rate of the velocity correlation function with respect to the lag time. However, the random τ does not promote the diffusion behavior in a direct way, but plays a competition role to the superdiffusion of the original Lévy walk. In addition, the effect of the random τ is also related to the specific subordinator in the coupled Langevin model, which corresponds to the distribution of the flight time of the Lévy walk. The random system parameters are capable of leading to novel dynamics, which needs detailed analyses, rather than an intuitive judgment, especially in complex systems.
A novel streamline simulation method for fractured reservoirs with full-tensor permeability
Authors: Rao Xiang , He Xupeng , Kwak Hyung , Yousef Ali , Hoteit Hussein
Published: January 2024

In this work, we develop a novel streamline (SL) simulation method that integrates seamlessly within the embedded discrete fracture model (EDFM). The novel SL-based method is developed based on a hybrid of two-point flux approximation (TPFA) and mimetic finite difference (MFD) methods, which is applicable to a two-phase anisotropic flow in fractured reservoirs. We refer to this novel approach as EDFM-TPFA-MFD-SL. The approach is operated in an IMplicit Pressure Explicit Saturation (IMPES) manner. First, this work establishes a novel EDFM utilizing a hybrid TPFA-MFD scheme to solve the pressure equation for phase flux approximation. Subsequently, we introduce a practical streamline tracing workflow designed to derive the distribution of streamlines within the reservoir domain and the time-of-flight distribution along each individual streamline. This feature allows for the parallel computation of water saturation along the streamlines. Two numerical examples are presented to validate the superiority of the proposed EDFM-TPFA-MFD-SL method compared to the existing streamline-based EDFM on cases with full-tensor permeability. The results show that the proposed method could significantly mitigate the numerical dissipation and reduce the computation costs. Another numerical example demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method in dealing with complex fracture networks and providing rapid flow diagnostics, indicating its significant potential for real-world field applications.
Controlling the time shape of terahertz pulses from two-color plasma by combining wavelength dispersion and laser chirp
Authors: Martinez A. , Houard J. , Hideur A. , Paparo D. , Vella A.
Published: January 2024

Using a two-color plasma in air or gas allows for the generation of ultra-broadband and highly intense terahertz (THz) pulses. Precisely controlling the shape of THz pulses, particularly the carrier envelope phase, is crucial for a wide range of technological and scientific applications. Recent research has revealed that the phase difference between the fundamental laser wave and its second harmonic influences the shape of the emitted THz pulse. However, the combined impact of laser chirp and the air-dispersion-induced phase difference between the two colors has not been explored in detail. This study aims to fill this gap. The results show that both of these factors have a significant impact on the THz waveform and emitted pulse energy. Positive and negative chirps lead to distinct effects on the pulse shape. A positively chirped pump laser produces a THz waveform with a negative monopolar shape, while a negatively chirped pump laser results in a positive THz pulse shape. Additionally, our findings indicate that the relationship between THz pulse energy and chirp changes with variations in the specific phase difference between the first and second harmonics. These results underscore the importance of carefully tuning both parameters to achieve maximum generation efficiency for a given waveform.
Cooperation with dynamic asymmetric evaluation in complex networks from a risk perspective
Authors: Xie Yunya , Han Wei , Qi Jiaxin , Zhao Ziwen
Published: January 2024

The choice of strategy exposes individuals to the risk of betrayal. This induces individuals’ irrational tendencies in strategy selection, which further influences the emergence of cooperative behavior. However, the underlying mechanisms connecting risk perception and the emergence of cooperation are still not fully understood. To address this, the classic evolutionary game model on complex networks is extended. We depict the interaction between strategy imitation and payoff evaluation from two perspectives: dynamic adjustment and irrational assessment. Specifically, the probability distortion involved in the dynamic selection of imitative reference points, as well as the asymmetric psychological utility associated with reference point dependence, is emphasized. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate that individual irrational cognition induced by the risk of strategy selection can promote the emergence of cooperative behavior. Among them, the risk sensitivity within psychological utility has the most significant moderating effect. Moreover, the promoting effect of strong heterogeneity and high clustering in the network topology on cooperation under risk scenarios has been clarified. Additionally, the influence of initial states on the emergence of cooperation follows a step-like pattern. This research offers valuable insights for further exploring the cooperation mechanisms among irrational agents, even in scenarios involving the regulation of group cooperation behavior in risky situations.
Shock-wave/turbulent boundary-layer interaction with a flexible panel
Authors: Laguarda L. , Hickel S. , Schrijer F. F. J. , van Oudheusden B. W.
Published: January 2024

The dynamic coupling between a Mach 2.0 shock-wave/turbulent boundary-layer interaction (STBLI) and a flexible panel is investigated. Wall-resolved large-eddy simulations are performed for a baseline interaction over a flat-rigid wall, a coupled interaction with a flexible panel, and a third interaction over a rigid surface that is shaped according to the mean panel deflection of the coupled case. Results show that the flexible panel exhibits self-sustained oscillatory behavior over a broad frequency range, confirming the strong and complex fluid–structure interaction (FSI). The first three bending modes of the panel oscillation are found to contribute most to the unsteady panel response, at frequencies in close agreement with natural frequencies of the mean deformed panel rather than those for the unloaded flat panel. This highlights the importance of the mean panel deformation and the corresponding stiffening in the FSI dynamics. The time-averaged flow shows an enlarged reverse-flow region in the presence of mean surface deformations. The separation-shock unsteadiness is enhanced due to the panel motion, leading to higher wall-pressure fluctuations in the coupled interaction. Spectral analysis of the separation-shock location and bubble-volume signals shows that the STBLI flow strongly couples with the first bending mode of the panel oscillation. This is further confirmed by dynamic mode decomposition of the flow and displacement data, which reveals variations in the reverse-flow region that follow the panel bending motion and appear to drive the separation-shock unsteadiness. Low-frequency modes that are not associated with the fluid–structure coupling, in turn, are qualitatively similar to those obtained for the rigid-wall interactions, indicating that the characteristic low-frequency unsteadiness of STBLI coexists with the dynamics emerging from the fluid–structure coupling. Based on the present results, unsteady FSIs involving STBLIs and flexible panels are likely to accentuate rather than mitigate the undesirable features of STBLIs.
Inverse design machine learning model for metallic glasses with good glass-forming ability and properties
Authors: Li K. Y. , Li M. Z. , Wang W. H.
Published: January 2024

The design of metallic glasses (MGs) with good properties is one of the long-standing bottlenecks in materials science and engineering, which has been relying mostly on far less efficient traditional trial-and-error methods. Even the currently popular machine learning-based forward designs, which use manual input to navigate high dimensional compositional space, often become inefficient with the increasing compositional complexity in MGs. Here, we developed an inverse design machine learning model, leveraging the variational autoencoder (VAE), to directly generate the MGs with good glass-forming ability (GFA). We demonstrate that our VAE with the property prediction model is not only an expressive generative model but also able to do accurate property prediction. Our model allows us to automatically generate novel MG compositions by performing simple operations in the latent space. After randomly generating 3000MG compositions using the model, a detailed analysis of four typical metallic alloys shows that unreported MG compositions with better glass-forming ability can be predicted. Moreover, our model facilitates the use of powerful optimization algorithms to efficiently guide the search for MGs with good GFA in the latent space. We believe that this is an efficient way to discover MGs with excellent properties.
Effect of guidewire on the accuracy of trans-stenotic pressure measurement—A computational study
Authors: Wang Junjie , Hao Zhanzhou , Yin Bo , Tan Wenchang , Zhu Chi
Published: January 2024

Accurate measurement of trans-stenotic pressure drop is vital for risk stratification in coronary artery disease. Currently, in vivo pressure measurement relies mostly on a pressure guidewire inserted into the artery, which inevitably alters local hemodynamics. To precisely assess the impact of guidewire insertion on the accuracy of pressure measurement, this study conducts numerical simulations with both an idealized straight-tube model and a patient-specific model. Results with and without a guidewire model are compared and analyzed. Results from the idealized model reveal that the insertion of a guidewire shifts velocity distribution, increases resistance, and amplifies the pressure drop across the stenosis. The patient-specific model also demonstrates that the guidewire causes non-negligible flow redistribution among the arterial branches, but the influence on pressure drop remains mostly localized. An analytical model for trans-stenotic pressure drop that takes the guidewire into consideration is also proposed and validated against the 3D simulation results. It is observed that the maximum relative error is around 3.0% in the patient-specific model, indicating the effectiveness of the analytical model in physiologically accurate settings. The proposed model can be used to align computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve values with clinically recognized FFR standards established through guidewire measurements.