bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microfluidic Constant Composition Expansion for Black Oils and Retrograde Gas Condensates
Authors: Ahitan Sourabh , Abedini Ali , Genereux Josh , Latorre Taylor , Ratulowski John , Li Zhidong , Wanat Edward C. , Alboudwarej Hussein , Burger Jon , Ungar Frode , Yang Tao 
Published: December 2024

Summary
Building a robust pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) model critically relies on accurate phase behavior data, traditionally obtained using PVT cells. While the PVT cell can provide accurate data, it requires a large volume of downhole or recombined samples, which are usually expensive to collect or time-consuming to create. A novel microfluidic chip design and method are presented in this work to rapidly measure saturation pressure, relative volume, and liquid volume percentages of black oils and retrograde gas condensates (RGCs). The chip was initially charged with the single-phase sample at a given temperature, and the saturation pressure, relative volume, and liquid volume percentages were quantified at prescribed pressure steps. The waiting time at each pressure step was adjusted to ensure that the equilibrium condition is achieved. The measurements were conducted for various oil and RGC samples with a wide range of API gravity. The high-resolution optical access along with an in-house-developed automated image analysis algorithm was used to detect the saturation pressures and quantify the phase volumes. The saturation pressures, relative volumes, and liquid volume percentages measured by microfluidics were compared with those obtained from conventional constant composition expansion (CCE) method, showing a strong agreement between the data (i.e., within less than 5% deviation). The microfluidic platform developed in this work can be an alternative approach to some of the conventional PVT tests with an order of magnitude higher laboratory throughput but similar accuracy. This makes PVT data accessible by reducing cost and sample size, and potentially moves the energy industry to a data-on-demand model. With a much smaller physical size inherent to microfluidic devices, this platform can be deployed to operation sites, alleviating the logistical challenges associated with sample handling and shipment that the industry currently struggles with.
Extending fatigue life of weld roots in fillet-welded cover plates by installing tap bolt joints
Authors: NIWA Yuichiro , TATEISHI Kazuo , HANJI Takeshi , SHIMIZU Masaru 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study developed a tap bolt joint method with tap holes in both plates as a preventive maintenance method against weld root failure in fillet-welded cover plates. The method aims to reduce the relative displacement between two plates, which is the cause of weld root crack. To evaluate the fatigue strength of the joint and the relative displacement of the plates, fatigue tests and finite element analysis were conducted to examine the fundamental characteristics of tap bolt joints. The results showed that the fatigue strength of the tap bolt joint was distributed around the JSSC-E class under cyclic tensile axial loads, the JSSC-A class under cyclic compressive axial loads, and was significantly higher than the JSSC-S class under cyclic shear loads. Furthermore, tap bolt joints were installed in fillet-welded sole plates in plate girders, and their effectiveness was examined through fatigue tests and finite element analysis. The results showed that the tap bolt joint method can extend the fatigue life of the weld root of a sole plate.
Direct analysis of hepatic stellate cells with flow cytometry in specimens derived from the human liver
Authors: Bando Toshiaki , Morita Hajime , Zreka Lynn , Ma Shuhe , Khan Mouna , Akuzawa Daichi , Masuo Yuki , Uno Shunsuke , Sato Hirotaka , Matsuyama Joey , Nishida Ryo , Okumura Shinya , Hatano Etsuro , Ito Takashi , Ueno Hideki 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background & Aims: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a crucial role in liver fibrosis. However, the methodology to directly assess the biology of primary HSCs in human liver specimens is yet to be established. In this study, we aimed to establish a robust methodology to analyze primary HSCs in human liver specimens with flow cytometry (FCM).
Methods: We first applied FCM to HSCs directly isolated from liver tissues with Nycodenz density gradients. Then, we analyzed HSCs in frozen/thawed liver perfusate samples and liver tissues. We also compared the phenotype of HSCs in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and those in healthy counterparts.
Results: We found that HSCs were substantially smaller and less dense than normal lymphocytes in the FCM analysis. By carefully defining the FCM gating strategy, we were able to establish the approach to analyze both quiescent HSCs (qHSCs) and activated HSCs (aHSCs) in human liver specimens. Importantly, we found that co-expression of CD14 and CD56 within CD45neg non-immune cells permits the detection of qHSCs, whereas CD68 and CD40 within CD45neg non-immune cells were valuable for assessing aHSCs. Furthermore, we found that aHSCs in PBC upregulated the expression of multiple markers associated with antigen-presentation capacity.
Conclusion: Our established approach with FCM will be valuable for the direct analysis of qHSCs and aHSCs with FCM in various human liver specimens. Our FCM analysis of aHSCs in PBC suggested their involvement in the local immune responses.
The Impact of Climate Change on the Suitable Habitats of Three Wild Peonies in Mountain-Plain Intersection Zone of the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Guo Haotian , He Yuyang , Ye Peixia , Xia Jihui , Jin Shanshan , Zhou Mengli , Yan Dongfeng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Climate change has caused habitat fragmentation and niche shifts in ecosystems, affecting reproduction patterns. Wild peonies, key to peony breeding, offer insights into climate adaptation for conservation and sustainable use. This study uses the Biomod2 ensemble model to predict habitats for Paeonia jishanensis, Paeonia ostii, and Paeonia rockii in Mountain-Plain Intersection Zone of the Yellow River Basin, and pinpoints key environmental variables. The results indicate that precipitation is the primary environmental variable affecting the distribution of the three wild peonies. During the baseline period, peony conservation areas are concentrated in the Funiu and Xiong'er Mountains of the Yi-Luo River Basin. Future climate scenarios predict an expansion of these areas, with the SSP370 scenario showing the most significant increase. This suggests that mild warming may benefit peony distribution, with Xiaoqinling becoming a crucial new conservation area. Climate change may shift conservation areas northward, although within a limited range. Furthermore, protected areas during the baseline period cover only 23.2% of the key conservation areas, with the rate of conservation gaps ranging from 44.4–87.5% under various climate scenarios, and these gaps are largely concentrated in the southern part of the Yi-Luo River Basin. This research provides a robust scientific foundation for the development of conservation strategies and the sustainable utilization of wild peonies resources in Mountain-Plain Intersection Zone of the Yellow River Basin.
Phenotypic drug resistance and genetic mutations linked to resistance among extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients in Ethiopia: Insights from Whole Genome Sequencing
Authors: Mollalign Hilina , Alemayehu Dawit Hailu , Beyene Dereje , Melaku Kalkidan , Ayele Abaysew , Chala Dawit , Diriba Getu , Yenew Bazezew , Getahun Muluwork , Adnew Bethlehem , Moga Shewki , Collins Jeffrey Michael , Ghodousi Arash , Bobosha Kidist , Wassie Liya 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Globally, drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is responsible for 13% of mortality attributable to antimicrobial resistance. In Ethiopia, extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is a significant public health challenge, and drug resistance (DR) in EPTB is often overlooked. In a cross-sectional study conducted between August 2022 and October 2023, we aimed to explore the magnitude of phenotypic drug resistance and identify genetic mutations linked to resistance using 189 Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolates cultured from extrapulmonary clinical specimens. Additionally, we assessed the agreement of the phenotypic and whole genome sequencing (WGS) based genotypic drug resistance detection. We performed phenotypic drug sensitivity testing (pDST) using liquid culture BD BACTECTM MGITTM 960 system and WGS using Illumina NextSeq500/550. The genomic data analysis pipelines MTBSeq and TBProfiler were used to predict drug resistance-conferring mutations. The agreement between the pDST and WGS was analyzed using SPSS version 29.0 software. Our result demonstrated phenotypic resistance to at least one anti-TB drug was detected in 16.9% (32/189) of the study participants. Isoniazid-resistant rifampicin-susceptible-TB (Hr-TB) and multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) phenotypes accounted for 2.6% (5/189) and 4.2% (8/189) respectively. Prevalence of MDR-TB was 2.4% (4/170) among newly diagnosed and 21.1% (4/19) among previously treated cases. WGS identified more (14/160, 8.75%) rifampicin-resistant genotypes (RR-TB) compared to pDST (8/189, 4.2%). We have identified a putative compensatory mutation for rifampicin (rpoBSer450Leu, rpoCAsp747Ala) for the first time from an EPTB clinical specimen in Ethiopia. Overall, there was a 3.75% rifampicin mono-resistant-TB(RMR-TB) genotype, which remains undetected using the conventional pDST and represented 42.9% (6/14) of the identified RR-TB genotypes. Mutations conferring rifampicin resistance-interim (rpoB.Ser450Ala) represented the majority (83.3%) of RMR-TB. Changes in ethA genes associated with ethionamide resistance were the most common resistance (n=7, 87.5%) in MDR-TB cases. There was a strong agreement between the pDST and WGS-TB Profiler pipeline to detect RR-TB (kappa=0.8) compared to the MTBSeq pipeline (k=0.58). In conclusion, MDR-TB, Hr-TB, and interim-RMR-TB are equally important public health challenges in the realm of EPTB in Ethiopia. The role of WGS is tremendous in detecting borderline/interim RMR-TB, which will help for tailored, personalized treatment strategies.
Association between serum Klotho concentrations and asthma in middle-aged and older Americans: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Yunzhe , Li Junyi , Zhou Xixi , Zhu Hongquan , Zou Kang , Wang Jie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2007 and 2016, ultimately including 12,442 participants to explore the association between serum Klotho levels and asthma prevalence. IBL ELISA method, while asthma diagnosis relied on participant responses from NHANES questionnaires. A weighted multifactorial logistic regression analysis evaluated the relationship, and a smoothing curve assessed potential nonlinearity .After adjusting for confounding variables, a significant inverse association was found between serum Klotho concentrations and asthma incidence. Specifically, each unit increase in log-transformed Klotho reduced asthma risk by 48% (OR:0.52;95% CI:0.38–0.69). The analysis also revealed that participants in the lowest Klotho quartile had a higher prevalence of asthma compared to those in the highest quartile (OR:0.58;95% CI:0.45–0.76).Subgroup analyses indicated interactions related to drinking status and a history of cardiovascular disease. Notably, the smoothing curve did not identify a non-linear relationship. These findings suggest that lower serum Klotho levels are significantly associated with higher asthma prevalence in middle-aged and elderly Americans, highlighting the need for further cohort studies to clarify the causal relationship between these variables.
Healthcare practitioners and robotic-assisted rehabilitation: understanding needs and barriers
Authors: Nicora Giovanna , Parimbelli Enea , Mauro Maria Cristina , Falchini Francesca , Germanotta Marco , Fasano Alessio , Sgandurra Giuseppina , Beani Elena , Gruppioni Emanuele , Bugané Francesca , Aprile Irene Giovanna , Quaglini Silvana 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Backgrounds
. In recent years, numerous robotic devices, together with allied technologies, have been developed to support rehabilitation, both in research settings and industry. Although robotic-assisted rehabilitation and related technologies hold significant promise for supporting healthcare practitioners and enhancing patient care, their use in clinical practice remains limited. One of the motivations could be that final users’ needs have not been given due consideration so far. As a matter of fact, understanding user needs and perceptions is crucial for designing these technological devices and for creating new organizational models within hospitals aiming to establish and maintain robotics-assisted rehabilitation gyms.
Methods
. We developed and distributed an online survey to the Italian community of healthcare practitioners working in rehabilitation, to depict the current landscape of robotic-assisted rehabilitation and to understand their opinions and demands across various domains and diseases. The questionnaire is divided into two main parts. The first section pertains to the respondents' demographics and professional experience. The second part includes questions about eight different categories of rehabilitative devices. For each category, practitioners can indicate whether they use a device in their practice, their perceptions, and any perceived barriers. Additionally, they can fill out a System Usability Scale for a specific device in that category.
Results
. We collected answers from 423 Italian rehabilitation professionals, including various clinical roles, that revealed significant insights into the use of robotics in rehabilitation.
Conclusions
. Despite a general positivity towards technology, there is a substantial lack of awareness about rehabilitation devices among professionals. The survey highlights the need for enhanced training and education on robotics in rehabilitation programs. Gender distribution shows a high prevalence of female professionals. Additionally, the limited focus on home rehabilitation is noted. The study emphasizes the importance of verifying both the effectiveness and economic sustainability of robotic devices in clinical practice.
Promoting Oral Health in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients: A Teledentistry and Social Media Messaging Intervention
Authors: Chanintonsongkhla Chawalit , Srisilapa Patcharawan , Nanekrungsan Kamonporn , Jaihong Maturin , Kheawseema Paphaon 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Teledentistry, which uses social media platforms, has the potential to improve oral health awareness and increase access to dental services in remote areas. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a teledentistry-based oral health promotion program on changes in toothbrushing behaviour and oral health status among children with cleft lip and palate (CLP).
Methods
A pre-post intervention study was conducted from October to December 2023, involved 32 children aged 6—14 years and their guardians. The teledentistry-based program included two components: an onsite oral health education session with entertainment activities and toothbrushing with plaque-disclosing tablets and a social network group for guardians to share close-up photographs of their children's teeth marked with plaque-disclosing tablets on a weekly basis. Data collection included weeks of participation, clinical parameters such as plaque and gingival indices, and self-reported brushing behaviour assessed through questionnaires.
Results
A total of 27 participants (84%) participated in a follow-up assessment: 11 (34%) actively engaged in the group chat for four to seven weeks, 9 (28%) participated for one to three weeks, and 7 (22%) did not engage in the activities. Self-reported improvements included increased brushing duration (p < 0.001), improved brushing technique (p = 0.003) and a more positive attitude toward oral care (p < 0.001). Significant reductions were observed in both the gingival and plaque indices (p < 0.001). There was no significant association between participation level and either clinical parameters or brushing behaviour outcomes.
Conclusion
A teledentistry-based program improves oral hygiene in children with CLP and has the potential to increase the accessibility of dental care.
Analgesia Nociception Index to detect interindividual variability in the sensory effect of paravertebral block for radical mastectomy
Authors: Raft Julien , Lamotte Anne-Sophie , Schohn Cécile Huin , Fritz Caroline , Richebé Philippe 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Single paravertebral block (PVB) injection is widely used for major breast surgery, but its effectiveness can be unpredictable. This study aimed to evaluate whether intraoperative variations of the Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) could evaluate effectiveness of PVB.
Methods
Conducted at the Cancer Center (Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, France), this prospective observational study included 100 women undergoing radical mastectomy. PVB was performed under ultrasound guidance in a preoperative regional anesthesia room. Sensory level of efficacy was assessed using an ice cube test. ANI was measured before and one minute after the surgical skin dissection. Statistical analyses compared ANI changes among effective, incomplete, and ineffective PVB groups.
Results
Ninety-three patients were analyzed. Effective PVB was observed in 75% and incomplete in 25%. No ineffective block was observed. The mean ANI variation was significantly higher in the effective group (+ 1.4 (10.3) compared to the incomplete group (-11.0 (7.1), p < 10− 4). Intraoperative remifentanil consumption was higher in the incomplete group (0.072 µg/kg/min vs. 0.054 µg/kg/min, p < 10− 4). Pain score and morphine consumption were significantly higher for patients with incomplete PVB.
Conclusion
Early ANI variations after skin dissection were in agreement with PVB effectiveness for radical mastectomy. Monitoring ANI may enhance perioperative analgesia management, allowing adjustments to improve patient pain and optimize opioid consumption.
Analysis of the performance of a horizontal axis wind turbine in an inhabited environment
Authors: ABDO M. M.M. , Elsabbagh Adel , Hamed A.M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the performance and feasibility of deploying a 5-kW horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) in an urban setting, specifically on the rooftop of a high-rise building at Ain Shams University. Given the complex and turbulent wind patterns in urban areas, this research assesses key parameters including power output, wind velocity, and directionality, with a focus on optimizing turbine efficiency under variable wind conditions. The turbine’s performance was experimentally monitored, and power output was correlated with wind speed to derive an urban-specific power curve. Results indicate that the turbine operates optimally within a moderate wind speed range, with peak efficiency achieved around 6 m/s. Additional considerations, such as structural support, yaw control, and monitoring systems, were integrated to enhance the turbine's adaptation to the urban aerodynamic environment. This paper contributes valuable insights for the effective design and implementation of small-scale wind energy systems within urban microgrids, promoting sustainable energy generation in densely populated areas.
Outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia complex in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Al-Rebat Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan
Authors: Satti Amal , Mohager Mazin O , Al-Hassan Leena , Yousif Muna , Osman Einas A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background Burkholderia cepacia is a common contaminant of medical devices with the ability to persist in moist settings and resist disinfectants. It is an important opportunistic human pathogen, particularly in vulnerable patients such as those with chronic diseases and neonates. Accurate identification of B. cepacia complex (Bcc) is questionable by conventional phenotypic and biochemical methods, thereby leading to misdiagnosis of infections and serious clinical ramifications. Inadequate surveillance and identification methods are highly problematic in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), due to limited infrastructure. We hereby describe the characterization of nosocomial Bcc outbreak involving neonates and environmental samples in a large tertiary referral hospital in Khartoum, Sudan.Case presentation: An outbreak of an uncharacterized Gram-negative bacteria was detected in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Al Ribat Teaching Hospital in Khartoum. Conventional phenotypic and biochemical methods used in routine microbiological surveillance was unable to identify the causative organism, although it displays similarities to Pseudomonas spp. A total of 72 isolates (n = 53 from septic neonates and n = 17 environmental sources) were collected from the November 2019-April 2021. 16s-23s rRNA sequencing was used for identification, followed by speciation by PCR for Bcc specific genes, and the source of outbreak was confirmed to be a common water source which was used for the ventilators, humidifier, and intravenous solutions. Upon identification of the organism and the source, infection prevention and control (IPC) was performed to clear the organism, and the outbreak was contained.Discussion Bcc are opportunistic human pathogens that are difficult to characterize by conventional methods.. In this case report, we highlight the importance of using molecular detection methods for rapid and accurate outbreak characterization. We recognize the difficulty in routine implementation of molecular identification in resource-limited settings such as Sudan, which consequently requires increased capacity strengthening and support, yet highlight the importance of employing advanced diagnostic tools in managing outbreaks in high-risk settings to achieve optimum IPC measures.
Advanced Machine Learning Evaluation for Predicting Bubble and Slug Length and Assessing Flow Stability in L and T-type Taylor Flow Channels
Authors: akyavaşoğlu özge , ERKOÇ Ertuğrul , Ramamonjisoa Bon A.A 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Bubble and slug length are prominent features that define Taylor flow. A classical parametric model based on continuity equation, mass transfer, and dimensionless numbers provides validation in limited conditions. This study, with its focus on searching for proper bubble and slug length models for all conditions based on machine learning. Bubble and slug lengths were provided by image processing of syn gas-gas oil flow visualization in L and T channels. As bubble and slug length stability and flow homogeneity were evaluated from this visualization, a new model based on machine learning regression was suggested according to prediction performance. The new models were flexible and non-parametric, Gaussian Process Regression. The suggested models were matching with taylor flow nature. This study allows bubble and slug length expression with a nonparametric model and provides bubble and slug length prediction machine learning for new technologies.