bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the effect of paper waste lignin in hot mix asphalt
Authors: Khadim Adnan , Ahmad Naveed 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Asphalt is a viscoelastic material which performs to resist rutting, fatigue cracking, and moisture susceptibility under different loading and temperature conditions. The use of innovative and renewable pavement construction materials is inevitable due to high axle loads, rapidly increasing traffic volumes, and varying climatic conditions. This study aims to assess the effect as well as the optimum dosage of paper waste lignin for use in hot mix asphalt (HMA). Lignin from the paper industry with dosage ratios of 5, 10, 15, and 20%, was utilized to study the effect of the addition of lignin to the asphalt binder. Virgin and lignin-modified binder samples, before and after the aging process, were subjected to physical testing through penetration, softening point, ductility, viscosity and specific gravity and rheological characteristics through dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), bending beam rheometer (BBR), and rational viscometer (RV). The fractional composition was assessed through saturates, aromatics, resins and asphaltenes (SARA) fractional composition technique. Statistical analysis was also performed to find correlation of different physical and rheological parameters. Furthermore, based on optimum dosage, the performance of asphalt mixtures was studied against rutting, fatigue cracking, and moisture susceptibility. The results indicated that the addition of lignin has improved the physical properties significantly. The amount of asphaltene decreased and aromatics increased in SARA fractional analysis. Moreover, the Colloidal Instability Index (CII) has also indicated a stable structure of the binder. The rheological characteristics are improved after modification. The asphalt mixture tests revealed that addition of lignin with optimum dosage (10%) has improved the performance against rutting, fatigue cracking and moisture susceptibility. Statistical analysis indicated good co-relation among different physical and rheological parameters. This study concludes that 10% dosage is the optimum dosage that can successfully replace the virgin asphalt binder for performance of hot mix asphalt.
A comparative analysis of non-isolated Bi-directional converters for energy storage applications
Authors: Nagabushanam K Mounika , Tewari Somesh Vinayak , Udumula Ramanjaneya Reddy , Mahto Tarkeshwar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Bi-directional DC-DC converters (BDC) are required for power flow regulation between storage devices and DC buses in renewable energy based distributed generation systems. The fundamental requirements of the BDC are simple structure, reduced switching components, a wide range of voltage gain, low voltage stress, high efficiency, and reduced size. There are different BDC topologies for various applications based on their requirements in the literature. Various BDC are categorized according to their impedance networks. Isolated BDC converters are large due to high-frequency transformers and hence used for static energy storage applications whereas non-isolated BDC is lightweight and suitable for dynamic applications like electric vehicles. This paper reviews types of non-isolated BDC topologies. The performance of five non-isolated BDC converters under steady state condition is evaluated by using theoretical analysis. On this basis, suitability of BDC for different applications is discussed. Further advantages and limitations of converters are discussed by using comparative analysis. The optimization of BDC for distributed generation systems from the perspectives of wide voltage gain, low electromagnetic interference, low cost with higher efficiency is identified. Theoretical analysis of the converters is validated by simulating 200W converters in MATLAB Simulink.
Analytical design and simulation studies of a conical energy harvester for enhanced power output
Authors: K T Prajwal , Manickavasagam Krishnan , Malathi S 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
A primary method of energy harvesting from kinetic energy is constructed by levitating a magnet between stationary magnets in Levitation Based Energy Harvesting (LBEH). The levitating magnet movements are captured in the coil which is wound across magnets and the voltage is generated. Vertical movement of levitating magnet is only considered for designing LBEH. In this work, levitation magnet is allowed to move in vertical as well as in angular space with all directions. The two stationary magnets are replaced with one spring fixed at the bottom so that the levitation magnet absorbs vertical and angular movement due to vibration absorbed by the spring. This arrangement is realized with a mathematical model and simulation that results in conical shape of coil. The designed Conical Energy Harvester (CEH) is able to capture the movement of levitation magnet due to vibrations absorbed by the spring in all the directions. The simulation results indicate that the voltage developed by CEH is 1.27 times higher than that of voltage developed by LBEH.
A case report of entrapment of PentaRay catheter in the mechanical mitral valve: a known complication experienced anew
Authors: Wei Hui-Qiang , Liu Fangzhou , Xue Yumei , Wu Shulin , Zhan Xianzhang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Complex atrial tachycardia (AT) is commonly observed in patients with cardiac surgery. High-density mapping is widely adopted for catheter ablation of complex AT in patients with cardiac surgery. Several case reports have described that PentaRay mapping catheter can be trapped in the mechanical valve and sheared off and successful retrieval of the spline by a snare system. We described a rare case in which PentaRay mapping catheter spline was successfully retrieved from the distal anterior tibial artery by direct syringe suction via the diagnostic catheter following entrapment in the mechanical mitral valve (MV) and rupture of the spline.

Case summary
A 70-year-old female with mechanical bileaflet MV underwent catheter ablation for AT. During mapping in left atrium, the catheter was entrapped in mechanical MV and sheared off. We attempted to release the entrapped the spline by advancing the ablation catheter towards the stuck disc and pushing on the hinge portion of the disc with the catheter tip. The stuck and closed disc was opened, and the deeply entrapped spline was released. However, the entrapped PentaRay spline floated through the Valsalva sinus and strayed into the distal left anterior tibial artery. Fortunately, we successfully retrieved the spline from the distal anterior tibial artery by direct syringe suction instead of a snare system.

Discussion
The possibility of the entrapment and subsequent rupture of the spline should always be considered during mapping the site close to mechanical valve. A rapid retrieval of embolized material should be carried out. If the spline strays into the distal and small artery in which the snare system is difficult to advance, a direct syringe suction via the diagnostic catheter may be attempted.
On-X aortic valve replacement patients treated with low-dose warfarin and low-dose aspirin
Authors: Oo Aung Y , Loubani Mahmoud , Gerdisch Marc W , Zacharias Joseph , Tsang Geoffrey M , Perchinsky Michael J , Hagberg Robert Carl , Joseph Mark , Sathyamoorthy Mohanakrishnan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To assess if warfarin targeted to international normalized ratio (INR) 1.8 (range 1.5–2.0) is safe for all patients with an On-X aortic mechanical valve.

METHODS
This prospective, observational registry follows patients receiving warfarin targeted at an INR of 1.8 (range 1.5–2.0) plus daily aspirin (75–100 mg) after On-X aortic valve replacement. The primary end point is a composite of thromboembolism, valve thrombosis and major bleeding. Secondary end points include the individual rates of thromboembolism, valve thrombosis and major bleeding, as well as the composite in subgroups of home or clinic-monitored INR and risk categorization for thromboembolism. The control was the patient group randomized to standard-dose warfarin (INR 2.0–3.0) plus daily aspirin 81 mg from the PROACT trial.

RESULTS
A total of 510 patients were enroled at 23 centres in the UK, USA and Canada. Currently, the median follow-up duration is 3.4 years, and median achieved INR is 1.9. The primary composite end point rate in the low INR patients is 2.31% vs 5.39% (95% confidence interval 4.12–6.93%) per patient-year in the PROACT control group, constituting a 57% reduction. Results are consistent in subgroups of home or clinic-monitored, and high-risk patients, with reductions of 56%, 57% and 57%, respectively. Major and total bleeding are decreased by 85% and 73%, respectively, with similar rates of thromboembolic events. No valve thrombosis occurred.

CONCLUSIONS
Interim results suggest that warfarin targeted at an INR of 1.8 (range 1.5–2.0) plus aspirin is safe and effective in patients with an On-X aortic mechanical valve with or without home INR monitoring.
The efficacy and safety of vonoprazan in quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a comparative study
Authors: Zhuang Xiaoduan , Jiang Huiyue , Jin Dandan , Sun Meiling , Wang Zhenwu , Wang Xinying 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The efficacy and optimal dose of the new acid-suppressant vonoprazan (VPZ) for quadruple therapy remain uncertain. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of 20 mg VPZ daily (VOD) and 20 mg VPZ twice daily (VTD) with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) twice daily in quadruple therapy.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the data of 954 patients treated with quadruple therapy to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. Eradication rates and adverse events were compared between the VOD and VTD groups, and between the VOD and PPI groups. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify the predictors of eradication failure.

Results
Eradication was successful in 875 (91.7%) of the 954 patients. The total, initial, and rescue eradication rates in the VOD group were 92.1%, 93.3%, and 77.8%, respectively. In both the crude and multivariate analyses, the VOD group showed eradication rates comparable to those of the VTD and PPI groups (all P &gt; 0.05). Age &gt; 60 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2.165, P = 0.012) and use of rescue therapy (OR = 3.496, P &lt; 0.001) were independent risk factors for eradication failure, whereas VPZ at a low dosing frequency of 20 mg daily was not. A total of 787 patients (82.5%) were followed up (mean follow-up time, 6.7 ± 2.0 months). Compared with the VOD group, the VTD group was more likely to experience adverse events (OR = 2.073, P = 0.035).

Conclusion
VPZ at a low dose of 20 mg daily is an effective and safe component of the quadruple therapy for H.pylori eradication.
2-D probabilistic inversion of MT data and uncertainty quantification using the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo method
Authors: Peng Ronghua , Han Bo , Hu Xiangyun , Li Jianhui , Liu Yajun 
Published: April 2024

SUMMARY
Bayesian methods provide a valuable framework for rigorously quantifying the model uncertainty arising from the inherent non-uniqueness in the magnetotelluric (MT) inversion. However, widely used Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling approaches usually require a significant number of model samples for accurate uncertainty estimates, making their applications computationally challenging for 2-D or 3-D MT problems. In this study, we explore the applicability of the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) method for 2-D probabilistic MT inversion. The HMC provides a mechanism for efficient exploration in high-dimensional model space by making use of gradient information of the posterior probability distribution, resulting in a substantial reduction in the number of samples needed for reliable uncertainty quantification compared to the conventional MCMC methods. Numerical examples with synthetic data demonstrate that the HMC method achieves rapid convergence to the posterior probability distribution of model parameters with a limited number of model samples, indicating the computational advantages of the HMC in high-dimensional model space. Finally, we applied the developed approach to the COPROD2 field data set. The statistical models derived from the HMC approach agree well with previous results obtained by 2-D deterministic inversions. Most importantly, the probabilistic inversion provides valuable quantitative model uncertainty information associated with the resistivity structures derived from the observed data, which facilitates model interpretation.
Seamount detection using SWOT-derived vertical gravity gradient: advancements and challenges
Authors: Yu Daocheng , Weng Zequn , Hwang Cheinway , Zhu Huizhong , Luo Jia , Yuan Jiajia , Ge Sihao 
Published: April 2024

SUMMARY
Launched on 2022 December 16, the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite, using synthetic aperture radar interferometric techniques, measures sea surface heights (SSHs) across two 50-km-wide swaths, offering high-resolution and accurate 2-D SSH observations. This study explores the efficiency of SWOT in seamount detection employing the vertical gravity gradient (VGG) derived from simulated SWOT SSH data. Simulated circular and elliptical seamounts (height: 900–1500 m) are integrated within the South China Sea's 4000 m background depths. Geoid perturbations induced by these seamounts are extracted through the residual depth model principle, subsequently merged with the DTU21MSS model for simulating SWOT SSH observations. For comparative assessment, SSH data from Jason-2 and Cryosat-2 are included. An automatic algorithm (AIFS) is presented to identify seamount centres and base polygons using VGG derived from simulated altimeter SSH data. The analysis reveals SWOT-derived VGGs precisely locate all seamount centres, base polygons and elliptical seamount azimuths. The merged Jason-2 and Cryosat-2 data face challenges with identifying small circular and elliptical seamounts. Detecting long narrow elliptical seamounts remains arduous; however, SWOT-derived VGGs successfully elucidate the approximate shapes and major axis azimuths of the elliptical seamounts. Validated against ‘true values’ of VGG, the root-mean-squared deviation (RMSD) of SWOT-derived VGG stands at 1.33 Eötvös, whereas the merged Jason-2 and Cryosat-2 data exhibit an RMSD of 1.93 Eötvös. This study shows the enhanced capability of SWOT from its high-resolution 2-D SSH observations in advancing seamount detection via satellite-derived VGG. We identify challenges and recommend improved detections using data integration and machine learning.
Shedding light on the MRI-driven dynamo in a stratified shearing box
Authors: Dhang Prasun , Bendre Abhijit B , Subramanian Kandaswamy 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTWe study the magneto-rotational instability (MRI) dynamo in a geometrically thin disc (H/R ≪ 1) using stratified zero net (vertical) flux shearing box simulations. We find that mean fields and electromotive forces (EMFs) oscillate with a primary frequency fdyn = 0.017 Ω (approximately nine orbital period), but also have higher harmonics at 3fdyn. Correspondingly, the current helicity has two frequencies 2fdyn and 4fdyn, which appear to be the beat frequencies of mean fields and EMFs, respectively, as expected from the magnetic helicity density evolution equation. Further, we adopt a novel inversion algorithm called the ‘Iterative Removal Of Sources’, to extract the turbulent dynamo coefficients in the mean-field closure using the mean magnetic fields and EMFs obtained from the shearing box simulation. We show that an α-effect (αyy) is predominantly responsible for the creation of the poloidal field from the toroidal field, while shear generates back a toroidal field from the poloidal field, indicating that an α–Ω-type dynamo is operative in MRI-driven accretion discs. We also find that both strong outflow ($\bar{v}_z$) and turbulent pumping (γz) transport mean fields away from the mid-plane. Instead of turbulent diffusivity, they are the principal sink terms in the mean magnetic energy evolution equation. We find encouraging evidence that a generative helicity flux is responsible for the effective α-effect. Finally, we point out potential limitations of horizontal (x − y) averaging in defining the ‘mean’ on the extraction of dynamo coefficients and their physical interpretations.
M. tuberculosis Infection Attributable to Exposure in Social Networks of Tuberculosis Cases in an Urban African Community
Authors: Kiwanuka Noah , Zalwango Sarah , Kakaire Robert , Castellanos Maria Eugenia , Quach Trang Ho Thu , Whalen Christopher C 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The persistence of tuberculosis today and its global disparity send a powerful message that effective tuberculosis control must respond to its regional epidemiology. Active case finding through contact investigation is a standard protocol used for tuberculosis control, but its effectiveness has not been established, especially in endemic areas.

Methods
To quantify the potential effectiveness of contact investigation in Kampala, Uganda, we used a cross-sectional design to evaluate the social networks of 123 tuberculosis index cases and 124 controls without tuberculosis.

Results
Tuberculous infection was present in 515 of 989 tuberculosis case contacts (52.1%) and 396 of 1026 control contacts (38.6%; adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.3–1.6). The proportion of infected participants with known exposure within the social network of the tuberculosis case was 35%. The population-attributable fraction was 11.1% for any known exposure, with 7.3% attributable to household exposure and 3.4% attributable to extrahousehold exposure.

Conclusions
This low population-attributable fraction indicates that contact tracing in the social networks of index cases will have only a modest effect in reducing tuberculous infection in a community. New approaches to community-level active case finding are needed.
Clinical efficacy and safety of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose for treatment of restless legs syndrome: a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Earley Christopher J , García-Borreguero Diego , Falone Mark , Winkelman John W 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Study Objectives
Iron therapy is associated with improvements in restless legs syndrome (RLS). This multicenter, randomized, double-blind study evaluated the effect of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) on RLS.

Methods
A total of 209 adult patients with a baseline International RLS (IRLS) score ≥ 15 were randomized (1:1) to FCM (750 mg/15 mL) or placebo on study days 0 and 5. Ongoing RLS medication was tapered starting on Day 5, with the goal of discontinuing treatment or achieving the lowest effective dose. Co-primary efficacy endpoints were changed from baseline in IRLS total score and the proportion of patients rated as much/very much improved on the Clinical Global Impression (CGI)–investigator (CGI-I) scale at day 42 in the “As-Treated” population.

Results
The “As-Treated” population comprised 107 FCM and 101 placebo recipients; 88 (82.2%) and 68 (67.3%), respectively, completed the day 42 assessment. The IRLS score reduction was significantly greater with FCM versus placebo: least-squares mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) −8.0 (−9.5, −6.4) versus −4.8 (−6.4, −3.1); p = .0036. No significant difference was observed in the proportion of FCM (35.5%) and placebo (28.7%) recipients with a CGI-I response (odds ratio 1.37 [95% CI: 0.76, 2.47]; p = .2987). Fewer patients treated with FCM (32.7%) than placebo (59.4%) received RLS interventions between day 5 and study end (p = .0002). FCM was well tolerated.

Conclusions
The IRLS score improved with intravenous FCM versus placebo, although the combination of both co-primary endpoints was not met. Potential methodological problems in the study design are discussed.
Fine particulate matter air pollution and health implications for Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Oguge Otienoh , Nyamondo Joshua , Adera Noah , Okolla Lydia , Okoth Beldine , Anyango Stephen , Afulo Augustine , Kumie Abera , Samet Jonathan , Berhane Kiros 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Continuous ambient air quality monitoring in Kenya has been limited, resulting in a sparse data base on the health impacts of air pollution for the country. We have operated a centrally located monitor in Nairobi for measuring fine particulate matter (PM2.5), the pollutant that has demonstrated impact on health. Here, we describe the temporal levels and trends in PM2.5 data for Nairobi and evaluate associated health implications.

Methods:
We used a centrally located reference sensor, the beta attenuation monitor (BAM-1022), to measure hourly PM2.5 concentrations over a 3-year period (21 August 2019 to 20 August 2022). We used, at minimum, 75% of the daily hourly concentration to represent the 24-hour concentrations for a given calendar day. To estimate the deaths attributable to air pollution, we used the World Health Organization (WHO) AirQ+ tool with input as PM2.5 concentration data, local mortality statistics, and population sizes.

Results:
The daily (24-hour) mean (±SEM) PM2.5 concentration was 19. 2 ± 0.6 (µg/m3). Pollutant levels were lowest at 03:00 and, peaked at 20:00. Sundays had the lowest daily concentrations, which increased on Mondays and remained high through Saturdays. By season, the pollutant concentrations were lowest in April and highest in August. The mean annual concentration was 18.4 ± 7.1 (µg/m3), which was estimated to lead to between 400 and 1,400 premature deaths of the city’s population in 2021 hence contributing 5%–8% of the 17,432 adult deaths excluding accidents when referenced to WHO recommended 2021 air quality guideline for annual thresholds of 5 µg/m3.

Conclusion:
Fine particulate matter air pollution in Nairobi showed daily, day-of-week, and seasonal fluctuations consistent with the anthropogenic source mix, particularly from motor vehicles. The long-term population exposure to PM2.5 was 3.7 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m3 and estimated to lead to a substantial burden of attributable deaths. An updated regulation targeting measures to reduce vehicular emissions is recommended.
The Impact of Visual Abstracts Compared to Automated Tweets on Social Media in Otology & Neurotology
Authors: Fan Caleb J. , Hong Alyssa C. , Bojrab Dennis I. , Lustig Lawrence R. , Hong Robert S. 
Published: April 2024

Objective
To analyze the effect of visual abstracts versus automated tweets on social media participation in Otology & Neurotology.

Patients
N/A.

Interventions
Introduction of visual abstracts developed by the social media editorial team to established automated tweets created by the dlvr.it computer program on the Otology & Neurotology Twitter account.

Main Outcome Measures
Twitter analytics including the number of new followers per month, impressions per tweet, and engagements per tweet. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance test was used to compare means.

Results
From October 2016 to October 2017 (average of 20 new followers per month), 101 automated tweets averaged 536 impressions and 16 engagements per tweet. The visual abstract was introduced in November 2017. From November 2017 to November 2020 (average of 39 new followers per month), 447 automated tweets averaged 747 impressions and 22 engagements per tweet, whereas 157 visual abstracts averaged 1977 impressions and 78 engagements per tweet. Automated tweets were discontinued in December 2020. From December 2020 to December 2022 (average of 44 new followers per month), 95 visual abstracts averaged 1893 impressions and 103 engagements per tweet. With the introduction of the visual abstract, the average number of followers, impressions per tweet, and engagements per tweet significantly increased (all p-values <0.01; all large effect sizes of 0.16, 0.47, and 0.47, respectively).

Conclusions
Visual abstracts created by a social media editorial team have a positive impact on social media participation in the field of otology and neurotology. The impact is greater than that of social media content generated by Twitter automation tools.