bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pressure waveform analysis for occlusion assessment significantly reduces contrast medium use in cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Sciacca Vanessa , Fink Thomas , Winnik Stephan , Hamriti Mustapha El , Guckel Denise , Didenko Maxim , Mörsdorf Maximilian , Braun Martin , Khalaph Moneeb , Imnadze Guram , Sommer Philipp , Sohns Christian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Pulmonary vein (PV) occlusion is crucial for adequate lesion formation during cryoballoon-guided pulmonary vein isolation (CB-PVI). PV occlusion is usually confirmed by angiographies over the inflated balloon device. The aim of our study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of pressure waveform-based PV occlusion assessment during CB-PVI utilizing a novel fully integrated pressure analysis tool.

Methods
Consecutive patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) scheduled for CB-PVI were prospectively enrolled for pressure waveform-based PV occlusion assessment. A patient cohort receiving conventional angiographies served as control group. Patients with common PV ostia were excluded.

Results
The study group consisted of 40 patients (16 females, mean age was 64.5 ± 9.7, 45% persistent AF). The control group consisted of 40 matched patients. All 160 PVs in the study group were successfully isolated without the use of additional venograms confirming PV occlusion. The mean procedure duration was 69 ± 12 min in the study group with a mean fluoroscopy duration of 11.5 ± 4.4 min. The mean contrast medium volume was 22 ± 9 ml in the study group and 36 ± 12 ml in the control group (p = 0.0001). Mean procedure duration, mean balloon temperatures, and mean ablation application durations did not differ significantly between the study and the control group. No periprocedural complications occurred.

Conclusion
CB-PVI utilizing a fully integrated pressure waveform analysis tool to assess PV occlusion is feasible and safe and significantly reduces the amount of contrast medium without impact on procedural parameters and freedom from arrhythmia recurrence.

Graphical Abstract
Optimization of image acquisition by automated white-light interferometers during the inspection of object surfaces
Authors: Schwarze Björn , Edelkamp Stefan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper considers the efficient quality assurance of diverse geometric objects through the use of a white-light interferometer, with a primary focus on minimizing the number of required image captures. The motivation behind such an algorithm stems from the extended recording times associated with various free-form sheet metal parts. Given that capturing images with a microscope typically consumes 30–40 s, maintaining high-quality assurance is imperative. A reduction in the number of images not only expedites part throughput but also enhances the economic efficiency. A unique aspect in this context is the requirement for focus points to consistently align with the part’s surface. We formulate this challenge in a mathematical framework, necessitating a comprehensive literature review to identify potential solutions, and introduce an algorithm designed to optimize the image acquisition process for inspecting object surfaces. The proposed algorithm enables efficient coverage of large surfaces on objects of various sizes and shapes using a minimal number of images. The primary objective is to create the most concise list of points that comprehensively encompass the entire object surface. Subsequently, the paper conducts a comparative analysis of various strategies to identify the most effective approach.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices about Electronic Personal Health Records: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Region of Northern Italy
Authors: Scaioli Giacomo , Martella Manuela , Lo Moro Giuseppina , Prinzivalli Alessandro , Guastavigna Laura , Scacchi Alessandro , Butnaru Andreea Mihaela , Bert Fabrizio , Siliquini Roberta 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The Electronic Personal Health Record (EPHR) provides an innovative service for citizens and professionals to manage health data, promoting patient-centred care. It enhances communication between patients and physicians and improves accessibility to documents for remote medical information management. The study aims to assess the prevalence of awareness and acceptance of the EPHR in northern Italy and define determinants and barriers to its implementation. In 2022, a region-wide cross-sectional study was carried out through a paper-based and online survey shared among adult citizens. Univariable and multivariable regression models analysed the association between the outcome variables (knowledge and attitudes toward the EPHR) and selected independent variables. Overall, 1634 people were surveyed, and two-thirds were aware of the EPHR. Among those unaware of the EPHR, a high prevalence of specific socio-demographic groups, such as foreign-born individuals and those with lower educational levels, was highlighted. Multivariable regression models showed a positive association between being aware of the EPHR and educational level, health literacy, and perceived poor health status, whereas age was negatively associated. A higher knowledge of the EPHR was associated with a higher attitude towards the EPHR. The current analysis confirms a lack of awareness regarding the existence of the EPHR, especially among certain disadvantaged demographic groups. This should serve as a driving force for a powerful campaign tailored to specific categories of citizens for enhancing knowledge and usage of the EPHR. Involving professionals in promoting this tool is crucial for helping patients and managing health data.
An ensemble of optimal smoothing and minima controlled through iterative averaging for speech enhancement under uncontrolled environment
Authors: G P Raghudathesh , C B Chandrakala , B Dinesh Rao , G Thimmaraja Yadava 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Although better progress has been made in the area of speech enhancement, a significant performance degradation still exists under highly non-stationary noisy conditions. These conditions have a detrimental impact on the performance of the speech processing applications such as automatic speech recognition, speech encoding, speaker verification, speaker identification, and speaker recognition. Therefore, in this work, a robust noise estimation technique is proposed for speech enhancement under highly non-stationary noisy scenarios. The proposed work introduces an optimal smoothing and minima controlled (OSMC) through an iterative averaging method for noise estimation. Firstly, the computation of smooth power spectrum of degraded speech data and tracking the minima by continuously taking the past spectral average values are considered. Then, to find the activity of speech in each frequency bin, the ratio of degraded speech spectrum to its local minimum is considered, and a Bayes minimum-cost rule is applied for the decision-making. Finally, the spectrum of noise is estimated using the time-frequency dependent smoothing factors which mainly depend on the estimation of the probability of speech presence. The experiments are conducted on NOIZEUS and Kannada speech databases. The evaluated results demonstrated that the proposed OSMC technique exhibits better speech quality and intelligibility performance compared to existing algorithms under highly non-stationary noisy conditions.
Dynamics of the traveling wave solutions of conformable time-fractional ISLW and DJKM equations via a new expansion method
Authors: Kırcı Özlem , Koç Dilara Altan , Bulut Hasan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis work searches the new wave solutions of the time-fractional ion sound and Langmuir waves (ISLWs) equation and the time-fractional Date–Jimbo–Kashiwara–Miwa (DJKM) equation with the conformable derivative. The $$\left( m+\frac{1}{G^\prime }\right)$$

m
+

1

G
′

-expansion method is employed for these models for the first time. Getting support from symbolic software, some new solutions are presented, which will be constructive for studies in the field of nonlinear physical phenomena. New wave solutions obtained by using the $$\left( m+\frac{1}{G^\prime }\right)$$

m
+

1

G
′

-expansion method have applications in engineering, physics, and other scientific fields. The regarded method may provide a framework for the exact solutions of several evolution equations in applied sciences. Moreover, the graphical illustrations are also demonstrated to observe the dynamical behaviours of the solutions, which may benefit the development of new technologies.
Plant-soil relations of selenium, molybdenum and vanadium in the Richmond District of Central Queensland, Australia
Authors: Harvey Maggie-Anne , Erskine Peter D. , Harris Hugh H. , Virtue Jemma I. , van der Ent Antony 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background and aims
The Richmond District of Queensland (Australia) hosts seleniferous soils and is the habitat of selenium (Se) hyperaccumulator plants. These soils are also naturally enriched in vanadium (V) and molybdenum (Mo). This study aimed to survey soils and plants of the Richmond area with a focus on the Se hyperaccumulator Neptunia amplexicaulis.

Methods
Field collection of plant specimens and soils from the seleniferous outcrops of the Richmond District (including the Julia Creek area) was undertaken and the samples were analyzed for Se, V, Mo and other elements.

Results
The results show that three modes of Se accumulation can be observed with most plant species having from ~10 μg Se g−1 up to 70 μg Se g−1 in shoots, some having between 75 and 250 μg Se g−1 in shoots while both N. amplexicaulis and Acacia tephrina contained 450–700 μg Se g−1 in their shoots. There was high Se accumulation in the phyllode tips of A. tephrina. Previously unrecorded populations of N. amplexicaulis were discovered near Julia Creek. Selenium concentrations in soil are lower than historically reported from similar localities (up to 23.2 mg Se kg−1). Molybdenum concentrations between 213 and 329 μg Mo g−1 occurred in the two Se hyperaccumulators N. amplexicaulis and A. tephrina, whilst Salsola australis had the highest accumulation of V (31–66 μg V g−1).

Conclusions
The results suggest that the Toolebuc Formation is the source of Se in the region, but temporal variability alters how much Se is bioavailable to plants. The presence of high Mo in plant tissues is linked to Se hyperaccumulation, and V accumulation appears to have little impact on plant ecology.
Spin-encoded quantum computer near ultimate physical limits
Authors: Wang Frank Z. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLandauer’s bound is applicable to irreversible quantum operations. In this study, we showcased that the Doppler temperature manifests the existence of Landauer’s bound, which does not block a spin from (irreversibly) flipping with a tiny amount of energy via quantum tunneling. Verified by a spin–spin magnetic interaction experiment, this (energy) amount was determined to be only 1.25 times the theoretical value of Landauer’s bound. Based on Heisenberg’s principle, we defined information from a measuring perspective: one bit of information corresponds to the smallest error when quantifying the product of the measured energy uncertainty ($$\Delta E$$

Δ
E

) and the measured time duration ($$\Delta t$$

Δ
t

). We then illustrate an optically manipulated, spin-encoded, near-Landauer-bound, near-Heisenberg-limit quantum computer that encompasses this new definition of information. This study may represent the last piece of the puzzle in understanding both quantum Landauer erasure and Heisenberg’s quantum limit since a single spin is the smallest information carrier.
The Gehan test identifies life-extending compounds overlooked by the log-rank test in the NIA Interventions Testing Program: Metformin, Enalapril, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, green tea extract, and 17-dimethylaminoethylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin hydrochloride
Authors: Jiang Nisi , Gelfond Jonathan , Liu Qianqian , Strong Randy , Nelson James F. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe National Institute on Aging Interventions Testing Program (ITP) has so far identified 12 compounds that extend the lifespan of genetically heterogeneous mice using the log-rank test. However, the log-rank test is relatively insensitive to any compound that does not uniformly reduce mortality across the lifespan. This test may thus miss compounds that only reduce mortality before midlife, for example, a plausible outcome if a compound only mitigates risk factors before midlife or if its efficacy is reduced at later ages. We therefore reanalyzed all data collected by the ITP from 2004–2022 using the Gehan test, which is more sensitive to mortality differences earlier in the life course and does not assume a uniformly reduced mortality hazard across the lifespan. The Gehan test identified 5 additional compounds, metformin, enalapril, 17-dimethylaminoethylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin hydrochloride (17-DMAG), caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), and green tea extract (GTE), which significantly increased survival but were previously missed by the log-rank test. Three (metformin, enalapril, and 17-DMAG) were only effective in males and two (CAPE and GTE) were only effective in females. In addition, 1,3-butanediol, which by log-rank analysis increased survival in females but not males, increased survival in males by the Gehan test. These results suggest that statistical tests sensitive to non-uniformity of drug efficacy across the lifespan should be included in the standard statistical testing protocol to minimize overlooking geroprotective interventions.
Determination of changes in bioactive components, antioxidant capacity, phenolic components and mineral values of date fruits stored in different packages and temperatures for six months
Authors: Alhamdan Abdullah M. , Al Juhaimi Fahad Y. , Alamri Yosef A. , Ahmed Isam A. Mohamed , Elamshity Mahmoud G. , Özcan Mehmet Musa , Uslu Nurhan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe moisture results, bioactive compounds, phenolic and mineral amounts of date fruits showed significant changes depending on package types, storage temperatures and fruit types. The moisture content of date fruits stored at -18 °C was higher than that of date fruits stored at other temperatures (5 and 25 °C). The highest moisture loss in date fruits was observed in fruits stored at 25 °C. The storage temperature with the highest total phenol amounts of the Khalas, Ruzeiz and Sukkari date cultivars was at 25 °C, followed by 5 °C and − 18 °C in decreasing order. The storage temperature and packaging types with the highest total flavonoid content of the “Ruzeiz” date variety were “open cardboard” and “sealed in plastic bag and stored in closed cardboard” at 25 °C. In general, the highest phenolic compounds were detected in “Khalas” date variety, followed by “Ruzeiz” and “Sukkari” varieties in decreasing order. While the most abundant macro element in date varieties was K, followed by P, Mg and Ca, the most abundant micro elements were Fe, and followed by Mn, Zn, B and Cu in decreasing order. The P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and B results of the “Khalas” date variety stored at 25 °C were higher than those of the “Khalas” date fruits stored at other temperatures.
Postoperative leukocyte counts as a surrogate for surgical stress response in matched robot- and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery cohorts of patients: A preliminary report
Authors: Liu Sidi , Huang Huichao , Zhang Chunfang , Chen Letao , Feng Xuelian , Wu Yaling , Xia Qing , Huang Xun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe objective is to preliminary evaluated postoperative leukocyte counts as a surrogate for the surgical stress response in NSCLC patients who underwent RATS or VATS for further prospective analyses with proper assessment of surgical stress response and tissue trauma. We retrospectively analyzed patients with stageI-IIIA NSCLC who underwent RATS or VATS at a hospital between 8 May 2020 and 31 December 2021. Analysis of leukocytes (including neutrophils and lymphocytes) and albumin on postoperative days (PODs) 1 and 3 in patients with NSCLC treated with RATS or VATS after propensity score matching (PSM). In total, 1824 patients (565 RATS and 1259 VATS) were investigated. The two MIS groups differed significantly with regard to operative time (p < 0.001), chronic lung disease (p < 0.001), the type of pulmonary resection (p < 0.001), the excision site of lobectomy (p = 0.004), and histology of the tumor (p = 0.028). After PSM, leukocyte and neutrophil levels in the RATS group were lower than those in the VATS group on PODs 1 and 3, with those on POD 3 (p < 0.001) being particularly notable. While lymphocyte levels in the RATS group were significantly lower than those in the VATS group only at POD 1 (p = 0.016). There was no difference in albumin levels between the RATS and VATS groups on PODs 1 and 3. The surgical stress response and tissue trauma was less severe in NSCLC patients who underwent RATS than in those who underwent VATS, especially reflected in the neutrophils of leukocytes.
The Role of Edible Bulbous Layers on Macro, Micro, and Heavy Metal Contents of Leek (Allium porrum) Plant
Authors: AlJuhaimi Fahad , Kulluk Duygu Akçay , Ahmed Isam A Mohamed , Yılmaz Fatma Gökmen , Karrar Emad , Özcan Mehmet Musa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this study, the degree of accumulation of biogenic element and heavy metal contents of different parts and edible layers of leeks cultivated in Konya in Turkey was revealed. The amounts of P and K of leek were determined from 154.69 (leaf top of leek) and 985.05 mg/kg (root of leek) to 1377.63 (onion part of leek) and 2688.50 mg/kg (root of leek), respectively. P and K contents of leek layers changed from 139.45 (1st layer) and 446.63 mg/kg (7th layer) to 1596.69 (2nd layer) and 2201.53 mg/kg (4th layer), respectively. While Ca amounts of leek parts vary between 577.09 (leaf of leek) and 666.87 mg/kg (root of leek), Mg contents of leek parts were determined between 130.70 (onion part of leek) and 264.58 mg/kg (root of leek). All of the macro elements were detected in the highest amount in the root of the leek, followed by the leaf and bulb parts in decreasing order. Fe and Zn contents of different parts of leeks varied from 0.506 (onion part of leek) and 22.71 mg/kg (root of leek) to 1.53 (leaf top of leek) and 5.85 mg/kg (root of leek), respectively. In general, the heavy metals found in the highest amount both in different parts of the leek and in the edible bulbous layers were As and Ba. The layers of the leeks are rich in potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.
Gender differences in old-age poverty in 14 EU countries: exploring the role of household structure
Authors: Ahonen Kati , Kuivalainen Susan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe risk of poverty among older people varies widely across countries and between men and women. This is usually explained by reference to institutional differences in pension systems or differences in employment histories. However, many other factors also come into play. In this paper we argue that, to avoid biased conclusions, it is necessary to take into account the role of household structure. This study of 14 European Union (EU) countries investigates the impact of household structure on gender differences in old-age poverty risk. The empirical examination is based on European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC). The findings show that older women’s high poverty risk is strongly related to the financial vulnerability of single-person households and the higher prevalence of female than male single-person households. In addition, gender differences in poverty risk can be attributed to gender differences in household structure. It matters whether the older person lives with another older person or an employed/unemployed person and whether there are minor children in the household. Country differences in the gender poverty gap are linked to country differences in the household age structure and the poverty risks of different types of households.
Comparative analysis of European vertical landing reusable first stage concepts
Authors: Wilken Jascha , Stappert Sven 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Reusable launch systems have the potential to significantly impact the space launch service market if both a high reliability and low refurbishment costs can be achieved. This study delves into the Vertical Takeoff and Vertical Landing (VTVL) methodology, as currently employed by SpaceX, and forms a segment of the ENTRAIN study by DLR. This broader study encompasses an examination of both Vertical Takeoff Horizontal Landing (VTHL) and VTVL reusable first stages, exploring their performance across high-level design parameters. This manuscript’s primary objective is to assess the quantitative impact of high-level design factors on launch vehicle performance, particularly in relation to the development of a future European reusable launch system featuring a VTVL first stage. For a two-stage vehicle with a payload performance of 7.5t into GTO, the effect of varying propellant combinations, staging velocities and engine cycles are assessed. The study encompasses an iterative, multidisciplinary analysis and sizing process for ten different configurations. Each design iteration not only entails a structural design analysis but also includes optimization of the ascent and descent trajectories. Finally, the developed vehicle concepts are compared to derive quantitative insights into the trade-offs associated with key design choices.
Numerical estimation of discharge coefficient for non-circular bottom intake racks
Authors: Bina Keivan , Rikhtehgarmashhad Shahab , Hosseini Khosrow , Karami Hojat 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCurrent research presents a comprehensive numerical study on the performance of riverbed intake systems equipped with non-circular cross section racks. Three types of bottom racks, such as rhombus bars, rounded-edge rectangle bars, and circular bars, were numerically modeled using Flow3D software with different geometric and hydraulic parameter, all in super critical approaching flow in clear water condition. Subsequently, changes in diverted discharge ratio (DDR) of bottom racks and factors affecting its intensity and manner of changes, were studied using model results. The study reveals that the RNG k-ε turbulence model accurately represents the flow field around the bottom racks. The results indicated that the DDR changes are directly related to rack length changes but is inversely related to the rack slope and upstream flow discharge. Also, rhombus bars outperform circular and rounded bars, with 23.34% and 35.92% higher flow diversion, respectively, attributed to the formation of more negative pressures between bars. The main focus of the present study was on accurate and complete estimation of the diverted discharge coefficient (Cd) for racks with different bar shapes—especially non-circular bars using the results of the constructed numerical model. Proposed relations for the diverted discharge coefficient (DDC), especially for non-circular bars, were rigorously validated and showed high accuracy in predicting DDC under diverse hydraulic and geometric conditions.