bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arithmetic and geometric deformations of threefolds
Authors: Bernasconi Fabio , Brivio Iacopo , Filipazzi Stefano 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe show that mixed‐characteristic and equi‐characteristic small deformations of 3‐dimensional canonical (resp., terminal) singularities with perfect residue field of characteristic are canonical (resp., terminal). We discuss applications to arithmetic and geometric families of 3‐dimensional Fano varieties and minimal models with canonical singularities. Our results are contingent upon the existence of log resolutions for fourfolds.
Characterization of Spray Field for Water-Emulsified Diesel Using a Pressure Swirl Atomizer Under a Nonreacting Environment
Authors: Suleiman Baha , Selim Hatem , Dawood Alaaeldin , Song Jinkwan , Lee Jong Guen , Khalidi Abdurrahman , Al-Ahmadi Kamal , Al-Ghamdi Ibrahim , Badr Eid , Al-Gahatani Mohammed 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Employing a mixture or an emulsion of water and diesel fuel is considered a way to reduce gas emissions such as NOx and soot in a gas turbine. This study presents detailed experimental results on the spray characteristics of a water–diesel emulsion injected by a pressure swirl atomizer with a 90-degree spray angle and a flow number of 0.58 under a nonreacting environment at high pressure and temperature conditions. Acquiring these data is a key step when configuring a combustor that will employ emulsified fuels. In addition, this study seeks to confirm that the emulsion stays intact when it gets sprayed into the combustor. Furthermore, this study attempts to understand if a water–diesel emulsion prepared by a sonicator improves fuel atomization as compared to a water–diesel mixture prepared by a static mixer, i.e., not a proper emulsion. Tests are conducted in a high pressure and temperature testing facility at two ambient pressures and three ambient temperatures and the water to diesel ratio (W/D) is varied from 11% to 100% by mass. Phase Doppler Particle Anemometry (PDPA) is employed to measure the spray characteristics. Through a backlit high-speed photography, overall spray patterns over different test conditions are visualized. Mie-scattering and planar laser-induced fluorescence imaging are utilized to visualize the mixture field. In general, the results indicate that emulsion stays intact as it gets sprayed into the combustor; and emulsion is a better solution to reduce emissions than a statically mixed mixture.
Large-Eddy-Simulation of Turbulent Non-Premixed Hydrogen Combustion Using the Filtered Tabulated Chemistry Approach
Authors: Dillon Samuel , Mercier Renaud , Fiorina Benoît 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
With air traffic expected to grow 5% annually until the year 2030, alternative fuels such as hydrogen are being investigated in order to tackle the current environmental crisis. Due to safety concerns, future hydrogen combustion chambers will require new designs of injection systems and are expected to operate under multimode combustion regimes. From a large-eddy-simulation (LES) perspective, a prerequisite for the shift toward new hydrogen combustion chamber technologies is a robust turbulent combustion model capable of functioning in non-premixed conditions. Turbulent combustion modeling using flame front filtering is a well-developed strategy in premixed combustion (filtered-tabulated chemistry for large-Eddy-simulation (F-TACLES)). This approach has been extended to non-premixed flames however, it suffers from high flame filter size sensitivity. Moreover, thin hydrogen flame fronts will result in lower resolution on the LES grid, potentially amplifying this issue. In order to address the feasibility of the non-premixed F-TACLES model applied to hydrogen fuel, simple one-dimensional and two-dimensional laminar counterflow diffusion flames are computed. The model is then tested on the three-dimensional Sandia hydrogen jet flame with a Reynolds number of 10,000. Simulations and a priori tests show that tabulated subgrid-scale correction terms are stiff and can result in nonphysical results, however the model is capable of correctly reproducing non-premixed flame structures for small filter sizes.
Head Injuries Induced by Tennis Ball Impacts: A Computational Study
Authors: Li Yongqiang , Gao Xin-Lin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Head injuries induced by tennis ball impacts are computationally studied. The impact of a two-piece tennis ball on a human head is simulated by using an established full body model and a newly constructed tennis ball model. The new tennis ball model is validated against existing experimental data. The frontal impact of a tennis ball on a human head at a velocity of 25 m/s is first studied as the baseline case. The effects of the impact location, velocity, and angle as well as the ball spinning are then examined. It is revealed that the lateral impact results in a higher risk of head injury than the frontal and crown impacts. In addition, it is found that the impact force and von Mises stress in the skull, the intracranial pressure and first principal strain in the brain, and the translational and rotational accelerations at the center of gravity of the head all increase with the increase of the impact velocity. Moreover, the normal (90-deg) impact has the highest risk of head injury, which is followed by the 60-deg, 45-deg and 30-deg impacts. Further, it is observed that the spinning of the tennis ball has insignificant effects on the head response. The simulation results show that there will be no skull fracture or mild brain injury in the baseline case. However, traumatic brain injuries may occur after the impact velocity exceeds 40 m/s. The findings of the current study provide new insights into the risks of head injuries induced by tennis ball impacts.
Maintenance of Aerobic or Resistance Training After an Exercise Intervention Among Breast Cancer Patients After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Goldschmidt Siri , Schmidt Martina E. , Rosenberger Friederike , Wiskemann Joachim , Steindorf Karen 
Published: October 2023

Background: Exercise interventions have been shown to be beneficial for cancer patients regarding various treatment-related side effects and quality of life. For sustainable effects, patients should continue the training. Therefore, we investigated the maintenance of an exercise training in breast cancer patients, reasons for (dis)continuation, and explored possible influencing factors. Methods: The investigation is based on a 3-arm randomized intervention trial comparing aerobic and resistance training (19 [4]) during or after neoadjuvant chemotherapy among breast cancer patients. About 2 years after breast surgery, 68 patients (age 52 [11] y) provided information about training continuation, self-reported reasons of (dis)continuation, sociodemographics, employment status, age, and body mass index. Training continuation was investigated with Kaplan–Meier analyses. Results: The intervention was rated as good or very good by 88.1% of participants. Nevertheless, 52.9% discontinued the training directly, but half of them changed to different types of exercise. Reasons for discontinuation included lack of time and long travel distance to the training facility. The median continuation was 19.0 months (Q1, Q3: 5.5, 36.0) with no statistically significant difference between the intervention groups. Younger, better educated, partnered patients tended toward longer training continuation. Conclusions: The majority of patients continued exercising after the end of intervention. However, a nonnegligible number discontinued training immediately or after few months. Practical, social, and financial support for a transition to an adequate training that is affordable and feasible in the patient’s daily life might foster training maintenance. Especially patients who are less educated, elderly, or living alone may need more support to continue exercising.
Bulk and single-nucleus RNA sequencing highlight immune pathways induced in individuals during an
Ixodes scapularis
tick bite
Authors: Tang Xiaotian , Lynn Geoffrey E. , Cui Yingjun , Cerny Jiri , Arora Gunjan , Tomayko Mary M. , Craft Joseph , Fikrig Erol 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Ticks are hematophagous arthropods that use a complex mixture of salivary proteins to evade host defenses while taking a blood meal. Little is known about the immunological and physiological consequences of tick feeding on humans. Here, we performed the first bulk and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) of skin and blood of four persons presenting with naturally acquired, attached
Ixodes scapularis
ticks. Pathways and individual genes associated with innate and adaptive immunity were identified based on bulk RNA sequencing, including interleukin-17 signaling and platelet activation pathways at the site of tick attachment or in peripheral blood. snRNA-seq further revealed that the Hippo signaling, cell adhesion, and axon guidance pathways were involved in the response to an
I. scapularis
bite in humans. Features of the host response in these individuals also overlapped with that of laboratory guinea pigs exposed to
I. scapularis
and which acquired resistance to ticks. These findings offer novel insights for the development of new biomarkers for
I. scapularis
exposure and anti-tick vaccines for human use.
Epidemiology of revision hip replacement surgery in the UK over the past 15 years—an analysis from the National Joint Registry
Authors: Sabah Shiraz A. , Knight Ruth , Nicolson Philippa J. A. , Taylor Adrian , Kendrick Benjamin , Alvand Abtin , Petrou Stavros , Beard David J. , Price Andrew J. , Palmer Antony J. R. 
Published: October 2023

ObjectivesTo investigate trends in the incidence rate and main indication for revision hip replacement (rHR) over the past 15 years in the UK.DesignRepeated national cross-sectional study from 2006 to 2020.Setting/participantsrHR procedures were identified from the National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the States of Guernsey. Population statistics were obtained from the Office for National Statistics.Main outcome measuresCrude incidence rates of rHR.ResultsThe incidence rate of rHR doubled from 11 per 100 000 adults in 2006 (95% CI 10.7 to 11.3) to a peak of 22 per 100 000 adults (95% CI 22 to 23) in 2012, before falling to 17 per 100 000 adults in 2019 (95% CI 16 to 17) (24.5% decrease from peak). The incidence rate of rHR reduced by 39% in 2020 compared with 2019 (during the COVID-19 pandemic). The most frequent indications for rHR between 2006 and 2019 were loosening/lysis (27.8%), unexplained pain (15.1%) and dislocation/instability (14.7%). There were incremental increases in the annual number and incidence rates of rHR for fracture, infection, dislocation/instability and a decrease in rHR for aseptic loosening/lysis.ConclusionsThe incidence rate of rHR doubled from 2006 to 2012, likely due to high early failure rates of metal-on-metal hip replacements. The incidence of rHR then decreased by approximately 25% from 2012 to 2019, followed by a large decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decrease in the number of rHR performed for aseptic loosening/lysis may reflect improved wear and implant longevity. Increased healthcare resource will be required to care for the increasing numbers of patients undergoing rHR for fracture and infection.
Repurposing the FDA-approved anthelmintic pyrvinium pamoate for pancreatic cancer treatment: study protocol for a phase I clinical trial in early-stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ponzini Francesca M , Schultz Christopher W , Leiby Benjamin E , Cannaday Shawnna , Yeo T , Posey James , Bowne Wilbur B , Yeo Charles , Brody Jonathan R , Lavu Harish , Nevler Avinoam 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundRecent reports of the utilisation of pyrvinium pamoate (PP), an FDA-approved anti-helminth, have shown that it inhibits pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell growth and proliferation in-vitro and in-vivo in preclinical models. Here, we report about an ongoing phase I open-label, single-arm, dose escalation clinical trial to determine the safety and tolerability of PP in PDAC surgical candidates.Methods and analysisIn a 3+3 dose design, PP is initiated 3 days prior to surgery. The first three patients will be treated with the initial dose of PP at 5 mg/kg orally for 3 days prior to surgery. Dose doubling will be continued to a reach a maximum of 20 mg/kg orally for 3 days, if the previous two dosages (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) were tolerated. Dose-limiting toxicity grade≥3 is used as the primary endpoint. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profile of PP and bioavailability in humans will be used as the secondary objective. Each participant will be monitored weekly for a total of 30 days from the final dose of PP for any side effects. The purpose of this clinical trial is to examine whether PP is safe and tolerable in patients with pancreatic cancer, as well as assess the drug’s PK/PD profile in plasma and fatty tissue. Potential implications include the utilisation of PP in a synergistic manner with chemotherapeutics for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Thomas Jefferson Institutional Review Board. The protocol number for this study is 20F.041 (Version 3.1 as of 27 October 2021). The data collected and analysed from this study will be used to present at local and national conferences, as well as, written into peer-reviewed manuscript publications.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov:NCT05055323.
Cartilage tissue from sites of weight bearing in patients with osteoarthritis exhibits a differential phenotype with distinct chondrocytes subests
Authors: Di Jiawei , Chen Zihao , Wang Zhe , He Tianwei , Wu Depeng , Weng Chuanggui , Deng Jiajun , Mai Lang , Wang Kun , He Lei , Rong Limin 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveOsteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease associated with excessive mechanical loading. The aim here was to elucidate whether different subpopulations of chondrocytes exhibit distinct phenotypes in response to variations in loading conditions. Furthermore, we seek to investigate the transcriptional switches and cell crosstalk among these chondrocytes subsets.MethodsProteomic analysis was performed on cartilage tissues isolated from weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing regions. Additionally, single-cell RNA sequencing was employed to identify different subsets of chondrocytes. For disease-specific cells, in vitro differentiation induction was performed, and their presence was confirmed in human cartilage tissue sections using immunofluorescence. The molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional changes in these cells were analysed through whole-transcriptome sequencing.ResultsIn the weight-bearing regions of OA cartilage tissue, a subpopulation of chondrocytes called OA hypertrophic chondrocytes (OAHCs) expressing the marker genes SLC39A14 and COL10A1 are present. These cells exhibit unique characteristics of active cellular interactions mediated by the TGFβ signalling pathway and express OA phenotypes, distinct from hypertrophic chondrocytes in healthy cartilage. OAHCs are mainly distributed in the superficial region of damaged cartilage in human OA tissue, and on TGFβ stimulation, exhibit activation of transcriptional expression of iron metabolism-related genes, along with enrichment of associated pathways.ConclusionThis study identified and validated the existence of a subset of OAHCs in the weight-bearing area of OA cartilage tissue. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for targeting OAHCs to slow down the progression of OA and facilitate the repair of cartilage injuries.
Immersive virtual reality and psychological well-being in adult chronic physical illness: systematic review
Authors: McGhee William R G , Doherty Catherine J , Graham-Wisener Lisa , Fallis Richard , Stone Carol , Axiaq Ariana , Dempster Martin 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionIndividuals with chronic physical illness are at increased risk of negative psychological sequelae. Immersive virtual reality (VR) is an emerging treatment that might reduce these negative effects and increase quality of life in individuals with chronic physical illness.ObjectiveTo systematically review literature examining the use of immersive VR in adult populations with chronic physical illness to understand: (1) how immersive VR is used to improve psychological well-being of adults with chronic physical illness (2) what effect this immersive VR has on the psychological well-being of adults with chronic physical illness.DesignSystematic literature review and meta-analysis. Searches of Ovid Medline/PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus between July 1993 and March 2023 inclusive.Results12 811 texts were identified; 31 met the inclusion criteria. Relaxing and engaging immersive VR interventions were shown to be acceptable and feasible among adults with cancer, dementia, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and multiple sclerosis. Many of the studies reviewed were feasibility or pilot studies and so the evidence about effectiveness is more limited. The evidence, mostly from studies of people with cancer, suggests that immersive VR can have a positive effects on anticipatory anxiety symptoms and pain.ConclusionsEnvironment-based and game-based relaxing immersive VR offer novel interventions, with beneficial effects among people with cancer and, potentially, beneficial effects in those with other long-term physical illness.
Outcomes Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Stenosis in Patients With Type 0 Bicuspid, Type 1 Bicuspid, and Tricuspid Aortic Valves
Authors: He Jingjing , Xiong Tian-Yuan , Yao Yi-Jun , Peng Yong , Wei Jia-Fu , Zhao Zhen-Gang , Chen Guo , Ou Yuan-Weixiang , Liu Qi , Wang Xi , Zhu Zhongkai , Yang Hao-Ran , Jia Kaiyu , Mylotte Darren , Piazza Nicolo , Prendergast Bernard , Feng Yuan , Chen Mao 
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:
Data concerning the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in type 0 bicuspid aortic stenosis (AS) are scarce. The study aims to compare the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement for AS in patients with type 0 bicuspid, type 1 bicuspid, and tricuspid aortic valve anatomy.

METHODS:
We enrolled consecutive patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement for severe AS between 2012 and 2022 in this single-center retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome was mortality, while secondary outcomes included in-hospital complications such as stroke and pacemaker implantation and transcatheter heart valve hemodynamic performance.

RESULTS:

The number of patients with AS with type 0 bicuspid, type 1 bicuspid, and tricuspid aortic valve anatomy was 328, 302, and 642, respectively. Self-expanding transcatheter heart valves were used in the majority of patients (n=1160; 91.4%). In the matched population, differences in mortality (30 days: 4.2% versus 1.7% versus 1.7%,
P
overall
=0.522; 1 year: 10% versus 2.3% versus 6.2%,
P
overall
=0.099) and all stroke (30 days: 1.0% versus 0.9% versus 0.0%,
P
overall
=0.765; 1 year: 1.4% versus 1.6% versus 1.3%,
P
overall
=NS) were nonsignificant, and the incidence of overall in-hospital complications was comparable among groups. Ascending aortic diameter was the single predictor of 1-year mortality in type 0 bicuspid patients (hazard ratio, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.03–2.44];
P
=0.035). The proportion of patients with a mean residual gradient ≥20 mm Hg was the highest in those with type 0 bicuspid anatomy, although the need for permanent pacemaker implantation was the lowest in this group.

CONCLUSIONS:
Major clinical outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement for AS in patients with type 0 bicuspid, type 1 bicuspid, and tricuspid aortic valve anatomy are equivalent at short- and mid-term follow-up. These observations merit further exploration in prospective international registries and randomized controlled trials.
Association Between Prescription Drug Discount Cards and Out-of-Pocket Costs for HFrEF Regimens
Authors: Wheeler James S. , Heidel Robert E. , Dong Annie , Pleines Katherine M. , Hauptman Paul J. 
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:
The burden from medication costs for treating heart failure can be financially toxic for uninsured/underinsured patients and their families. Prescription discount cards, which offer cash price reductions, may decrease out-of-pocket costs for patients without prescription benefits, but the degree to which they offer financial relief remains unclear. Our objective was to assess the financial burden for uninsured/underinsured patients prescribed a drug from each of the 4 standard classes of medications for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. A second objective assessed whether discounts varied across economically and geographically diverse regions in Tennessee.

METHODS:
This was a cross-sectional pricing analysis of guideline-directed medical therapy heart failure with reduced ejection fraction regimens utilizing prescription discount cards. Between February 9 and March 31, 2022, we conducted searches on 3 discount card websites (GoodRx, NeedyMeds, and Blink Health) for the prices of 30- and 90-day supplies of select guideline-directed medical therapy heart failure regimens for 6 Tennessee ZIP codes. Prices were compared with Amazon and Redbook prices.

RESULTS:
Monthly costs among discount card services varied from $10.58 to $30.86 for a generic 3-drug regimen consisting of beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. With the addition of a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, prices increased to $540.32 to $593.74. The ideal 4-drug regimen (beta blocker, angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor) ranged from $1188.31 to $1464.54. When compared with Amazon cash prices, the cards offered an average discount of 65% on a generic 3-drug regimen; when brand-name medications were added, discounts were modest (<12%). There were no significant variations in pricing based on ZIP codes in differing economic and geographic regions.

CONCLUSIONS:
Although prescription discount cards offered significant savings on generic medications, brand-name drug discounts were small and overall costs remained high. These findings highlight the potential for unequal access to life-saving therapies for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.