Horizontal Line Research Articles

Enhancing Lung Ultrasound Diagnostics: A Clinical Study on an Artificial Intelligence Tool for the Detection and Quantification of A-Lines and B-Lines

Background/Objective: A-lines and B-lines are key ultrasound markers that differentiate normal from abnormal lung conditions. A-lines are horizontal lines usually seen in normal aerated lungs, while B-lines are linear vertical artifacts associated with lung abnormalities such as pulmonary edema, infection, and COVID-19, where a higher number of B-lines indicates more severe pathology. This paper aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a newly released lung ultrasound AI tool (ExoLungAI) in the detection of A-lines and quantification/detection of B-lines to help clinicians in assessing pulmonary conditions. Methods: The algorithm is evaluated on 692 lung ultrasound scans collected from 48 patients (65% males, aged: 55 ± 12.9) following their admission to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for COVID-19 symptoms, including respiratory failure, pneumonia, and other complications. Results: ExoLungAI achieved a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 81% for A-line detection. For B-line detection, it attained a sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 86%. In quantifying B-lines, the algorithm achieved a weighted kappa score of 0.77 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.80) and an ICC of 0.87 (95% CI 0.85 to 0.89), showing substantial agreement between the ground truth and predicted B-line counts. Conclusions: ExoLungAI demonstrates a reliable performance in A-line detection and B-line detection/quantification. This automated tool has greater objectivity, consistency, and efficiency compared to manual methods. Many healthcare professionals including intensivists, radiologists, sonographers, medical trainers, and nurse practitioners can benefit from such a tool, as it assists the diagnostic capabilities of lung ultrasound and delivers rapid responses.

Impact of Soil Amendments and Improved Alkaline Water on the Physico-chemical Characteristics of the Soil, the Distribution of Salt in the Soil, the Growth, and the Yield of Hybrid Cotton Grown in Sodic Soil with Drip Irrigation

The effects of ameliorated alkali water and soil amendments on the soil properties, growth, and yield of hybrid cotton in sodic soil under drip irrigation were investigated in this field experiment at Anbil Dharma lingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Trichy, using cotton (RCH-20) as a test crop. The main-plot treatments included drip irrigation with gypsum treatment water and drip irrigation with spent wash treatment water; the sub-plot treatments included soil application of gypsum @ 50% GR (5.2 t ha-1) and a one-time soil application of distillery spent wash at 5 lakh liters ha-1. The treatment without amendments under main plot and sub-plots was used as a control. The experiment was designed in a strip-plot design with four replications. The application of additives through irrigation water or soil dramatically lowered the post-harvest soil's pH. Plots applied with wasted wash had the greatest pH reduction (M1S1) 7.81, followed by those applied with gypsum (M2S2) 7.90 and control (M3S3) 8.15. Because there was more soluble salt present in the spent wash treated plots, there was a little rise in EC. Drip irrigation with distillery spent wash (DSW) treated water and drip irrigation with gypsum treated water, respectively, resulted in ESP decreases of (M2S2) 0.97 and (M1S1) 0.61 over control. Similarly, ESP decreased by 2.63 and 1.31 when gypsum and DSW were applied to the soil, respectively, compared to the control. The organic carbon values ranged from (M3S3) 0.47 to (M2S2) 0.92 percent. In general, an increase in organic carbon content was observed in all the treatments that received amendments (Gypsum& DSW) compared to control. Salt distribution pattern conducted in treatment of distillery spent wash @ 5.0 lakh liters ha-1 significantly increased vertical depth of soil pH ranges (7.56,7.68,7.80,8.30) and decreased EC ranges (1.05,1.02,1.00,0.95) followed by horizontal line soil pH ranges (7.54,7.51,7.49,7.50) and EC ranges (1.04,1.02,1.00,1.02) at 120 DAS after application. In the experimental field recorded vertical depth of soil increased pH and decreased electrical conductivity compared to horizontal distances of soil pH and EC. The physico- chemical properties reduced in treatment one time application of DSW @ 5 lakh liters ha-1 recorded the highest physico -chemical properties followed by the treatment receiving irrigation with gypsum bed treated alkali water and lowest was recorded in the untreated alkali water irrigated through drip system in non- amended soil.

Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth Prepared With Biologically Oriented Preparation Technique Versus Horizontal Finish Lines: An In Vitro Study

Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth Prepared With Biologically Oriented Preparation Technique Versus Horizontal Finish Lines: An In Vitro Study

Tibial Insufficiency Fracture with Characteristics of an Atypical Fracture: A Rare Case and Literature Review

Background and Objectives: Osteoporosis is becoming more prevalent with the rise in the aging population, leading to the increased use of bisphosphonates for treatment. While these medications are effective in preventing osteoporotic fractures, long-term use has been associated with atypical insufficiency fractures, primarily in the femur. However, atypical fractures in other weight-bearing bones, such as the tibia, have rarely been reported. This study aims to present a case of an atypical insufficiency fracture of the tibia in an elderly female who has been on long-term bisphosphonate therapy and to review treatment outcomes within the context of the current literature. Patient concerns: A 76-year-old female presented with pain in the proximal right tibia, developing two months prior without trauma. She had been receiving long-term bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis, initially taking sodium risedronate orally for 4 years, followed by intravenous ibandronate for 10 years. Physical examination revealed localized tenderness, and radiographs showed cortical thickening and a horizontal fracture line in the proximal right tibia. MRI confirmed these findings, along with surrounding edema. The laboratory results were mostly normal, but the bone formation marker osteocalcin was significantly reduced. The patient had a history of insufficiency fractures in the ipsilateral tibia and contralateral femur, previously treated conservatively with teriparatide. A similar conservative approach was attempted but failed, leading to surgical intervention with intramedullary nailing and supplementary plating. At the 8-month follow-up, the patient showed successful fracture union and resolution of symptoms. Conclusion: Long-term use of bisphosphonates, though effective for osteoporosis, can lead to atypical insufficiency fractures, primarily in the femur but also occasionally in the tibia. Clinicians should consider this possibility when patients present with pain in weight-bearing bones without a history of trauma. Prompt diagnosis through thorough history-taking, physical examination, and appropriate imaging is essential to ensure timely management.

Impact of a Unilateral High Tibial Osteotomy With a Large Correction on Functional Lateral Acetabular Coverage of the Hip Joint.

Changes in limb length and coronal pelvic tilt, which occur along with changes in limb alignment, may affect the functional lateral acetabular coverage of the hip joint under weightbearing conditions. To analyze the functional lateral acetabular coverage after unilateral closed-wedge and open-wedge high tibial osteotomies with a large wedge correction of ≥10 mm. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. A retrospective analysis was conducted for 107 unilateral closed-wedge high tibial osteotomies (CWHTOs) and 100 unilateral open-wedge high tibial osteotomies (OWHTOs) with a wedge correction of ≥10 mm and without correction loss during a 2-year follow-up. Limb length and coronal pelvic tilt were measured. Functional lateral acetabular coverage was evaluated using the lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), acetabular index, sharp angle, and femoral head extrusion index (FHEI) with reference to the ground horizontal line. Appropriate ranges of the LCEA (22° to 40°), acetabular index (-8° to 14°), sharp angle (34° to 43°), and FHEI (11% to 27%) were investigated. Limb length significantly decreased after CWHTO (-7.2 mm) and increased after OWHTO (11.5 mm). The pelvis of the operative limb tilted downward after CWHTO (-1.0°) and upward after OWHTO (2.1°). The mean parameters for functional lateral acetabular coverage significantly changed toward more coverage after CWHTO and less coverage after OWHTO (change in LCEA, acetabular index, sharp angle, and FHEI = 1.2°, -1.1°, -1.0°, and -0.7%, respectively, in CWHTO and -1.3°, 1.8°, 1.6°, and 2.7%, respectively, in OWHTO). When evaluating the appropriateness of each parameter for coverage, cases of conversions from undercoverage to appropriate coverage (1.9% to 4.7%) and appropriate to overcoverage (0.9% to 5.6%) after CWHTO and from overcoverage to appropriate coverage (0% to 8%) and appropriate to undercoverage (2% to 7%) after OWHTO were observed. The functional lateral acetabular coverage increased after CWHTO and decreased after OWHTO. Surgeons may want to consider the acetabular coverage of the ipsilateral hip joint when performing a unilateral high tibial osteotomy with a large correction.

IncobotulinumtoxinA in the Treatment of Upper Facial Lines: Results From Two Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase III Studies.

Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase III studies of incobotulinumtoxinA for treating upper facial lines (UFL; combination of glabellar frown lines [GFL], horizontal forehead lines [HFL] and lateral canthal lines [LCL]) were conducted in the US (ULTRA I: NCT04594213) and Germany (ULTRA II: NCT04622254). To evaluate safety and efficacy of simultaneous intramuscular injections for UFL. Longer-term safety and efficacy were assessed in open-label extension periods (OLEX). Healthy participants (≥18 years) with moderate-to-severe GFL, HFL and symmetrical LCL at maximum contraction on the five-point Merz Aesthetics Scales (MAS) were randomized 2:1:1 to receive up to 64 Units of incobotulinumtoxinA in the main period (MP) for each trial. Treatment groups were: UFL, GFL & HFL (ULTRA I), LCL (ULTRA II) and placebo. Primary efficacy endpoints were the proportions of GFL, HFL and LCL responders, defined as a MAS score for the respective area of 0 (no) or 1 (mild) and ≥2-grade improvement from baseline to Day 30, as assessed by both investigator and participant. Overall, 362 and 368 participants received treatment in ULTRA I and ULTRA II, respectively. In both studies, incobotulinumtoxinA treatment was significantly more effective than placebo with respect to the primary endpoint (p < 0.0001) and key secondary endpoints (p < 0.0001). OLEX results were consistent with those seen in the MP. No new safety findings were identified. In ULTRA I and ULTRA II, safety and efficacy of incobotulinumtoxinA for the simultaneous treatment of moderate-to-severe UFL were demonstrated, with significant improvements across all primary and secondary endpoints versus placebo.

Simple Trocar Placement for Robotic Liver and Pancreatic Surgery: Multiple Access Devices at 5-cm Single Umbilicus Incision with 2 Robotic Ports.

Robotic trocars are recommended to be placed 6-8 cm apart, and assistant trocars are placed 7 cm away from the horizontal line of the robotic trocar placement. However, adhering to these rules may be difficult, particularly in lean patients. This study aims to demonstrate our standardized simple trocar placement, 5-cm single umbilicus incision + 2 ports for robotic liver resection (RLR) and robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD). During 2022-2024, patients undergoing RLR and RPD at The University of Tokyo were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Our standardized trocar placement consisted of multiple access devices at the 5-cm umbilicus incision, including two robotic trocars and one assistant trocar, and two other robotic trocars inserted to shape a hemi-circle around the surgical object. A total of 29 and 31 consecutive patients underwent RLR and RPD, respectively. The 5-cm single umbilicus incision + 2 ports method was used in 82.8% of patients undergoing RLR and 100% of patients undergoing RPD. No patients undergoing RLR developed hepatic insufficiency and bile leakage with the median postoperative hospital stay of 5 days. No patients undergoing RPD developed clinically relevant pancreatic fistula, delayed gastric emptying, and bile leakage with the median postoperative hospital stay of 8 days. Our standardized trocar placement technique is simple and widely feasible for lean-to-obese patients, allowing for RLR and RPD while minimizing incisions for patients.

Parametric Algorithm to Find the Largest Empty Rectangle from a Set of Line Segments

A combinatorial algorithm to locate the Maximum Empty Rectangle (MER) inside a given set [Formula: see text] of non-intersecting horizontal and vertical line segments is presented in this paper. The [Formula: see text] is the maximum area rectangle such that no line segment lies in part or in full within the rectangle. The proposed algorithm uses the projection lists and line sweep technique [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the cardinality of the set [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] is the maximum number of candidate rectangles for a line segment. Projection list is the projection of the line segments on [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] axes.

The Engraved Slate Plaques of Late Neolithic and Copper Age Iberia: A Statistical Evaluation of the Genealogical Hypothesis

The engraved slate plaques were part of an extensive and variable class of ritual objects in Late Neolithic and Copper Age Iberia, with Classic plaques being the most numerous and standardized type. Classic plaques have a top and base separated by a horizontal line or bands, and base registers of repeating design elements (triangles, checkerboard, etc.). Associated with burials, they have been interpreted as genealogical records, with their base design referencing a clan or other social unit and their number of registers denoting the generational distance of the deceased from an important ancestor. The authors evaluate the genealogical hypothesis using a larger dataset than available when originally proposed, employing statistical analyses to examine the relationship between the number of registers and find locations, and between design elements and tomb size. Tomb size is viewed as a measure of collective labour, and hence a proxy of the status of the individuals in the tomb. These analyses show significant patterning between the number of registers and the plaques’ geographic distribution, and between specific design elements and tomb size, suggesting that the genealogical hypothesis remains a plausible explanation for the Classic plaques.

Self-Oscillations of Submerged Liquid Crystal Elastomer Beams Driven by Light and Self-Shadowing

Liquid Crystal Elastomers (LCEs) are responsive materials that undergo significant, reversible deformations when exposed to external stimuli such as light, heat, and humidity. Light actuation, in particular, offers versatile control over LCE properties, enabling complex deformations. A notable phenomenon in LCEs is self-oscillation under constant illumination. Understanding the physics underlying this dynamic response, and especially the role of interactions with a surrounding fluid medium, is still crucial for optimizing the performance of LCEs. In this study, we have developed a multi-physics fluid-structure interaction model to explore the self-oscillation phenomenon of immersed LCE beams exposed to light. We consider a beam clamped at one end, originally vertical, and exposed to horizontal light rays of constant intensity focused near the fixed edge. Illumination causes the beam to bend towards the light due to a temperature gradient. As the free end of the beam surpasses the horizontal line through the clamp, self-shadowing induces cooling, initiating the self-oscillation phenomenon. The negative feedback resulting from self-shadowing injects energy into the system, with sustained self-oscillations in spite of the energy dissipation in the surrounding fluid. Our investigation involves parametric studies exploring the impact of beam length and light intensity on the amplitude, frequency, and mode of oscillation. Our findings indicate that the self-oscillation initiates above a certain critical light intensity, which is length-dependent. Also, shorter lengths induce oscillations in the beam with the first mode of vibration, while increasing the length changes the elasticity property of the beam and triggers the second mode. Additionally, applying higher light intensity may trigger composite complex modes, while the frequency of oscillation increases with the intensity of the light if the mode of oscillation remains constant.

The inferior sacral iliac line as a horizontal reference plane in paediatric pelvic radiographs.

While often used, Hilgenreiner's line may not always be a reliable reference plane following triple innominate pelvic osteotomy or trauma to the triradiate cartilage. The inferior sacral-iliac line is a horizontal line connecting the sclerotic corners of the inferior sacral-iliac joints. This is a consistent landmark in the ossifying infant pelvis as well as the fully developed adult pelvis. The goal of this study was to determine if there is a difference in measurements between the inferior sacral-iliac line and Hilgenreiner's line in order to identify an alternative horizontal reference plane. 3 reviewers (fellowship-trained paediatric orthopaedic surgeon, junior orthopaedic resident, senior orthopaedic resident) reviewed 100 paediatric non-osteotomized pelvises. The difference between Hilgenreiner's line and the inferior sacral-iliac line were measured and reported. Measurements were repeated a minimum of 48 hours apart, resulting in 600 comparisons between Hilgenreiner's line and the inferior sacral-iliac line. The standard error of measurement was calculated to assess the variation in measurements between each individual observer and the group as a whole. The mean standard error of measurement between Hilgenreiner's line and the inferior sacral-iliac line was 0.44° (95% CI, ± 0.86). Reviewers 1-3 demonstrated a mean standard error of measurement of 0.38, 0.28, and 0.35 (95% CI, ± 0.74, 0.55, and 0.86) respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between reviewers (p > 0.05). Intra-observer reliability for reviewers 1, 2, and 3 was 0.64 (0.47-0.76), 0.75 (0.63-0.83), and 0.54 (0.32-0.69) respectively, with an inter-observer reliability of 0.42 (0.20-0.60) degrees. In this proof-of-concept study, the inferior sacral-iliac line was found to be an appropriate alternative to Hilgenreiner's line that is easily identifiable for all levels of orthopaedic training. Future inferior sacral-iliac line studies should demonstrate the reliability of multiple acetabular measurements, both pre- and post-osteotomy.

Source localization at low frequency using deconvolution of the waveguide impulse response

Matched-mode processing (MMP) methods have been widely investigated for source localization and geoacoustic inversion. For horizontal line arrays (HLA), it aims at retrieving the horizontal wavenumbers and thus at inferring source range and bearing. In this work, the matched-mode is performed by applying the deconvolution of the waveguide response in a narrowband context in order to improve the localization accuracy. Deconvolution usually refers to a sparse framework when the number of sources is smaller than the number of sensors of the HLA. The Orthogonal Matching Pursuit algorithm is then used in this work. First results from numerical simulations for Pekeris waveguide highlight better localization accuracy than MMP. The deconvolution shows as well stronger robustness to mismatch in the sound speed values of the seabed. Results from measurement campaign, involving large HLA, low to ultra-low frequency and water depth up to 1500 m are investigated as well.

Automatic Extraction of VLF Constant‐Frequency Electromagnetic Wave Frequency Based on an Improved Vgg16‐Unet

AbstractConstant Frequency Electromagnetic Waves (CFEWs) refer to electromagnetic waves with a constant frequency. Man‐made CFEWs are mainly used in wireless communication, scientific research, global navigation and positioning systems, and military radar. CFEWs exhibit horizontal line characteristics higher than the background on spectrograms. In this study, we focus on Very Low Frequency (VLF) waveform data and power spectral data collected by the China Seismo‐Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES) Electromagnetic Field Detector (EFD). We utilize deep learning techniques to construct an improved Vgg16‐Unet model for automatically detecting horizontal lines on time‐frequency spectrogram and extracting their frequencies. First, we transform waveform data into time‐frequency spectrogram with a duration of 2 s using Short‐Time Fourier Transform. Then, we manually label horizontal lines on the time‐frequency spectrogram using the Labelme tool to establish the dataset. Next, we establish and improve the Vgg16‐Unet deep learning model. Finally, we train and test the model using the dataset. Statistical experimental results show that the error rate of line detection is 0, indicating high reliability of the model, with fewer parameters and fast computation speed suitable for practical applications. Not only do we detect lines through the model, but we also obtain their frequencies. Additionally, in batch‐generated power spectrogram of CFEWs, we discover some unstable phenomena such as frequency shifts and fluctuations, which contribute to understanding the propagation mechanism of CFEWs in the ionosphere and improving the accuracy of related systems.

A Four Port Flexible UWB MIMO Antenna with Enhanced Isolation for Wearable Applications

This article presents a four-port multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) flexible antenna design for Ultrawideband (UWB) application using Polydimethylsiloxanes substrate. The single UWB antenna structure consists of modified circular radiator with elliptical slot and partial ground plane. To achieve high isolation among antenna element, a Defective Ground Structure (DGS) is adopted to decouple the low frequency band. DGS comprises a centrally placed square shape slotted structure connected by horizontal and vertical lines, achieving isolation below -20 dB. The proposed antenna has a dimension of , bandwidth of 3.4–11.8 GHz (110.5%) and 4.3 dBi peak gain. Simulation and measurement findings show that the antenna performs well under bending situations with different curvature radius. At 4 GHz and 8.1 GHz, W/kg specific absorption rate (SAR) for 1/10 g tissue is examined. A low value of SAR is obtained at both the resonating frequencies. Additionally, an analysis is conducted on the diversity parameters, and the antenna demonstrates comparatively good results having mean effective gain (MEG) ratio < -3 dB envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) < 0.02, total active reflection coefficient (TARC) < − 10 dB, channel capacity loss (CCL) < 0.3 bps/Hz, and diversity gain (DG) > 9.99 dB, implying that it's appropriate for wearable MIMO applications.

Numerical Simulation Study of an Artificial Percolation Riverbed and Its Hydraulic Characteristics under Different Reynolds Numbers

The direct extraction of clear water from a sandy river is a difficult task and can only be achieved through specific engineering measures. This paper proposes an artificial percolation riverbed structure for extracting clean water from sandy rivers, using a numerical simulation to study the flow field distribution characteristics of the structure under clean water conditions. The main conclusions are as follows: When the percolation vortex tube opening rate is 1.4%, the vortex tube with or without opening the percolation hole has little influence on the distribution characteristics of the flow field in the artificial riverbed, and the purpose of water extraction can be achieved while constructing a helical flow field. The axial flow velocity and circumferential flow velocity of the vortex tube cross-section under different Reynolds numbers show the distribution of a low-flow velocity close to the center of the vortex tube, and a high-flow velocity close to the vortex tube side-wall area. The average axial flow velocity and average circumferential flow velocity of the vortex tube show a trend of increasing and then decreasing distribution along the axial axis of the vortex tube in the direction of the sediment transport flume. The mean axial flow velocity of the vortex tube along the axis of the vortex tube toward the sediment transport flume and the mean circumferential flow velocity both show a distribution trend of increasing and then decreasing. At the junction of the vortex tube and the sediment transport flume, there are obvious pressure changes, and the pressure changes drastically under the same horizontal line. Along the direction of the bottom line of the vortex tube, the pressure at the vortex tube is obviously greater than that at the sediment transport flume. The vortex of the artificial percolation riverbed is mainly concentrated in the vicinity of the vortex tube, and the maximum value of the vortex intensity generally occurs at the junction of the vortex tube and the sediment transport flume. With the increase in the Reynolds number, the vortex intensity has an overall increasing trend, and the distribution of the vortex is more complex. This study helps to elucidate the distribution characteristics of the flow field in the artificial percolation riverbed, and it provides a reference basis for the future study of the flow field of artificial percolation riverbeds of sandy rivers.

On the optimal control function diagrams in the problem of the movement of a platform with oscillators

We consider the problem of the time-optimal movement of a rigid body moving translationally along a horizontal straight line and carrying n-linear oscillators. The only control force is applied to the platform and is limited in magnitude, there is no friction. The system is transferred from a state of rest to a specified distance with vibration damping. The evolution of optimal control functions depending on the distance of movement is investigated. A general approach to constructing a visual diagram reflecting such evolution is proposed. To do this, a geometric interpretation of the necessary optimality conditions is used as properties of an auxiliary “control” curve in n-dimensional space. Numerical examples of constructing diagrams of optimal control functions for a platform with three oscillators are given.

Correlation between common iliac vein geometry and the risk of deep vein thrombosis in patients with May-Thurner syndrome.

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is a continuous pathological change of the left common iliac vein intraluminal wall due to compression between the right common iliac artery and a lumbar vertebra, with clinical signs of compromised venous drainage of the left leg, which eventually leads to development of left-sided deep vein thrombosis (DVT). To analyze the correlation between iliac vessel geometry and probability of DVT in patients with MTS. This study consists of two age-matched female groups: DVT (n = 21) and control (n = 28). Iliac vein geometry, including left common iliac vein (LCIV) diameter, percentage of stenosis, angle between LCIV and right common iliac vein (RCIV), tilt angle of each CIV with horizontal line, and crossing angle between right common iliac artery (RCIA) and LCIV, were measured on computed tomography venography (CTV) images. The probability of DVT development was assessed using logistic regression. Comparing the DVT and control groups, the mean LCIV diameter was 2.4 mm and 3.7 mm (P = 0.001), and mean LCIV stenosis was 77.7% and 68.3% (P = 0.001), respectively. After age-adjustment, the odds of left DVT in patients with MTS correlated with LCIV diameter (odds ratio [OR]=0.25, P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.11-0.54), LCIV stenosis (%) (OR=1.12, P = 0.003, 95% CI=1.04-1.21), LCIV tilt angle (OR=0.95, P < 0.038, 95% CI=0.91-0.99), and angle between two CIVs (OR=1.04, P < 0.039, 95% CI=1.00-1.09). LCIV diameter and percentage of stenosis, LCIV tilt angle, and CIV angle were independent risk factors for the development of DVT in patients with MTS.

Evidence for vertical line nodes in Sr2RuO4 from nonlocal electrodynamics

By determining the superconducting lower and upper critical fields Hc1(T) and Hc2(T), respectively, in a high-purity spherical Sr2RuO4 sample via ac-susceptibility measurements, we obtain the temperature dependence of the coherence length ξ and the penetration depth λ down to 0.04Tc. Given the high sample quality, the observed T2 dependence of λ at low temperatures cannot be explained in terms of impurity effects. Instead, we argue that the weak type-II superconductor Sr2RuO4 has to be treated in the nonlocal limit. By comparing our data with existing theory in that limit, the penetration depth in Sr2RuO4 agrees with a gap structure having vertical line nodes, while horizontal line nodes cannot account for the observation. The work highlights the potential benefits of purifying other unconventional superconductors in order to access the fascinating nonlocal regime in more materials and to determine their Cooper pair wave functions. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Adjustable flanged technique for secondary implantation of four-point scleral‑fixated posterior chamber intraocular lenses using two parallel 6−0 polyglactin sutures

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of using the adjustable flanged technique for secondary implantation of four-point scleral‑fixated posterior chamber intraocular lenses with two parallel 6−0 polyglactin sutures.MethodsTwo parallel 6−0 polyglactin sutures were passed separately through the two haptics on the horizontal line of the 4-haptic IOL. The four externalized sutures were then trimmed and cauterized to form flanges. The best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and complications in all patients were observed and recorded.ResultsThe flanged technique using two parallel 6−0 polyglactin sutures was applied to 14 aphakic eyes. The average preoperative best corrected visual acuity was 1.00 ± 0.88 LogMAR (Snellen 20/200), which improved to 0.42 ± 0.38 LogMAR (Snellen 20/48) at the final follow-up (P = 0.004). None of the patients experienced vitreous hemorrhage, low intraocular pressure, or issues with exposed or broken sutures.ConclusionThe simplicity of the technique, along with its ability to accommodate adjustments post-implantation, allows for optimal positioning and reduces risks like IOL tilt or dislocation. Overall, this is a promising approach to secondary IOL implantation, with potential benefits for both patient outcomes and surgical efficiency.

Investigating the efficacy of Endolift laser and Nanofat as a combination therapy for horizontal neck lines compared to Nanofat autologous alone.

The emergence of horizontal neck wrinkles is increasingly becoming a focal point for both cosmetic professionals and clients. Various treatment approaches must be considered to address this issue effectively, owing to its diverse underlying causes. The study explores the potential of utilizing the Endolift laser in conjunction with nanofat injection as a viable treatment option. Twenty patients with horizontal neck wrinkles involved in the study. Ten patients underwent treatment with a combination of Endolift laser and nanofat injection and 10 patients treated with nanofat injection alone. The participants were monitored for 6 months post-treatment. Biometric measurements were utilized to assess outcomes, including changes in volume, depth, and area of the wrinkles, skin elasticity, as well as the diameter and density of the epidermis and dermis in the treated area. Skin improvement was evaluated by two independent dermatologists, who compared before and after photos in a blinded manner. Patient satisfaction levels were also documented. The Visioface analysis showed a notable decrease in neck wrinkle depth and area in both groups. However, the group receiving the combination treatment of Endolift laser and nanofat exhibited a significantly greater improvement compared to the group treated with nanofat alone. Skin ultrasonography results demonstrated an increase in thickness and density of the dermis and epidermis in both groups. Particularly, the group treated with Endolift laser-nanofat displayed significant enhancements in dermis and epidermis density and thickness when contrasted with the nanofat-only group. Analysis with Cutometer revealed a marked enhancement in skin elasticity in the Endolift-nanofat treated group in comparison to the nanofat-only treated group. Furthermore, in the Endolift-nanofat treated group, a substantial majority (90%) of patients exhibited improvement. Patient evaluations highlighted significant distinctions between the two groups, with 95% of patients in the Endolift-nanofat treated group demonstrating enhancement. Both methods notably enhance horizontal neck wrinkles; nevertheless, the combination of endolift laser and nanofat seems to be more efficient for treating horizontal neck wrinkles.