bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convex-Cyclic Weighted Composition Operators and Their Adjoints
Authors: Mengestie Tesfa
Published: July 2021

We characterize the convex-cyclic weighted composition operators $$W_{(u,\psi )}$$

W

(
u
,
ψ
)

and their adjoints on the Fock space in terms of the derivative powers of $$ \psi $$
ψ
and the location of the eigenvalues of the operators on the complex plane. Such a description is also equivalent to identifying the operators or their adjoints for which their invariant closed convex sets are all invariant subspaces. We further show that the space supports no supercyclic weighted composition operators with respect to the pointwise convergence topology and, hence, with the weak and strong topologies, and answers a question raised by T. Carrol and C. Gilmore in [5].
Contractive Iterated Function Systems Enriched with Nonexpansive Maps
Authors: Strobin Filip
Published: July 2021

Motivated by a recent paper of Leśniak and Snigireva [Iterated function systems enriched with symmetry, preprint], we investigate the properties of the semiattractor $$A_{\mathcal {F}\cup \mathcal {G}}^*$$

A

F
∪
G

∗

of an IFS $$\mathcal {F}$$
F
enriched by some other IFS $$\mathcal {G}$$
G
. We show that in natural cases, the semiattractor $$A_{\mathcal {F}\cup \mathcal {G}}^*$$

A

F
∪
G

∗

is in fact the attractor of certain IFSs related naturally with the IFSs $$\mathcal {F}$$
F
and $$\mathcal {G}$$
G
. We also give an example when $$A_{\mathcal {F}\cup \mathcal {G}}^*$$

A

F
∪
G

∗

is not compact, yet still being the attractor of considered related IFSs. Finally, we use presented machinery to prove that the so called lower transition attractors due to Vince are semiattractors of enriched IFSs.
Parodontitis – Therapie einer Volkskrankheit
Authors: Dannewitz Bettina , Holtfreter Birte , Eickholz Peter
Published: July 2021

Parodontitis ist eine chronisch entzündliche nichtübertragbare Erkrankung, die alle Anteile des Zahnhalteapparates (Parodonts) betrifft und dort weitgehend irreversible Schäden verursacht. Schätzungen legen nahe, dass in Deutschland ca. 10 Mio. Menschen an einer schweren Parodontitis erkrankt sind. Parodontitis zeigt über viele Jahre zumeist wenige oder nur milde Symptome, die von den Patienten oft nicht wahrgenommen oder richtig eingeordnet werden. Fehlendes Bewusstsein kann dazu führen, dass zahnärztliche Behandlung erst in einem fortgeschrittenen Erkrankungsverlauf in Anspruch genommen wird, wenn umfangreiche Therapiemaßnahmen notwendig geworden sind und sich die Prognose für den Erhalt der Zähne verschlechtert hat. Der parodontale Screeningindex (PSI) ist ein einfaches und schnelles Instrument, mit dem die Notwendigkeit weiterführender diagnostischer Maßnahmen beurteilt werden kann. Der Index wird mittlerweile bei vielen Patienten durchgeführt. Trotzdem bleiben die Versorgungszahlen niedrig und hinter dem zurück, was für das Absenken der bestehenden Parodontitislast notwendig wäre. Jede Zahnarztpraxis muss in der Lage sein, Parodontitistherapie umzusetzen. Fachzahnärzte oder Spezialisten können die allgemeinzahnärztlichen Kollegen wesentlich bei der Behandlung von schweren Formen von Parodontitis unterstützen. Dazu ist eine Aufwertung des Faches in der universitären Ausbildung erforderlich, aber auch die zunehmende postgraduale Ausdifferenzierung von Spezialisten oder Fachzahnärzten für Parodontologie. Die neuen Behandlungsrichtlinien für die Parodontaltherapie (PAR-Therapie) erlauben die Versorgung der parodontal erkrankten Patienten auf Basis international anerkannter wissenschaftlicher Standards und verbessern damit die Rahmenbedingungen für die Parodontitistherapie in der zahnärztlichen Praxis.
Winkelstabile Platte zur Behandlung der Insuffizienzfrakturen des Beckens („minimally invasive posterior locked compression plate“)
Authors: Schmerwitz Imke , Jungebluth Philipp , Bartels Stephan , Hockertz Thomas
Published: July 2021

Operationsziel

Belastungsstabile Versorgung des Beckenringes mit hoher Primärstabilität.

Indikation

Instabilität und ausbleibende Mobilisierbarkeit bei osteoporotischen Beckenbrüchen.

Kontraindikationen

Dekubitalgeschwüre, Infekte.

Operationstechnik

Minimal-invasive winkelstabile Versorgung durch 4,5 LCP (locked compression plate, DePuy Synthes, Zuchwil, Schweiz) von dorsal.

Weiterbehandlung

Sofortige Mobilisation mit Vollbelastung, Röntgenverlaufskontrolle.

Evidenz

Die Nachuntersuchung eines Kollektivs von 34 Patienten zeigte keine Implantatlockerungen sowie eine vergleichsweise niedrige Strahlenexposition.
SAHA could inhibit TGF-β1/p38 pathway in MI-induced cardiac fibrosis through DUSP4 overexpression
Authors: Wang Kaihao , Tang Ruijie , Wang Siyuan , Wang Wenyao , Zhang Kuo , Li Jun , Li Ping , Tang Yi-Da
Published: July 2021

Growing evidences have revealed that a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) has anti-fibrotic effect in different diseases. In this study, we first evaluated whether SAHA could suppress cardiac fibrosis. Mice with MI-induced cardiac fibrosis were treated with SAHA by intraperitoneal injection and their cardiac function was improved after SAHA treatment. Results of western blotting and qRT-PCR in heart tissues suggested that TGFβ1/P38 pathway was activated in MI mice, and this effect was reversed by SAHA. Cell proliferation assay suggested that SAHA could suppress TGF-β1-induced cardiac fibroblasts proliferation. Furthermore, results of western blotting and qRT-PCR in cardiac fibroblasts depicted that SAHA may exert its anti-fibrotic effect through inhibiting TGF-β1-induced P38 phosphorylation by promoting DUSP4 expression. Our findings may substantiate SAHA as a promising treatment for MI-induced cardiac fibrosis.
Cerclage fixation without K-wires is associated with fewer complications and reoperations compared with tension band wiring in stable displaced olecranon fractures in elderly patients
Authors: Wenger Daniel , Cornefjord Gustav , Rogmark Cecilia
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Tension band wiring of olecranon fractures has high reported rates of complications and reoperations. We aimed to compare classic tension band wiring to cerclage fixation without K-wires in the treatment of displaced olecranon fractures in elderly patients. The primary outcome was reoperation. Secondary outcomes included complications and patient reported outcomes. Outcomes following non-operative treatment were also studied.

Materials and methods

Patients aged > 69 years presenting with Mayo class 2a and 2b olecranon fractures at our institution from 2004 through 2016 (n = 239) were eligible for study. Fracture type, treatment method, complications and reoperations were assessed from radiographs and hospital files. QuickDASH surveys were collected by mail.

Results

Patients operated with tension band wire technique had more reoperations (p value 0.03): relative risk (RR) 2.2 (CI 1.08–4.3), odds ratio (OR) 2.6 (CI 1.05–6.4), and complications (p value 0.001): RR 2.5 (CI 1.51–4.1), OR 3.7 (CI 1.67–8.2), compared with those operated with cerclage technique. Non-operative treatment yielded similar complication (p value 0.2) and reoperation rates (p value 0.06) as cerclage fixation. The answer rate was insufficient to compare QuickDASH scores between treatments methods.

Conclusions

In patients 70 years and older undergoing cerclage fixation for displaced stable olecranon fractures (Mayo class 2), the reoperation and complications rates were less than half of those in patients undergoing TBW fixation. Non-operative treatment yielded similar reoperation and complication rates to cerclage fixation, in selected cases.

Level of evidence

III—retrospective comparative cohort study.
LY294002 and sorafenib as inhibitors of intracellular survival pathways in the elimination of human glioma cells by programmed cell death
Authors: A Zając , J Sumorek-Wiadro , A Maciejczyk , E Langner , I Wertel , W Rzeski , J Jakubowicz-Gil
Published: July 2021

Gliomas are aggressive brain tumors with very high resistance to chemotherapy throughout the overexpression of multiple intracellular survival pathways. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate for the first time the anticancer activity of LY294002, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor and sorafenib, and rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma kinase (Raf) inhibitor in the elimination of human glioma cells by programmed cell death. MOGGCCM (anaplastic astrocytoma, III) and T98G (glioblastoma multiforme, IV) cell lines incubated with LY294002 and/or sorafenib were used in the experiments. Simultaneous treatment with both drugs was more effective in the elimination of cancer cells on the way of apoptosis with no significant necrotic effect than single application. It was correlated with decreasing the mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of caspase 3 and 9. The expression of Raf and PI3K was also inhibited. Blocking of those kinases expression by specific siRNA revealed significant apoptosis induction, exceeding the level observed after LY294002 and sorafenib treatment in non-transfected lines but only in MOGGCCM cells. Our results indicated that combination of LY294002 and sorafenib was very efficient in apoptosis induction in glioma cells. Anaplastic astrocytoma cells turned out to be more sensitive for apoptosis induction than glioblastoma multiforme after blocking PI3K and Raf expression with siRNA.
Experimental investigation of the dynamic load sharing of planetary gearboxes
Authors: Götz J. , Siglmüller F. , Fürst M. , Otto M. , Stahl K.
Published: July 2021

Due to their compactness and power density, planetary gearboxes are used for a wide range of high-performance applications in the automotive, aviation and marine sector. Aerospace applications in particular benefit from a full use of the load capacity potential to meet the requirements for lightweight construction and efficiency. Against this background, the load sharing between the individual planetary gears plays a decisive role. A uniform load sharing enables the design of the single tooth meshes without load increases and oversizing. However, due to manufacturing and assembly deviations, a perfect load sharing is technically not feasible. These load increases are taken into account in the standard calculation of the load capacity of planetary gearboxes by the mesh load factor Kγ. The load sharing in planetary gearboxes is influenced by a number of factors, such as the rigidity of shafts, housing and bearings, the number of planets, the quality of the gear wheels and the operating conditions. Detailed simulations or extensive experimental measurements are required to determine the exact load sharing. For new designs of planetary gearboxes, there are only simplified assumptions available, based on the number of planets and a rough estimation of the operating range. Especially additional dynamic forces, due to operation in high-speed ranges or near resonance frequencies, can lead to a considerable change of the dynamic load sharing compared to the static load sharing and cause an uncertainty in the design. Thus, in this paper the dynamic load sharing behaviour is investigated from 0 to 6800 rpm sun speed for different loads. Based on the experimental data recommendations for the design of planetary gearboxes under consideration of the operating conditions are derived.
Constructing banking networks under decreasing costs of link formation
Authors: Maringer Dietmar , Craig Ben , Paterlini Sandra
Published: July 2021

The structure of networks plays a central role in the behavior of financial systems and their response to policy. Real-world networks, however, are rarely directly observable: banks’ assets and liabilities are typically known, but not who is lending how much and to whom. This paper adds to the existing literature in two ways. First, it shows how to simulate realistic networks that are based on balance-sheet information. To do so, we introduce a model where links cause fixed-costs, independent of contract size; but the costs per link decrease the more connected a bank is (scale economies). Second, to approach the optimization problem, we develop a new algorithm inspired by the transportation planning literature and research in stochastic search heuristics. Computational experiments find that the resulting networks are not only consistent with the balance sheets, but also resemble real-world financial networks in their density (which is sparse but not minimally dense) and in their core-periphery and disassortative structure.
Metalogical Remarks on Induction
Authors: Woleński Jan
Published: July 2021

The problem of induction belongs to the most controversial issues in philosophy of science. If induction is understood widely, it covers every fallible inference, that is, such that its conclusion is not logically entailed by its premises. This paper analyses so-called reductive induction, that is, reasoning in which premises follow from the conclusion, but the reverse relation does not hold. Two issues are taken into account, namely the definition of reductive inference and its justification. The analysis proposed in the paper employs metalogical tools. The author agrees with the view that a quantitative account of degree of confirmation for universal theories via logical probability is problematic. However, prospect for a qualitative approach look as more promising. Using the construction of maximally consistent sets allows to distinguish good and worthless induction as well as shows how to understand induction in a semantic way. A closer analysis of deductivism in the theory of justification shows that it is a hidden inductivism.
Pre-diagnosis neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and mortality in individuals who develop lung cancer
Authors: Grieshober Laurie , Graw Stefan , Barnett Matt J. , Goodman Gary E. , Chen Chu , Koestler Devin C. , Marsit Carmen J. , Doherty Jennifer A.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker of systemic inflammation that has been reported to be associated with survival after chronic disease diagnoses, including lung cancer. We hypothesized that the inflammatory profile reflected by pre-diagnosis NLR, rather than the well-studied pre-treatment NLR at diagnosis, may be associated with increased mortality after lung cancer is diagnosed in high-risk heavy smokers.

Methods

We examined associations between pre-diagnosis methylation-derived NLR (mdNLR) and lung cancer-specific and all-cause mortality in 279 non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) and 81 small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cases from the β-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET). Cox proportional hazards models were adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, pack years, and time between blood draw and diagnosis, and stratified by stage of disease. Models were run separately by histotype.

Results

Among SCLC cases, those with pre-diagnosis mdNLR in the highest quartile had 2.5-fold increased mortality compared to those in the lowest quartile. For each unit increase in pre-diagnosis mdNLR, we observed 22–23% increased mortality (SCLC-specific hazard ratio [HR] = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02, 1.48; all-cause HR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.01, 1.46). SCLC associations were strongest for current smokers at blood draw (Interaction Ps = 0.03). Increasing mdNLR was not associated with mortality among NSCLC overall, nor within adenocarcinoma (N = 148) or squamous cell carcinoma (N = 115) case groups.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that increased mdNLR, representing a systemic inflammatory profile on average 4.5 years before a SCLC diagnosis, may be associated with mortality in heavy smokers who go on to develop SCLC but not NSCLC.
Mediation analysis in recursive systems of distributed-lag linear regressions
Authors: Magrini Alessandro
Published: July 2021

Recursive systems of linear regressions is a consolidated methodology for mediation analysis, allowing to determine causal effects of interest in a closed form based on the regression coefficients. In a dynamic perspective, distributed-lags can be added to each regression in order to represent causal effects persisting over several periods. However, mediation analysis in the dynamic case is challenging, because causal effects depend on the time lag, and a general procedure to compute their lag distribution based on the regression coefficients is currently missing. In this paper, we formalize the rules to perform mediation analysis in recursive systems of distributed-lag linear regressions, here called Distributed-lag Linear Recursive Models (DLRMs). Firstly, mediation analysis is based on the Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) representation of the DLRM, then a DAG-free algorithm is proposed to improve computational efficiency. Our DAG-free algorithm is applied to a DLRM representing the impact pathways of agricultural research expenditure towards poverty reduction in rural areas.
Accumulation of selected metals and concentration of macroelements in liver and kidney tissues of sympatric golden jackal (Canis aureus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Somogy County, Hungary
Authors: Farkas Attila , Bidló András , Bolodár-Varga Bernadett , Jánoska Ferenc
Published: July 2021

This study examined the concentrations of Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the liver and kidney samples of golden jackals (n = 163) and red foxes (n = 64). Additionally, we studied how sex affected element concentration in both species, and in the case of golden jackals, how concentration levels were affected by age.

Liver was the most important storage organ for Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, while kidney for Cd and Na in jackals and foxes.

We found no sex-related differences in concentration of any of the selected elements in fox samples. In jackals, the mean concentrations of Al, Mn, and Zn were significantly higher in kidneys of males, while Zn and Cu had higher concentrations in female livers. Our results suggest bioaccumulation processes do not occur in mesocarnivores.

Lead and Cd concentrations fell within ranges accepted as normal for canine species and were below toxic levels in the organs of the examined species. Concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn were far below the toxic levels in both organs of both species, with a slight sign of deficiency of Fe, Mn, and Zn in jackal and fox kidneys. In comparison with toxicity levels and results from other European study sites, the current study demonstrated that species living in the examined area of Somogy County, Hungary, are generally exposed to low levels of environmental contamination.
Proceedings of the First Curing Coma Campaign NIH Symposium: Challenging the Future of Research for Coma and Disorders of Consciousness
Authors: Claassen Jan , Akbari Yama , Alexander Sheila , Bader Mary Kay , Bell Kathleen , Bleck Thomas P. , Boly Melanie , Brown Jeremy , Chou Sherry H.-Y. , Diringer Michael N. , Edlow Brian L. , Foreman Brandon , Giacino Joseph T. , Gosseries Olivia , Green Theresa , Greer David M. , Hanley Daniel F. , Hartings Jed A. , Helbok Raimund , Hemphill J. Claude , Hinson H. E. , Hirsch Karen , Human Theresa , James Michael L. , Ko Nerissa , Kondziella Daniel , Livesay Sarah , Madden Lori K. , Mainali Shraddha , Mayer Stephan A. , McCredie Victoria , McNett Molly M. , Meyfroidt Geert , Monti Martin M. , Muehlschlegel Susanne , Murthy Santosh , Nyquist Paul , Olson DaiWai M. , Provencio J. Javier , Rosenthal Eric , Sampaio Silva Gisele , Sarasso Simone , Schiff Nicholas D. , Sharshar Tarek , Shutter Lori , Stevens Robert D. , Vespa Paul , Videtta Walter , Wagner Amy , Ziai Wendy , Whyte John , Zink Elizabeth , Suarez Jose I. ,   the Curing Coma Campaign
Published: July 2021

Coma and disorders of consciousness (DoC) are highly prevalent and constitute a burden for patients, families, and society worldwide. As part of the Curing Coma Campaign, the Neurocritical Care Society partnered with the National Institutes of Health to organize a symposium bringing together experts from all over the world to develop research targets for DoC. The conference was structured along six domains: (1) defining endotype/phenotypes, (2) biomarkers, (3) proof-of-concept clinical trials, (4) neuroprognostication, (5) long-term recovery, and (6) large datasets. This proceedings paper presents actionable research targets based on the presentations and discussions that occurred at the conference. We summarize the background, main research gaps, overall goals, the panel discussion of the approach, limitations and challenges, and deliverables that were identified.
Mechanisms Underlying Disorders of Consciousness: Bridging Gaps to Move Toward an Integrated Translational Science
Authors: Luppi Andrea I. , Cain Joshua , Spindler Lennart R. B. , Górska Urszula J. , Toker Daniel , Hudson Andrew E. , Brown Emery N. , Diringer Michael N. , Stevens Robert D. , Massimini Marcello , Monti Martin M. , Stamatakis Emmanuel A. , Boly Melanie ,   the Curing Coma Campaign and Its Contributing Collaborators
Published: July 2021

Aim

In order to successfully detect, classify, prognosticate, and develop targeted therapies for patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC), it is crucial to improve our mechanistic understanding of how severe brain injuries result in these disorders.

Methods

To address this need, the Curing Coma Campaign convened a Mechanisms Sub-Group of the Coma Science Work Group (CSWG), aiming to identify the most pressing knowledge gaps and the most promising approaches to bridge them.

Results

We identified a key conceptual gap in the need to differentiate the neural mechanisms of consciousness per se, from those underpinning connectedness to the environment and behavioral responsiveness. Further, we characterised three fundamental gaps in DOC research: (1) a lack of mechanistic integration between structural brain damage and abnormal brain function in DOC; (2) a lack of translational bridges between micro- and macro-scale neural phenomena; and (3) an incomplete exploration of possible synergies between data-driven and theory-driven approaches.

Conclusion

In this white paper, we discuss research priorities that would enable us to begin to close these knowledge gaps. We propose that a fundamental step towards this goal will be to combine translational, multi-scale, and multimodal data, with new biomarkers, theory-driven approaches, and computational models, to produce an integrated account of neural mechanisms in DOC. Importantly, we envision that reciprocal interaction between domains will establish a “virtuous cycle,” leading towards a critical vantage point of integrated knowledge that will enable the advancement of the scientific understanding of DOC and consequently, an improvement of clinical practice.
Fire mitigates bark beetle outbreaks in serotinous forests
Authors: Jentsch Peter C. , Bauch Chris T. , Anand Madhur
Published: July 2021

Bark beetle outbreaks and forest fires have imposed severe ecological damage and caused billions of dollars in lost resources in recent decades. The impact of such combined disturbances is projected to become more severe, especially as climate change takes its toll on forest ecosystems in the coming years. Here, we investigate the impact of multiple disturbances in a demographically heterogeneous tree population, using an age-structured difference equation model of bark beetle outbreaks and forest fires. We identify two dynamical regimes for beetle and fire dynamics. The model predicts that fire helps dampen beetle outbreaks not only by removing host trees but also by altering the demographic structure of forest stands. We show that a stand thinning protocol, which reduces the population size of the largest few juvenile classes by a small percentage, is able to significantly reduce beetle-induced tree mortality. Our research demonstrates one approach to capturing compound disturbances in a mathematical model.
Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Poly(ethylene oxide) Composite Polymer Electrolyte via Incorporating Lithiated Covalent Organic Framework
Authors: Yao Yuan , Cao Yu , Li Gang , Liu Cheng , Jiang Zhongyi , Pan Fusheng , Sun Jie
Published: July 2021

The lithiated covalent organic framework (named TpPa-SO3Li), which was prepared by a mild chemical lithiation strategy, was introduced in poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) to produce the composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs). Li-ion can transfer along the PEO chain or across the layer of TpPa-SO3Li within the nanochannels, resulting in a high Li-ion conductivity of 3.01 × 10−4 S/cm at 60 °C. When the CPE with 0.75 wt.% TpPa-SO3Li was used in the LiFePO4||Li solid-state battery, the cell delivered a stable capacity of 125 mA·h/g after 250 cycles at 0.5 C, 60 °C. In comparison, the cell using the CPE without TpPa-SO3Li exhibited a capacity of only 118 mA·h/g.
Colour variation of the Maltese wall lizards (Podarcis filfolensis) at population and individual levels in the Linosa island
Authors: Sacchi Roberto , Scali Stefano , Mangiacotti Marco , Ruffo Davide
Published: July 2021

The research on animal colouration has always been of great interest for biologists but since the last decades it has grown exponentially thanks to multidisciplinary approaches. Animals have found several ways to deal with the camouflage/communication trade-off in colouration, leading to the evolution of alternative patterns of variation of colourations at different levels including signal partitioning and spatial resolution of colouration. In this paper we analyse the variability of dorsal and ventral colouration in males and females of Maltese wall lizards in three populations on Linosa. We collected high-resolution digital images of dorsal, ventral and throat colouration from 61 lizards (32 males and 29 females). We showed that the colouration differs among sexes and body regions within the same individual. Colourations are also variable among individuals within population, as well as among different populations across the Island. Finally, we detected a lizard’s colouration shifts with increasing body size. Those result supports the hypothesis that colouration in this species evolved under the competing pressures of natural and sexual selection to promote signals that are visible to conspecifics while being less perceptible to avian predators.

Graphic abstract
A simulation model for dynamic behavior of directional sucker-rod pumping wells: implementation, analysis, and optimization
Authors: Araújo Roger R. F. , Xavier-de-Souza Samuel
Published: July 2021

Sucker-rod pumping wells can be either vertical or directional. Over time, research efforts on the functioning of vertical wells led to a well-established set of mathematical models and practical tools. When it comes to directional wells, however, no general agreement has been reached, and the topic remains in active discussion. This paper revisits, extends, implements and optimizes an overlooked model, initially devised in 1995, whose computational complexity resulted in long processing times that stymied its adoption. This model fully utilizes the 3D trajectory of the rod string, allowing for the use of two viscous friction models and proposing its own formulation for downhole boundary conditions. The resulting model can be used to efficiently simulate the dynamic behavior of directional sucker-rod pumping wells taking into account the fluid flow inside the rod-tubing annulus. We present and analyze a serial and a parallel software implementation of this CPU-intensive model based on an explicit finite-difference method. We also describe our contributions to the accuracy and performance of the original model and software implementation. A rough approximation shows that the proposed serial version is about 200 times faster than the legacy original code, if we were to run the latter in a modern processor. On top of that our parallel implementation achieved a 6.5$$\times $$
×
speedup over the serial version in a shared-memory system, making it a suitable tool for well design and optimization. The research contributes to the discussions on mathematical modeling of directional sucker-rod pumping wells, and illustrates how performance-focused techniques can enable the effective use of computationally demanding models to facilitate further refinements and applications.
Performance of a gas-lifted oil production well at steady state
Authors: Yadua Asekhame U. , Lawal Kazeem A. , Eyitayo Stella I. , Okoh Oluchukwu M. , Obi Chinyere C. , Matemilola Saka
Published: July 2021

Although gas-lift is an established technology for improving the performances of oil production wells, the simplicity, robustness and accuracy of gas-lift models remain to be fully resolved. As an improvement on the traditional practice, this paper proposes a new approach for modelling the performance of gas-lifted wells at steady-state conditions. The conceptual framework splits the wellbore into two segments. The segments are of unique characteristics, yet they are hydraulically connected. While one segment is controlled primarily by the upstream reservoir-sandface conditions, the dynamics of the second segment are dominated by the lift-gas. This work results in a new four-phase model and an accompanying workflow for analysing the steady-state performance of a gas-lifted well. Using examples from fields operating under diverse conditions in the Niger Delta and North Sea, the new model is validated against a commercial wellbore performance simulator and actual field results. The new model yields average absolute deviation (AAD) of 2.7 and 5.4% against the commercial simulator and field results, respectively. Notwithstanding its relative simplicity, the range of AAD recorded for the new model and workflow attests to its robustness and applicability in practice. In addition to its simple mathematical form, a competitive feature of the proposed model relative to the commercial simulator and most other models is that it accounts for the four phases (gas, oil, water and solid particulates) typically encountered in mature oil production wells and brown fields.
CO2 storage capacity estimation under geological uncertainty using 3-D geological modeling of unconventional reservoir rocks in Shahejie Formation, block Nv32, China
Authors: AlRassas Ayman Mutahar , Ren Shaoran , Sun Renyuan , Thanh Hung Vo , Guan Zhenliang
Published: July 2021

Underground CO2 storage is a promising technology for mitigating climate change. In this vein, the subsurface condition was inherited a lot of uncertainties that prevent the success of the CO2 storage project. Therefore, this study aims to build the 3D model under geological uncertainties for enhancing CO2 storage capacity in the Shahejie Formation (Es1), Nv32 block, China. The well logs, seismic data, and geological data were used for the construction of 3-D petrophysical models. The target study area model focused on four units (Es1 × 1, Es1 × 2, Es1 × 3, and Es1 × 4) in the Shahejie Formation. Well logs were utilized to predict petrophysical properties; the lithofacies indicated that the Shahejie Formation units are sandstone, shale, and limestone. Also, the petrophysical interpretation demonstrated that the $$Es1$$

E
s
1

reservoir exhibited high percentage porosity, permeability, and medium to high net-to-gross ratios. The static model showed that there are lateral heterogeneities in the reservoir properties and lithofacies; optimal reservoir rocks exist in Es1 × 4, Es1 × 3, and Es1 × 2 units. Moreover, the pore volume of the Es1 unit was estimated from petrophysical property models, ranging between 0.554369 and 10.03771 × 106 sm3, with a total volumetric value of 20.0819 × 106 sm3 for the four reservoir units. Then, the 100–400 realizations were generated for the pore volume uncertainties assessment. In consequence, 200 realizations were determined as an optimal solution for capturing geological uncertainties. The estimation of CO2 storage capacity in the Es1 formation ranged from 15.6 to 207.9 × 109 t. This result suggests the potential of CO2 geological storage in the Shahejie Formation, China.
A Brief Insight into Microbial Corrosion and its Mitigation with Eco-friendly Inhibitors
Authors: Lavanya M.
Published: July 2021

Corrosion results from the electrochemical reactions between the metal and its existing environment. Corrosion results in severe and expensive damage to a wide spectrum of industries. When microbes are involved in corrosion it is seldom possible to economically evaluate its impact. Microbially influenced corrosion is recognized to cause catastrophic failures contributing to approximately 20% of the annual losses. In many engineering applications, microbially influenced corrosion control is of prime importance. Expensive, toxicity and sometimes, even ineffectiveness of the current chemical strategies to mitigate microbially influenced corrosion have shifted the interest towards eco-friendly inhibitors. The present review discusses microbial induced corrosion in various metals and its inhibition through eco-friendly inhibitors. In addition, the study also reviews the morphological and electrochemical impedance results.
PIC methods in astrophysics: simulations of relativistic jets and kinetic physics in astrophysical systems
Authors: Nishikawa Kenichi , Duţan Ioana , Köhn Christoph , Mizuno Yosuke
Published: July 2021

The Particle-In-Cell (PIC) method has been developed by Oscar Buneman, Charles Birdsall, Roger W. Hockney, and John Dawson in the 1950s and, with the advances of computing power, has been further developed for several fields such as astrophysical, magnetospheric as well as solar plasmas and recently also for atmospheric and laser-plasma physics. Currently more than 15 semi-public PIC codes are available which we discuss in this review. Its applications have grown extensively with increasing computing power available on high performance computing facilities around the world. These systems allow the study of various topics of astrophysical plasmas, such as magnetic reconnection, pulsars and black hole magnetosphere, non-relativistic and relativistic shocks, relativistic jets, and laser-plasma physics. We review a plethora of astrophysical phenomena such as relativistic jets, instabilities, magnetic reconnection, pulsars, as well as PIC simulations of laser-plasma physics (until 2021) emphasizing the physics involved in the simulations. Finally, we give an outlook of the future simulations of jets associated to neutron stars, black holes and their merging and discuss the future of PIC simulations in the light of petascale and exascale computing.
Changes of Apomorphine-Induced Vaginal Hemodynamics in an Ovariectomized Rat Model Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Probe
Authors: Jeong Hyeryun , Lee Hyun-Suk , Seong Myeongsu , Baek Jaewoo , Park Kwangsung , Kim Jae Gwan
Published: July 2021

INTRODUCTION

Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) can be caused by the change in vaginal structure due to the decline of estrogen and one of the main symptoms is vaginal dryness. FSAD is a prevalent problem afflicting women all over the world and thus the interest is growing on the matter, but related studies of monitoring FSAD using a non-invasive optical method barely have been carried out.

Aim

This study aims to investigate the longitudinal changes in female sexual arousal response induced by apomorphine (APO) administration in the ovariectomized rat using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) probe.

Methods

To elicit sexual arousal, APO was administered subcutaneously to animals (n = 6) before and after ovariectomy, and the changes in oxyhemoglobin (OHb), deoxyhemoglobin (RHb), total hemoglobin (THb) concentration, and temperature on the vaginal wall after APO administration were monitored bi-weekly for 8 weeks. Furthermore, estradiol hormone, vaginal secretion, and body weight have been measured for comparison with the results from vaginal hemodynamics.

RESULTS

APO administration caused the increase of vaginal OHb and RHb concentration but a decrease in temperature. The amplitude of OHb, RHb, and THb increase induced by APO gradually decreased over 8 weeks after ovariectomy while the decrease in vaginal temperature became profound. The level of estradiol and vaginal secretions also decreased over 8 weeks after ovariectomy, but bodyweight showed an increasing trend.

CONCLUSIONS

A comparison between the parameters measured from the NIRS probe and the others (estradiol level, amount of vaginal secretion, and body weight) proved that the NIRS has the potential as a monitoring tool to evaluate female sexual arousal response.
Revealed Sciences
Authors: Stearns Justin K.
Published: July 2021

Demonstrating the vibrancy of an Early Modern Muslim society through a study of the natural sciences in seventeenth-century Morocco, Revealed Sciences examines how the natural sciences flourished during this period, without developing in a similar way to the natural sciences in Europe. Offering an innovative analysis of the relationship between religious thought and the natural sciences, Justin K. Stearns shows how nineteenth and twentieth-century European and Middle Eastern scholars jointly developed a narrative of the decline of post-formative Islamic thought, including the fate of the natural sciences in the Muslim world. Challenging these depictions of the natural sciences in the Muslim world, Stearns uses numerous close readings of works in the natural sciences to a detailed overview of the place of the natural sciences in scholarly and educational landscapes of the Early Modern Magreb, and considers non-teleological possibilities for understanding a persistent engagement with the natural sciences in Early Modern Morocco.
Radial Flow Turbocompressors
Authors: Casey Michael , Robinson Chris
Published: July 2021

An introduction to the theory and engineering practice that underpins the component design and analysis of radial flow turbocompressors. Drawing upon an extensive theoretical background and years of practical experience, the authors provide descriptions of applications, concepts, component design, analysis tools, performance maps, flow stability, and structural integrity, with illustrative examples. Features wide coverage of all types of radial compressor over many applications unified by the consistent use of dimensional analysis. Discusses the methods needed to analyse the performance, flow, and mechanical integrity that underpin the design of efficient centrifugal compressors with good flow range and stability. Includes explanation of the design of all radial compressor components, including inlet guide vanes, impellers, diffusers, volutes, return channels, de-swirl vanes and side-streams. Suitable as a reference for advanced students of turbomachinery, and a perfect tool for practising mechanical and aerospace engineers already within the field and those just entering it.
Negotiating Empire in the Middle East
Authors: Çiçek M. Talha
Published: July 2021

In the early 1840s, Ottoman rulers launched a new imperial project, partly in order to reassert their authority over their lands and subjects, crucially including the Arab nomads. By examining the evolution of this relationship between the Ottoman Empire and Arab nomads in the modern era, M. Talha Çiçek puts forward a new framework to demonstrate how negotiations between the Ottomans and the Arab nomads played a part in making the modern Middle East. Reflecting on multiple aspects of Ottoman authority and governance across Syria, Iraq, Arabia, Transjordan and along their frontiers, Çiçek reveals how the relationship between the imperial centre and the nomads was not merely a brutal imposition of a strict order, but instead one of constant, complicated, and fluid negotiation. In so doing, he highlights how the responses of the nomads made a considerable impact on the ultimate outcome, transforming the imperial policies accordingly.
Preclassical Conflict of Laws
Authors: Hatzimihail Nikitas E.
Published: July 2021

To better appreciate present-day private international law and its future prospects and challenges, we should consider the history and historiography of the field. This book offers an original approach to the study of conflict of laws and legal history that exposes doctrinal lawyers to historical context, and legal historians to the intricacies of legal doctrine. The analysis is based on an in-depth examination of Medieval and Early Modern conflict of laws, focusing on the classic texts of Bartolus and Huber. Combining theoretical insights, textual analysis and historical perspectives, the author presents the preclassical conflict of laws as a rich world of doctrines and policies, theory and practice, context and continuity. This book challenges preconceptions and serves as an advanced introduction which illustrates the relevance of history in commanding private international law, while aspiring to make private international law relevant for history.
Effect of a urine culture stewardship initiative on urine culture utilization and catheter-associated urinary tract infections in intensive care units
Authors: Al-Bizri Layla A. , Vahia Amit T. , Rizvi Khulood , Bardossy Ana C. , Robinson Paula K. , Shelters Ryan T. , Klotz Susan , Starr Patricia M. , Reyes Katherine Q. , Suleyman Geehan , Alangaden George J.
Published: July 2021

Objective:

Urine cultures have poor specificity for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). We evaluated the effect of a urine-culture stewardship program on urine culture utilization and CAUTI in adult intensive care units (ICUs).

Design:

A quasi-interventional study was performed from 2015 to 2017.

Setting and patients:

The study cohort comprised 21,367 patients admitted to the ICU at a teaching hospital.

Intervention:

The urine culture stewardship program included monthly 1-hour discussions with ICU house staff emphasizing avoidance of “pan-culture” for sepsis workup and obtaining urine culture only if a urinary source of sepsis is suspected. The urine culture utilization rate metric (UCUR; ie, no. urine cultueres/catheter days ×100) was utilized to measure the effect. Monthly UCUR, catheter utilization ratio (CUR), and CAUTI rate were reported on an interactive quality dashboard. To ensure safety, catheterized ICU patients (2015–2016) were evaluated for 30-day readmission for UTI. Time-series data and relationships were analyzed using Spearman correlation coefficients and regression analysis.

Results:

Urine culture utilization decreased from 3,081 in 2015 to 2,158 in 2016 to 1,218 in 2017. CAUTIs decreased from 78 in 2015 to 60 in 2016 and 28 in 2017. Regression analysis over time showed significant decreases in UCUR (r, 0.917; P < .0001) and CAUTI rate (r, 0.657; P < .0001). The co-correlation between UCUR and CAUTI rate was (r, 0.625; P < .0001) compared to CUR and CAUTI rate (r, 0.523; P = .004). None of these patients was readmitted with a CAUTI.

Conclusions:

Urine culture stewardship program was effective and safe in reducing UC overutilization and was correlated with a decrease in CAUTIs. Addition of urine-culture stewardship to standard best practices could reduce CAUTI in ICUs.
Refining the mass estimate for the intermediate-mass black hole candidate in NGC 3319
Authors: Davis Benjamin L. , Graham Alister W.
Published: July 2021

Recent X-ray observations by Jiang et al. have identified an active galactic nucleus (AGN) in the bulgeless spiral galaxy NGC 3319, located just

$14.3\pm 1.1$

Mpc away, and suggest the presence of an intermediate-mass black hole (IMBH;

$10^2\leq M_\bullet/\textrm{M}_{\odot}\leq 10^5$

) if the Eddington ratios are as high as 3 to

$3\times10^{-3}$

. In an effort to refine the black hole mass for this (currently) rare class of object, we have explored multiple black hole mass scaling relations, such as those involving the (not previously used) velocity dispersion, logarithmic spiral arm pitch angle, total galaxy stellar mass, nuclear star cluster mass, rotational velocity, and colour of NGC 3319, to obtain 10 mass estimates, of differing accuracy. We have calculated a mass of

$3.14_{-2.20}^{+7.02}\times10^4\,\textrm{M}_\odot$

, with a confidence of 84% that it is

$\leq $

$10^5\,\textrm{M}_\odot$

, based on the combined probability density function from seven of these individual estimates. Our conservative approach excluded two black hole mass estimates (via the nuclear star cluster mass and the fundamental plane of black hole activity—which only applies to black holes with low accretion rates) that were upper limits of

${\sim}10^5\,{\textrm M}_{\odot}$

, and it did not use the

$M_\bullet$

–

$L_{\textrm 2-10\,\textrm{keV}}$

relation’s prediction of

$\sim$

$10^5\,{\textrm M}_{\odot}$

. This target provides an exceptional opportunity to study an IMBH in AGN mode and advance our demographic knowledge of black holes. Furthermore, we introduce our novel method of meta-analysis as a beneficial technique for identifying new IMBH candidates by quantifying the probability that a galaxy possesses an IMBH.
Irresponsabilités relationnelles, asymétries de pouvoir et injustices ordinaires du quotidien
Authors: Mayer Stéphanie
Published: July 2021

Dans cet article, les injustices en matière de responsabilités decareentre les partenaires hétérosexuel.les sont problématisées comme des irresponsabilités relationnelles. D'abord, l'apport des théories du care à l'appréhension des asymétries de pouvoir liées au déséquilibre dans le travail de soin est discuté. Ensuite, les manifestations de ce déséquilibre sont illustrées dans les arrangements intimes établis par les couples. Ces conséquences injustes sont, par la suite, conceptualisées comme des « irresponsabilités relationnelles ». Enfin, une conception de la coresponsabilité relationnelle est proposée dans une perspective de plus de justice et de démocratie entre les personnes, dans le privé comme le public.
Why imaginary worlds? The psychological foundations and cultural evolution of fictions with imaginary worlds
Authors: Dubourg Edgar , Baumard Nicolas
Published: July 2021

Imaginary worlds are extremely successful. The most popular fictions produced in the last few decades contain such a fictional world. They can be found in all fictional media, from novels (e.g., Lord of The Rings and Harry Potter) to films (e.g., Star Wars and Avatar), video games (e.g., The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy), graphic novels (e.g., One Piece and Naruto), and TV series (e.g., Star Trek and Game of Thrones), and they date as far back as ancient literature (e.g., the Cyclops Islands in The Odyssey, 850 BCE). Why such a success? Why so much attention devoted to non-existent worlds? In this paper, we propose that imaginary worlds co-opt our preferences for exploration, which have evolved in humans and nonhuman animals alike, to propel individuals toward new environments and new sources of reward. Humans would find imaginary worlds very attractive for the very same reasons, and under the same circumstances, as they are lured by unfamiliar environments in real life. After reviewing research on exploratory preferences in behavioral ecology, environmental esthetics, neuroscience, and evolutionary and developmental psychology, we focus on the sources of their variability across time and space, which we argue can account for the variability of the cultural preference for imaginary worlds. This hypothesis can, therefore, explain the way imaginary worlds evolved culturally, their shape and content, their recent striking success, and their distribution across time and populations.