bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROPOSAL OF THE MONITORING METHODOLOGY OF THE GREEN HAWKER Aeshna viridis Eversmann, 1836 (Odonata: Aeshnidae)
Authors:   Faculty of Animal Breeding, Bioengineering and Conservation, Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Warszawa, Poland, OŁDAK Krystian A.
Published: March 2021

Aeshna viridis, a species of dragonfly of the family Aeshnidae, is listed in Appendix II of the Bern Convention as well as Annex IV of the Habitats Directive. The decline in the range and abundance of A. viridis is associated with a strong dependence of this species on the presence of Stratiotes aloides in the water body and results from a decrease in the number of suitable habitats. So far, attempts to develop a monitoring methodology for this species have been made in several European countries, including Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands. This article presents a proposal for a monitoring methodology based on the evaluation of indicators of population condition in the form of exuviae density and number of adults, and indicators of habitat condition: the area of the water body covered by S. aloides, the presence of dense and undivided patches of S. aloides, succession in the water body and anthropopressure. The concept of population condition assessment methodology is based on observation of adult specimens and collecting exuviae, avoiding larvae sampling, which is invasive and associated with technical difficulties. The concept of the habitat condition assessment methodology, in turn, is based on strong association between A. viridis and S. aloides. It is proposed to monitoring A. viridis population on a minimum of several research areas within the country, on a two-year cycle. The presented proposal of the monitoring methodology requires pilot studies to be carried out within the A. viridis localities in order to determine the validity of assumptions made in the monitoring methodology.
Modified Graded Motor Imagery for Musicians’ Focal Dystonia: A Case Series
Authors: Ramella Marina , Borgnis Francesca , Giacobbi Giulia , Castagna Anna , Baglio Frncesca , Cortesi Marco , Converti Rosa Maria
Published: March 2021

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the “modified graded motor imagery” (mGMI) protocol as a rehabilitative treatment of musician’s focal dystonia (MFD). METHODS: Six musicians with MFD (age 43.83±17.24 yrs) performed the home-based mGMI
protocol (laterality training, imagined hand movements and visual mirror feedback) once a day for 4 weeks. The mMGI protocol was designed to sequentially activate cortical motor networks and improve cortical organization. Subjects were evaluated before and after treatment with the dystonia
evaluation scale (DES), arm dystonia disability scale (ADDS), Tubiana-Chamagne scale (TCS), and performing scale (PS). RESULTS: All participants were compliant with the mGMI treatment protocol without any adverse events. A significant improvement was measured in ADDS (p=0.047) and TCS scores
(p=0.014) but not in DES (p=0.157). The severity of MFD decreased from moderate to mild in four patients. After mGMI treatment, all musicians were able to play easy pieces (TCS: median 3.5, IR 3.5–4). CONCLUSION: The findings from this pilot study suggest that home-based mGMI treatment
is a feasible and promising rehabilitative approach for patients with mild to moderate MFD.
Combining Instrumental Monitoring and High-Resolution Topography for Estimating Sediment Yield in a Debris-Flow Catchment
Authors: Coviello Velio , Theule Joshua I. , Crema Stefano , Arattano Massimo , Comiti Francesco , Cavalli Marco , LucÍa Ana , Macconi Pierpaolo , Marchi Lorenzo
Published: March 2021

In mountain basins, long-term instrumental monitoring coupled with high-resolution topographic surveys can provide important information on sediment yield. The Gadria catchment, located in the eastern Italian Alps, typically features several low-magnitude flood episodes and a few debris-flow events per year, from late spring to late summer. Beginning in 2011, sensors devoted to debris-flow detection (geophones, video cameras, flow stage sensors) were installed along the main channel, upstream of a retention basin. In case of debris flows, high-resolution topographical surveys of the retention basin are carried out multiple times per year. Rainfall is measured in the lower part of the catchment and at the headwaters, while passive integrated transponder tracing of bedload was performed in the main channel during spring and summer 2014. In this work, we present the reconstruction of the sediment dynamics at the catchment scale from 2011 to 2017. Results show that (i) coarse sediment yield is dominated by the few debris flows occurring per year; (ii) debris-flow volume estimations may be significantly different—up to 30 percent lower—when performed through a digital elevation model of difference analysis, compared to the time-integration of the debris-flow discharge estimates; (iii) using this latter method, the volumes are affected by significant uncertainties, particularly for small values of flow depth; and (iv) rainfall analysis permits us to characterize debris-flow initiation but also highlights difficulties in discriminating triggering from non-triggering rainstorms if based on rainfall duration and intensity only.
Probability-Derived Risk-Model: Lowers Costs through Reduction in Backup Tool Requirements, Improves Return on Capital Employed for the Contractor, and Reduces Scope 1 CO2 Emissions
Authors: Johannesen Steven , Lagarigue Thomas , Shearer Gordon , Owen Karen , Wood Grant , Hendry Will
Published: March 2021

A review of the utilization of Drilling Equipment highlighted an opportunity to lower operational cost for the Operator, reduce Capital Employed for the Service Company, and reduce industry Scope 1 CO2 emissions. The Operator and the Oilfield Services Company set the objective of developing a risk-based probability model that could be used to assess the positive and negative financial impacts of reducing, or perhaps entirely removing, the need for backup drilling tools in the historically risk-averse UK North Sea. The scope of the analysis was to be a drilling campaign on a single rig contracted by the Operator (Rig A).

The last three years of Drilling tool reliability data from North Sea operations, as recorded by the Drilling Service Provider, were used as an input. To assess the probability of failure, a Binomial Model was developed to create a Binomial Distribution for each tool, before determining the probability of failure of a given drilling string. The method calculates the probability of having 0 to X failures for a selected Drilling tool/string for a given number of runs. Three Binomial Models were developed to analyze the effect of "Easy", "Moderate" and "Challenging" drilling environments on drilling tool reliability. A financial risk model was developed that balanced the probability-weighted cost of failure for the Operator against the lower costs resulting from reduced tool provision by the Service Provider. In order to better estimate the risks and financial impacts on the project, Sensitivity Analysis was performed on the financial risk model using the three Binomial Models. Scope 1 CO2 emission reductions result from fewer logistical movements and diminished backup tool manufacturing requirements.

As a result of the analysis, it was shown that recent improvements in tool reliability support a reduction in backup Drilling tools for the majority of North Sea drilling scenarios, meeting the objective of reducing well construction cost while lowering carbon footprint.

Open discussions, focused on maximizing economic hydrocarbon recovery, reducing costs for the Operator, improving Return on Capital Employed for the Oilfield Services Provider and reducing Scope 1 CO2 emissions, resulted in a commercial model that could deliver a Win-Win scenario for all parties.

It was observed that the approach was scalable, and would deliver further benefit from a broader workscope, generating "network" benefits when applied to a cluster of rigs, and/or an entire play/basin. In addition, the risk model can be applied to alternative industry scenarios where strong reliability data exist.
Some Technical and Economic Consequences of Directional Drilling and Surveying Progress and Success
Authors: Sawaryn Steven J. , Lowdon Ross , Thorogood John L.
Published: March 2021

Directional drilling and surveying methods and capabilities have advanced considerably over the last four decades. Progress in this field represents some of the most innovative and notable technical achievements in recent years. However, these successes have introduced a level of complexity which may be hampering further progress. Some of the consequences are identified and examined and suggestions made as to how these might be managed.

The developments have resulted in greater accuracy and reliability of tools and systems with associated economic advantages. Step outs have grown four-fold, horizontal laterals are routine and closely spaced wells can be drilled with confidence. Using steerable systems, well inclinations have reached 164.7° and more recently a horseshoe shaped well has been reported. The earlier software tools and analytic methods did not envisage these situations, but their capabilities have evolved. In this specialist field, heavy reliance has been placed on the work and de-facto standards of the various sub-committees that comprise the SPE Well Positioning Technical Section (WPTS) involving both operators and service companies. The tradition of cooperation between these volunteers is strong and together they have produced a range of technical papers, error models, e-books and training courses. Formal regulation and recommended practices have not kept pace with these developments. Work on the proposed API RP 78 has progressed more slowly than the ambitious timeline envisioned at the outset. With the burgeoning introduction of new systems and methods, complexity has also grown. The accumulated material poses an increasing maintenance burden, increasing cycle times and slowing both technical and administrative developments. By their nature, models are approximations and a balance between simplicity and complexity is required to ensure their predictions are fit for purpose and control can be maintained over their development without stifling innovation. Many of the tasks associated with managing the WPTS knowledge base are administrative and do not require extensive technical expertise. Alleviating this burden from the volunteers would free up valuable time to address important technical advancements and refine the framework in which these are managed. The loss of expertise in this specialist subject is being accelerated by the recent down-turn and exacerbated by the COVID pandemic.

We conclude that there is a need to move the administration of the WPTS resources onto a more sustainable footing and that external funding will ensure that the knowledge base is consolidated and keeps pace with continuing developments. Funding alone is not a guarantee of success as the activities are still subject to the vagaries of volunteer commitment and careful management will be required. However, the WPTS has a sound 25-year track record of proven delivery and it remains the natural choice to spearhead these activities.
Improved Drilling Operations with Wired Drill Pipe and Along-String Measurements – Learnings and Highlights from Multiple North Sea Deployments
Authors: Nygård Børge Engdal , Andreassen Espen , Carlsen Jørn Andre , Ulfsnes Gunn Åshild , Øksenvåg Steinar , Stabell Rina , Davis Thomas , Naterstad Tarje Livik , Zainoune Sanna , Vandvik Eirik
Published: March 2021

Over the last few years, multiple wells have been drilled in the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) and the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS) using wired drill pipe (WDP). This paper captures highlights from using real-time downhole measurements provided by WDP, for improved drilling operations. It presents learnings on how WDP measurements have been used in the operator's decision process.

As part of WDP, along-string measurement subs (ASM) are equipped with temperature, annular/internal pressure, rotation and vibrations sensors. Data is transmitted to surface at high speed and is available in real-time, even when flow is off. The data provide great insight into the hole conditions along the drill string and at the bottom hole assembly (BHA). Based on this insight, drilling parameters at surface can be accurately adjusted, resulting in increased overall efficiency.

Large data amounts can be communicated to and from surface with negligible time delay and independent from fluid circulation. Displaying the downhole measurements in real-time, both at the rig site and in remote operations centers has proven essential when optimising well construction activities. All parties need to access the same information in real-time. Moreover, the data need to be presented in an intuitive manner that enable improved operational decisions. To maximize WDP values, the Operator has learned that downhole data must be used to adjust drilling operations in real-time.
Combining Live Drilling Data Stream with a Cloud Data Analytics Pipeline to Perform Real-Time Automated Projections to the Bit
Authors: Cardoso Braga Daniel , Kamyab Mohammadreza , Harclerode Brian , Joshi Deep
Published: March 2021

During drilling, surveys to determine the wellbore trajectory are performed at every drilling connection. However, due to the offset between the survey instrument and the bit (typically between 30-100 ft), this survey represents the sensor's position which is lagged compared to the bit. This paper describes a method to automatically calculate projections to the bit in real-time utilizing multiple data sources: WITSML stream, BHA components and rotary trend analysis while rotary drilling. The projection to the bit calculation routine is performed in real time every 30 seconds. This paper presents results of projections for four horizontal unconventional wells drilled in West Texas. Nearly 75,000 projections were generated on the four wells, validated with 839 survey stations, with median divergence of the projections from the nearest survey stations being less than one foot.
Disconnect Tool Successfully and Efficiently Cements Electromagnetic Gauge Assembly in Place to Provide Key Reservoir Data
Authors: Dimcea Alexandru , Massie Iain , French Simon , Smith Dan
Published: March 2021

An operator developing a deepwater field in the eastern Mediterranean required to monitor pressures in an upper sand section while producing from the main lower sands. If communication existed between the two zones, a planned late-life workover could be eliminated, reducing development cost. Gauges placed across the upper sands in a pilot hole would transmit pressure data to the production bore using electromagnetic (EM) transmission technology. Ensuring isolation of these gauges by cement was identified as critical in enabling effective EM data transmission and therefore a great deal of focus was placed on the design of the cement job.

To perform the operation in as efficient manner as possible a tailored assembly was developed consisting of electronic gauges and EM relays isolated by open hole packers, along with a cementing assembly to allow cementation of the upper part of the string which included an EM receiver and relay in place. The cementing assembly consisted of a frac sleeve to allow the completion to be run and cemented in place, and a disconnect tool for the drill string to be disconnected in one run. Once disconnected from the completion, the abandonment of the pilot hole could continue without a trip out of the hole, saving significant time and costs to the operator.

The cementjob design was tailored and verified by lab testing and software modelling to meet the objectives of the job and the unique challenge associated with the placement method proposed. Once the completion was installed in the production bore, communication between the gauges through the EM transmission system was confirmed and monitored during the subsequent well cleanup. The communication test verified annular isolation and system operability. Furthermore, upper and lower zonal isolation was proven by monitoring the gauge data in an interference test when flowing another well.
A Technical Approach to Safe Mode Management for a Smooth Transition from Automatic to Manual Drilling
Authors: Cayeux Eric , Mihai Rodica , Carlsen Liv , Ørevik Morten , Birgisson Kjartan , Bergerud Ronny
Published: March 2021

Unexpected situations and system failures during well construction operations are always possible. In the context of drilling automation, or even autonomous drilling, proper automatic management of these situations is of critical importance as the situation awareness of the human operator is very much reduced. The proper management of the transition between automatic and manual modes is necessary to improve the safety of automation solutions.

An important characteristic of drilling automation solutions is their ability to cope with unexpected situations. This also encompasses, placing the drilling system in a state that is easy and intuitive for the human operator when manual control is required. Our approach to safe mode management is dependent on a good state estimation of the current conditions of the process. If for any reason, manual control must be regained, then the automated function itself triggers the necessary actions that will ensure a stable current state.

In case of a drilling problem or a system failure, the human operator may have to regain control when the context might be totally different from the one left when the automation or autonomous function was enabled. It may even be a different human operator that has to take control, if a crew change has taken place. To make the transition from the automated/autonomous context to manual control, the automation/autonomous system sets the drilling machines in a so-called safe transition state. A safe transition state is one for which leaving the current setpoints of drilling machines untouched for a reasonable amount of time, will not immediately jeopardize the safety of the drilling operation. A safe transition state is contextual as it is not necessarily the same sequence of actions that must be performed to reach the safe transition state every time. The novel safe modes management method is integrated into existing drilling automation solutions.

In a drilling automation context, the situation awareness of the human operator is considerably reduced as the automated functions control the process and the human operator is not actively driving the drilling machines. Without active safe mode management, there is a risk that drilling automation solutions may lead to serious situations as the driller may be totally unprepared to regain control in the middle of a critical situation. When it is needed to return to manual mode in the middle of the execution of an automatic procedure, an adequate procedure is executed. The choice of the procedure and its parameters depend on the current state of the process and system.
Comparison of rain classroom teaching and traditional teaching methods in teaching undergraduate nursing students of stomatology
Authors: Wang Yujing , Liu Jingbo , Yuan Lulu , Gao Yuqin , Li Chen
Published: March 2021

Background: Rain classroom teaching (RCT) is a current teaching method to increase the interaction between teachers and students. This paper aims to investigate the influence of rain classroom teaching and traditional teaching on the self-directed learning ability (SDLA) of nursing undergraduates.Methods: This was a randomized controlled study. The research enrolled two classes of junior nursing undergraduates who were randomly divided into two groups. The content and time of stomatology courses were the same. The control group (n = 32) adopted the traditional teaching method and the experimental group (n = 31) used the RCT method. SDLA, satisfaction and teaching quality were evaluated by questionnaire. A final examination was used to estimate the quality of learning.Results: The complete data showed that the rain classroom group had better results than the traditional group. The rain classroom group had higher SDLA, satisfaction, teaching measures, teaching effectiveness and final examination scores.Conclusion: The rain classroom teaching method is more effective than the traditional teaching method in promoting SDLA and teaching quality for undergraduate nursing students in stomatology.
The possible origin of miRNAs differentially regulated in leiomyoma progenitors
Authors: Vincenzo Mariangela Di , Quattro Concetta De , Rossato Marzia , Lazzarini Raffaella , Carpini Giovanni Delli , Ciavattini Andrea , Orciani Monia
Published: March 2021

Background: Leiomyoma are the most common indication for hysterectomy in the world and have a strong economic impact on health care systems; many different mechanisms have been considered for their aetiology, such as inflammation, dysregulated progenitor cells or different regulation of miRNAs. After performing a whole genome miRNA profiling in progenitor cells (PCs) derived from healthy myometrium (MPCs) and from leyomioma (LPCs), only 15 miRNAs were identified as differentially expressed between MPCs and LPCs. Progenitor cells from Amniotic Fluid (AFPCs) are considered the most undifferentiated cells after the embryonic ones. Here we try to clarify if the miRNAs differently regulated between leiomyoma and myometrium cells arise as a conversion of MPCs along the differentiation process or if they may originate from a divergent cell commitment. To track the origin of the dysregulation, miRNA expression was analyzed in AFPCs (considered as surrogate for embryonic cells), MPCs and LPCs.MPCs, LPCs and AFPCs were isolated and subjected to whole genoma miRNA profiling; the expression of the 15 miRNAs previously identified as differentially regulated in MPCs and LPCs was compared to that detected in AFPCs.Results: Clustering analysis sub-grouped the 15 miRNAs into 4 major clusters that converge to the KEGG pathways: Adherens junction, ECM-receptor interaction, TGFβ signaling and cell cycle. miRNAs are differentially regulated in MPCs and LPCs compared to AFPCs and 10/15 of them show statistically significant variations between MPCs and LPCs.Conclusion(s): Our results seem to point that a linear physiological differentiation axis exists from AFPCS to MPCs that, under particular insults, pathologically continues toward LPCs.Our results seem to point that a linear physiological differentiation axis exists from AFPCS to MPCs that, under particular insults, pathologically continues toward LPCs.
Efficient Mineralization of Organic Pollutants Using Visible-light-induced PTCDA Anions Electronic Reservoir and Photogenerated Holes
Authors: Guo Yan , Zhou Qixin , Nan Jun , Zhu Yongfa
Published: March 2021

Introducing the anion intermediate found with PTCDA into advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) overcomes the limitation of visible-light degradation. Stabilized PTCDA anionic intermediates act as electron reservoir to activate PMS to generate reactive oxygen species, thus improving the degradation rate of organic pollutants driven by visible light. At the same time, the photogenerated holes of PDI induce α and β scission with the unshared electron in organic molecules, and realize the deep mineralization of converting organic molecules to CO2. The BPA degradation rate of PTCDA /PMS is over 125.8 and 2.8 times as high as PTCDA photocatalysis and Co3O4/PMS, respectively. The BPA mineralization of PTCDA /PMS reaching ~ 88% outclasses Co3O4/PMS (~ 25%). In continuous flow reactor, it has a ~ 100% degradation and ~ 80% mineralization of BPA. The outstanding degradation in real water under solar light excitation indicates that PTCDA/PMS would be an intriguing system for non-toxic and harmless elimination of organic pollutants.
The influence of international scientific collaboration on the research performance of Brazilian academic institutions
Authors: Vanz Samile Andréa de Souza , Docampo Domingo
Published: March 2021

Scientific collaboration, a practice that traces its roots back to the birth of modern science, has spread through the research community, expanding the ties between institutions and countries and becoming a strategy to improve research productivity. Collaboration with countries of renowned scientific leadership thus constitutes a clear opportunity for the scientific advancement of academics as well as institutions worldwide.This work focuses on the set of Brazilian papers indexed by InCites between 2010–2019 to analyze the advantages, measured in terms of the citation impact and percentage of publications in Q1 journals, as well as (just for the papers published between 2014 and 2018) the position in the ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, derived from the sustained scientific collaboration with institutions from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and the United States. Our results show that collaboration with these four countries presents clear advantages for Brazilian institutions in all areas of knowledge. In particular, our study shows that the percentage of publications in Q1 journals doubles, and the citation impact increases markedly for the set of papers in collaboration with the aforementioned countries. Our study also shows that, by and large, Brazilian academic institutions benefit from these international collaborations to improve their positions in the current edition of the ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.Mathematical Subject Classification: 62J05 · 62P25JEL Classification: I23 · L14
Sleep Apnea and Unilateral Upper and Lower Extremity Allodynia as a Result of a Large Thoracic Disc Herniation: A Case Report
Authors: Alexander Tyler D. , Stefanelli Anthony , Thalheimer Sara , Heller Joshua E.
Published: March 2021

BackgroundClinically significant disc herniations in the thoracic spine are rare accounting for approximately 1% of all disc herniations. In patients with significant spinal cord compression, presenting symptoms typically include ambulatory dysfunction, lower extremity weakness, lower extremity sensory changes, as well as bowl, bladder, or sexual dysfunction. Thoracic disc herniations can also present with thoracic radiculopathy including midback pain and radiating pain wrapping around the chest or abdomen. The association between thoracic disc herniation with cord compression and sleep apnea is not well described.Case PresentationThe following is a case of a young male patient with high grade spinal cord compression at T7-8, as a result of a large thoracic disc herniation. The patient presented with complaints of upper and lower extremity unilateral allodynia and sleep apnea. Diagnosis was only made once the patient manifested more common symptoms of thoracic stenosis including left lower extremity weakness and sexual dysfunction. Following decompression and fusion the patient’s allodynia and sleep apnea quickly resolved.ConclusionsThoracic disc herniations can present atypically with sleep apnea – a symptom which may resolve with surgical treatment.
Clinical Characteristics of Magnetic Foreign Body Mis-ingestion in Children—A Big Issue for Small Children
Authors: Huang Yu Kun , Hong Shao Xian , Tai I Hsin , Hsieh Kai Sheng
Published: March 2021

Objective: Magnetic foreign body mis-ingestion (MFBM) is now occurring more frequently. it may cause remarkable mortality and morbidity in children. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of children admitted to Xiamen Children's Hospital between March 2017 and July 2020 due to accidental MFBM. Results: A total of 14 children who had MFBM were collected, the proportion between urban and rural areas was 8:6, and the ratio of male to female was 6:1. The age ranged from 1.2 to 8.9 years (median 4.6 years). The number of magnetic foreign bodies ingested by mistake is 1 to 17 (average 6.5)。Magnetic foreign objects are divided into magnet (3 cases) + magnetic beads (11 cases). About 40%（5/14）of this patient series showed no available mis-ingestion history. Management includes: 4 cases of open surgery (including 1 case of laparoscopic transfer to operation), 3 cases of laparoscopic surgery, 2 cases of gastroscopy, 5 cases of conservative treatment of foreign bodies discharged through the anus. Of the 7 surgical cases, 6 cases presented with intestinal obstruction and intestinal perforation (at least 1 intestinal perforation and at most 5). Abdominal sonography has limitations in the detection of magnetic foreign bodies in the digestive tract. The proportion of laparoscopic surgery in the 7 surgical cases is nearly half. All surgical cases recovered smoothly after treatment.Conclusions: Our experience shows that MFBM is a big issue for the small children! The early symptoms of MFBM are often atypical especially among young children and MFBM may lead to severe adverse events. We proposed a management strategy for MFBM in children. We advise pediatricians/emergency physicians, parents/children’s guardians and society should raise the collaborated alertness of MFBM. Global awareness of risk prevention of magnetic material accidental ingestion cannot be overemphasized.
Ultralight Graphene Oxide/Polyvinyl Alcohol aerogel for broadband and tuneable acoustic properties
Authors: Rapisarda Mario , Fierro Gian-Piero Malfense , Meo Michele
Published: March 2021

An ultralight Graphene Oxide/Polyvinyl Alcohol (GO/PVA) aerogel is proposed as a new class of acoustic materials with tuneable and broadband sound absorption and transmission loss. The interaction between GO sheets and PVA molecules are exploited in our environmentally friendly manufacturing process to fabricate aerogels with hierarchical and tuneable porosity embedded in a honeycomb scaffolding. The developed aerogels show an enhanced dissipation of sound energy, with an extremely low density of 2.10 kg m-3 , one of the lowest values ever reported for acoustic materials. We have first experimentally evaluated and optimized the effects of composition and thickness on the acoustic properties, namely sound absorption and sound transmission losses. Subsequently, we have employed a semi-analytical approach to evaluate the effect of different processing times and find the relationships between the acoustic and non-acoustic properties of the materials. Over the 400 – 2500 Hz range, the reported average sound absorption coefficients are as high as 0.79 for low density aerogels, while the average sound transmission losses can reach 15.8 dB for higher density aerogels. We envision our subwavelength aerogel-based design, tailored at achieving optimal acoustic performance, as a novel lightweight material for advanced engineering applications.
Observations on Biological Effects of Carbon-13, Based on the Effects of 13C-Testosterone on Growth of Human Osteoblasts, Human Aortic Endothelial Cells, and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells in Vitro
Authors: Zhang Mengqi , Yang Wenning , Wu Xinchen , Zhang Tengfei
Published: March 2021

Despite the increasing knowledge of biological isotope effect, comprehensive understanding of heavy isotope effect in the biological contexts has remained far less than expectation. The present study investigated the carbon isotope effect of 13C enriched testosterone on human cells. It was among the rare studies on carbon isotope effect of bioactive compound. Human osteoblasts, human aortic endothelial cells, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured in vitro and treated with testosterone and 13C enriched testosterone (13C/12C:6.7%). The impacts of physiological to pharmacological concentrations (10-10-10-5mol/L) of the bioactive compound were taken into account. The cell proliferation activities were measured using MTS assay. The levels of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin in osteoblasts were tested. Our results established that 13C enriched testosterone exhibited different biological effects from testosterone. At the concentrations of 10-10mol/L and 10-5mol/L, there were significant differences in prompting cell proliferation between testosterone and 13C enriched testosterone. At physiological concentrations, testosterone prompted proliferations of the three kinds of cells; whereas, 13C enriched testosterone did not prompt the cell proliferation, and its effects were not concentration dependent. At supraphysiological concentration (10-5mol/L), testosterone had the trend of inhibiting cell growth; whereas, 13C enriched testosterone had the trend of prompting cell growth. 13C enriched testosterone significantly enhanced osteocalcin secretion in human osteoblasts at supraphysiological concentration. These findings challenged the common view of growth retardation effect of heavy isotope, which imply that biological isotope effects are worthy of further study. The potential applications of 13C enriched compound were discussed.
Event-Mode Neutron Imaging Using the TPX3Cam - Breaking the Boundaries of Conventional Neutron Imaging Techniques
Authors: Losko Adrian Simon , Han Yiyong , Schillinger Burkhard , Tartaglione Aureliano , Morgano Manuel , Strobl Markus , Long Jingming , Tremsin Anton S , Schulz Michael
Published: March 2021

Imaging using scintillators is a widespread and cost-effective approach in radiography. While different types of scintillator and sensor configurations exist, it can be stated that the detection efficiency and resolution of a scintillator-based system is strongly depended on the scintillator material and its thickness. Recently developed event-driven detectors are capable of observing spots of light emitted by the scintillator after a particle interaction, allowing to reconstruct the Center-of-Mass of the interaction on the scintillator surface. This results in a more precise location of the event and therefore provides a pathway to overcome the scintillator thickness limitation and increase the effective spatial resolution of the system. Utilizing this principle, we present a detector capable of Time-of-Flight imaging with a flexible field-of-view, ad-hoc binning and re-binning of data based on the requirements of the experiment including the possibility of particle discrimination via the analysis of the event shape in space and time. It is considered that this novel concept might replace regular cameras in neutron imaging detectors as it provides superior detection capabilities with the most recent results providing an increase by a factor 3 in image resolution and an increase by up to a factor of 7.5 in signal-to-noise for thermal neutron imaging.
Fat and Carbohydrate Distribution in Maternal Diet Programs Liver Sirtuin-1 Expression and Fatty Acid Profile in Mice Offspring
Authors: Mousavi Seyedeh Neda , Dorraji Mir Saeed Seyed , Gharacheh Sara , koohdani Fariba
Published: March 2021

Background: Amount of fat and carbohydrate in maternal diet during gestation and lactation has permanent effects on fetal metabolism. SIRT1 is a nutrient-responsive histone deacetylase that modulates the lipid and glucose metabolism in response to energy stress and extends life span. To study the effects of carbohydrate and fat distribution in a maternal isocaloric diet on fetal gene and protein levels of SIRT1, as well as liver fatty acid profile. Methods: For this purpose, female mice were inseminated and randomly received the AIN 93G isocaloric pair-fed LF-HC (16% and 64% of calorie as fat and carbohydrate) or HF-LC (48% and 32% of calorie as fat and carbohydrate) diet during gestation and lactation. Results: SIRT1 gene and protein levels were lower in both sexes born from HF-LC-fed mothers than LF-HC-fed one, significant differences were only observed between males in the gene expression (p<0.001) and females in protein level (p<0.001). Saturated fatty acids and cholesterol were increased while unsaturated fatty acids decreased at the liver of male and female offspring born from HF-LC-fed mothers (p<0.001). Conclusions: Maternal dietary fat and carbohydrate distribution, regardless of calorie intake, modify the offspring hepatic fatty acid profile, as well as SIRT1 gene and protein expression which effects on life span.
Management of Pediatric Abdominal Trauma in Countries with Limited Resources: Is Computed Tomography Indispensable for a Good Result?
Authors: ASSAN Beaudelaire Romulus , YASSEGOUNGBE Monsoïa Gildas , SETO Djibril Morel , COVI Pautin Aldrico , KOCO Houénoukpo , ASSOUTO Cédric Bignon Ulrich , FIOGBE Michel Armand , GBENOU Antoine Seraphin , HOUEGBAN Amoussou Sèdjro Clotaire Roméo
Published: March 2021

Background

Abdominal trauma are a common cause of infant morbidity and mortality.
Aim

To assess the relevance of computed tomography scan for the management of abdominal trauma in children in countries with limited resources.
Patients and method:

It was a retrospective and descriptive study over 5 years in patients aged 0 to 15 years.
Results

Twenty four cases of abdominal trauma were collected. There were 14 boys and 10 girls with a sex ratio of 1.4. The average age was 8.7 years with extremes of 18 months and 15 years. The causes found were: road accidents (14 cases), home accident (6 cases), gambling accidents (3 cases) and one aggression. Traumas were divided into 83.3% (20 cases) of abdominal blunt and 16.7% (4 cases) of abdominal wound. Polytrauma accounted for 41.7% (10 cases). No computed tomography scan was ordered. The spleen was the most injured organ (11 cases) followed by the intestines (6 cases). The average length of hospital stay was 12.3 days with extremes of 3 and 15 days. The treatment was non-operative in 13 patients (54.2%) and surgical in 11 ones (45.8%). No deaths were noted in our series.
Conclusion

Abdominal trauma in children are potentially serious injuries. The treatment depends on the damaged organ and the patient's hemodynamic status. Computed tomography scan does not appear to be indispensable in the management of traumatized children in countries with limited resources.
Motion Characteristics Analysis of a Novel Spherical Two-degree-of-freedom Parallel Mechanism
Authors: Ziming Chen , Xuechan Chen , Min Gao , Chen Zhao , Kun Zhao , Yanwen Li
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a novel two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) spherical parallel mechanism(SPM) with symmetrical structure is proposed and analyzed. First, the models of forward kinematics and inverse kinematics are established based on D-H parameters, and the Jacobian matrix of the mechanism is obtained and verified. Second, the workspace of the mechanism is obtained according to inverse kinematics and link interference conditions. Next, rotational characteristics analysis shows that the end effector can achieve continuous rotation about an axis located in the mid-plane and passing through the rotation center of the mechanism. Moreover, the rotational characteristics of the mechanism are proved and motion planning is carried out. A numerical example is given to verify the kinematics analysis and motion planning. Finally, some variant mechanisms can be synthesized. This work lays the foundation for the motion control and practical application of this 2DOF SPM.
Microbiota long-term dynamics and prediction of acute graft-versus-host-disease in pediatric allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Ingham Anna Cäcilia , Kielsen Katrine , Mordhorst Hanne , Ifversen Marianne , Aarestrup Frank M , Müller Klaus G , Pamp Sünje Johanna
Published: March 2021

Background Patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) exhibit changes in their gut microbiota and are experiencing a range of complications, including acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD). It is unknown if, when, and under which conditions a re-establishment of microbial and immunological homeostasis occurs. It is also unclear whether microbiota long-term dynamics occur at other body sites than the gut such as the mouth or nose. Moreover, it is not known whether the patients’ microbiota prior to HSCT holds clues to whether the patient would suffer from severe complications subsequent to HSCT. Here, we take a holobiont perspective and performed an integrated host-microbiota analysis of the gut, oral, and nasal microbiotas in 29 children undergoing allo-HSCT.Results The bacterial diversity decreased in the gut, nose, and mouth during the first month and reconstituted again 1-3 months after allo-HSCT. The microbial community composition traversed three phases over one year. Distinct taxa discriminated the microbiota temporally at all three body sides, including Enterococcus spp., Lactobacillus spp., and Blautia spp. in the gut. Of note, certain microbial taxa appeared already changed in the patients prior to allo-HSCT as compared to healthy children. Acute GvHD occurring after allo-HSCT could be predicted from the microbiota composition at all three body sites prior to HSCT. The reconstitution of CD4+ T cells, T H 17 and B cells was associated with distinct taxa of the gut, oral, and nasal microbiota. Conclusions This study reveals for the first time bacteria in the mouth and nose that may predict aGvHD. Monitoring of the microbiota at different body sites in HSCT patients, and particularly through involvement of samples prior to transplantation, may be of prognostic value and could assist in guiding personalized treatment strategies. The identification of distinct bacteria that have a potential to predict post-transplant aGvHD might provide opportunities for an improved preventive clinical management, including a modulation of microbiomes. The host-microbiota associations shared between several body sites might also support an implementation of more feasible oral and nasal swab sampling-based analyses. Altogether, the findings suggest that the microbiota and host factors together could provide actionable information to guiding precision medicine.
Modification of PBSD Procedure for Moderate Shear Walls Subjected to Near-Field Excitation
Authors: Ghatee Peyman , Jaafar Mohd Saleh , Ibrahim Azmi , Fallahi Nazanin
Published: March 2021

In the near-field areas, VCE effectively exists which is so sensitive depending on the distance from a source and the earthquake magnitude. This has remarkable effects when shear wall is to be in moderate size which causes it to face wide diversity modes of failure. So, a modified procedure is conceived to ensure the response of the shear wall subjected to biaxial excitation. Thereby, there is an evaluation process that is based on the intersection of capacity and demand curves commonly called the performance point. The modification factors are developed based on the validation of performance points from which are derived demand and capacity curves.
Perception and Practice of Self-medication With Antibiotics Among Medical Students in Sudanese Universities: a Cross-sectional Study.
Authors: Elmahi Osman Kamal Osman , Musa Reem Abdalla Elsiddig , Shareef Ahd Alaaeldin Hussain , Omer Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla , Elmahi Mugahid Awad Mohamed , Mohamed Rayan Ibrahim Hamid , Alsadig Tagwa Faisal Mohamed
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The benefits of antibiotics are under threat by self-medication, which culminated in economic burdening of developing countries, treatment failures, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria and an increased probability of exposure and infection of the general population by antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of medical students in Sudan towards the use of antibiotics, the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among medical students in Sudan and to identify risk factors which promote self-medication with antibiotics.Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and institution-based study, between November 2020 and January 2021. 1,110 medical students were selected by multistage cluster sampling. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors of self-medication with antibiotics among the study participants.Results: The median knowledge score was 7 out of a maximum of 10 (IQR: 5-8). A moderately positive attitude was observed among the participants (Median: 7/10; IQR: 6-8). 675 (60.8%) self-medicated with antibiotics within the previous 12 months, mostly from community pharmacies (321/675; 47.5%). Antibiotics were most commonly used to treat respiratory tract infections (38.1%) and cough (30.4%). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that self-medication with antibiotics was significantly associated with gender, year of study and monthly income.Conclusions: Undergraduate medical students had moderate knowledge and attitude towards antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance, and an alarmingly high prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics. This highlights the urgent need for tighter legislation regarding the sales of antibiotics in community pharmacies by the state and federal health ministries.
Hepatic stellate cells-specific Loxl1 deficiency abrogates hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and corrects lipid metabolic abnormalities in non-obese NASH mice
Authors: Yang Aiting , Yan Xuzhen , Fan Xu , Shi Yiwen , Huang Tao , Li Weiyu , Chen Wei , Jia Jidong , You Hong
Published: March 2021

Background & Aims: Lysyl oxidase-like-1 (LOXL1), a vital crosslinking enzyme in extracellular matrix (ECM) protein maintenance, is well established in fibrosis via mediating ECM stabilization. However, the potential role of LOXL1 in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has not been previously studied.Methods: We generated Loxl1fl/fl mice to selectively delete Loxl1 in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) (Loxl1fl/flGfapcre; Loxl1fl/fl as littermate controls) and then examined liver pathology and metabolic context in Loxl1fl/flGfapcre fed a choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined (CDAA) diet or an isocaloric control diet for 16 weeks. We confirmed study findings in 23 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD.Results: LOXL1 was significantly increased in CDAA induced non-obese NASH compared with control diet. Here, utilizing a HSCs-specific deletion of Loxl1 model, we found that Loxl1 deficient in HSCs ameliorated CDAA-induced inflammation and fibrosis, with reduced expression of pro-inflammation and pro-fibrogenic genes. Interestingly, CDAA-fed Loxl1 deficient mice was associated with improved body weight and attenuated hepatic steatosis and to an up-regulation of leptin in adipose tissue and in serum, without changes in hepatic lipogenesis gene expression, compared with CDAA-fed control mice. Most importantly, analyses of serum LOXL1 and leptin levels from NAFLD patients revealed that LOXL1 was positively correlated with histological fibrosis progression, whereas was inversely correlated with leptin levels, especially in non-obese NAFLD patients.Conclusion: In a mouse model of CDAA-induced non-obese NASH, selective deletion of Loxl1 from HSCs attenuated steatohepatitis, hepatic fibrosis and improved lipid metabolic abnormalities. Hence, LOXL1 inhibition may serve as a new therapeutic strategy for NASH.