bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Sourceless Method Effective in Reservoir Characterization and Navigation
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: March 2022

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 202420, “Sourceless Method Case Study: Integrated LWD NMR and LWD Azimuthal-Resistivity Application in Low-Resistivity, Low-Contrast Reservoir in Bohai Bay,” by Meng Zhu, Yunjiang Cui, and Jinxiu Xu, CNOOC, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

The use of radioactive-source porosity measurements is strictly prohibited in Bohai Bay, China. As an alternative, logging-while-drilling nuclear magnetic resonance (LWD-NMR) has been applied. In one block of the Bohai Bay field, identifying and quantifying hydrocarbon reservoir sections is a major challenge because of little resistivity contrast between reservoirs and water zones. LWD-NMR technology, and an azimuthal resistivity tool, is able to solve this challenge.

Introduction

The Caofeidian (CFD) district is in the western portion of Bohai Bay, with an average water depth of 25 m. The formation sequence from top to bottom is Minghuazhen (MHZ), Neogene Guantao (NG), Dongying (DY), and Proterozoic. The CFD-S structure is a low-amplitude anticline developed on the background of the basement uplift. It is controlled by the ancient geomorphology of buried hills. The main oil-bearing strata are MHZ, NG, and DY (the E3d formation).

A comprehensive analysis indicates that the DY is a delta deposit with a lithology of fine- to very-fine-grained sandstone, well sorted and mainly muddy cemented. The E3d formation includes two oil layer groups (E3dI and E3dII). The E3dII layer is the developing reservoir studied. The physical properties of the E3dII layer reservoirs are mainly medium and low permeability and are detailed in the complete paper.
Technology Focus: Seismic (February 2022)
Authors: Ochai-Audu Eudorah
Published: March 2022

The past couple of years has been a rollercoaster for energy professionals, but it did not stop the incredible achievements in machine-learning techniques, particularly neural networks to improve seismic imaging and multiple attribute extraction to decipher reservoir rock properties and fluid contact movements in areas with data paucity and increasing difficulty in finding new or remaining hydrocarbon accumulations.

As I reviewed the seismic-related papers, I was impressed at the innovative ML methods that were developed and successfully deployed to improve already existing data and augment sometimes scarce data to aid understanding of risks and uncertainties, enhance hydrocarbon recovery, reduce cost, increase production, and, in some cases, redefine the geological understanding of the play.

Apart from the fields of seismic imaging, reservoir characterization, and hydrocarbon recovery, there were many papers devoted to new tectonic models, improved geohazards assessment, microporosity estimates, and data-acquisition methods—vertical seismic profiles, shear wave, 3D/4D ocean bottom cable, electromagnetic survey, and high-resolution broadband seismic.

It was difficult to select the top three papers for synopsis because there were so many interesting topics to choose from, but I ensured that readers receive a taste of the major topics covered, selecting some that are must-reads and recommending a few others for your reading pleasure. I hope you find them as enjoyable as I did.

Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org.

IPTC 19810 - Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production Potential of the Gulf of Suez Basin in the Framework of the New Tectonostratigraphic Model by Janpieter Van Dijk, Dragon Oil, et al.

OTC 30620 - Improving Drilling Geohazards Assessments of the Overburden Section by Performing Seismic Multiattribute Analysis by Yosmel Sanchez, Fugro, et al.

SPE 200761 - Accounting for Model Errors of Rock Physics Models in 4D Seismic History-Matching Problems: A Perspective of Machine Learning by Xiaodong Luo, NORCE, et al.

SPE 202651 - The Houta Prospect Hammamet Basin, Offshore Tunisia, as an Example of a New Play in an Old Basin by Janpieter van Dijk, GGS, et al.

SPE 202753 - A Machine-Learning Approach to Removing Highly Variable Surface Waves for a Large Shallow-Water Survey Offshore Abu Dhabi by Al Hajeri Badreia, ADNOC, et al.
Unveiling four decades of intensifying precipitation from tropical cyclones using satellite measurements
Authors: Shearer Eric , Gorooh Vesta Afzali , Nguyen Phu , Hsu Kuo-lin , Sorooshian Soroosh
Published: March 2022

Increases in precipitation rates and volumes from tropical cyclones (TCs) caused by anthropogenic warming are predicted by climate modeling studies and have been identified in several high intensity storms occurring over the last half decade. However, it has been difficult to detect historical trends in TC precipitation at time scales long enough to overcome natural climate variability because of limitations in existing precipitation observations. Using a new global high-resolution climate data record of precipitation, we identify general increases in mean and extreme rainfall rates during 1980–2019, culminating in a 0.32–0.42%/year increase in global rainfall rates. Overall, all basins have experienced intensification in precipitation rates. Increases in rainfall rates have boosted the mean precipitation volume of global TCs by 0.28 ± 0.10%/year, with the starkest rises seen in the North Atlantic, South Indian, and South Pacific basins (maximum 1.53 ± 0.06%/year). In terms of inland rainfall totals, year-by-year trends are generally positive due to increasing TC frequency, slower decay over land, and more intense rainfall. As the global trend in precipitation rates follows expectations from warming sea surface temperatures (11.1%/°C), we hypothesize that the observed trends could be a result of anthropogenic warming creating greater concentrations of water vapor in the atmosphere, though retrospective studies of TC dynamics over the period are needed to confirm.
A model on assessing effects of gas diffusion in multifield coupled process for unsaturated soils
Authors: Ye Zhigang , Wang Lujun , Zhu Bin , Xu Wenjie , Chen Yunmin
Published: March 2022

Gas diffusion is an important process in thermo-hydro-mechanical coupled problems of unsaturated soils, e.g., nuclear waste repositories or heated pipeline engineering, which usually strongly affects process of liquid water evaporation and water vapor condensation, migration of air and water, heat transfer and skeleton deformation. This paper develops a simple model to assess the effects of gas diffusion on multifield coupled process of unsaturated soils, providing predicting guidance and uniform judgment rather than establishing a numerical coupled model by traditional methods. A dimensionless characteristic number is first proposed and expressed by sediment properties and environmental conditions. Rationality of this characteristic number is then assessed and validated by numerical results, and studies indicated that the gas diffusion is crucial when the characteristic number exceeds a critical one, which is reflected in early valleys of gas / liquid pressure increment induced by vapor condensation and the final maximum value. It can be found from the expression that this characteristic number is highly relevant to diffusion coefficient, permeability, temperature, initial saturation and gas pressure. Parametric studies indicate that gas diffusion appears to be critical for unsaturated clayey soils, provided the diffusion coefficient is larger than 10-7 m2/s and permeability smaller than 10-14 m2. The effect can be neglected for soils with diffusion coefficient is lower than 10-9 m2/s or permeability greater than 10-14 m2.
Cofilin1 Is a Poorer Prognostic Biomarker and potential Immunotherapy in Systematic Pan-Cancer
Authors: Yang Jin , Qiu Cheng-Jie , Zhong Shan , Xiang Yi , Pan Si-Jian
Published: March 2022

Background: Cofilin1(CFL1) is an actin-binding protein that can impact the prognosis of patients with malignant cancer through different mechanisms. However, the CFL1 and pan-cancer correlation are unclear. The current research aims studying the link between CFL1 expression and tumor microenvironment and exploring this mechanism in pan-cancer. Methods: To assess the CFL1 expression in diverse cancer types when compared to normal tissues, the Oncomine database was utilized. The link between CFL1 expression and clinical prognosis was estimated by Kaplan-Meier Plotter. To evaluate the connection between CFL1, immune infiltration and related gene maker sets, the TIMER database was utilized. CFL1 was further committed to enrichment analysis for the KEGG pathway. Results: The expression level of CFL1 gene is heterogeneous in different cancer cell lines. The high expression of CFL1 makes pan-cancer patients have poor survival benefits, excluding THYM(Thymoma) patients. The correlation between CFL1 and immune cells was different among cancer types, as proved. The CFL1 expression was linked to TMB and MSI within 14 and six cancer types, respectively. The majority of genes related to immunity and co-expressed with CFL1 has a positive correlation in most tumors. Finally, GSEA analysis shows that CFL1 impact the pathway of metabolism. Conclusion: The study results showed that CFL1 could be a latent prognostic biomarker as well as possible immunotherapy in pan-cancers.
The role of EUS elastography-guided fine needle biopsy in the histological diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesions: A prospective exploratory study
Authors: Ohno Eizaburo , Kawashima Hiroki , Ishikawa Takuya , Mizutani Yasuyuki , Iida Tadashi , Nishio Ryo , Uetsuki Kota , Yashika Jun , Yamada Kenta , Yoshikawa Masakatsu , Gibo Noriaki , Aoki Toshinori , Kataoka Kunio , Mori Hiroshi , Takada Yoshihisa , Aoi Hironori , Takahashi Hidekazu , Yamamura Takeshi , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Nakamura Masanao , Shimoyama Yoshie , Hirooka Yoshiki , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: March 2022

AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of Endoscopic ultrasound elastography-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-EG-FNB) for the diagnosis of pancreatic mass lesions.MethodsEUS-EG images were classified into heterogeneous and homogeneous groups. For the heterogeneous group, EUS-FNB was separately performed in both hard areas and soft areas. Only samples obtained during the first two passes (hard/soft areas) were used to compare the diagnostic accuracy as well as the quality and quantity of the specimens. We investigated the association of EUS-EG findings using strain histogram analysis with the histological findings.ResultsFifty-five patients were enrolled including 25 patients with heterogeneous group. The homogeneous group had significantly lower mean strain value (hard) lesions. The adequate sampling rates from hard and soft areas were 88% and 92%, respectively (P=0.6374). Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy and the quality and quantity of the histological core between hard and soft areas showed no significant differences. In pancreatic adenocarcinoma cases, the proportion of fibrous stroma in the core tissue was significantly correlated with the elasticity of the region. (R2=0.1226: P=0.0022) ConclusionEUS-EG may reflect tissue composition in pancreatic tumors, however, EUS-EG did not affect either the quality and quantity of the tissues obtained.(Clinical Trial Registry No. UMIN-000033073)
Analysis of Air Pollution via Phase Difference
Authors: Jia Lanlan , Kim Namhyun , Xia Yingcun
Published: March 2022

The fundamental assumption of analysing the association between urban air pollution and economic development is the negligible spread of air pollution between cities. The most existing studies mainly analysed the effect of economic development on a city's air pollution base on the assumption of negligible spread of air pollution. Hence, this paper aims to provide the statistical tools to verify the very assumption by performing the phase difference analysis on time series of air pollutants of cities in a region, particularly corresponding estimation and testing methods for the phase difference. Furthermore, the empirical analysis in the three regions of China shows that the main causes of air pollution are economic activities and weather conditions, and also the spread of pollutants between cities when the air pollution in a region is severe. This finding supports the existing conception of air pollution, specifically Environmental Kuznets Curve, and the need for a more extensive analysis allowing more detailed causes of the air pollution in a regression model.
Enhancing medical student interest in careers in the clinical neurosciences through a hands-on procedure workshop
Authors: Sanderson Collin , Mazhar Khadijah , Goldberg Mark P. , Chitnis Shilpa , Hays Ryan , Dave Hina
Published: March 2022

Background: It is predicted that the current shortfall of neurologists will continue to grow beyond current training rates. It is well documented that medical students often possess stigmatizing beliefs towards neuroscience-based careers. Preclinical medical education is where many medical students lay the foundation for specialty interests, and at some medical schools it may be their only direct exposure to neurology. Providing preclinical students with exposure to the unique aspects of clinical neuroscience such as procedures is a possible avenue for increasing student interest. We sought to assess the influence of a procedure workshop on student specialty interest.Methods: We organized a hands-on procedure workshop for preclinical medical students to learn exam skills and procedures used by adult/pediatric neurologists, neurosurgeons, and psychiatrists. Twelve different stations were run by faculty, trainees, and technicians. Attendance was optional, and students were free to move between stations according to their time and interests. Most stations involved some brief education and time for students to practice or take part in the procedure. Attendees completed a survey on their interest in the relevant specialties before and after the workshop, and the helpfulness of each station in understanding the procedure. Statistical analyses were performed on the survey responses to determine change in specialty interest resulting from the workshop.Results: 111 students attended the workshop, and 104 (94%) filled out the post-survey. Most were from the second-year medical student class. Approximately 41% of the second-year class attended. There was an increase in student interest in the clinical neurosciences by Fisher’s exact test (p<0.0001). 33 attendees (32%) reported an increased interest in the specialties from the workshop. Interestingly, 82% (18/22) of the students who reported previously having no interest in the specialties had an increased interest as a result of the workshop.Discussion: A hands-on procedure workshop improved medical student interest in the clinical neurosciences. Although its impact on future specialty choice is unclear, enjoyable preclinical experiences such as a procedure workshop may be a useful addition to medical school curricula to foster interest in neurology and the clinical neurosciences.
Is Virtual Reality Suitable for Hand Hygiene Training in Health Care Workers? A Comparative Evaluation of Satisfaction and Effectives
Authors: Eichel Vanessa M , Brandt Christian , Brandt Juliane , Jabs Jonas M , Mutters Nico T
Published: March 2022

Background
For effective prevention of nosocomial transmissions continuous training and motivation of health care workers (HCW) are essential to maintain and increase compliance with high rates of hand disinfection. The use of Virtual Reality (VR) seems to be a contemporary and interesting approach for hand hygiene training in HCW. Nevertheless, HCW should be asked for their preferences and training success should be evaluated.
Methods
A prospective, cross-controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary care hospital comparing a conventional lecture for hand hygiene to the use of VR. Primary outcome was HCW satisfaction, secondary outcomes were hand rub consumption and compliance to indications for hand disinfection as proposed by WHO.
Results
In summary, 81 trainings were conducted, 48 VR trainings and 33 trainings by lecture. While most HCW (69%) would prefer VR teaching rather than a lecture for hand hygiene education, only 4% preferred the traditional lecture. 400 observations of hand disinfection indications were made, 50 before intervention and 50 after each intervention at the three wards. Mean proportion of correct and indication-appropriate performances was 81% before intervention, 87% after VR training (p = 0,12), and 95% after lecture (p = 0,04). Hand rub consumption did not change significantly in any group.
Conclusions
Due to the high acceptance of VR technology among healthcare workers, it can be considered an interesting addition to conventional lectures for teaching hand hygiene. However, the hypothesis that VR teaching has a higher impact on disinfectant use and hand hygiene compliance than a conventional lecture cannot be confirmed.
A Comparative Study on Forecasting of Long-term Daily Streamflow using ANN, ANFIS, BiLSTM, and CNN-GRU-LSTM
Authors: Vatanchi Sajjad M. , Etemadfard Hossein , Maghrebi Mahmoud Faghfour , Shad Rouzbeh
Published: March 2022

One of the essential phases in water resource planning and management is streamflow forecast. It is necessary for the functioning of hydropower plants, agricultural planning, and flood control. The present study applied Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model, Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), Bidirectional LSTM (BiLSTM), and hybrid Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM) model to predict the long-term daily streamflow in the Colorado River, USA. 60% of the data (1921–1981) was used for training, while 40% of the data (1981–2021) was utilized for testing the model's performance. The obtained outcomes of the suggested models were assessed using four assessment indices, including by Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Correlation Coefficient (r), and Nash–Sutcliffe Coefficient (ENS). Based on the comparison of outputs, in the testing phase, it was determined that the ANFIS model with NRMSE = 0.116, MAE = 24.66, r = 0.968, and ENS = 0.936 outperformed the other studied models in terms of reliability and accuracy. While the CNN-GRU-LSTM and BiLSTM models are complex, they do not perform better. The comparison demonstrates that the performance of their respective models is not much better than the two standard models-ANN and ANFIS.
Experimental Investigation on Deposits of ER70S-6 Wire on Sio2 Substrate Using Non-Transferred Arc Based Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: pattanayak suvranshu , Sahoo Susanta Kumar , Sahoo Ananda Kumar
Published: March 2022

Recent trends in additive manufacturing (AM) are to produce geometrically complex structures at minimal wastage of material, time and cost, without sacrificing part quality, mechanical performance and to introduce ease in processing and part removal. Here a non-transferred arc (NTA) based wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) system has been developed to achieve the above objectives, where arc is only generated between tungsten electrode and consumable filler wire. No electrical contact with substrate facilitates deposits even on non-conductive substrate surface that helps in easy removal of final deposits. Influence of deposition parameters (welding current, voltage, wire feed speed (WFS), and travel speed) on response characteristics (bead uniformity, height deviation, droplet diameter, droplet transfer frequency) is studied on multi-performance level using grey relational analysis (GRA). Then single and multi-bead layer is fabricated over SiO2 substrate for ease in part removal after complete fabrication. WFS is referred as a key deposition parameter which have influence on all deposition characteristics. It has been observed that NTA based WAAM results high bead uniformity with minimal spatter and bead height difference between start and exit arc point. Complete ferrite microstructure with few pearlites is observed on the deposits with similar elemental composition on top, bottom and interface surface. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study reveals ferrite diffraction planes ({110}, {200}, {211}, and {220}) with no intermetallic formations on deposits. Also, compressive residual stress with less variation in crystallite size, stress, strain and microhardness among top, bottom, and lateral surface of deposit indicates isotropic nature of the fabricated part.
Triangular nexus among entrepreneur, energy policy and economic policy uncertainties: A symmetric and asymmetric evidence of inclusive sustainable development goal (SDGs)
Authors: Udemba Edmund Ntom , Emir Firat , Philip Lucy Davou
Published: March 2022

This is inclusive study of Turkish sustainable development. Our study seeks to study Turkish sustainable development amidst policy uncertainty towards its energy policy and progressive economic performance. Dual analyses of symmetric (Dynamic Ordinary Least Square-DOLS) and asymmetric (Non-linear autoregressive distributed lag-NARDL) approaches with granger causality estimate were adopted for clear and in depth analysis of this study. We adopt Turkish data of 1985 to 2017 for the accommodation of both short term and long term analysis. From both approaches, entrepreneur activities and renewable energy policy are observed mitigating ecological footprint thereby impacting favourable to the environmental performance of Turkey, while the economic policy uncertainties has no mitigating force against the ecological footprint. The impact of economic growth on the environment comes in stages through inverted Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. Also, findings from granger causality attest to the findings from both symmetric and asymmetric by establishing a two-way granger causality between entrepreneur and ecological footprint which shows that the entrepreneur has a great influence in impacting ecological footprint.Renewable energy is found mitigating environmental damage through a one-way granger causality from renewable to ecological footprint. Hence, policy is advised to be framed towards enhancing entrepreneurial activities and renewable energy sector with technological innovation in order to achieve Turkish climate goals
ProHealth eCoach: User-Centered Design and Development of an eCoach App to Promote Healthy Lifestyle with Personalized Activity Recommendations
Authors: CHATTERJEE AYAN , Prinz Andreas , Gerdes Martin , Martinez Santiago , Pahari Nibedita , Meena Yogesh Kumar
Published: March 2022

Background: Regular physical activity (PA), healthy habits, and a healthy diet are recommended guidelines to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle can help to avoid chronic diseases and long-term illnesses. A monitoring and automatic personalized lifestyle recommendation system (i.e., automatic electronic coach or eCoach) with considering clinical and ethical guidelines, individual health status, condition, and preferences may successfully help participants to follow recommendations to maintain a healthy lifestyle. As a prerequisite for the prototype design of such a helpful eCoach system, it is essential to involve the end-users and subject-matter experts throughout the iterative design process. Methods: We used an iterative user-centered design (UCD) approach with a dialogue-labs method to collect qualitative data from different users (i.e., researchers, non-technical and technical, health professionals, subject-matter experts, and potential end-users) to develop a roadmap for self-management with eCoaching. We designed and developed the eCoach prototype in two stages, adopting different phases of the UCD approach and co-design events. In UCD workshop 1, we focused on identifying end-users, understanding the user’s context, specifying user requirements, designing and developing an initial low-fidelity eCoach prototype. In UCD workshop 2, we focused on maturing the low-fidelity solution design and development for the visualization of continuous and discrete data, artificial intelligence (AI)-based interval forecasting, personalized recommendations, and activity goals. Results: The UCD approach helped to develop a working prototype of eCoach system that meets end-user's requirements and expectations towards an effective recommendation visualization, considering diversity in culture, quality of life, and human values. The design provides an early version of the solution, consisting of wearable technology, a mobile app, and web content for self-monitoring, goal setting, and lifestyle recommendations in an engaging manner between the eCoach app and end-users. Conclusions: The adopted UCD approach brings in a design focus on the user and their needs at each phase. Throughout the design process, users have been involved at the heart of the design to create a working research prototype to improve the fit between technology, end-user, and researchers. Furthermore, we performed a technological readiness study of ProHealth eCoach against standard levels set by European Union (EU). Trial Registration: Not Applicable.
First-Principles Study of Strain on BN-Doped Arsenene
Authors: He Jianlin , Liu GuiLi , Li Xinyue , Wang Haonan , Zhang Guoying
Published: March 2022

The effects of B, N, and BN doped arsenenes and different strains on the optoelectronic properties of BN doped arsenene were investigated using a first-principles approach. The B, N, and BN doping caused the bandgap of arsenene to shift from indirect-direct and a strong charge-transfer occurred between arsenene and B, N and BN, and the transfer between N atoms and arsenene was more drastic. The structural stability and bandgap decrease gradually with the increase of tensile and compressive deformation, but the compressive deformation is easier to achieve stable modulation of the bandgap compared with tensile deformation. As atoms and B atoms make the main contribution to the BN-doped arsenene system, and N atoms contribute to some energy regions, the overall contribution is small. The absorption and reflection peaks are red-shifted with the increase of tensile and compressive deformation.
Mucin foraging enables Akkermansia muciniphila to compete against other microbes in the gut and to modulate host sterol biosynthesis
Authors: Davey Lauren , Malkus Per , Villa Max , Dolat Lee , Holmes Zachary , Letourneau Jeffrey , Ansaldo Eduard , David Lawrence , Barton Greg , Valdivia Raphael
Published: March 2022

Akkermansia muciniphila, a prominent member of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) microbiota, uses mucins as a sole source of carbon and nitrogen. A. muciniphila is considered a next-generation probiotic because its abundance in humans positively correlates with protection from metabolic syndrome and obesity. However, A. muciniphila is intractable to genetic analysis and thus the molecular mechanisms underlying the metabolism of mucin, its colonization of the GI tract, and its impact on host physiology are poorly understood. Here, we developed and applied transposon mutagenesis to identify A. muciniphila factors important for the use of mucin and determined that mucin degradation products accumulate in internal compartments through a process that requires pili and a periplasmic protein complex. We further determined that the degradation of mucin and related proteoglycans is important for colonization of the GI by A. muciniphila but only in the context of competing microbes. In germ free mice, mucin use by A. muciniphila repressed the expression of host genes required for mevalonate and cholesterol biosynthesis in the colon, providing a molecular link between A. muciniphila metabolism of mucins, the regulation of lipid homeostasis and potential probiotic activities.
Evaluation of cloud and precipitation processes in regional and global models with ULTIMATE (ULTra-sIte for Measuring Atmosphere of Tokyo metropolitan Environment): A case study using the dual-polarization Doppler weather radars
Authors: Satoh Masaki , Matsugishi Shuhei , Roh Woosub , Ikuta Yasutaka , Kuba Naomi , Seiki Tatsuya , Hashino Tempei , Okamoto Hajime
Published: March 2022

We describe a collaborative analysis study involving numerical models and observation data for the Tokyo metropolitan area, called the ULTIMATE (ULTra-sIte for Measuring Atmosphere of Tokyo Metropolitan Environment) project. It evaluates cloud microphysics schemes of numerical models using extensive observation data for the Tokyo area. We have access to a variety of remote sensing and in-situ data for the Tokyo area for operational and research purposes, particularly by enhancing observations for ground validation of the EarthCARE satellite, which is set to launch in 2023. This study focuses on using the dual-polarization Doppler weather radar, operated by the Japan Meteorological Agency. In terms of numerical models, we use and compare multi-models with various cloud microphysics schemes, including a global non-hydrostatic model, NICAM (Non-hydrostatic Icosahedral Atmospheric Model), and the regional model of the Japan Meteorological Agency, ASUCA (A System based on a Unified Concept for Atmosphere), together with a regional model, SCALE (Scalable Computing for Advanced Library and Environment) developed by RIKEN. In particular, because NICAM can be used as both a global and a regional model, we can immediately test the improved scheme on a global scale for its effect on climatology and the evaluation of climate sensitivity.This paper introduces the methodology for evaluating numerical models by the dual-polarization radar using the observation simulator and compares numerical model results with observations. We found discrepancies in the signals of rain and graupel between the observation and the simulations. In future studies, we will use the present results to improve the cloud microphysics scheme, which will be tested on a global model.
A deep learning-based self-adapting ensemble method for segmentation in gynecological brachytherapy
Authors: Li Zhen , Zhu Qingyuan , Zhang Lihua , Yang Xiaojing , Li Zhaobin , Fu Jie
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Fast and accurate outlining of the organs at risk (OARs) and high-risk clinical tumor volume (HRCTV) is especially important in high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) due to the highly time-intensive online treatment planning process and the high dose gradient around the HRCTV. This study aims to apply a self-configured ensemble method for fast and reproducible auto-segmentation of OARs and HRCTVs in gynecological cancer.Materials and methods: We applied nnU-Net (no new U-Net), an automatically adapted deep convolutional neural network based on U-Net, to segment the OARs and HRCTV in gynecological cancer. In nnU-Net, three architectures, including 2D U-Net, 3D U-Net and 3D-Cascade U-Net, were trained and finally ensembled. 207 cases were randomly chosen for training, and 30 for testing. Quantitative evaluation used well-established image segmentation metrics, including Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC), 95% Hausdorff distance (HD95%), and Average Surface Distance (ASD). Qualitative analysis of automated segmentation results was performed visually by two radiation oncologists. Dosimetric evaluation was performed by comparing the dose-volume parameters of both predicted segmentation and human contouring.Results: nnU-Net obtained high qualitative and quantitative segmentation accuracy on the test dataset, and performed better than previously reported methods in the bladder and rectum segmentation. In quantitative evaluation, 3D-Cascade achieved the best performance in the bladder (DSC: 0.936±0.051, HD95%: 3.503±1.956, ASD: 0.944±0.503), rectum (DSC: 0.831±0.074, HD95%: 7.579±5.857, ASD: 3.6±3.485), and HRCTV (DSC: 0.836±0.07, HD95%: 7.42±5.023, ASD: 2.094±1.311). According to the qualitative evaluation, over 90% of the test data set had no or minor visually detectable errors in segmentation. Conclusion: This work demonstrated nnU-Net’s superiority in segmenting OARs and HRCTV in gynecological brachytherapy, among which 3D-Cascade shows the highest accuracy in segmentation across different applicators and patient anatomy.
Implementation of portable head CT imaging in patients with severe acute brain injury in a French ICU: a prospective before-after design pilot study
Authors: Launey Yoann , Mycinski Clément , Eugène François , Bellec Elise , Serpolay Hubert , Ferré Jean-Christophe , Seguin Philippe , Gauvrit Jean-Yves
Published: March 2022

Head-CT-scanning is a cornerstone procedure during the management of patients admitted for acute brain injury (ABI) in intensive care unit (ICU). But intrahospital transfer for these procedure may cause severe adverse events potentially worsening the brain injuries. Portable head-CT (pCTH) may facilitate pCTH performance in safer conditions for the patients avoiding transfer out of the ICU. To evaluate the safety and the time duration required to use a portable head CT (pCTH) scanner in the intensive care unit (ICU) in the French healthcare system in ICU patients admitted for acute brain injury.We prospectively included all ICU-patients admitted for severe ABI over a 2-year period following before-after design. As the main outcome, we compared the time required to perform a scan with pCTH to that with conventional head CT (cCTH) and reported adverse events. In total, forty-five patients were included (25 in the pCTH group and 21 in the cCTH group). The median (interquartile) time required to perform a scan with pCTH was 28 (23-48) minutes compared to 30 (25-36) minutes with cCTH (p=0.825). The duration time required to perform a pCTH was similar to that with cCTH in an ICU of the French healthcare system without increasing adverse events.
Barriers and facilitators of consistent condom use among adolescents and young adults in South Africa: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Ajayi Anthony Idowu , Omonaiye Olumuyiwa , Nwogwugwu Charlotte
Published: March 2022

BackgroundPrevious studies have examined consistent condom use correlates in South Africa, focusing on sociodemographic factors, HIV risk perceptions, relationship conflict, multiple sexual partners, and masculinity. However, the effect of family financial support, HIV testing, partner communication and self-efficacy for HIV prevention is less studied. We drew from a cross-sectional survey to address this gap and highlight the key barriers and facilitators of consistent condom use among young people. Methods We analysed data obtained from 631 unmarried sexually active male and females students selected using stratified sampling from a university in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Consistent condom use was defined as regular use of condoms in all sexual encounters in the past year. We used an open-ended question to probe the reasons for inconsistent condom use. Adjusted and unadjusted regression analysis were fitted to examine factors associated with consistent condom use. ResultsThe prevalence of consistent condom use was 39.3% (CI: 35.5%-43.2%), with no significant gender and age differences. After adjusting for relevant covariates, living with foster parents (AOR; 1.80 95% CI; 1.09-2.97), adequate family financial support (AOR; 2.49 95% CI; 1.71-3.62), partner knew status (AOR; 1.91 95% CI; 1.09-3.37) and feeling confident in one's ability to prevent HIV (AOR; 1.77 95% CI; 1.09-2.86) were associated with increased odds of consistent condom use. However, self-report of low condom self-efficacy (AOR; 0.58 95% CI; 0.40-0.85) and alcohol use (AOR; 0.83 95% CI; 0.58-1.19) were associated with lower odds of consistent condom use. Young people who inconsistently used condoms reiterated that sex is often unplanned and condoms are not always available. The desire for maximum pleasure, partner's objection, trust, and use of hormonal contraceptives were further reasons others inconsistently use condoms.Conclusions Inconsistent condom use remains a challenge among unmarried sexually active young people in South Africa. Education of young people on the need for partner communication about HIV, HIV testing uptake, and condom use should happen more rigorously in school and through the media to improve their consistent use of condoms.
Recurrent exon-deleting activating mutations in AHR act as drivers of urinary tract cancer
Authors: Vlaar Judith , Borgman Anouska , Kalkhoven Eric , Westland Denise , Besselink Nicolle , Shale Charles , Faltas Bishoy , Priestley Peter , Kuijk Ewart , Cuppen Edwin
Published: March 2022

Bladder cancer has a high recurrence rate and low survival of advanced stage patients. Few genetic drivers of bladder cancer have thus far been identified. We performed in-depth structural variant analysis on whole-genome sequencing data of 206 metastasized urinary tract cancers. In ˜10% of the patients, we identified recurrent in-frame deletions of exons 8 and 9 in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor gene (AHRΔe8-9), which codes for a ligand-activated transcription factor. Pan-cancer analyses show that AHRΔe8-9 is highly specific to urinary tract cancer and mutually exclusive with other bladder cancer drivers. In AHRΔe8-9 the ligand-binding domain is disrupted and we show that this results in ligand-independent AHR-pathway activation. In bladder organoids, AHRΔe8-9 induces a transformed phenotype that is characterized by upregulation of AHR target genes, downregulation of differentiation markers and upregulation of genes associated with stemness and urothelial cancer. Furthermore, AHRΔe8-9 expression results in anchorage independent growth of bladder organoids, indicating tumorigenic potential. DNA-binding deficient AHRΔe8-9 fails to induce transformation, suggesting a role for AHR target genes in the acquisition of the oncogenic phenotype. In conclusion, we show that AHRΔe8-9 is a novel driver of urinary tract cancer and that the AHR pathway could be an interesting therapeutic target.
Research Status and Development Trends of Network Pharmacology in Chinese Medicine
Authors: Wang Hanye , Cui Xiuming , Liu Yuan
Published: March 2022

Background: The increasing demand for Chinese medicine resources has piqued the scientific community’s interest in modernizing the Chinese medicine industry. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is based on the "multiple targets and multiple components" treatment modality and involves unique treatment methods, such as "same disease with different treatments" and "treating different diseases with same method." Hence, it is difficult to elucidate the mechanisms of TCM formulations. Network pharmacology enables the analysis of the characteristics of "multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways," which is consistent with the overall characteristics of TCM. Hence, network pharmacology analysis can be used to examine the active ingredients, mechanism of action, and compatibility rules of TCM, consequently providing a scientific basis for the theories of TCM. Results: Network pharmacology is a new pharmacological research method that can quickly predict the pharmacological action mechanism of TCMs. Compared with traditional pharmacological research, this method does not require complicated TCM extraction and long-term experimental verification, is fast and efficient, but has certain errors. Combined with multi-omics methods, it can reduce the error while shortening the experiment time, and it can be used in the analysis of the mechanism of action and compatibility of TCM quickly and efficiently. In addition, the application of this method in reverse pharmacology is helpful for the development of new Chinese medicines for specific diseases. In our article, we briefly summarize the commonly used databases and software and calculation methods, and pay more attention to the combination of multi-omics and TCM. At the same time, we also summarize the mechanism of single prescription, compound prescriptions, "same disease with different treatments and treating different diseases with the same method" in TCM, reverse pharmacology of TCM.Conclusions: Network pharmacology has unique advantages to active ingredients, compatibility rules, and mechanisms of action explorations of TCMs. Using network pharmacology to clarify the mechanism of TCM can enhance the global acceptance of TCM products and promote the modernization and international development of the TCM industry, as well as providing a scientific basis for the law of compatibility of TCM.
Ocular manifestations of early-onset combined methylmalonic acidemia and mutations in MMCHC gene
Authors: Zhong Qionglei , Wang Shaoli , Li Yueping , Zhang Wei , Xue Caihong
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Combined MMA is related with retinopathy and optic neuropathy. We aimed to find the relationship of genotypes, the levels of metabolites and ocular damages in combined MMA.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the ocular manifestations, gene tests and levels of organic acid metabolism in seven patients with early-onset combined MMA. Results: Seven patients aged 2 to 7 years old, revealed different gene mutations. Two patients with remarkable retinal degenerations had mutations in MMCHC gene, which were one heterozygous for c.567dupT p.Ile190Tyrfs*13, c.658_660del p.Lys220del, the other one with c.482G>A, p. R161Q, c.567dupT, p. I190Yfs*13 genotypes. Four patients present normal fundus, in whom one was homozygous for c.609G>A, p. W203X, the second one was heterozygous for c.609G>A, p. W203X, c.626dupT p.Thr210Aspfs*35, the third one with c.567dup, p.I190Yfs*13, c.606-641delins CTT, p.W203-R214delinsF, the last one with c.609G>A, p. Trp203*, c.615C>A, p. Tyr205*genotypes. There was one patient who was heterozygous for c.609G>A, p. Trp203*, c.615C>A, p. Tyr205* revealed light color of optic nerve but normal VEP. Elevated level of plasma homocysteine and normal levels of MMA concentrations and its metabolites revealed in two patients with remarkable retinal degenerations, whereas the levels of plasma homocysteine, MMA and its metabolites were normal in five patients without retinal disease.Conclusions: The mutations detected may be related to retinopathy and optic neuropathy in children with combined MMA. Metabolite levels may also affect the clinical manifestations.
Smart Film Based on Polylactic Acid, Modified with Polyaniline/ZnO/CuO: Investigation of Physicochemical Properties and its use of Intelligent Packaging of Orange Juice
Authors: Abdolsattari Parisa , Rezazadeh-Bari Mahmoud , Pirsa Sajad
Published: March 2022

In this study, a biodegradable/conducting film based on polylactic acid (PLA) modified with polyaniline, zinc oxide and copper oxide (PLA/PAn/CuO/ZnO) was prepared. The effect of polyaniline, zinc oxide and copper oxide on the electrical, physicochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of polylactic acid films by different techniques such as SEM, FTIR, TGA, etc. were investigated. Electricity conductive films were used for intelligent packaging of orange juice. The chemical and microbial properties of orange juice and the electrical conductivity of packaging films during storage time (56 days) were investigated. The results showed that the effect of polyaniline, zinc oxide and copper oxide greatly increased the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of polylactic acid film. Polyaniline gave the film good electrical conductivity, but zinc oxide and copper oxide had no significant effect on it. The active film used to package the orange juice increased the chemical and microbial viability of the orange juice. The electrical resistance of the conductive films used for packaging increased over time and a significant mathematical relationship was established between storage time and changes in electrical resistance, which was used to estimate the shelf life and expiration date of orange juice. Examination of the performance of the films showed that these films with an accuracy of over 90% have the ability to estimate the storage time of orange juice. Electricity conductive/antimicrobial/antioxidant film based on polylactic acid as an active and intelligent film has the ability to increase the shelf life and detect spoilage of orange juice.
A novel intergenic region ALK fusion is targetable by alectinib in a non-small cell lung cancer patient with brain metastasis
Authors: Qian Chunfa , Cheng Wanwan , Zhang Haitao , Meng Qi , Yin Jiani C. , Fang Shencun
Published: March 2022

ALK rearrangement defines a unique non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) molecular subtype, of which the patients could potentially benefit from anti-ALK therapies. So far, the outcomes of the canonical EML-ALK patients subjected to ALK inhibitors are well established. However, given the increasing complexity of ALK fusion partners, as detected by high-throughput sequencing, the responses of those with rare ALK fusion events remain to be explored. Here, we report a lung adenocarcinoma patient with brain metastasis harboring an ARHGAP5 downstream intergenic region (IGR) ALK fusion, as detected by using DNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS), who experienced a partial response to alectinib treatment. While whole transcriptome RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) failed to identify potential ALK fusion transcripts, subsequent targeted deep RNA-seq revealed the expression of EML4-ALK transcripts in the tumor tissue. Given the increasingly application of the ALK-TKIs, it is extremely crucial to define the patients who could be suitable for this treatment in clinic. The present case has provided supporting evidence that non-canonical ALK rearrangements on the genomic level are often functionally relevant and targetable by ALK-TKI, particularly in cases with sub-optimal quantity and quality for RNA validation.
Primary undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the rectum: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kodera Keita , Hoshino Masato , Takahashi Sumika , Hidaka Suguru , Kogo Momoko , Hashizume Ryosuke , Imakita Tomonori , Ishiyama Mamoru , Ogawa Masaichi , Eto Ken
Published: March 2022

Background: Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is a malignant soft tissue tumor that has been reclassified from malignant fibrous histiocytoma with the development of the pathological diagnosis. It principally occurs in the extremities, but rarely occurs in the rectum. We herein report a rare case of UPS arising in the rectum.Case presentation: A 85-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a complaint of anal pain, which had persisted for several months. Computed tomography (CT) showed a 53×58×75 mm mass on the left side of the rectum. Colonoscopy revealed a submucosal elevation in the rectum without any exposure of the tumor to the surface. Contrast-enhanced CT and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an 80-mm-mass that originated in the rectal muscular propria, and we suspected a gastrointestinal stromal tumor. No lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis was observed. We performed a laparoscopic Hartmann's operation. Intraoperatively, severe adhesion around the tumor caused tumor injury and right ureteral dissection. Thus, laparoscopic right ureteral anastomosis and ureteral stenting were additionally performed. The operation time was 6 hours and 3 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was small. The patient was discharged without complications 25 days after surgery. A pathological examination showed that the tumor was composed of highly heterogeneous cells with no specific differentiation traits, leading to a diagnosis of UPS. Contrast-enhanced CT performed 2 months after surgery showed bilateral pelvic lymph node enlargement, which indicated recurrence. Considering the patient's age, we performed radiotherapy (50 Gy/25 Fr targeting the pelvic region). At present, 16 months have passed since the completion of radiotherapy, Contrast-enhanced CT shows that the recurrent lymph nodes have disappeared and no new distant metastasis has been observed. Conclusions: We reported a case of UPS arising in the rectum. The surgical procedure and indication of preoperative therapy should be carefully selected because complete removal of the tumor is desirable in UPS.