bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of Scale Inhibitor Squeeze Treatments in a Polymer Flooded Reservoir
Authors: Beteta Alan , Vazquez Oscar , Al Kalbani Munther Mohammed , Eze Faith
Published: November 2021

This study aims to demonstrate the changes to scale inhibitor squeeze lifetimes in a polymer flooded reservoir versus a water flooded reservoir. A squeeze campaign was designed for the base water flood system, then injection was switched to polymer flooding at early and late field life. The squeeze design strategy was adapted to maintain full scale protection under the new system.

During the field life, the production of water is a constant challenge. Both in terms of water handling, but also the associated risk of mineral scale deposition. Squeeze treatment is a common technique, where a scale inhibitor is injected to prevent the formation of scale. The squeeze lifetime is dictated by the adsorption/desorption properties of the inhibitor chemical, along with the water rate at the production well. The impact on the adsorption properties and changes to water rate on squeeze lifetime during polymer flooding are studied using reservoir simulation.

A two-dimensional 5-spot model was used in this study, considered a reasonable representation of a field scenario, where it was observed that when applying polymer (HPAM) flooding, with either a constant viscosity or with polymer degradation, the number of squeeze treatments was significantly reduced as compared to the water flood case. This is due to the significant delay in water production induced by the polymer flood. When the polymer flood was initiated later in field life, 0.5PV (reservoir pore volumes) of water injection, water cut approximately 70%, the number of squeeze treatments required was still lower than the water flood base case. However, it was also observed that in all cases, at later stages of field life the positive impacts of polymer flooding on squeeze lifetime begin to diminish, due in part to the high viscosity fluid now present in the production near-wellbore region.

This study represents the first coupled reservoir simulation/squeeze treatment design for a polymer flooded reservoir. It has been demonstrated that in over the course of a field lifetime, polymer flooding will in fact reduce the number of squeeze treatments required even with a potential reduction in inhibitor adsorption. This highlights an opportunity for further optimization and a key benefit of polymer flooding in terms of scale management, aside from the enhanced oil recovery.
Amorphous Polymeric Dithiazine apDTZ Solid Fouling: Critical Review, Analysis and Solution of an Ongoing Challenge in Triazine-Based Hydrogen Sulphide Mitigation
Authors: Taylor Grahame , Wylde Jonathan , Samaniego Walter , Sorbie Ken
Published: November 2021

Despite attempts to inhibit or avoid the formation of fouling deposits (polymeric amorphous dithiazine or apDTZ for short) from the use of MEA triazine, this remains a major operational problem and limits the use of this most popular and ubiquitous hydrogen sulphide (H2S) scavenger. This paper (a) reviews and summarizes previous work, (b) provides fresh insights into the reaction product and mechanism of formation, (c) proposes an effective method of removal, and (d) proposes some mechanisms of apDTZ digestion. The mechanism of apDTZ formation is discussed and reasoning is provided from a variety of perspectives as to the mechanism of MEA-triazine reaction with H2S. These include basicity and nucleophilic substitution considerations, steric properties and theoretical calculations for electron density. Novel procedures to chemically react with and destroy this solid fouling are presented with an in-depth study and experimental verification of the underlying chemistry of this digestion process. A review of agents to chemically destroy apDTZ is undertaken and a very effective solution has been found in peroxyacetic acid, which is much more powerful and effective than previously suggested peroxides.

The structure of amorphous polymeric dithiazine is emphasized and the reason why this fouling cannot be 1,3,5-trithiane is stressed. This work therefore overcomes a current industry misconception by providing insight on two major paradoxes in the reaction pathway; namely i) why the thiadiazine reaction product from tris hydroxyethyl triazine (MEA triazine) is never observed and ii) why does the dithiazine in all cases never progress to the trithiane (3rd sulphur molecule substitution)? The latter issue is probably the biggest misconception in the industry and literature regarding triazine and H2S reactions. Many reasons for this are put forward and the common misconception of "overspent" triazine is refuted. A very effective chemical reaction that results in soluble by-products, counteracting the problems produced by this intractable polymer is found and their composition is proposed and experimentally verified.
The Mediating Effect of Pleasure And Menopausal Symptoms On Sexual Activity Among Young Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Klein Shiran , Braun Michal
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Young breast cancer survivors often go through a rapid change in menopause status due to cancer treatment and suffer from abrupt symptoms. This transition compels them to deal with unique medical and psychological side effects on their quality of life. One of the most affected quality of life domains is sexual functioning.This study explored the differences in frequency of sexual activity between young breast cancer survivors and young healthy women. It also examined whether this difference in sexual activity frequency was mediated by discomfort and/or pleasure during intercourse, both of which are affected by early menopausal symptoms.Methods: 97 young breast cancer survivors and 75 young healthy women completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, The Fallowfield's Sexual Activity Questionnaire (FSAQ), and the Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS). Additionally, the breast cancer participants completed a medical data questionnaire.Results: Findings revealed a significant direct effect between group and menopausal symptoms, menopausal symptoms and pleasure, and pleasure and habit. Structural equation modeling explained the differences between the groups in sexual frequency (habit) as mediated by menopausal symptoms and both pleasure and discomfort. Conclusions and Implications: These results highlight the impact of pleasure on the frequency of young breast cancer survivors' sexual activity, and its relation to menopausal symptoms. These young women should be provided with appropriate information and interventions that will help them experience increased pleasure during sexual activity despite their early and induced menopausal symptoms.
The Impact of Corruption On Economic Growth: A Nonlinear Evidence
Authors: Trabelsi Mohamed Ali
Published: November 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The Methylation of SDC2 and TFPI2 Defined Three Methylator Phenotypes of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Lei Ruixue , Zhao Yanteng , Huang Kai , Wang Qian , Wan Kangkang , Li Tingting , Yang Haijun , Lv Xianping
Published: November 2021

BackgroudMethylated SDC2 and TFPI2 are applied frequently for the early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, they often miss some positive samples, which directly affects their sensitivities, and the underlining mechanism is not well known.Methods:CRC samples from TCGA and GEO datasets were divided into three groups, Highmethylation/ High-methylation (HH), High-methylation/Low-methylation (HL), and Lowmethylation/Low-methylation (LL) according to the methylation status of SDC2 and TFPI2 promoters. Variations in age, tumor location, and microsatellite instable were then assessed between the three groups and verified in our custom cohort.ResultsSamples of HL group preferred to derive from left-sided CRCs (P < 0.05). HH samples showed the highest microsatellite instability and mutation load (mean nonsynonymous mutations for HH/HL/LL: 10.55/3.91/7.02, P = 0.0055). Almost all mutations of BRAF, one of the five typical CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) related genes, were observed in HH group (HH/HL/LL: 51/0/1, P = 0.018). Besides, older patients were frequently found in HH group. Expression analysis identified 37, 84, and 22 group-specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for HH, HL, and LL, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that HH-specific DEGs were mainly related to transcription regulation, while LL-specific DEGs were enriched in the biological processes of extracellular matrix interaction and cell migration.Conclusions:The three methylation phenotypes identified based on SDC2 and TFPI2 methylation status showed extensive variations in tumor location, patient age, MSI and ECM biology processes, suggesting that these respective sides should be considered when developing new methylation-based biomarkers for CRC detection.
Effect of Yield and Quality of Erythropalum Scandens Bl. Under Different Dosage and Proportion of Chicken Manure and Cow Manure
Authors: Ma Dao-Cheng , Tian Xiang , Guo Pinxiang , Wang Ling-hui , Teng Wei-Chao
Published: November 2021

Erythropalum scandens Bl. is a kind of leafy vegetable which has high edible and medicinal value in Southern China. However, it has been treated as a kind of wild vegetable for a long time and there is still little researches on its yield and quality after fertilization. This study aimed to assess the effect of yield and quality of E. scandens after using two kinds of organic fertilizer: chicken manure and cow manure, which find out the responses of the edible part in E. scandens after using different dosage and proportion of chicken manure and cow manure and find out a best fertilization treatment. We investigated the yield and quality of the edible part in biennial E. scandens including average yield, titratable acid content, sugar acid ratio, crude protein content, ascorbic acid content, tea polyphenols content, nitrate content, general flavone content and macronutrient content (including total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) after using different dosage and proportion of chicken manure and cow manure, which to find out a best fertilization treatment via the yield, nutrient and taste. Compared with CK group, proper fertilization can increase the average yield of E. scandens and promote its growth and macronutrient accumulation at the same time. The content of all kinds of nutrients are higher than CK group after using organic fertilizers and they can be accumulated during the process of fertilization. The E. scandens seedlings had the highest yield and best quality under T6 treatment (0.8kg/plant chicken manure+1.2 kg/plant cow manure). However, nitrate can be accumulated in the edible part of E. scandens during the process of fertilization. Compared with CK group, organic fertilization can increase the yield and quality of E. scandens, but excessive fertilization can lead to a significant increase in nitrate levels in plants, even exceeding food safety standards. The nitrate level of E. scandens is a little bit high in this research and better solution is still needed to ensure the quality and food security of E. scandens in the near future.
lncRNA-GPAND Promotes Gastric Cancer Progression via RUNX2 and MMP13
Authors: Wang Ying , Pei Xiaojuan , Wang Chunbing , Tan Zhibo
Published: November 2021

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is still one major reason for cancer-related death worldwide and in China, which ranks the second highest common cancer death rate. It is of great importance to study the molecular mechanisms by which gastric cancer develops. Methods: In this study, in situ hybridization histochemistry (ISHH) was used to examine the lncRNA-GPAND expression levels using gastric cancer tissue array. The real-time live-cell imaging system was used to investigate the effect of GPAND on cell proliferation and apoptosis of GC cell lines. Cell cycle of AGS cell line was examined after GPAND was suppressed using the flow cytometry (FCM). Transwell method was used to study the effect of GPAND on the invasion characteristics of GC cell line. Then the next generation sequencing (NGS) was used to study the potential molecular mechanism and the pathway, and the RT-qPCR was performed to verify the potential targets found by NGS method. Results: It was shown that GPAND was significantly over-expressed in the gastric cancer (GC) tissues (n=215) compared with the paired non-cancerous tissues (n=215), the expression levels of GPAND of GC tissues of TNM stage I-II (n=45) were significantly higher than that of stage III-IV (n=147). It has shown that knockdown of GPAND inhibited the AGS and N87 cell proliferation and promoted the cell apoptosis of AGS and N87 cell lines significantly, and the G1 phase percentage was remarkably increased in GPAND knockdown group of AGS cell line compared with control group. Moreover, suppression of GPAND inhibited the AGS cell invasion significantly. It was found via the NGS method that RUNX2 and MMP13 were significantly up-regulated when the GPAND was over-expressed. Conclusions: These observations suggest the lncRNA-GPAND/RUNX2/MMP13 axis to be a viable therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
Effect of Cryopreservation Method Supported With Biochemical Analyses in the Axillary Bud of Jewel Orchid, Ludisia Discolor
Authors: Burkhan Hazirah , Rajan Kirutika Selva , Appalasamy Suganthi , Poobathy Ranjetta , Chew Bee Lynn , Mariappan Vanitha , Subramaniam Sreeramanan
Published: November 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the potential of conserving an endangered terrestrial jewel orchid Ludisia discolor using in vitro grown axillary buds. Excised segments of axillary buds (4 - 5 mm in length) were precultured on a modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.2 M sucrose for 24 h and osmoprotected in a loading solution for 20 min. Then, axillary buds were dehydrated in PVS2 solution for 10 min at 0°C and incubated in liquid nitrogen for 1 h. Subsequently, axillary buds were rewarmed rapidly by dilution solution and transferred to a growth recovery medium supplemented with 0.05 µM melatonin under in vitro conditions that led to an improved survival chance (16.67%) for cryopreserved L. discolor. The abiotic stresses and the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during cryopreservation stages may contribute to cryoinjuries and poor survival. The varied response towards stress was detected with significantly increased values recorded at certain cryopreservation stages, including proline activity at the dehydration stage (5.51 µmol/g), catalase at the preculture (85.64 U/g) and dehydration (70.87 U/g) stages, peroxidase at the rewarming stage (565.37 U/g) and ascorbate peroxidase during the loading stage (12.19 U/g). Hence, this first attempt to cryopreserved L. discolor indicates that future experimental designs could include exogenous antioxidants and different vitrification solutions to improve survival and regeneration.
Combining and comparing regional epidemic dynamics in Italy: Bayesian meta-analysis of compartmental models and model assessment via Global Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Cereda Giulia , Viscardi Cecilia , Baccini Michela
Published: November 2021

During autumn 2020, Italy faced a second important SARS-CoV-2 epidemic wave. We explored the time pattern of the instantaneous reproductive number, R0(t), and estimated the prevalence of infections by region from August to December calibrating SIRD models on COVID19-related deaths, fixing at values from literature Infection Fatality Rate (IFR) and infection duration. A Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) was performed on the regional SIRD models. Then, we used Bayesian meta-analysis and meta-regression to combine and compare the regional results and investigate their heterogeneity. The meta-analytic R0(t) curves were similar in the Northern and Central regions, while a less peaked curve was estimated for the South. The maximum R0(t) ranged from 2.61 (North) to 2.15 (South) with an increase following school reopening and a decline at the end of October. Average temperature, urbanization, characteristics of family medicine and health care system, economic dynamism, and use of public transport could partly explain the regional heterogeneity. The GSA indicated the robustness of the regional R0(t) curves to different assumptions on IFR. The infectious period turned out to have a key role in determining the model results, but without compromising between-region comparisons.
Synergistic Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity of Repurposed Anti-Parasitic Drug Combinations
Authors: Jitobaom Kunlakanya , Boonarkart Chompunuch , Manopwisedjaroen Suwimon , Punyadee Nuntaya , Borwornpinyo Suparerk , Thitithanyanont Arunee , Avirutnan Panisadee , Auewarakul Prasert
Published: November 2021

COVID-19 pandemic has claimed millions of lives and devastated the health service system, livelihood and economy in many countries worldwide. Despite the initiation of vaccination programs in many countries, the spread of the pandemic continues and effective treatment is still urgently needed. Although some antiviral drugs have been shown to be effective, they are not widely available. Repurposing of anti-parasitic drugs with in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity is a promising approach being tested in many clinical trials. Combination of these drugs is a plausible way to enhance their effectiveness. We tested in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of combinations of Niclosamide, Ivermectin, and Chloroquine; and show here that these combinations resulted in more than 10-fold reduction in the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) as compared to individual drugs. Synergy landscape analyses showed Niclosamide-Ivermectin combination to have the best synergy score with a peak Loewe synergy score of over 20 and a mean score of 6.60 in Vero E6 cell and a peak Loewe synergy score of 13.2 and a mean score of 2.897 in Calu-3 cells.
Correlation of Choroidal Thickness with Age in Healthy Subjects - Automatic Detection and Segmentation using A Deep Learning Model
Authors: Lin Chen Yu , Huang Yu Len , Hsia Wei Ping , Wang Yang , Chang Chia-Jen
Published: November 2021

Propose: The proposed deep learning model with a mask region–based convolutional neural network (Mask R-CNN) can predict choroidal thickness automatically. Changes in choroidal thickness with age can be detected with manual measurements. In this study, we aimed to investigate choroidal thickness in healthy eyes by utilizing the Mask R-CNN model. Methods: A total of 68 eyes from 57 participants without significant ocular disease were recruited. The participants were allocated to one of three groups according to their age and underwent spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) centered on the fovea. Physicians labelled the choroidal contours in all the OCT sequences. We applied the Mask R-CNN model for automatic segmentation. Comparisons of choroidal thicknesses were conducted according to age and prediction accuracy. Results: Older age groups had thinner choroids, according to the automatic segmentation results; the mean choroidal thickness was 253.7 ± 41.9 μm in the youngest group, 206.8 ± 35.4 μm in the middle-aged group, and 152.5 ± 45.7 μm in the oldest group (p < 0.01). Measurements obtained using physician sketches demonstrated similar trends. We observed a significant negative correlation between choroidal thickness and age (p < 0.01). The prediction error was lower and less variable in choroids that were thinner than the cutoff point of 280 μm. Conclusion: The mean choroidal thickness decreased with age in healthy subjects. The Mask R-CNN model can accurately predict choroidal thickness, especially choroids thinner than 280 μm. This model can enable exploring larger and more varied choroid datasets comprehensively, automatically, and conveniently.
The relationships between leptin gene polymorphism and some performance traits in Simmental and Brown Swiss cattle
Authors: Atalay Tugba , Özdemir Memiş
Published: November 2021

This study was carried out to determine the genotype and allele frequencies and association between the Leptin gene Sau3AI polymorphism and some performance characteristics in Simmental (n=60) and Brown Swiss (n=62) breed cattle raised in the province of Erzurum, Turkey. In the study, leptin/Sau3AI gene polymorphisms in DNA isolated from blood samples obtained from Simmental and Brown Swiss cattle were determined using PCR-RFLP method. As genotype frequencies of leptin/Sau3AI gene in the population, in Brown Swiss cattle, 88,7% with genotype AA, 9,7% with AB and 1,6% with BB genotypes were determined, Simmental breed cattle, 78,3% with genotype AA, 16,7% with AB and with 5,0% BB genotypes were determined. AA genotype frequencies were the highest in the population, and those with BB genotypes had the lowest frequency in both breeds. When the population was examined in terms of allele frequencies, the A allele was 0,87 and B allele was 0,13 in the Simmental cattle, and the A allele was 0,94 and B allele was 0,06 in the Brown Swiss breed. According to Hardy-Weinberg genetic balance test, the distribution of genotype frequencies was balanced (P>0.05) in the Brown Swiss breed but not in the Simmental breed in the population studied. As a result of the analysis performed in the Simmental breed, the general averages were found to be 5422,4 ± 1901,74 kg for actual milk yield, 5626,6 ± 1475,85 kg for 305-day milk yield, 298,7 ± 84,80 days for lactation duration and 18,5 ± 4,84 kg for daily milk yield. According to the statistical analysis results, the effect of genotype on the actual milk yield during lactation, lactation duration and daily milk yield was significant. As a result of the analysis made in the Brown Swiss breed, the general averages were 3917,8 ± 1584,38 kg for actual milk yield, 4614,3 ± 982,62 kg for 305 days milk yield, 254.9 ± 99.88 days for lactation duration and 16,0 ± 3,82 kg for daily milk yield. According to the statistical analysis results, the effect of genotype on performance characteristics was insignificant in Simmental and Brown Swiss cattle.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Outcome Measurement Scale (CROMS); Development and Preliminary Validation of An Interdisciplinary Measure for Rehabilitation Outcomes
Authors: Rashid Muhammed , PH Sandeep , Kalidas Akshaiya , Mathew Jerin , Raja kavitha
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Comprehensive and interdisciplinary measurement of rehabilitation outcome is an essential part in the assessment and prognosis of a patient. This requires input from various disciplines working with the patient and the rehabilitation team. Moreover, the evaluation measures should consider the cultural compatibility, cost, and comprehensiveness of the contextual factors of the region and as of the country.Methods: The new tool was developed through consensus and followed Delphi process incorporating various rehabilitation professionals. The validity, reliability of the tool was tested on 30 patients and their rehabilitation professionals. The tool was also validated in two native languages and back translated considering the semantics. The construct validity was analyzed using interclass correlation co-efficient (ICC), internal consistency was analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha. Results: The final Comprehensive Rehabilitation Outcome Measurement Scale (CROMS) carries 30 items which can be completed by the person with disability and the professional team. The final tool holds an overall ICC of 0.93 with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.92 for both patient and therapist reported measures. Conclusion: The 30 item CROMS is a reliable and valid tool that can potentially be used to evaluate functional independence of various patient populations.
Association Between Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate Levels at 7 Years Old And Bone Mineral Density At 10 Years Old – a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Santos-Silva Rita , Fontoura Manuel , Severo Milton , Lucas Raquel , Santos Ana Cristina
Published: November 2021

We aimed to explore the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) at age 7 on areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at age 10, and to distinguish the direct and indirect effects (explained by sexual maturity and by aBMD at age 7), for each sex, after adjustment for body mass index z-score (BMI). In a subsample of 274 children (139 girls, 135 boys) from the Generation XXI cohort, aBMD was assessed with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan at age 7 and age 10. The increase in aBMD at age 10 for each 10 µg/dL increase in DHEAS levels at age 7 was estimated using path analysis. Both the direct and the indirect effects were calculated.In girls, higher DHEAS levels at age 7 were associated with higher aBMD at age 10. No direct effect was observed. The indirect effect via higher aBMD at age 7 explained 61% of the total effect, and the indirect effect via higher Tanner stage explained 21%. After adjustment for BMI, the total effect remained statistically significant, explained in 33% by the indirect effect of DHEAS on Tanner stage and Tanner stage on aBMD. In boys, no effect of DHEAS on aBMD was observed.Conclusion: An indirect effect of DHEAS at age 7 on aBMD at age 10 was found in girls, but not in boys, as higher DHEAS levels were associated with more advanced sexual maturity at age 10, and more advanced sexual maturity to higher aBMD. No direct effect of DHEAS on aBMD was observed.
Characterization of Triatomine Bloodmeal Sources Using Direct Sanger Sequencing and Amplicon Deep Sequencing Methods
Authors: Balasubramanian Sujata , Curtis-Robles Rachel , Chirra Bhagath , Auckland Lisa D. , Mai Alan , Bocanegra-Garcia Virgilio , Clark Patti , Clark Wilhelmina , Cottingham Mark , Fleurie Geraldine , Johnson Charles D. , Metz Richard P. , Wang Shichen , Hathaway Nicholas J. , Bailey Jeffrey A. , Hamer Gabriel L. , Hamer Sarah A.
Published: November 2021

Knowledge of host associations of blood-feeding vectors may afford insights into managing disease systems and protecting public health. However, the ability of methods to distinguish bloodmeal sources varies widely. We used two methods—Sanger sequencing and amplicon deep sequencing—to target a 228 bp region of the vertebrate CYTB gene and determine hosts fed upon by triatomines (n = 115) collected primarily in Texas, USA. Direct sanger sequencing of PCR amplicons was successful for 36 samples (31%). Sanger sequencing revealed 15 distinct host species, which included humans, domestic animals (Canis lupus familiaris, Ovis aries, Gallus gallus, Bos taurus, Felis catus, and Capra hircus), wildlife (Rattus rattus, Bufo nebulifer, Sciurus carolinensis, Sciurus niger, Odocoileus virginianus), and captive animals (Panthera tigris, Colobus spp., Chelonoidis carbonarius). Samples sequenced by the Sanger method were also subjected to Illumina MiSeq amplicon deep sequencing. The amplicon deep sequencing results (average of 302,080 usable reads per sample) replicated the host community revealed using Sanger sequencing, and detected additional hosts in five triatomines (13.9%), including two additional blood sources (Procyon lotor, Bassariscus astutus). Up to four bloodmeal sources were detected in a single triatomine (Bufo nebulifer, Homo sapiens, Canis lupus familiaris, and Sciurus carolinensis). Enhanced understanding of vector-host-parasite networks may allow for integrated vector management programs focusing on highly-utilized and highly-infected host species.
The Effect of Inorganic Salt on the Morphology and Nucleation of Polyaniline
Authors: jing Yiqi , Zhang Shujia , Pei Yuanjiao , Zeng Yufeng , Wang Ruijuan , Xu Zhuohui
Published: November 2021

Polyaniline nanofibers were fabricated through the addition of inorganic salt such as NaCl, MgSO4 and AlCl3 into the micelle-like composed of aniline and camphor sulfonic acid (CSA). The influence of types and concentration of inorganic salts, doped acids and temperature on polyaniline was studied by TEM, Uv-vis and FTIR spectroscopy. In addition, in situ Uv-vis and 1H NMR were applied to observe the process of aniline polymerization, and it was indicated the polymerization rate of aniline changed after the addition of inorganic salt NaCl into the initial solution.
Study On the Mechanism of LMP2A Maintaining Epstein-barr Virus Latency Infection Through Interaction With CXCR4
Authors: Qin Ni , Zhang Yan , Xu Lin , Liu Wen , Luo Bing
Published: November 2021

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) belongs to the γ-herpesvirus subfamily and is the first human tumor virus to be discovered. The global adult infection rate exceeds 90%. EBV can participate in the regulation of multiple genes and multiple signal pathways through its latent genes. Many studies have reported that CXCR4 is involved in the development of gastric cancer, but there are few studies on the specific mechanism of its role in EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC). In this study, we explored the mechanism by which EBV-encoded products maintain EBV latent infection through interaction with CXCR4, and the role of CXCR4 in EBV positive cells. The results show that there is a positive feedback between the EBV-encoded products and CXCR4, and LMP2A can activate CXCR4 through the NF-κB pathway. In addition, CXCR4 can be fed back to LMP2A and EBNA1 through the ERK signaling pathway. At the same time, CXCR4 can promote the proliferation and migration of EBV-positive cells, reduce the expression of the immediate early protein BZLF1, and play an important role in maintaining the incubation period of EBV infection. These findings are conducive to the further targeted therapy of EBVaGC.
Wavefront Sensing of Interference Fringe Based On Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Whang Allen Jong-Woei , Chen Yi-Yung , Chen His-Chi , Lin Chengtse , Yang Tsai-Hsien , Jian Zhi-Jia , Chou Chun-Han
Published: November 2021

To increase the measurement accuracy of optical systems, which are implemented in various applications, an improvement of the optical measurement technique is required. This paper proposes an image-to-image wavefront sensing approach using a deep neural network that directly predicts the phase image from the corresponding interference fringe image instead of reconstruction by the Zernike coefficients. The model is based on a conditional generative adversarial network (CGAN). To train the model, we used the formula-based ideal interference fringe images as the inputs of the CGAN, to conditionally predict the corresponding phase images as the output. We numerically investigated the performance by calculating the similarity between the ideal phase image and model output. In addition, with reference to a previous study, it was determined whether the model can extract more features from the interferogram for the prediction of Zernike coefficients. Moreover, an optical simulation software was introduced to provide an increased number of actual interferograms, to verify the proposed method. Based on the results, the proposed system can obtain the phase image directly and reduce the error, thus improving the measurement accuracy of the interference fringe.
Measures of Uncertainty for a Four-Hybrid Information System and Their Applications
Authors: Qin Bin , Zeng Fanping , Yan Kesong
Published: November 2021

A four-hybrid information system (4HIS) is an information system (IS) where the dataset of object descriptions consists of categorical, boolean, real-valued and missing data or attributes. This paper studies measures of uncertainty for a 4HIS and its application in attribute reduction. The distance function for each type of attribute in a 4HIS is first provided. Then, this distance is used to produce the tolerance relation induced by a given subsystem in a 4HIS. Next, information structure of this subsystem is proposed in terms of a set vector and dependence between information structures is introduced. Moreover, granulation and entropy measures in a 4HIS are investigated on the basis of information structures. In order to verify the feasibility of the proposed measures, effectiveness analysis is performed from a statistical perspective. Finally, an application of the proposed measures for attribute reduction in a 4HIS is given.
Financial Stability and Economic Growth: Evidence from North Cyprus
Authors: Akalpler Ergin
Published: November 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Cyprus Economy in the Light of Debt Problem
Authors: Akalpler Ergin
Published: November 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The Effect of Phasic Versus Combined Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Using the StimaWELL 120MTRS System on Multifidus Muscle Morphology and Function in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Pilot Control Trial Protocol
Authors: Fortin Maryse , Wolfe Daniel , Dover Geoffrey , Boily Mathieu
Published: November 2021

BackgroundNeuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is used to improve muscle strength clinically when rehabilitating various musculoskeletal disorders. However, the effects of NMES on muscle morphology and function in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain (CLBP) have scarcely been investigated. Although research links deficits in the paraspinal musculature with subjective reports of pain and disability, it is unknown if treatment with NMES can help reverse these deficits. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to compare the effects of two muscle therapy protocols with a medium-frequency electrotherapy device (the StimaWELL 120MTRS system) on multifidus muscle morphology in CLBP patients. The secondary aims are to determine the effects of these protocols on multifidus muscle function, as well as subjective reports of pain intensity, pain interference, disability, and catastrophizing. MethodsA total of 30 participants with non-specific CLBP, aged 18-60, will be recruited from local orthopedic clinics and databases. Participants will be randomized (1:1) to either the phasic or combined (phasic + tonic) muscle therapy protocols on the StimaWELL 120MTRS system. Participants will undergo 20 supervised electrotherapy treatments over a 10-week period. The primary outcomes will be multifidus cross-sectional area (CSA) and fat infiltration. Secondary outcomes will include multifidus contraction (measured via %thickness change from a rested to contracted state), multifidus stiffness (at rest, and during contraction), as well as pain intensity, interference, disability, and catastrophizing. Both primary and secondary outcomes will be obtained at baseline and at 11-weeks; secondary outcomes measured via questionnaires will also be obtained at 6-weeks, while low back pain intensity will be measured before and after each treatment. Paired t-tests will be used to assess within-group changes for all primary outcome measures. A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance will be use to assess changes in secondary outcomes over time. DiscussionThe results of this trial will help clarify the role of medium-frequency NMES on lumbar multifidus morphology and function. Trial RegistrationNCT04891692 Trial SponsorConcordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
The Influence of Age, Sex and Exercise on Autophagy, Mitophagy and Lysosome Biogenesis in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Triolo Matthew , Oliveria Ashley N. , Kumari Rita , Hood David A.
Published: November 2021

BackgroundAging decreases skeletal muscle mass and quality. Maintenance of healthy muscle is regulated by a balance between protein and organellar synthesis and their degradation. The autophagy lysosome system is responsible for the selective degradation of protein aggregates and organelles, such as mitochondria (i.e., mitophagy). Little data exist on the independent and combined influence of age, biological sex and exercise on the autophagy system and lysosome biogenesis. The purpose of this study was to characterize sex differences in autophagy and lysosome biogenesis in young and aged muscle, and to determine if acute exercise influences these processes.MethodsYoung (4-6 months) and aged (22-24 months) male and female mice, were assigned to a sedentary, or an acute exercise group. Mitochondrial content, the autophagy-lysosome system and mitophagy were measured via protein analysis. A Tfeb-promoter-construct was utilized to examine Tfeb transcription, and nuclear-cytosolic fractions allowed us to examine Tfeb localization in sedentary and exercised muscle with age and sex.ResultsOur results indicate that female mice, both young and old, had more mitochondrial protein than age-matched males, and mitochondrial content was only reduced with age in the male cohort. Although young female mice had a greater abundance of autophagy, mitophagy and lysosome proteins than young males, we measured increases with age irrespective of sex. Interestingly, young sedentary female mice had indices of greater autophagosomal turnover than male counterparts. Exhaustive exercise was able to stimulate autophagic clearance in young male mice, but not in the other groups. Similarly, nuclear Tfeb protein was enhanced to a greater extent in young male than in young female mice following exercise, but no changes were observed in aged mice. Finally, Tfeb-promoter activity was upregulated following exercise in both young and aged muscle.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that biological sex influences mitochondrial homeostasis, the autophagy-lysosome system and mitophagy in skeletal muscle with age. Further, our data suggest that young male mice have a more profound ability to activate these processes with exercise than in the other groups. Ultimately, this may contribute to a greater remodeling of muscle in response to exercise training in males.
The Prognostic Value of Metabolic Genes in Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Sanling , Liu Zefu , Xu Fangzhou , Chen Chongxiang , Zhang Hongyu
Published: November 2021

Background: A great number of metabolic genes have been discovered in gastric cancer (GC); however, their prognostic roles remain incompletely clear so far. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas-stomach adenocarcinoma, and GSE84437 dataset collected via the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were utilized for retrieving those clinicopathological data and RNA expression patterns. Besides, the signature was obtained through the lasso Cox regression model and univariate Cox regression analysis. A novel 13-gene metabolic signature (including GSTA2, POLD3, GLA, GGT5, DCK, CKMT2, ASAH1, OPLAH, ME1, ACYP1, NNMT, POLR1A, and RDH12) was constructed for predicting the prognosis for gastric adenocarcinoma. Results: The results suggested that, the survival in high risk group was remarkably dismal compared with that in low risk group. In addition, that as-constructed signature had been identified as a factor to independently predict the prognosis for gastric adenocarcinoma patients. Moreover, the signature-based nomogram showed certain benefits in predicting the overall survival (OS). Besides, results of gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) suggested that some pathways were markedly enriched, which help to illustrate the possible mechanisms. Conclusions: The new 13-gene metabolic model is constructed in this study to predict the prognosis for GC. It probably reflects dysregulation in the metabolic microenvironment, in the meantime of providing metabolic treatment biomarkers, and predicting the treatment response to gastric adenocarcinoma.
A Novel Dynamic of Localized Solitary Waves for the Hirota-Maccari System
Authors: Xia Pei , Zhang Yi , Zhang Heyan , Zhuang Yindong
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates a particular family of semi-rational solutions in determinant form by using the KP hierarchy reduction method, which describe resonant collisions among lumps or resemble line rogue waves and dark solitons in the Hirota-Maccari system. Due to the resonant collisions, the line resemble rogue waves are generated and attenuated in the background of dark solitons with line profiles of finite length, it takes a short time for the lumps to appear from and disappear into the dark solitons background. These novel dynamic of localized solitary waves may be help to understand some physical phenomena of nonlinear localized waves propagation in many physical settings.
Differential Regulation of Degradation and Immune Pathways Underlies Adaptation of the Ectosymbiotic Nematode Laxus Oneistus to Oxic-Anoxic Interfaces
Authors: Paredes Gabriela F. , Viehboeck Tobias , Markert Stephanie , Mausz Michaela A. , Sato Yui , Liebeke Manuel , König Lena , Bulgheresi Silvia
Published: November 2021

Eukaryotes may experience oxygen deprivation under both physiological and pathological conditions. Because oxygen shortage leads to a reduction in cellular energy production, all eukaryotes studied so far conserve energy by suppressing their metabolism. However, the molecular physiology of animals that naturally and repeatedly experience anoxia is underexplored. One such animal is the marine nematode Laxus oneistus. It thrives, invariably coated by its sulfur-oxidizing symbiont Candidatus Thiosymbion oneisti, in anoxic sulfidic or hypoxic sand. Here, transcriptomics and proteomics showed that, whether in anoxia or not, L. oneistus mostly expressed genes involved in ubiquitination, energy generation, oxidative stress response, immune response, development, and translation. Importantly, ubiquitination genes were also highly expressed when the nematode was subjected to anoxic sulfidic conditions, together with genes involved in autophagy, detoxification and ribosome biogenesis. We hypothesize that these degradation pathways were induced to recycle damaged cellular components (mitochondria) and misfolded proteins into nutrients. Remarkably, when L. oneistus was subjected to anoxic sulfidic conditions, lectin and mucin genes were also upregulated, potentially to promote the attachment of its thiotrophic symbiont. Furthermore, the nematode appeared to survive oxygen deprivation by using an alternative electron carrier (rhodoquinone) and acceptor (fumarate), to rewire the electron transfer chain. On the other hand, under hypoxia, genes involved in costly processes (e.g., amino acid biosynthesis, development, feeding, mating) were upregulated, together with the worm’s Toll-like innate immunity pathway and several immune effectors (e.g., Bacterial Permeability Increasing proteins, fungicides). In conclusion, we hypothesize that, in anoxic sulfidic sand, L. oneistus upregulates degradation processes, rewires oxidative phosphorylation and by reinforces its coat of bacterial sulfur-oxidizers. In upper sand layers, instead, it appears to produce broad-range antimicrobials and to exploit oxygen for biosynthesis and development.
Therapeutic effect of adipose stromal vascular fraction spheroids for partial bladder outlet obstruction induced underactive bladder
Authors: Liu Jingyu , Zhou Liuhua , Zhao Feng , Zhou Changcheng , Yang Tianli , Xu Zhongle , Wang Xinning , Xu Luwei , Xu Zheng , Ge Yuzheng , Wu Ran , Jia Ruipeng
Published: November 2021

Background: Underactive bladder (UAB) is a common clinical problem but related research is rarely explored. As there are currently no effective therapies, the administration of adipose stromal vascular fraction (ad-SVF) provides a new potential method to treat underactive bladder. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were induced by partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO) for four weeks and randomly divided into three groups: rats treated with PBS (Sham group); rats administrated with ad-SVF (ad-SVF group) and rats performed with ad-SVF spheroids (ad-SVFsp group). After four weeks, urodynamic studies were performed to evaluate bladder functions and all rats were sacrificed for further studies.Results: We observed that the bladder functions and symptoms of UAB were significantly improved in the ad-SVFsp group than that in the Sham group and ad-SVF group. Meanwhile, our data showed that ad-SVF spheroids could remarkably promote angiogenesis, suppress cell apoptosis and stimulate cell proliferation in bladder tissue than that in the other two groups. Moreover, ad-SVF spheroids increased the expression levels of bFGF, HGF and VEGF-A than ad-SVF. IVIS Spectrum small-animal in vivo imaging system revealed that ad-SVF spheroids could increase the retention rate of transplanted cells in bladder tissue. Conclusions: Ad-SVF spheroids improved functions and symptoms of bladder induced by PBOO, which contributes to promote angiogenesis, suppress cell apoptosis and stimulate cell proliferation. Ad-SVF spheroids provide a potential treatment for the future patients with UAB.
Impact of the serum and blood biomarkers on the severity and survival of the COVID-19 infected patients with dementia
Authors: Aydemir Duygu , Ulusu Nuriye Nuray
Published: November 2021

Aim

Elderly population is categorized as a risk group for COVID-19 infection and dementia is the major cause of disability in elderly individuals and affects 70% of the elderly population. In this study, we evaluated blood and serum biomarkers of the patients with dementia infected by COVID-19 to evaluate possible indicators of the severity of COVID-19 infection.
Methods

Laboratory biomarkers of 11 dementia patients between the ages 85-96 infected by COVID-19 have been used for this study. Serum biochemistry and blood data of survived six patients were compared with the five patients who died because of COVID-19 to evaluate biomarkers correlated with COVID-19 severity and disease mortality.
Results

Fibrinogen, d-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), P, and Mg levels increased in the deceased dementia patients compared to the survived ones. Glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), troponin, lactate, and procalcitonin levels significantly decreased in the deceased patients compared to the survived ones infected by COVID-19. %NEU, %LYM, MONO, %MONO, EOS, %EOS, %BASO, MPV, PT, INR, hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (Hb), total Hb, red blood cells (RBC), PDW, and ferritin levels decreased in the deceased patients compared to the healthy ones, where red cell distribution width (RDW), prothrombin time (PT), WBC and NEU levels significantly increased in the deceased patients infected by COVID-19.
Conclusion

Changes in the serum biochemistry and blood markers are correlated with COVID-19 infection severity and mortality that can be used to the prediction of disease progression in dementia patients.
Enhanced production of falcarinol-type polyacetylenes in hairy roots of cultivated carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus)
Authors: Dunemann Frank , Böttcher Christoph
Published: November 2021

Polyacetylenes (PAs) are a large group of bioactive phytochemicals, which are primarily produced by higher plants of the families Apiaceae and Araliaceae. Especially aliphatic C17-polyacetylenes of the falcarinol-type such as falcarinol (FaOH) and falcarindiol (FaDOH) are known for their numerous positive effects on human health. In this study we investigate the potential of carrot hairy root cultures for production of PAs. Three individual plants of seven differently coloured carrot cultivars were used for the development of hairy root cultures by transformation of root discs with the wild-type Rhizobium rhizogenes strain 15834. A total of 51 individual hairy root (HR) lines were obtained and quantitatively analysed together with root, petiole and leaf tissue samples for FaOH and FaDOH. Among the five tissues sampled from the donor plants, root periderm samples generally exhibited the highest PA levels with FaDOH as prevailing PA and large differences between cultivars. In comparison to periderm tissue, FaOH levels were highly increased in HR lines of all cultivars. In contrast, FaDOH levels were not significantly altered. Considering the low to moderate PA concentration in root and leaf tissues of the orange cultivars there was an up to more than 10-fold increase of the FaOH concentration in HRs of these genotypes. Within this study a reproducible method for Rrhi-mediated transformation of carrot root discs was applied which provides an efficient tool to assess the function of candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of key PAs in carrot but might be used in future also for the large-scale production of falcarinol-type PAs.