bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Similarity Solution for Imbibition Process and its Adaptation in Finite Difference Simulation of Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Du Song , Lee Seong , Wen Xian-Huan , Efendiev Yalchin
Published: October 2021

The imbibition process due to capillary force is an important mechanism that controls fluid flow between the two domains, matrix and fracture, in naturally or hydraulically fractured reservoirs. Many simulation studies have been done in the past decades to understand the multi-phase flow in the tight and shale formation. Although significant advances have been made in large-scale modeling for both unconventional and conventional fields, the imbibition processes in the fractured reservoirs remains underestimated in numerical simulation, that limits confidence in long-term field production predictions. In the meanwhile, to simulate the near-fracture imbibition process, traditionally very-fine simulation grids have to be applied so that the physical phenomena of small-length scale could be captured. However, this leads to expensive computation cost to simulate full-field models with a large number of fractures. To improve numerical efficiency in field-scale modeling, we propose a similarity solution for the imbibition process that can be incorporated into the traditional finite difference formulation with coarse grid cells.

The semi-analytical similarity solutions are validated by comparing with numerical simulation results with fine-scale grids. The comparison clearly indicates that the proposed algorithm accurately represents the flow behaviors in complex fracture models. Furthermore, we adopt the semi-analytical study to hydraulic fracture models using Embedded Discrete Fracture Model (Lee et al., 2001) in our numerical studies at different scales to represent hydraulic fractures that are interconnected. We demonstrate: 1) the imbibition is critical in determining flow behavior in a capillary force dominant model, 2) conventional EDFM has its limitation in capturing sub-cell flow behaviors near fractures, 3) combining the proposed similarity solution and EDFM, we can accurately represent the multi-phase flow near fractures with coarser grids, and 4) it is straightforward to adapt the similarity solution concept in finite-difference simulations for fractured reservoirs
Upscaling of Realistic Discrete Fracture Simulations Using Machine Learning
Authors: Andrianov Nikolai
Published: October 2021

Upscaling of discrete fracture networks to continuum models such as the dual porosity/dual permeability (DPDP) model is an industry-standard approach in modelling of fractured reservoirs. While flow-based upscaling provides more accurate results than analytical methods, the application of flow-based upscaling is limited due to its high computational cost.

In this work, we parametrize the fine-scale fracture geometries and assess the accuracy of several convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to learn the mapping between this parametrization and the DPDP model closures such as the upscaled fracture permeabilities and the matrix-fracture shape factors. We exploit certain similarities between this task and the problem of image classification and adopt several best practices from the state-of-the-art CNNs used for image classification. By running a sensitivity study, we identify several key features in the CNN structure which are crucial for achieving high accuracy of predictions for the DPDP model closures, and put forward the corresponding CNN architectures.

Obtaining a suitable training dataset is challenging because i) it requires a dedicated effort to map the fracture geometries; ii) creating a conforming mesh for fine-scale simulations in presence of intersecting fractures typically leads to bad quality mesh elements; iii) fine-scale simulations are time-consuming. We alleviate some of these difficulties by pre-training a suitable CNN on a synthetic random linear fractures’ dataset and demonstrate that the upscaled parameters can be accurately predicted for a realistic fracture configuration from an outcrop data.

The accuracy of the DPDP results with the predicted model closures is assessed by a comparison with the corresponding fine-scale discrete fracture-matrix (DFM) simulation of a two-phase flow in a realistic fracture geometry. The DPDP results match well the DFM reference solution, while being significantly faster than the latter.
Fast and Robust Scheme for Uncertainty Quantification in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: de Hoop Stephan , Voskov Denis
Published: October 2021

The main objective of this study is to perform Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) using a detailed representation of fractured reservoirs. This is achieved by creating a simplified representation of the fracture network while preserving the main characteristics of the high-fidelity model. We include information at different scales in the UQ workflow which allows for a large reduction in the computational time while converging to the high-fidelity full ensemble statistics.

Ultimately, it allows us to make accurate predictions on geothermal energy production in highly heterogeneous fractured porous media. The numerical reservoir simulation tool we use in this work is the Delft Advanced Research Terra Simulator (DARTS). It is based on Finite Volume approximation in space, fully coupled explicit approximation in time, and uses the novel linearization technique called Operator-Based Linearization (OBL) for the system of discretized nonlinear governing equations. We use a fracture network generation algorithm that uses distributions for length, angles, size of fracture sets, and connectivity as its main input. This allows us to generate a large number of complex fracture networks at the reservoir scale. We developed a pre-processing algorithm to simplify the fracture network and use graph theory to analyze the connectivity before and after pre-processing. Furthermore, we use metric space modeling methods for statistical analysis.

A robust coarsening method for the Discrete Fracture Matrix model (DFM) is developed which allows for great control over the degree of simplification of the network’s topology and connectivity. We apply the framework to modeling of geothermal energy extraction. The pre-processing algorithm allows for a hierarchical representation of the fracture network, which in turn is utilized in the reduced UQ methodology. The reduced UQ workflow uses the coarser representation of the fracture networks to partition/rank the high-fidelity parameter space. Then a small subset of high-fidelity models is chosen to represent the full ensemble statistics. Hereby, the computational time of the UQ is reduced by two/three orders of magnitude, while converging to similar statistics as the high-fidelity full ensemble statistics.

The methods developed in this study are part of a larger project on a prediction of energy production from carboniferous carbonates. The final goal is to perform UQ in pre-salt reservoirs which are characterized by complex reservoir architecture (i.e., large karstification and fracture networks). The UQ of fractured reservoirs is typically done in the petroleum industry using effective media models. We present a methodology that can efficiently handle a large ensemble of DFM models, which represent complex fracture networks and allow for making decisions under uncertainty using more detailed high-resolution numerical models.
Temporal Contact Graph Reveals The Evolving Epidemic Situation of COVID-19
Authors: Wu Mincheng , Li Chao , Shen Zhangchong , He Shibo , Tang Lingling , Zheng Jie , Fang Yi , Li Kehan , Cheng Yanggang , Shi Zhiguo , Sheng Guoping , Liu Yu , Zhu Jinxing , Ye Xinjiang , Chen Jinlai , Chen Wenrong , Li Lanjuan , Sun Youxian , Chen Jiming
Published: October 2021

Digital contact tracing has been recently advocated by China and many countries as part of digital prevention measures on COVID-19. Controversies have been raised about their effectiveness in practice as it remains open how they can be fully utilized to control COVID-19. In this article, we show that an abundance of information can be extracted from digital contact tracing for COVID-19 prevention and control. Specifically, we construct a temporal contact graph that quantifies the daily contacts between infectious and susceptible individuals by exploiting a large volume of location-related data contributed by 10,527,737 smartphone users in Wuhan, China. The temporal contact graph reveals five time-varying indicators can accurately capture actual contact trends at population level, demonstrating that travel restrictions (e.g., city lockdown) in Wuhan played an important role in containing COVID-19. We reveal a strong correlation between the contacts level and the epidemic size, and estimate several significant epidemiological parameters (e.g., serial interval). We also show that user participation rate exerts higher influence on situation evaluation than user upload rate does. At individual level, however, the temporal contact graph plays a limited role, since the behavior distinction between the infected and uninfected contacted individuals are not substantial. The revealed results can tell the effectiveness of digital contact tracing against COVID-19, providing guidelines for governments to implement interventions using information technology.
Using bats as surrogates to effectively target global hotspots for subterranean conservation and monitoring
Authors: Tanalgo Krizler C. , Oliveira Hernani , Hughes Alice C.
Published: October 2021

Research and media attention is disproportionately focused on taxa and ecosystems perceived as charismatic, while other systems with high levels of endemism, are often under-protected and overlooked such as caves and subterranean ecosystems. Yet these more challenging systems are also threatened, with karsts for example losing around 6% of their area each year, highlighting the urgent need for protection, especially as up to 90% of cave endemic species may be undescribed. Bats are keystone to cave ecosystems making them potential surrogates to understand cave diversity patterns and assay conservation priorities. Almost half (48%) of known bat species use caves for parts of their life histories, with 32% endemic to a single country, and 15% currently threatened. We combine global analysis of cave bats from the IUCN with site specific analysis of 1930 bat caves from 46 countries to develop global priorities for the conservation of the most vulnerable cave ecosystems. Globally, 28% of caves showed high diversity and were highly threatened and 4% had high diversity but not currently threatened. Amongst regions, the highest concentration of conservation priority caves were in the Palearctic, and tropical regions except the Afrotropics, which requires more intensive data sampling. Our results further highlight the importance of prioritising bat caves using locally collected data, and parameter selection is optimised (i.e., appropriate landscape features and threats). Finally, to protect and conserve these ecosystems it is crucial that we identify priorities in species and habitat-level, and map vulnerable habitats with the highest biodiversity and distinctiveness.
Radiation Therapy After Radical Prostatectomy is Associated With Higher Other-Cause Mortality
Authors: Würnschimmel Christoph , Wenzel Mike , Chierigo Francesco , Flammia Rocco Simone , Horlemann Benedikt , Tian Zhe , Saad Fred , Briganti Alberto , Shariat Sharokh F. , Gallucci Michele , Suardi Nazareno , Chun Felix K.H. , Tilki Derya , Graefen Markus , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: October 2021

PURPOSE:To test the association between external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) after radical prostatectomy (RP) vs RP only on rates of other-cause mortality (OCM) in men with prostate cancer (PCa).PATIENTS AND METHODS:Within the 2004-2016 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database, we identified 181,849 localized PCa patients, of whom 168,041 received RP only vs 13,808 who received RP+EBRT. Cumulative incidence plots displayed OCM between RP vs RP+EBRT after propensity score matching for age, PSA, clinical T and N stages, and biopsy Gleason scores. Multivariable competing risks regression models addressed OCM, after adjustment for cancer-specific mortality (CSM). Stratifications were made according to low- vs intermediate- vs high-risk groups and additionally according to age groups of ≤60, 61-70 and ≥71 years, within each risk group.RESULTS:In low-, intermediate- and high-risk patients, RP+EBRT rates were 2.7, 5.4 and 17.0% respectively. After matching, ten-year OCM rates between RP and RP+EBRT were 7.7 vs 16.2% in low-, 9.4 vs 13.6% in intermediate- and 11.4 vs 13.5% in high-risk patients (all p<0.001), which respectively resulted in multivariable HR of 2.1, 1.3 and 1.2 (all p<0.001). In subgroup analyses, excess OCM was recorded in low-risk RP+EBRT patients of all age groups (all p≤0.03), but only in the older age group in intermediate-risk patients (61-70 years, p=0.03) and finally, only in the oldest age group in high-risk patients (≥71 years, p=0.02).CONCLUSIONS:Excess OCM was recorded in patients exposed to RT after RP. Its extent was most pronounced in low-risk patients, decreased in intermediate-risk patients and was lowest in high-risk patients.
The Need for a Broad Differential: Intramedullary Neurosarcoidosis Case Report
Authors: Luy Diego Dereck , Tonetti Daniel , Gerszten Peter Carlos
Published: October 2021

BackgroundSarcoidosis, an idiopathic multisystem inflammatory disorder, involves the nervous system in as few as 5-15% of cases. We aim to detail how a rare case of intramedullary neurosarcoidosis spinal-cord lesion, present in less than 1% of sarcoidosis cases, presented with features mimicking a neoplasm. MethodsRetrospective chart review was performed to obtain pertinent details regarding history and examination, pathological findings, and treatment course.Case PresentationWe report a case of intramedullary sarcoidosis involving the cervical and thoracic spinal cord with syringomyelia, which presented as subacute neck pain, intermittent leg paresthesias, and difficult micturition. Historically, a spinal syrinx with concern for neoplasm has led surgeons to decompress the spinal cord for certain enhancing intramedullary lesions, which is unnecessary for neurosarcoidosis. Immunosuppressant treatment resulted in symptomatic resolution without the need for spinal cord biopsy or syrinx decompression in this case.Conclusions Expansile contrast-enhancing intramedullary lesions, most commonly neoplastic, may instead be non-neoplastic etiologies mimicking neoplastic features; therefore, it is the responsibility of any surgeon to maintain a broad differential diagnosis in the absence of a confirmed pathology.
Bilateral Giant Hydronephrosis Secondary to Ureteropelvic Junction Stricture: a Case Report
Authors: Senel Samet , Kizilkan Yalcin , Toksoz Serdar
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Giant hydronephrosis, which implies a collecting system containing more than one liter of fluid, is becoming increasingly rare with the widespread availability of imaging facilities. We aimed to report a case and management of bilateral giant hydronephrosis due to bilateral ureteropelvis stenosis.Case presentation: A 45-year old male presented at the Emergency Department with the complaint of difficulty passing stools. On computed tomography (CT), bilateral giant hydronephrosis was determined covering the whole abdomen. After bilateral nephrostomy, 8 liters of urine was drained from the right kidney and 10 liters of urine from the left kidney after bilateral nephrostomy in the patient whose serum creatinine level was 1.06 mg/dl at the time of admission. Bilateral pyeloplasty was applied to the patient who was diagnosed with bilateral ureteropelvis stenosis after dynamic renal scintigraphy. After 4 years of follow-up, serum creatinine level was 1.3 mg / dl. Hydronephrosis was still present despite being smaller than its previous condition and the presence of bilateral double J stents.Conclusions: An interesting finding of the current case was that the creatinine level might be normal despite the fact that bilateral giant hydronephrosis. So rather than nephrectomy, pyeloplasty was applied and to date there has been no need for hemodialysis.
Breaking Bad or Good: A Case Report and Literature Review of Acute Reversible Methamphetamine Associated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Agarwal Kriti , Chidharla Anusha , Aedma Surya Kiran , Al-Awwa Ahmad , Patel Urvish K. , Elias Sameh
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Methamphetamine use has been rising globally and results in significant morbidity and mortality. Methamphetamine is well known to affect multiple organs including neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal. Cardiovascular manifestations like arrhythmias, pulmonary artery hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and cardiac arrest can occur from increased inflammation, myocardial fibrosis, and electrical remodeling. Case Presentation: We present a rare case of a 39-year-old man with chronic methamphetamine abuse presenting with worsening shortness of breath and palpitations. Patient was eventually found to have acute onset left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction 25-30%) from methamphetamine associated cardiomyopathy. He had a prolonged hospital course, however, a repeat echocardiogram performed 2 weeks later demonstrated near normal left ventricular function (ejection fraction 50-55%). Conclusions: This case emphasizes the temporal effects of drug overdose on the cardiovascular system and its life-threatening complications. It is aimed at raising awareness about consideration of methamphetamine abuse as an important etiological factor when evaluating patients presenting with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and the importance of cessation of drug usage leading to reversal of cardiomyopathy.
Effect of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Patients With Slow Transit Constipation and the Relative Mechanisms Based On the Protein Digestion and Absorption Pathway
Authors: Xie Lulu , Xu Chen , Fan Yadong , Li Yuwei , Wang Ying , Zhang Xiaoyu , Yu Shuang , Wang Jida , Chai Rundong , Zhao Zeyu , Jin Yutong , Xu Zhe , Zhao Shuwu , Bian Yuhong
Published: October 2021

Background: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is considered an effective treatment for slow transit constipation (STC); nevertheless, the mechanism remains unclear. Methods: In this study, eight patients with STC were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria; they then received three treatments of FMT. The feces and serum of STC patients were collected after each treatment and analyzed by integrating 16s rRNA microbiome and metabolomic analyses. Results: The results showed that the percentage of clinical improvement reached 62.5% and the rates of patients’ clinical remission achieved 75% after the third treatment. At the same time, FMT improved the Wexner constipation scale (WCS), the Gastrointestinal Quality-of-Life Index (GIQLI) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Fecal microbiome alpha diversity and beta diversity altered significantly after FMT. Analysis of the 16s rRNA microbiome showed that the numbers of Bacteroidetes (Prevotell/Bacteroides) and Firmicute (Roseburia/Blautia) decreased, whereas Actinobacteria (Bifidobacterium), Proteobacteria (Escherichia), and Firmicute (Lactobacillus) increased after FMT. The metabolomics analyses showed that the stool of FMT-treated patients were characterized by relatively high levels of N-Acetyl-L-glutamate, gamma-L-Glutamyl-L-glutamic acid, Glycerophosphocholine, et al, after FMT. Meanwhile, the serum of treated patients was characterized by relatively high levels of L-Arginine, L-Threonine, Ser-Arg, Indoleacrylic acid, Phe-Tyr, 5-L-Glutamyl-L-alanine, and lower levels of Erucamide after the treatment. The correlation analysis between the metabolites and gut microbiota showed a significant correlation. For example, L‐Arginine was positively correlated with lactobacillus, et al. L-Threonine was positively correlated with Anaerovibrio, Sediminibacterium but negatively correlated with Phascolarctobacterium. Erucamide had significant negative correlations with Sediminibacterium and Sharpea, while being positively correlated with Phascolarctobacterium. Enriched KEGG pathways analysis demonstrated that the protein digestion and absorption pathways gradually upregulated with the increase of FMT frequency. The L‐Arginine and L-Threonine were also involved in the pathway. A large amount of Na+ was absorbed in the pathway, so that it might increase mucus secretion and electrical excitability of GI smooth muscle. Conclusions: Therefore, we speculated that FMT changed the patients’ gut microbiota and metabolites involved in the protein digestion and absorption pathways, thereby improving the symptoms of STC.Study on the effectiveness and safety of FMT in the treatment of STC. The study was reviewed and approved by Ethics Committee of Tianjin People's Hospital (ChiCTR2000033227) in 2020.
Performance Analysis of Large Intelligent Reflecting Surface Aided Moderate MIMO for 5G Communication
Authors: Mekonnen Fitsum Dessalegn , Tulu Muluneh Mekonnen , Feisso Sultan
Published: October 2021

The recently completed 5G framework is the outcome of a few advanced technologies. Massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), millimeter wave communication, and network densification are examples of these technologies. However, there are two disadvantages to this technology.1) the lack of control over the wireless channel, and 2) the wireless interface’s excessive power consumption. The concept of re-configurable Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces has emerged to answer the need for green and cost-effective future cellular networks. In this study, we’ll look at how using an Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS) improve the performance of moderate MIMO communication in terms of the rate, SINR, Energy efficiency and transmit power metrics. Despite the fact that the underlying issue is non-convexity, we use Lagrangian dual transform and Quadratic Transform to change and rearrange the original issue. After that, active and passive beam forming improved alternatively using an alternating Direction method of multiplier algorithm (ADMM.The IRS-aided system with a reasonable number of antennas at the access point (AP) outperforms the massive MIMO without IRS in terms of sum rate, SINR, Energy efficiency and transmit power metrics.
A Monoclinic Semiorganic Molecular Crystal GUHP for Terahertz Photonics and Optoelectronics
Authors: Sinko Anton , Solyankin Peter , Kargovsky Aleksey , Manomenova Vera , Rudneva Elena , Kozlova Natalia , Sorokina Natalia , Minakov Fedor , Kuznetsov Sergey , Nikolaev Nazar , Surovtsev Nikolay , Ozheredov Ilya , Voloshin Alexey , Shkurinov Alexander
Published: October 2021

In this paper we describe the properties of the crystal of guanylurea hydrogen phosphate (NH2)2CNHCO(NH2)H2PO3 (GUHP) and propose its application in terahertz photonics and optoelectronics. GUHP crystal has a wide window of transparency and a high optical threshold in the visible and IR spectral regions and narrow absorption bands in the terahertz frequency range. The possibility of application of the crystal under study for the conversion of femtosecond laser radiation from visible an IR to terahertz range was demonstrated. It was shown that dispersion properties of the crystal allow the generation of narrow band terahertz radiation, whose spectral properties are determined by conditions close to phase matching. The properties of the generated terahertz radiation under various temperatures suggest the possibility of phonon mechanism of enhancement for nonlinear susceptibility of the second order.
Characteristics of Soil Aggregates and Its Organic Carbon in Daxing'anling Forest Region
Authors: Wang Bing , Gong Zhiqi , Zhang Qiuliang
Published: October 2021

The distribution and spatial variability of soil aggregates and their organic carbon and their responses to environmental factors in Daxing'anling forest region were studied by field investigation and laboratory analysis. In Daxing'anling forest region, 75 sampling points were set up based on kilometer grid, and the sample circle with radius of 17.85m was set at each sampling point. In each circle, three samples of 0-20 cm topsoil were taken to determine soil chemical indexes, soil aggregates and their organic carbon content. The results showed that: (1) the soil aggregate content followed the order as (0.25~2 mm aggregate) > (<0.053 mm aggregate) > (0.053~0.25 mm aggregate). The spatial autocorrelation of each fraction of aggregate were moderate, and they were affected by the structural factors such as climate, vegetation, soil and random factors such as human activities. The content of 0.25~2 mm and <0.053 mm aggregates decreased gradually from north to south, while the content of 0.053~0.25 mm aggregates was opposite to them. (2) The organic carbon content of soil aggregates was mainly concentrated in the 0.25~2 mm large aggregates (19.84 g/kg) with the contribution rate 50.39%; the organic carbon contents of each fraction of aggregate showed high spatial autocorrelation which was mainly affected by structural factors; the spatial difference of soil aggregate content in each particle size was not significant, and the distribution was patchy. There was no significant spatial difference in the organic carbon contents of soil aggregate in different fractions with patch distribution characteristics. (3) Temperature had no significant effect on the formation and stability of soil aggregates, and precipitation is beneficial to the formation of micro-aggregates <0.053 mm; soil organic carbon was conducive to the cementation of small-sized aggregates into large aggregates, which had a positive effect on the stability of soil aggregates. There was a significant positive correlation between SOC and organic carbon of soil aggregates in different fractions, and the correlation degree was gradually weakened with the decrease of particle size; the contents of soil nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients could promote the organic carbon accumulation in soil aggregates. The results can provide the basis for the soil rational use and the carbon fixation capacity improvement of forest in Daxing'anling forest region.
Do Investors Penalize the Firms Disclosing Higher Environmental Performance? A Cross Cultural Evidence
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad Azeem , Ahsan Tanveer
Published: October 2021

Climate change discourse integrates 3Ps – People, Planet, and Profit. However, we do not find any empirical study that integrates 3Ps. Therefore, using a large global panel dataset from 46 countries this study intends to fill this gap by providing empirical evidence about investors’ value proposition of corporate climate performance in different cultural environments. The results show that Hofstede’s cultural dimensions affect corporate climate performance and its market pricing. We find that in cultures with high power distance, low individualism, high masculinity, high uncertainty avoidance, high long-term orientation, and high restraint, the investors generally penalize the firms disclosing higher environmental performance. Strangely enough, corporate waste production is universally value irrelevant. Our results indicate some policy implications.
Effect of Climate and Habitat on Morphological Characteristics and Fruit Production of Picralima Nitida (Stapf) in West Africa
Authors: AKABASSI Ghislain Comlan , Padonou Elie Antoine , Assogbadjo Achille Ephrem , Guede Noël Zirihi
Published: October 2021

Picralima nitida is an important African medicinal plant species used in pharmaceutical industries and traditional medicine to treat several diseases. Despite its importance, the species faces conservation problem. This study evaluated the effect of climate and habitat on morphological characteristics and fruit production of P. nitida. A total of 132 fruiting trees was randomly sampled from three habitat types (home gardens, botanical garden and natural forest) and three soils (Nitisols, Arenosols and Acrisols) in Dahomey Gap and Guineo-Congolese zone. A total of 5 morphological traits and fruit production were recorded per tree to describe the relationship between morphological determinism of the species and climate. Pearson correlation was performed to identify the suitable habitat type in each climatic zone. Harmonized World Soil Database was used to determine physicochemical characteristics of the soil types on which the species occurred. Results revealed that the climatic zones (p < 0.001) and habitat types (p < 0.0001) influenced significantly the morphological characteristics and fruit production of P. nitida. High trees with more number of fruits were observed in home gardens on acid soils (Nitisols (pH: 5) and Arenosols (pH: 5.3)) in Dahomey Gap. In Guineo-Congolese zone, the species was more present in natural forest on acid Acrisols (pH: 5).
Drug Utilization and Medical Cost Study Focusing on Moisturizers in Cancer Patients Treated With Molecular Targeted Therapy: a Retrospective Observational Study Using Data From a Japanese Claims Database
Authors: Kiyohara Yoshio , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Teng Lida , Kishida Momoyo , Kanakubo Akira , Motrunich Anastasiia , Onishi Yoshie , Igarashi Ataru
Published: October 2021

Purpose Molecular targeted therapies (MTTs) cause skin disorders in cancer patients, and moisturizers are useful treatments; however, their actual use and costs are unknown. Our purpose was to examine the use and costs of moisturizers prescribed for xerosis (asteatosis) in cancer patients treated with MTTs. Methods We used data from a Japanese hospital-based claims database. The index date was the first date of MTT prescription from October 2011 to April 2018 (selection period), and the follow-up period was 1 year from the index date. Patients treated with MTTs during the selection period and who were not prescribed moisturizers in the 6 months before the index date were included as the study cohort. Timing, duration, amount, and costs of the prescribed moisturizers and total medical costs were analyzed.Results Among the 78,190 patients in the study cohort, 27,906 patients (35.7%) were prescribed moisturizers during follow-up. Moisturizer prescription timing, duration, and volume were inconsistent. The average annual total medical costs for treating patients with MTT who were prescribed moisturizers was 6.165 million yen per patient, and the moisturizer costs were 6033 yen. The number of patients who used moisturizers showed an increasing trend.Conclusion No consistent patterns were observed for the timing or duration of moisturizer use, which suggests various developmental patterns of skin disorders. Furthermore, medical costs for moisturizers accounted for only a small proportion of the total medical costs required for cancer treatment.
Management of Solid Waste Deposited in Landfill of Used Motor Oil Recovery Units Via Production of Zeolite A With Proper Cation Exchange Capacity by Fusion Technique
Authors: Mamaghani Fatemeh Amir Aslanzadeh , Salem Amin , Salem Shiva
Published: October 2021

The efficient management of solid waste deposited in the landfill of used motor oil recovery units is an important environmental challenge which is originated from the regeneration by bentonite as an effective adsorbent. The current study was attempted to convert the black waste into zeolite based compounds through fusion technique. The collected waste powder were mixed with sodium hydroxide, and boehmite followed by treatment at different temperatures, 600-800 °C. Then, the obtained precursors were hydrothermally converted to zeolite A or hydroxysodalite. The effect of parameters like alkalinity, boehmite, and sodium aluminate ratios, fusion temperature, and aging time on structural characteristics, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were studied in details. The potential of solid waste in the production of zeolite A is significantly affected by mentioned factors which govern on purity, crystallinity, morphology, and CEC. The cation exchange capacity about 190 mg g-1 can be achieved by alkali, and boehmite ratios of 2.00, and 0.53, respectively. The microstructural analyses showed the morphological evolution from rounded shape to sharp edges by fusion at 800 °C due to appropriate recrystallization. Besides, hydrosodalite powder with extended surface area, 77 m2 g-1, could be produced by limited content of boehmite in the presence of NaAlO2.
Demographic Processes Underpinning Post-Fire Resilience in California Closed-Cone Pine Forests: The Importance of Fire Interval, Stand Structure, and Climate
Authors: Agne Michelle C , Fontaine Joseph B , Enright Neal J , Bisbing Sarah M , Harvey Brian J
Published: October 2021

The resilience of serotinous obligate-seeding plants to fire may be compromised if increasing fire frequency curtails time available for canopy seed bank accumulation (i.e., immaturity risk), but how various drivers affect seed availability at the time of fire is poorly understood. Using field data from California closed-cone pine (Pinus attenuata and P. muricata) stands, we assess two critical demographic processes during the inter-fire period—reproductive capacity and mortality. At tree- and stand-levels, we test how these processes are affected by stand age and are mediated by biotic and abiotic factors. We found that stand age was the key driver of reproductive capacity; older stands had a greater proportion of reproductively mature individuals and greater closed cone density. Stand density mediated the effect of age; greater stand density resulted in greater closed cone density and a lower proportion of reproductively mature individuals, but reproductive capacity in low- and high-density stands converged over time. Increased moisture stress reduced the stand-level proportion reproductively mature but had no effect on closed cone density. Mortality was strongly associated with density-dependent thinning and increased in stands with high moisture stress. Reproductive capacity began to increase sharply 10 years after fire and by 20 years immaturity risk is low. However, prior to 20 years, low-density stands with high moisture stress may be more susceptible to immaturity risk. Understanding these relationships is critical to predicting serotinous population persistence under changing climate and disturbance conditions.
SpotRust: Deep learning corrosion detection with confidence
Authors: Nash Will , Zheng Liang , Birbilis Nick
Published: October 2021

Corrosion costs an estimated 3 to 4% of GDP for most nations each year, leading to significant loss of assets. Research regarding automatic corrosion detection is ongoing, with recent progress leveraging advances in deep learning. Research is hindered by the lack of a publicly available dataset; thus, models use locally produced datasets suitable for the immediate conditions, but unable to produce generalized models for corrosion detection. These algorithms will output a considerable number of false positives and false negatives when challenged in the field. In this paper, we present SpotRust, a deep learning-based corrosion detector that performs pixel-level segmentation of corrosion. Moreover, three Bayesian variants of SpotRust are presented that provide uncertainty estimates depicting the confidence levels at each pixel, to better inform decision makers. Experiments are performed on a newly collected dataset consisting of 280 images, we validate our algorithms are accurate and reliable. Code is provided at https://github.com/StuvX/SpotRust.
Organization of Retinal Microvessels: Assessment Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Özyol Erhan , Özyol Pelin , Günel-Karadeniz Pınar
Published: October 2021

Background: The vast majority of oxygen required for outer retinal layer, including photoreceptors is provided by choriocapillaris with a little support of deep retinal capillaris. This organization may differ between individuals depending on the variability in photoreceptor density. Based on these, we evaluated the changes and interaction between the retinal capillary networks—organization of retinal microvessels—using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) considering ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) and diurnal variations. Methods: Forty eyes of 40 healthy volunteers formed the sample for this cross-sectional study. Mean arterial pressure (mAP), OPP, and OCTA measures were noted at two different time points on a single day. Results: The mAP, OPP, superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and choriocapillaris (CC) perfusion values showed no diurnal change (p>0.05). When compared the mAP and OPP with the SCP, DCP, and CC perfusion measurements, there was no significant relation between them (p>0.05). There was a significant moderate positive correlation between DCP and CC values in both morning and afternoon (r=0.422; p=0.007, r=0.493; p=0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The DCP and CC perfusion values show a significant moderate positive correlation. This correlation may suggest the role of DCP in the maintenance of oxygen homeostasis in outer retinal layers.
Hospital Resource Usage and Costs for Patients With Sickle Cell Disease in England: a 10-year Cohort Analysis
Authors: Jobanputra M , Gallagher M , Weber JM , Laird SG , McGahan M , Piel FB
Published: October 2021

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most prevalent serious genetic conditions in England. Increased patient numbers and more intensive management is thought to have resulted in higher demand for hospital services. This study attempts to quantify this increase.Data from the Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES) Admitted Patient Care (APC) and Outpatient (OP) datasets for patients with a diagnosis of SCD during the 10-year period January 2009 to December 2018 were extracted. Two sub-groups were defined, ‘high crises’ and ‘high transfusions’, with all other patients assigned to the ‘other SCD’ group. Analysis of hospital resource use in the three sub-groups was undertaken. Overall patient numbers increased by 9.9% (9,615 to 10,570) and treatment costs by 82% (£41.9m to £76.4m) over the ten-year period. Disproportionately greater: patient numbers and costs were observed in the two sub-groups of interest. In the high crises sub-group, patient numbers increased by 43% (1,194 to 1,713) and treatments costs by 310% (£9.4m to £38.5m), with corresponding increases of 187% (205 to 589) and 236% (£2.8m to £9.4m) in the high transfusions patients sub-group.Prevalence of sickle cell disease in England continues to grow resulting in significant demand on NHS services. Patients categorised as high crises and high transfusions are consistently greater users of hospital resource and account for the majority of NHS hospital expenditure.
Berberine-Loaded Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles Inhibit Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Proliferation and Migration in Vitro
Authors: Paudel Keshav R. , Mehta Meenu , Yin Geena Hew Suet , Yen Lee Li , Malyla Vamshikrishna , Patel Vyoma K. , Panneerselvam Jithendra , Madheswaran Thiagarajan , MacLoughlin Ronan , Jha Niraj Kumar , Gupta Piyush Kumar , Singh Sachin Kumar , Gupta Gaurav , Kumar Pradeep , Oliver Brian G. , Hansbro Philip M. , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar , Dua Kamal
Published: October 2021

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is reported to have a high incidence rate and is one of the most prevalent types of lung cancer contributing towards 85 percent of all incidences of lung cancer. Berberine is a potent isoquinoline alkaloid which offers a broad range of therapeutical and pharmacological actions against cancer. However, extremely low water solubility and poor oral bioavailability have largely restricted its therapeutic applications. To overcome these limitations, we synthesized Berberine-loaded liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LCNs) and investigated them in vitro for their antiproliferative and antimigratory properties in human lung epithelial cancer cell line (A549). 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), Trypan blue staining, and colony forming assays were used to evaluate the anti-proliferative activity, while scratch wound healing assay and a modified Boyden chamber assay were employed to determine the anti-migratory activity. We also investigated critical proteins associated with lung cancer. The developed nanoparticles (NPs) were found to have an average particle size of 181.3 nm with spherical shape, high entrapment efficiency (75.35 %) and have shown sustained release behaviour. The most remarkable findings reported with Berberine-loaded LCNs were significant suppression of proliferation, inhibition of colony formation, inhibition of invasion or migration via Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) related proteins associated with cancer progression. Further in-depth investigations into anti-cancer mechanistic research will expand and strengthen the current findings of Berberine-LCNs as a potential NSCLC treatment option.
Amino Acid Sites Related to The PB2 Subunits of IDV Affect Polymerase Activity
Authors: Wang Yutian , Sun Weiyang , Wang Zhenfei , Zhao Menglin , Zhang Xinghai , Kong Yunyi , Wang Xuefeng , Feng Na , Wang Tiecheng , Yan Feihu , Zhao Yongkun , Xia Xianzhu , Yang Songtao , Gao Yuwei
Published: October 2021

Background: In 2011, a new influenza virus, named Influenza D Virus (IDV), was isolated from pigs, and then cattle, presenting influenza-like symptoms. IDV is one of the causative agents of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD), which causes high morbidity and mortality in feedlot cattle worldwide. To date, the molecular mechanisms of IDV pathogenicity are unknown. Recent IDV outbreaks in cattle, along with serological and genetic evidence of IDV infection in humans, have raised concerns regarding the zoonotic potential of this virus. Influenza virus polymerase is a determining factor of viral pathogenicity to mammals.Methods: Here we take a prospective approach to this question by creating a random mutation library about PB2 subunit of the IDV viral polymerase to test which amino acid point mutations will increase viral polymerase activity, leading to increased pathogenicity of the virus. Results: Our work shows some exact sites that could affect polymerase activities in influenza D viruses. For example, two single-site mutations, PB2-D533S and PB2-G603Y, can independently increase polymerase activity. The PB2-D533S mutation alone can increase the polymerase activity by 9.92 times, while the PB2-G603Y mutation increments the activity by 8.22 times. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings provide important insight into IDV replication fitness mediated by the PB2 protein, increasing our understanding of IDV replication and pathogenicity and facilitating future studies.
Uterine Rupture Risk In A Trial of Labor After Cesarean Section With & Without Previous Vaginal Births
Authors: Nahum-Yerushalmy Avraham , Walfisch Asnat , Lipschuetz Michal , Rosenbloom Joshua Issac , Kabiri Doron , Hochler Hila
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Previous cesarean delivery (CD) is the main risk factor for uterine rupture when attempting a trial of labor. Previous vaginal delivery (PVD) is a predictor for trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) success and a protective factor against uterine rupture. We aimed to assess the magnitude of PVD as a protective factor from uterine rupture. Methods : A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including women who underwent TOLACs from 2003-2015. Women with and without PVD were compared. Inclusion criteria were one previous CD, trial of labor at ≥24 weeks’ gestation, and cephalic presentation. We excluded pre-labor intrauterine fetal death and fetal anomalies. The primary outcome was uterine rupture. Secondary outcomes were maternal and fetal complications. Logistic regression modeling was applied to analyze the association between PVD and uterine rupture while controlling for confounders.Results: A total of 11,235 women undergoing TOLAC were included, 6,795 of whom had a PVD. Women with PVD had significantly lower rates of uterine rupture (0.18% vs. 1.1%; OR 0.19, p<0.001), were less likely to be delivered by an emergency CD (13.2% vs. 39.4%, OR 0.17, p<0.0001), were more likely to undergo labor induction (OR 1.56, p<0.0001), and were less likely to undergo an instrumental delivery (OR 0.14, p<0.001). Logistic regression modeling revealed that PVD was the only independent protective factor, with an aOR of 0.22.Conclusion: PVD is the most important protective factor from uterine rupture in patients undergoing TOLAC. A trial of labor following one CD should therefore be encouraged in these patients.
Toxicity And Accumulation of Lead And Cadmium In The Land Snail, Archachatina Papyracea In A Tropical Alfisol From Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Owojori Olugbenga John , Awodiran Michael , Ajana Oluwadunsin , Jegede Olukayode
Published: October 2021

Snails are an important link in the transfer of contaminants, especially metals in the food chain. Yet, few studies have examined the toxicity and accumulation of metals in snails in the tropics. This study assessed the toxicity and accumulation of two non-essential metals (cadmium and lead) to the tropical snail Archachatina papyracea. Specimens of the snail A. papyracea were exposed in a loamy soil collected from Ile-Ife, Nigeria and spiked with varying concentrations of Cd and Pb over 28 days. Survival and weight change of snails were monitored weekly while tissue accumulation was assessed at the end of the 28-day period. Survival was a more sensitive endpoint than the weight change of snails. The Cd median lethal concentration (LC50) value was 93 ± 4.4 mg/kg, while the median effect concentration (EC50) for snail weight change was 131 ± 41mg/kg. For Pb, LC50 value was 1121 ± 457 mg/kg while the EC50 value for weight change was higher at 4541 ± 1180 mg/kg. Therefore, Cd was a factor of about 10 to 30 more toxic than Pb, consistent with findings on the relative toxicity of Cd and Pb to other soil organisms, including earthworms, springtails, and mites. Although not included initially as an endpoint, egg production in the snails decreased with increasing Cd and Pb concentrations in the substrate. Metal analysis of the foot and visceral mass of surviving snails showed progressive accumulation of Cd and Pb as concentration increased, showing the tendency to use body residue of A. papyracea as an indicator of metal pollution. It further suggests the role of this snail species in above-ground metal transfer in the food chain and highlights the potential danger for human consumption.
UCHL1 inhibited by A1 astrocytes facilitates aggregates clearance to promote neural stem cells activation after spinal cord injury
Authors: Ding Lu , Chu Weiwei , Xia Yu , Li Tian , Shi Ming , Zhou Feng-Quan , Deng Yubin
Published: October 2021

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating central nervous system (CNS) disease with no satisfying therapies available. Mobilizing endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) to trigger intrinsic regeneration exhibits promising potentials for SCI repair. However, neurogenesis from endogenous NSCs is extremely restricted in the non-neurogenic spinal cord after SCI. Accumulation of protein aggregates has been shown to impede quiescent NSCs activation and the subsequent neurogenesis. Here, we found that ubiquitin c-terminal hydrolase l-1 (UCHL1), a deubiquitinating enzyme, functioned to regulate NSCs activation and neurogenesis by reducing protein aggregations through ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) in vitro. Upregulation of UCHL1 in spinal cord NSCs of rats with complete transection SCI efficiently enhanced NSCs proliferation and neurogenesis, leading to significantly improved functional outcomes. Based on protein microarray analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), our results revealed that A1 reactive astrocytes acted to restrict NSCs neurogenesis by negatively regulating UCHL1-depentdent protein aggregates removal via the C3/Nrf2 signaling. Indeed, blockade of A1 astrocytes using neutralizing antibodies after SCI also led to NSCs activation, increased neurogenesis and remarkably enhanced motor function recovery. This study not only revealed a novel mechanism regulating NSCs-medicated neurogenesis in the spinal cord, but also provided new molecular targets for neural repair strategies after SCI.