bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arabian Orbital Stratigraphy revisited – AROS 2015
Authors: Al-Husseini Moujahed I.
Published: October 2021

‘Arabian Orbital Stratigraphy’ (AROS) is an R&D program aimed at dating Arabia’s transgressive-regressive (T-R) depositional sequences using the ‘Orbital Scale’ of Matthews and Al-Husseini (2010). The scale consists of time-rock units named ‘orbitons’, ‘dozons’ and ‘stratons’ that are tuned by orbital-forcing of glacio-eustasy. Orbitons have durations of 14.58 million years (Myr), and are bounded by regional sequence boundaries (SB, hiatus, unconformity, disconformity, lowstand deposits). Orbiton 1 was deposited between SB 1 at 16.166 million years before present (Ma) and SB 0 (zero) at 1.586 Ma. The interval between SB 0 and the Precambrian/Cambrian Boundary (PCB) consists of 37 orbitons; at least 30 can be identified in Arabia based on published data. SB 37 is predicted at 541.046 Ma (1.586 + 37 × 14.58 Myr), and correlates to the PCB, calibrated in Oman at 541.0 Ma.

An orbiton consists of 36 stratons. Stratons are T-R sequences that tracked the long-eccentricity orbital cycle (E-cycle). The age of base Straton 1 is 0.371 Ma. Their durations can range between about 300 thousand years (Kyr) and 550 Kyr, but average 405 Kyr over several million years. The Phanerozoic Era consists of 1,336 stratons that are typically referred to as 4th-order sequences or cycle sets. Approximately 200 stratons are identified in this paper, and tentatively dated in the Orbital Scale. An orbiton also consists of three dozons, which are generally bounded by regional SBs. Dozons typically consist of 12 stratons (4.86 Myr). Examples of dozons are illustrated in this paper for the Permian–Triassic in Arabia.

AROS predicts ages for Arabian and global T-R sequences that are deterministic, and they may be more accurate than those estimated by the Geological Time Scale GTS 2015. The paper proposes that the global T-R sequences should be recast in terms of stratons (E-cycles), and that stratons be used to calibrate biostratigraphy, magneto-stratigraphy and other global stratigraphic markers in future GTSs.
The Ludicovian of the Raahe–Ladoga Zone of the Fennoscandian Shield (Isotope-Geochemical Composition and Geodynamic Nature)
Authors: Vrevskii A.B.
Published: October 2021

—In the northern Ladoga area, the age of the Sortavala Group rocks in the southeast of the Raahe–Ladoga zone of junction of the epi-Archean Fenno-Karelian Craton and the Paleoproterozoic Svecofennian province, their relationship with dome granitoids, the age of the provenances, and the time of metamorphic processes were estimated. The study was focused on the Nd isotope composition of rocks, the geochemical and isotope-geochronological parameters of zircon from the granite-gneisses of the Kirjavalakhti dome, the basal graywackes of the lower unit and the trachytes of the middle unit of the Sortavala Group, and the plagio- and diorite-porphyry dikes cutting the volcanosedimentary units of this group. The new isotope-geochemical data show a Neoarchean age of the granitoids of the Kirjavalakhti dome (2695 ± 13 Ma) and their juvenile nature (εNd(T) = +1.5). The granitoids underwent tectonometamorphic transformations (rheomorphism) in the Paleoproterozoic (Sumian) (2.50–2.45 Ga), which are recorded in the U–Th–Pb isotope system of the rims of the ancient cores of zircon crystals. The volcanosedimentary complex of the Sortavala Group formed on the heterogeneous polychronous (3.10–2.46 Ga) continental crust of the epi-Archean Fenno-Karelian Craton. With regard to the errors in determination of the age of clastic zircon, the minimum concordant U–Th–Pb ages of 1940–1990 Ma of detrital zircon from volcanomictic graywackes of the Pitkyaranta Formation can be taken as the upper age bound of terrigenous rocks, which agrees with the maximum age of the Sortavala Group rocks estimated from the U–Th–Pb (SIMS) age of 1922 ± 11 Ma of the Tervaoya diorites (Matrenichev et al., 2006). According to the proposed new tectonic model, the accumulation of the volcanosedimentary complex of the Sortavala Group, its metamorphism, erosion, and overlapping by the Ladoga Group turbidites had already occurred in the pericratonic part of the epi-Archean Fenno-Karelian Craton by the time of the Svecofennian continent–island arc collision, subduction, and formation of bimodal volcanoplutonic complexes of the young Pyhäsalmi island arcs and felsic volcanics of the Savo schist belt (1920–1890 Ma).
Cavidad idiopática de Stafne: características y consideraciones imagenológicas. Una revisión
Authors: Cruces Valdivia Alexandra Gabriela , Fiori-Chíncaro Gustavo Adolfo , Agudelo-Botero Ana María
Published: October 2021

En 1942, el Dr. Edward Stafne presentó una serie de casos con características radiográficas de imágenes radiolúcidas con forma redondeada y bien delimitadas que asemejaban patologías maxilares, que tenían algunos aspectos en común como la ubicación cercana al ángulo mandibular y la relación con la base mandibular, a los que se refirió como defecto óseo. A este defecto se le conocería más adelante con diferentes nombres. Clínicamente es asintomática, no suele palparse intraoralmente ni presentar signos extraorales. Por ello, en la mayoría de los casos será un hallazgo radiológico accidental, el cual se presenta como una imagen radiolúcida delimitada, elíptica o redondeada, su diámetro varía de 1 a 3 centímetros, aproximadamente, y está delimitada por una osteocondensación en sus límites anteroinferiores. Según su ubicación, es clasificada en tres variantes; anterior, posterior y de rama. Se debe considerar esta entidad como una variante de normalidad y asociarla con diagnósticos alternativos. Por ello, esta revisión brinda información sobre su historia y sus características generales y radiográficas, con el fin de contribuir a una mejor visión respecto de este tipo de hallazgos.
Guest Editorial: Spacing Ourselves to Death
Authors: Hayes Justin
Published: October 2021

If you talk to a typical subsurface professional working on unconventionals today (e.g., a reservoir engineer, completion engineer, geologist, petrophysicist, etc.) as I have in person and through media such as LinkedIn, you will find that many lament one key thing: Our sophisticated models have been reduced too much. Of course, I am generalizing and those are not the words they use; the lamentations come in many forms.

The dissatisfaction with oversimplification is most easily observed as dis-taste for the type curve, the simplified model we use to predict upcoming new drills. (Yes, I know many of you will want to refer to them by their “proper” name: type well curve; I will be sticking with the colloquial version.) A simple meme posted on LinkedIn about type curves garnered one of the most engaged conversations I have seen amongst technical staff. The responses varied from something like “Thank God someone finally said this out loud” to comments such as “I don’t know anything better than type curves.”

Most comments were closer to the former than the latter.

What is even more remarkable is that our investors feel the same. In personal conversations, many of them refer to our type curves simply as “lies.” This perception, coupled with the historical lack of corporate returns, led investors away from our industry in droves. Many within the industry see it differently and want to blame the exodus on other factors such as oil and gas prices, climate change, competition from renewables, other environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, the pandemic, or OPEC’s unwillingness to “hold the bag” any longer.

If you ask them, though, investors will tell you a simple answer: The unconventional business destroyed way too much capital and lied too much through the type curves.

Why is it that both investors and technical staff are unhappy with our ability to accurately model future performance? Why can’t we deliver returns?

The typical unconventional-focused oil and gas company has two models that are critical to the business. First is the subsurface model, with which we are all intimately familiar in its various forms, and the second is the corporate financial model, which is focused on cash flows, income, and assets/liabilities.

It is unfortunate that the two models are separate. It means we must simplify one or both so they can communicate with each other.

How can you observe this oversimplification while it is happening? It is happening when the finance staff say, “Please just give me a simple type curve and well count; I need to model, optimize, and account for debt/leverage, equity, and cash flows.” Meanwhile, the technical staff say, “Please just give me a CAPEX budget or a well count; I need to model, optimize, and account for well spacing, completion design, land constraints, and operational constraints.”

Looking back, we know that the winner in this tug-of-war of competing needs was the type curve.
Russian LNG Aims High, Leveraging Big Reserves and Logistical Advantages
Authors: Szymczak Pat Davis
Published: October 2021

Russia’s market influence as an exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is growing, possessing the world’s largest reserves of natural gas and the logistical options to deliver it at competitive prices to Asia and Europe along the now-navigable Northern Sea Route (NSR).

The country became a player in the LNG market when it shipped its first cargo in 2009 to Japan from what was then Russia’s first offshore gas project, Sakhalin-2 in the Far East, operated by Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd. and owned by Russia’s pipe-line gas monopoly Gazprom (50% plus one share), Shell (27.5% minus one share), and Japan’s Mitsui (12.5%) and Mitsubishi (10%).

Sakhalin Energy operates three oil and gas platforms producing its current resource base from the Piltun-Astokhskoye oil field and the Lunskoye gas field off the northeastern coast of Sakhalin.

To date, Sakhalin Energy has sold all the LNG produced at its 11.49-mtpa-capacity Prigorodnoye LNG production complex on the southern tip of Sakhalin Island, under long-term contracts to buyers in the Asia Pacific and North America, according to Shell’s website.

In 2024–2026, the partners say they will add a third train to expand capacity by 5.4 mtpa, though they have repeatedly delayed this expansion for years due to a lack of investment capital to develop a new resource base and low gas prices in Asia. The same holds true for Gazprom’s plan for an LNG plant near Vladivostok.

However, the market has now changed with rising demand for gas to replace coal, giving gas producers an incentive to invest into new E&P gas projects and mid-to-downstream megaprojects like those for producing LNG. https://jpt.spe.org/compared-to-last-year-gas-prices-are-looking-good

In 2018 and again this past January, European spot gas prices spiked on Gasunie’s leading TTF (title transfer facility) virtual trading platform and other European trading hubs when Asian gas markets began offering high premiums to divert LNG cargos from Europe, according to the EU Commission’s latest European Gas Market report.

The Rise of a Russian IOC—Novatek in Yamal

Russia’s largest independent natural gas producer Novatek was Russia’s second entrant into the LNG market when its Yamal LNG project rose above the permafrost atop an estimated 65,000 piles on the Yamal Peninsula, home to Russia’s largest gas deposits and the source of Russian pipeline gas sold into Europe.

Yamal LNG shipped its first cargo (170000 m3) in December 2017.

It then upped the ante with exports from a second train in August 2018, and added a third train in November 2018, according to Novatek’s website. Situated on the South Tambeyskoye field on the coast of Ob Bay, the plant boasts a capacity of 17.4 mtpa.
Trajectories of Systolic Blood Pressure Decline in Kidney Donors After Circulatory Death and Delayed Graft Function
Authors: Lin Yingxin , Teixeira-Pinto Armando , Craig Jonathan , Opdam Helen , Chapman Jeremy C , Pleass Henry , Carter Angus , Rogers Natasha , Davies Chris , McDonald Stephen , Yang Jean , Lim Wai , Wong Germaine
Published: October 2021

Background: Kidneys donated after circulatory death (DCD) suffer a period of functional warm ischemia before death. This study aimed to assess the risk of delayed graft function (DGF) using patterns of trajectories of systolic blood pressure (BP) decline in DCD kidneys. Methods: We studied all Australian DCD kidneys transplanted between 2014 - 2019, divided in a derivation (n=462, April 2014-January 2018) and validation (n=324, January 2018-December 2019) cohort, using latent class models and two-stage linear mixed-effect models. Results: Eight different trajectories, with distinct patterns of systolic BP decline, were identified. Compared to recipients of donors with the fastest decline in systolic BP after withdrawal of cardio-respiratory support, the adjusted odds ratios (OR) (95%CI) for DGF in recipients who had received donors with the slowest systolic BP decline were 0.36 (0.16 – 0.80, random forest model) and 0.38 (0.17 – 0.86, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator models, LASSO), respectively. For every 1 mmHg per minute reduction in the rate of decline of systolic BP, the adjusted OR (95%CI) for DGF were 0.95 (0.91-0.99). Similar comparison was conducted in the validation cohort. Recipients who received donors with the slowest systolic BP decline from withdrawal of cardio-respiratory support till death did not experience an increased risk of DGF (Adjusted OR (95%): random forest: 1.01 (0.42-4.2) and LASSO: 1.17 (0.5-2.74)). Conclusions: In DCD kidney donors, a slow decline in systolic BP during the agonal phase was not associated with adverse short-term outcomes after transplantation.
An atomistic view on liquid phase adsorption
Authors: Kraus Hamzeh , Hansen Niels
Published: October 2021

The effect of immobilized β-cyclodextrin (bCD) molecules inside a mesoporous silica support on the uptake of benzene and p-nitrophenol from aqueous solution was investigated using all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The calculated adsorption isotherms are discussed with respect to the free energies of binding for a 1:1 complex of bCD and the aromatic guest molecule. The adsorption capacity of the bCDcontaining material significantly exceeds the amount corresponding to a 1:1 binding scenario, in agreement with experimental observations for benzene adsorption. The demonstrated feasibility of classical all-atom MD simulations to calculate liquid phase adsorption isotherms paves the way to a molecular interpretation of experimental data that are too complex to be described by empirical models.
The Influence of Maternal Unhealthy Diet On Maturation of Offspring Gut Microbiota in Rat
Authors: Hasebe Kyoko , Kendig Michael D , Kaakoush Nadeem O , Tajaddini Aynaz , Westbrook R Frederick , Morris Margaret J
Published: October 2021

Background: Despite well-known effects of diet on gut microbiota diversity, relatively little is known about how maternal diet quality shapes the longitudinal maturation of gut microbiota in offspring. To investigate, we fed female rats standard chow (Chow) or a western-style, high-choice cafeteria diet (Caf) prior to and during mating, gestation and lactation. At weaning (3 weeks), male and female offspring were either maintained on their mother’s diet (ChowChow, CafCaf groups) or switched to the other diet (ChowCaf, CafChow). Fecal microbial composition was assessed in dams and longitudinally in offspring at 3, 7 and 14 weeks of age.Results: The effect of maternal diet on maturation of offspring gut microbiota was assessed by α- and β-diversities, Deseq2/LEfSe, and SourceTracker analyses. Weanling gut microbiota composition was characterised by reduced α- and β-diversity profiles that clustered away from dams and older siblings. After weaning, offspring gut microbiota came to resemble an adult-like gut microbiota, with increased α-diversity and reduced dissimilarity of β-diversity. Similarly, Deseq2/LEfSe analyses found fewer numbers of altered operational taxonomic units (OTUs) between groups from weaning to adulthood. SourceTracker analyses indicated a greater overall contribution of Caf mothers’ microbial community (up to 20%) to that of their offspring than the contribution of Chow mothers (up to 8%). Groups maintained on the maternal diet (ChowChow, CafCaf), versus those switched to the other diet (ChowCaf, CafChow) post-weaning significantly differed from each other at 14 weeks (Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance), indicating interactive effects of maternal and post-weaning diet on offspring gut microbiota maturation. Nevertheless, this developmental trajectory was unaffected by sex and appeared consistent between ChowChow, CafCaf, ChowCaf and CafChow groups. Conclusions: Introducing solid food at weaning triggered the maturation of offspring gut microbiota to an adult-like profile in rats, in line with previous human studies. Postweaning Caf diet exposure had the largest impact on offspring gut microbiome, but this was modulated by maternal diet history. An unhealthy maternal Caf diet did not alter the developmental trajectory of offspring gut microbiota towards an adult-like profile, insofar as it did not prevent the age-associated increase in α-diversity and reduction in β-diversity dissimilarity.
Metal telluride-nitride electrocatalysts for sustainably overall seawater electrolysis
Authors: Li Ruopeng , Li Yaqiang , Yang Peixia , Ren Penghui , Wang Dan , Lu Xiangyu , Xu Ruoyu , Li Yaohua , Xue Junmin , Zhang Jinqiu , An Maozhong , Ma Jingyuan , Wang Bo , Liu Hua , Dou Shi Xue
Published: October 2021

High-efficiency alkaline seawater electrolysis is a promising strategy to promote the sustainability of wide-ranging hydrogen (H2) production, and the global goal of carbon neutrality. Searching for an ideal candidate with low cost and high electrocatalytic performance for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a major objective. Herein, we report delicate, heterostuctured NiTe-NiCoN and NiTe-NiFeN electrocatalysts constructed of nickel cobalt nitride and nickel iron nitride nanosheets uniformly anchored on NiTe nanorod arrays, respectively, which ensure outstanding HER and OER activity along with ultra-long-term stability. Impressively, the NiTe-NiCoN || NiTe-NiFeN couples in alkaline seawater solution delivered 500 mA cm−2 at a record low voltage of 1.84 V, and realized an industry-level performance via a solar-powered system and a wind-power system. Further comprehensive analysis has revealed that interface engineering strategy not only ensures that the surficial nitride exposes abundant active sites, but also induces electron modulation that optimizes the binding strength of absorption/desorption for the reaction intermediates to enhanced the the intrinsic activity, as well as facilitate faster electron-mass transfer. Notably, a high electric field intensity generated by the unique nanosheet-nanorod structure induces a local “hydroxide enrichment” environment that effectively promotes the OER kinetics, while inhibits the side effects of chlorine. This work shed lights on these novel heterostructured electrocatalysts with strong synergy, while demonstrating the key role of the unique nanostructures in high-efficiency seawater electrolysis.
Electrocardiographic Changes and Serum Troponin Levels in Patients with Acute Stroke, A Prospective Descriptive Analytical Study from Sudan
Authors: Ibrahim Etedal Ahmed A , Taha Salma Mohmed , Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Omer Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla , Haroun Mazin S.
Published: October 2021

Background:Electrocardiographic changes and elevated serum troponin are frequent findings in acute stroke. They may reflect what is known as the neuro-genic myocardial injury. However, as stroke and cardiac diseases share the same risk factors. Coexistence of the two is highly susceptible.Objectives:To determine the electrocardiographic changes and serum troponin level in acute stroke patients and to correlate these changes to the anatomical location and pathological type of the stroke.Methods:A prospective descriptive analytical study was conducted at the national center of neurological Science, from January to December 2019 Study was done at the neurological center in Sudan, The National Center of Neurological sciences. All cases presented with acute stroke during the study period were included. Non-probability sampling, with total coverage during study period was considered. 50 patients were included in the study. Data were analyzed by using (SPSS) version 25. 12 standards ECG were performed in the first hours of admission. 2 samples from each patient were obtained for serum troponin with at least 8 hours apart.Results:All patients had wide variants of ECG changes. But tachycardia was the most frequent one identified in 54% of patients (27/50). Half of them were found to have an anterior circulation stroke. 14% of patients (7/50) have positive troponin; ECG changes identified in all of patients who represent positive troponin100 %( 7patients). Moreover, anterior circulation stroke was recognized in all patients with positive troponin I marker.Conclusion:This study suggests that ECG abnormalities in patients with acute stroke are very common, especially tachycardia. The site of lesion appears to play major factor as a cause of genesis of arrhythmia. Concomitant cardiac diseases may present .Serum troponin elevation may play a role in diagnosing neuro-cardiogenic injury but, ECG appears to be more sensitive and familial.
Retrospective Comparison of Outcomes between Closed and Open Reduction for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Children Aged 6–24 Months
Authors: Ma Shuyu , Zhou Weizheng , Li Lianyong , Wang Enbo , Zhang Lijun , Li Qiwei
Published: October 2021

Background: This study aimed to compare the early outcomes between closed reduction (CR) and open reduction (OR) in children aged 6–24 months with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) who could be reduced safely and stably by the closed method.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 77 patients who underwent CR or OR treatment for DDH from August 2012 to October 2017. Fifty-one patients (56 hips) underwent CR, while 26 (29 hips) underwent OR. The demographic data, International Hip Dysplasia Institute classification, and acetabular index (AI) before reduction were analysed. The centre-edge angle (CEA), AI, Alsberg angle (AA), Reimer’s migration index (RMI), and height-to-width index (HWI) of the epiphysis were compared between the CR and OR groups at the final follow-up. The percentages of avascular necrosis (AVN), residual acetabular dysplasia (RAD), HWI < 0.357, RMI > 33%, AA > 81˚, and coxa magna > 15% of the normal side were calculated.Results: At the final follow up, the mean AA in the CR and OR groups were 77.66˚ (60˚–89˚) and 81.97˚ (73˚–91˚) (p=0.001), respectively, and there were 32.14% and 58.62% of the hips with an AA > 81˚ (p=0.019). The frequency of coxa magna > 15% of the normal side was higher in the OR group (60.9%) than in the CR group (6.5%) (p<0.001). There was no difference in the improvement of AI, CEA, HWI, and RMI at the final follow-up. The percentages of RAD, HWI < 0.357, RMI > 33%, and AVN were not statistically different.Conclusion: In children aged 6–24 months with DDH, if a stable and safe CR can be obtained but with a widening joint space, an OR may not benefit acetabular remodelling more than a CR procedure, and thus, CR should be attempted.
Clarifying Key Cellulase Component Cooperated With Lactic Acid Bacteria for Alfalfa Lignocellulose Degradation to Improve Lactic Acid Production
Authors: Li Junfeng , Wu Qifeng , Ceng Zong , Wu Aili , Huang Zhongyong , Shao Tao , Liu Qinhua
Published: October 2021

Clarifying key cellulase component that played synergistic roles with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in fermenting alfalfa lignocellulose into lactic acid (LA) is valuable in low-temperature seasons. Last cut and low dry matter (DM) alfalfa was ensiled by 9 treatments, combinations of cellulase component genes engineered Lactoc. lactis subsp. lactis MG1363 strains (HT2, HT3, HT4, HT5, E1C1, E1B1, and C1B1, separately containing bgl1, cbh2, and egl3 gene were mixed at 1:1:1, 2:1:1, 1:2:1, 1:1:2, 1:1:0, 1:0:1, and 0:1:1), cellulase (EN), and a combination of Lactobacillus plantarum and cellulase (LPEN), and without treatments, as the control, with 4 replicates each. After anaerobic preservation in a silo from late fall through winter (3-20℃) for 140 d, the ensiled alfalfa was sampled and analysed. EN degraded lignocellulose best but the pH was the key limiting factor for lignocellulose saccharification of commercial EN in the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of LPEN. The optimal combination HT4 caused the fewest disaccharide (1.02 g/kg DM) and the highest conversion of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) to LA (170%) and increased LA content to 80.0 g/kg DM maximally since cellobiohydrolase better cooperated with Lactoc. lactis host to ferment lignocellulose into LA than endoglucanase and β-glucosidase. Therefore, strong LA production was approached in HT4 by clarifying key cellulase component played synergistic roles with Lactoc. lactis host. This study could benefit the development of LA production in fermenting lignocellulosic biomass.
Sepsis Awareness at the University Hospital Level: A Survey-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Regina Jean , Pogam Marie-Annick Le , Niemi Tapio , Akrour Rachid , Pepe Santino , Lehn Isabelle , Wasserfallen Jean-Blaise , Calandra Thierry , Meylan Sylvain
Published: October 2021

Background: Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Prompt recognition and management are critical to improved outcomes. In 2019, the Lausanne University Hospital (LUH) launched a quality of care project aiming to improve sepsis management. As part of this effort, we aimed to assess sepsis awareness among nurses and physicians of the LUH and among the local paramedics. Methods: We conducted a survey on nurses and physicians at our institution and local paramedics between January and October 2020 representing over 1,000 professionals distributed over all hospital departments. The survey assessed professionals’ knowledge of sepsis epidemiology, definition, recognition and initial evaluation (nurses and paramedics) or sepsis epidemiology, diagnosis, and management (physicians). Pediatrics and the neonatal unit were excluded. Results: A total of 1,116 of 1,216 contacted persons among the 4417 targeted population participated and completed the survey (participation rate 91.8%). This included 619 of 2,463 (25.1%) of hospital nurses, 348 of 1,664 (20.9 %) of physicians and 149 of 290 (51.4%) of canton paramedics. Our nurse and physician sample was slightly imbalanced for sex and age. Thirteen percent of participants (28.4% of physicians, 5.9% of nurses, 6.8% of paramedics) correctly identified the Sepsis-3 consensus definition. Similarly, 48.6% of physicians and 10.0% of nurses identified the SOFA (sequential organ failure assessment) score as a sepsis defining score for infected patients. Furthermore, 24% of participants identified the Quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score as a predictor of increased mortality; 6% identified correctly the components of the score. For a patient with suspected sepsis, 96.1%, 91.6% and 75.8% of physicians respectively identified blood cultures, broad-spectrum antibiotics and fluid resuscitation as required interventions; 76.4% and 18.2% of physicians requested these initial measures within 1 and 3 hours, respectively. For physicians, recent training correlated with awareness regarding definitions, SOFA score and qSOFA score use and components: ORs (95%CI) 2.2 (1.4-3.6), 4.3 (2.7-6.7), 3.4 (2.2-5.2), and 2.6 (1.5-4.6), respectively).Conclusions: We identify a deficit of awareness among physicians, nurses and paramedics at LUH correlating with a lack of sepsis-specific training. Enhanced sepsis-specific educational efforts could significantly improve early identification and treatment of affected patients.
Effects of long-term flue gas exposure on chemical-structural properties of South African coals: perspective on advanced analytical techniques
Authors: Mabuza Major , Premlall Kasturie , Daramola Michael O.
Published: October 2021

The sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in unmineable coal seams is one of the geologic options earmarked to alleviate the emissions of the greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Direct flue gas injection into unmineable coal seams has been considered to partially offset the cost of the utilizing this technology. This paper presents findings of the evolution of chemical structural properties of two South African coals from Somkhele (Coal SML) and Ermelo (Coal EML) coalfields after long-term (2 232 hours) flue gas exposure by applying advanced analytical techniques. The two coal samples were exposed to a synthetic flue gas simulating coal-fired power plant gas emissions containing 12% CO 2 , 5.5% O 2 , 82% N 2 , 0.38% SO 2 , and 0.12% NO 2 under in-seam temperature and pressure conditions of 60 °C and 9.0 MPa, respectively. The advanced analytical techniques applied included universal attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (UATRFTIR), carbon-13 solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 13 C ss NMR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX) wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXRD). The UATR-FTIR spectra revealed weakened C─H, aliphatic C─C, C─O, ─OH, and out-of-plane aromatic C─H functional groups. The results from the treated coals of 13 C ss NMR for the structural parameters show notable changes in the oxygen functionalities reporting the aliphatic carbon bonded to oxygen, 𝑓 𝑎𝑙 𝑂 , while the WAXRD data showed some significant changes in the inter-layer spacing and the crystalline diameter as compared to the untreated coals.
Analysis of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) needs and PrEP use among men who have sex with men in Germany
Authors: Marcus Ulrich , Schmidt Daniel , Schink Susanne B. , Koppe Uwe
Published: October 2021

Aims:We aim to estimate the number of PrEP users among men having sex with men (MSM) in Germany from 2017 through 2020, and analyse if PrEP needs expressed in 2017 might have been met by the expansion of PrEP until 2020.Subject and Methods:We estimated the number of PrEP users by using drug prescription data and information on on-demand/intermittent PrEP use from online surveys to determine the proportion of on-demand/intermittent and daily PrEP use as well as the average number of PrEP pills used.The number of MSM in need of PrEP in 2017 was estimated based on four groups defined among respondents to a large online survey, combining respondents with PrEP use intention and respondents indicating substantial sexual risks. The size of each group was estimated based on self-selection biases. MSM with PrEP need in 2017 were compared with the estimated number of persons taking PrEP by June 2020.Results:We estimated a total of 15,600 to 21,600 PrEP users in Germany by the end of June 2020, corresponding to 40-55% of men with PrEP use intention in 2017. A correlation between the regional distribution of PrEP use intention in 11/2017 and actual PrEP use by 06/2020 suggested an unequal regional distribution of unsatisfied needs. The number of men with unmet PrEP needs ranged between 27,500 and 93,000 in 06/2020.Conclusion:PrEP use in Germany has increased considerably between 10/2017 and 06/2020, but large regional inequalities persist. PrEP is not yet readily accessible and there is a need to expand services and encourage uptake.
An Unusual Case of Small Bowel Volvulus Associated with Pneumatosis Intestinalis: A Case Report
Authors: Zouaghi Alia , Hadded Dhafer , Mesbahi meryam , Benzarti Y , Cherif M , Zaafouri H , Massoud K Ben , Chammekhi C , Maamer Anis Ben
Published: October 2021

INTRODUCTION: Pneumatosis cystoid intestinalis (PCI) is a rare disease reported in the literature affecting 0.03% of the population. It has a variety of causes and its manifestation may change widely. In the acute complicated form of pneumatosis intestinalis, management is challenging for physicians and surgeons. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 60-year-old patient who was admitted to our surgical department with a symptomatology suggestive of small bowel occlusion. Computed tomography demonstrated ileal volvulus associated with parietal signs suffering and pneumoperitoneum. An emergent exploratory laparoscopy followed by conversion was performed demonstrating segmental ileal pneumatosis intestinalis secondary to a small bowel volvulus due to an inflammatory appendix wrapping around the distal ileum. Detorsion, retrograde draining, and appendectomy were performed. DISCUSSION: PCI is an uncommon disease, affecting 0.03% of the population. It is usually presenting as a marginal finding resulting from various gastrointestinal pathologies. This case is exceedingly rare in the literature, featured by the ileal volvulus due to appendicitis.CONCLUSION: This work emphasizes the importance of surgical procedures in the management of symptomatic pneumatosis intestinalis.
Interstitial Lung Disease and Partial Resection are Poor Prognostic Factors for pStage IA NSCLC: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Motono Nozomu , Ishikawa Masahito , Iwai Shun , Yamagata Aika , Iijima Yoshihito , Uramoto Hidetaka
Published: October 2021

Introduction: The prognostic factors in patients who underwent pulmonary resection with early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not been elucidated.Materials and methods: Clinical data of 540 patients with pathological stage IA NSCLC were analyzed. Patient factors such as sex, age, comorbidities, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), smoking history, and operative aspects such as operative approach and operative procedures were collected and analyzed.Results: There were significant prognostic differences according to the interstitial lung disease (p<0.0001), CEA (p = 0.007), and partial resection (p = 0.002) in the relapse-free survival (RFS). There were significant prognostic differences according to the interstitial lung disease (p = 0.0015), CEA (p < 0.0001), and smoking history (p = 0.0003) in the overall survival (OS). Interstitial lung disease (hazard ratio [HR]: 7.725, p = 0.003), CEA (HR: 1.923, p = 0.045), and operative procedure (HR: 2.086, p = 0.025) were risk factors for RFS in a multivariate analysis. Smoking history (HR: 2.539, p = 0.002) and CEA (HR: 2.464, p = 0.002) were risk factors for OS in a multivariate analysis.Conclusion: Interstitial lung disease, CEA, and operative procedure were risk factors for RFS, while smoking history and CEA were risk factors for OS.
Warming effects on biomass allocation are jointly regulated by precipitation and mycorrhizal association in terrestrial plants
Authors: Zhou Xuhui , Zhou Lingyan , He Yanghui , Fu Yuling , Du Zhenggang , Lu Meng , Sun Xiaoying , Li Chenghao , Lu Chunyan , Liu Ruiqiang , Zhou Guiyao , Bai Shahla Hosseni , Thakur Madhav
Published: October 2021

Biomass allocation in plants is fundamental for understanding and predicting terrestrial carbon storage. Recent studies suggest that climate warming can differentially affect root and shoot biomass, and subsequently alter root: shoot ratio. However, warming effects on root: shoot ratio and their underlying drivers at a global scale remain unclear. Using a global synthesis of >300 studies, we here show that warming significantly increases biomass allocation to roots (by 13.1%), and two factors drive this response: mean annual precipitation of the site, and the type of mycorrhizal fungi associated with a plant. Warming-induced allocation to roots is greater in relatively drier habitats compared to shoots (by 15.1%), but lower in wetter sites (by 4.9%), especially for plants associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi compared to ectomycorrhizal fungi. Root-biomass responses to warming predominantly determine the biomass allocation in terrestrial plants suggesting that warming can reinforce the importance of belowground resource uptake. Our study highlights that the wetness or dryness of a site and plants’ mycorrhizal associations strongly regulate terrestrial carbon cycle by altering biomass allocation strategies in a warmer world.
Constructing ecological indices for urban environments using species distribution models
Authors: Simons Ariel Levi , Caldwell Stevie , Fu Michelle , Gallegos Jose , Gatheru Michael , Riccardelli Laura , Truong Nhi , Viera Valeria
Published: October 2021

In an increasingly urbanized world, there is the need for a framework to assess ecological conditions in these anthropogenically dominated environments. Using species observations from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), along with remotely sensed environmental layers, we used MaxEnt to construct species distribution models (SDMs) of native and non-native species in Los Angeles. 25 native and non-native Indicator species were selected based on the sensitivities of their SDM, as measured by the Symmetric Extremal Dependence Index (SEDI), to environmental gradients. These SDMs were summarized to produce ecological indices of native and non-native biodiversity in Los Angeles.
We found native indicator species to have a greater sensitivity to environmental conditions than their non-native counterparts, with the mean SEDI score of native and non-native species MaxEnt models being 0.72 and 0.71 respectively. While both sets of species were sensitive to land use categories and housing density, native species were more sensitive to natural landscape variables while non-native ones were more sensitive to measures of water and soil contamination. Using random forest modeling we also found our native index could be more reliably predicted, given environmental conditions, than its non-native counterpart. The mean Pearson correlation between actual and predicted index values were 0.86 and 0.84 for native and non-native species. From these results we conclude that using SDMs to predict the biodiversity of environmental species is a suitable approach towards evaluating ecological conditions in urban environments, with the environmental sensitivity of native SDMs outperforming non-native ones.
Invasion in a Community Context: Genetic Variation in the Strength of Direct and Indirect Effects
Authors: Hoffbeck Carmen , Cammisa Nicole , terHorst Casey P
Published: October 2021

Predicting invasion success requires understanding how abiotic and biotic factors in the local environment interact with the particular traits of potential invaders. Relative to studies of direct antagonistic effects, fewer studies have examined how positive species interactions, such as facilitation or mutualism, or indirect interactions in multispecies communities, can affect invasion success. We examined the effects of drought and mutualisms with rhizobia bacteria on the performance of a widely invasive legume, Medicago polymorpha. In a greenhouse experiment, we found that watering regime affected plant performance, but non-linear patterns in response to decreasing water were dependent on the specific plant genotype. In a second experiment, we found that the effects of drought on plant performance were dependent on the presence of rhizobia, particularly for genotypes collected from the invasive range. This suggests that indirect ecological effects may have important consequences for invasion success. We contextualize the strength of these direct and indirect effects by comparing this study to effect sizes in other studies of the same species. In this species, predicting invasion into a natural community context will require understanding multiple direct and indirect effects in the local environment, as well as their effects on the specific genetic composition of the invading population.
Cartilage Thickness and Bone Shape Variations as a Function of Sex, Height, Body Mass, and Age in Adult Knees.
Authors: Schneider Marco Tien-Yueh , Rooks Nynke , Besier Thor
Published: October 2021

The functional relationship between bone and cartilage is modulated by mechanical factors. Scarce data exist on the relationship between bone shape and the spatial distribution of cartilage thickness. This study has three aims: first, to characterise the coupled variation in knee bone morphology and cartilage thickness distributions in knees with healthy cartilage. The second aim was to investigate this relationship as a function of sex, height, body mass, and age. The third aim was to characterise the morphological differences between males and females. MR images of 51 adult knees (28.4±4.1 years) were obtained from a previous study and used to train a statistical shape model of the femur, tibia, and patella and their cartilages. Five linear regression models were fitted to characterise morphology as a function of sex, height, body mass, and age. A logistic regression classifier was fitted to characterise morphological differences between males and females, and 10-fold cross-validation was performed to evaluate the models’ performance. Our results showed that cartilage thickness and its distribution was coupled to bone morphology, including both size (mode 1) and shape variations (mode 2 onwards). The first three shape modes captured over 90% of the variance and described the overall size, diaphysis size, femoral shaft angle, and corresponding changes to the spatial distribution of the cartilages. These modes were sex-linked (p < .0001, p < .05, p < .01, for modes 1, 2, and 3 respectively) and could classify sex with an accuracy of 94.1% (95% CI [83.8%, 98.8%]). Height was a predictor of joint size (p <. 0001) and diaphysis size (p < .05). Body mass was a predictor of joint size (p < .1) and femoral shaft angle (p < .1). Age was not correlated with any of the modes. This study demonstrated the coupled relationship between bone and cartilage, showing that cartilage is thicker with increased bone size, diaphysis size, and decreased femoral shaft angle. Our findings show that sexual dimorphism is strong in these first three modes, and that bone shape and cartilage thickness at the joint are strongly correlated with height but weakly correlated with mass.
Predictors of Mortality Using Machine Learning Decision Tree Algorithm in Critically Ill Adult Patients with COVID-19 Admitted to the ICU.
Authors: Elhazmi Alyaa , Alomari Awad , sallam Hend , Mufti Hani N , Rabie Ahmed A. , Alshahrani Mohammed S , Mady Ahmed , Alghamdi Adnan , Altalaq Ali , Azzam Mohamed H , Sindi Anees , Kharaba Ayman , Al-Aseri Zohair A , Almekhlafi Ghaleb A , Tashkandi Wail , Alajmi Saud A , Faqihi Fahad , Alharthy Abdulrahman , Al-Tawfiq Jaffar A , Melibari Rami Ghazi , Al-Hazzani Waleed , Arabi Yaseen
Published: October 2021

Background:The Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a major cause of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions globally. Robust data of epidemiology, characteristics, and disease outcomes from different regions and populations showed considerable variations. However, limited number of reports addressed predictors of mortality utilizing machine learning methods. Herein, we aimed to describe the association and relationship of a predefined set of variables found to be predictive of 28–day ICU outcome among adults COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU using a machine learning decision tree (DT) algorithm.Methods:This was a prospective/retrospective, multicenter cohort study from 14 hospitals in Saudi Arabia. We included critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU between March 1, 2020, and October 31, 2020. The primary outcome was 28-day ICU mortality. Secondary outcomes were 90-day mortality and ICU length of stay. The predictors of mortality were identified using two predictive models, the conventional logistic regression and DT analysis.Results:A total of 1468 critically ill COVID-19 patients were included. The mean age was 55.9 (SD±15.1) years, with 74% of the patients were males. The 28-day ICU mortality was 540 (36.8%), while 90-day mortality was 600 (40.9%). The multivariable logistic regression model demonstrated that the PaO2/FiO2 ratio on ICU admission and the need for intubation or vasopressors could strongly predict 28-day ICU mortality. The DT algorithm identified five variables [need for intubation, need for vasopressors, age, gender, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio] provided in an algorithmic fashion to predict 28-day ICU outcome. Conclusion:Five clinical predictors of 28-day ICU outcome were identified using DT algorithmic analysis of COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU. The findings of this DT analysis may be used in ICU for early identification of critically ill COVID-19 patients who are at high risk of 28-day mortality.
One-way flow over uniformly heated U-shaped bodies driven by thermal edge effects
Authors: Taguchi Satoshi , Tsuji Tetsuro
Published: October 2021

The thermal edge flow is a gas flow typically induced near a sharp edge (or a tip) of a uniformly heated flat plate. This flow has potential applicability as a nonmechanical flow controller in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). However, it has a shortcoming: the thermal edge flows from each edge cancel out, resulting in no net flow. In this study, to circumvent this difficulty, the use of a U-shaped body is proposed and is examined numerically. More specifically, a rarefied gas flow over an array of U-shaped bodies, periodically arranged in a straight channel, is investigated using the direct simulation Monte-Carlo (DSMC) method. The U-shaped bodies are kept at a uniform temperature different from that of the channel. Two types of U-shaped bodies are considered, namely, a square-U shape and a round-U shape. It is demonstrated that a steady one-way flow is induced in the channel for both types. The mass flow rate is obtained for a wide range of the Knudsen numbers, i.e., the ratio of the molecular mean free path to the characteristic size of the U-shape body. For the square-U type, the direction of the overall mass flow is in the same direction for the entire range of the Knudsen numbers investigated. For the round-U type, the direction of the total mass flux is reversed when the Knudsen number is moderate or larger. This reversal of the mass flow rate is attributed to a kind of thermal edge flow induced over the curved part of the round-U-shaped body, which overwhelms the thermal edge flow induced near the tip. The force acting on each of the bodies is also investigated.