bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Calculation of Wellblock Pressures for Numerical Simulation of Non-Newtonian Polymer Injection
Authors: Tai Irfan , Giddins Marie Ann , Muggeridge Ann
Published: February 2021

The viability of any enhanced-oil-recovery project depends on the ability to inject the displacing fluid at an economic rate. This is typically evaluated using finite-volume numerical simulation. These simulators calculate injectivity using the Peaceman method (Peaceman 1978), which assumes that flow is Newtonian. Most polymer solutions exhibit some degree of non-Newtonian behavior resulting in a changing polymer viscosity with distance from the injection well. For shear-thinning polymer solutions, conventional simulations can overpredict injection-well bottomhole pressure (BHP) by several hundred psi, unless a computationally costly local grid refinement is used in the near-wellbore region.

We show theoretically and numerically that the Peaceman pressure-equivalent radius, based on Darcy flow, is not correct when fluids are shear thinning, and derive an analytical expression for calculating the correct radius. The expression does not depend on any particular functional relationship between polymer-solution viscosity and velocity. We test it using the relationship described by the Meter equation (Meter and Bird 1964) and the Cannella et al. (1988) correlation. Numerical tests indicate that the solution provides a significant improvement in the accuracy of BHP calculations for conventional numerical simulation, reducing or removing the need for expensive local grid refinement around the well when simulating the injection of fluids with shear-thinning non-Newtonian rheology.
In-hospital emergencies versus out-of-hospital emergencies admitted to ICU: is the outcome different? An observational study
Authors: Cauchois Emi , Bourenne Jérémy , Saux Audrey Le , Bouzana Fouad , Tilmont Antoine , Allez Charlotte , Pauly Vanessa , Gainnier Marc , Carvelli Julien
Published: February 2021

Background: Rapid Response Systems (RRS) are now commonly implemented throughout hospital health systems to manage in-hospital emergencies (IHE). There is limited data on characteristics and outcomes of such patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). The goal was to determine whether the hospital mortality of ICU patients was different depending on their admission pathway: in-hospital via rapid response teams (RRT), or out-of-hospital emergencies (OHE) via prehospital emergency medical systems. Results: Out of 422 ICU admissions (Timone University Hospital ICU), 241 patients were retrospectively (2019-2020) included: 74 IHE versus 167 OHE. In-hospital mortality rates did not differ between both cohorts (n = 31(42%) vs. 63(39%) respectively, NS). IHE patients were older and had more comorbidities (immunosuppression and ongoing malignancy). OHE patients had more severe organ failures at presentation with more frequent mechanical ventilation support. Independent global hospital mortality risk factors were ongoing malignancy (OR = 10.4 [2.7-40], p < 0.001), SAPS II (OR = 1.05 [1.03-1.08], p < 0.0001) and SOFA scores (OR = 1.14 [1.01-1.3], p < 0.05), hemorrhagic stroke as admission diagnosis (OR = 8.4 [2.7-26], p < 0.001), and arterial lactate on arrival (OR = 1.11 [1.03-1.2], p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study provides a thorough and comprehensive analysis of characteristics and outcomes of ICU admissions following a mature rapid response activation system, compared to the “conventional” out-of-hospital admission pathway. Despite the more vulnerable background of IHE patients, hospital mortality does not differ, supporting the use of early RRS to identify deteriorating ward patients. Take-home message: Hospital mortality does not differ between in-hospital emergencies admitted to intensive care unit and conventional out-of-hospital admissions, supporting the use of early rapid response systems and the importance of early intensive care unit admission.
Defining GP Practices from an Urban Versus Rural Perspective: The Case of Czechia
Authors: Šídlo Luděk , Bělobrádek Jan
Published: February 2021

Background: This study is an attempt to demonstrate the potential for classifying GP practices in Czechia along an urban versus rural dimension and to compare the structure of areas thus defined with the OECD territorial typology. The aim is to ascertain whether a general approach to distinguishing regions is transferrable and could be used to define GP practices in Czechia. Methods: In this study two variants are considered using data supplied to the authors by the largest health insurance company in Czechia, using geographical information systems. The results were then compared with the OECD regional typology, in which areas are classified as predominantly urban, intermediate, and predominantly rural. Results: The two GP practice typologies were then found to correspond closely to the OECD typology, but the most recent variant is more suitable. A high degree of similarity was evident in the categorisation of urban regions, and therefore practices, and slightly less so in the rural type areas. The most problematic aspect is defining the intermediate type, which has its own peculiarities and has to be considered within the wider context. Conclusions: Despite some structural differences, we can state that the main thinking behind the OECD typology is transferrable and can be used to determine urban versus rural healthcare providers, especially primary care ones. Nonetheless, the results point to further research avenues, especially on how to best to define the intermediate category so greater accuracy can be achieved in determining the resulting urban versus rural polarity.
Thymol-based Chitosan Nanogels Have Strong Antibacterial and Anti-biofilm Effects on Multidrug-resistant Pathogens
Authors: Gharaghie Tohid Piri , Beiranvand Sheida , Shirin Neda Jegargoshe , Elahianfar Yalda , Ghahari Somayeh , Ghahari Sajjad
Published: February 2021

In the present study, the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of Thymol-based chitosan nanogels were investigated. After clinical screening of MDR strains from the hospital environment, the morphological characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles were identified using SEM, DLS, XRD and FTIR and the efficiency of encapsulation, stability and drug release were evaluated. The expression of OmpA and PgaB biofilm genes were determined by q-Real-Time PCR and the antibacterial and cytotoxic properties of the nanoparticles were determined by well diffusion and MTT methods, respectively. Nanoparticles with a size of 82.71 nm, encapsulation efficiency of 76.54% and stability up to 60 days at 4 °C were prepared. The results of the biological study showed strong antibacterial properties of Thymol-based chitosan nanoparticles by reducing the expression of OmpA and PgaB biofilm genes at a significant level of P ≤ 0.05 and reducing antibiotic resistance compared to the free drug thymol and chitosan nanogels. Thymol-based chitosan nanogels at concentrations of 0.125 to 256μg/mL showed the lowest cytotoxicity against HEK-293 compared to chitosan and free Thymol nanogels. The results showed very strong antibacterial properties of Thymol-based chitosan nanogels against MDR strains such as Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas as the challenging bacteria of the century.
Study On The Application Value of Thromboelastic Graph in The Condition Assessment of Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Wang Kaiyang , Teng Yunjie , Wu Tingting , Ma Yitong , Xie Xiang
Published: February 2021

Background:To explore the application value of thromboelastic graph (TEG) in the assessment of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Results: 1.R time (min), K time (min) and LY30(%) in the STEMI group were lower than those in the NSTEMI group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The Angle(°) and MA values in the STEMI group were higher than those in the NSTEMI group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). 2.R time(min), K time(min) and LY30(%) gradually decreased with the increase of the number of coronary artery lesions, while Angle(°) and MA value(mm) gradually increased. 3. R time (min), K time (min) and LY30(%) gradually decreased with the aggravation of coronary artery lesions, while Angle(°) and MA value (mm) gradually increased. 4. R time (min), K time (min) and LY30(%) were negatively correlated with Gensini score (r=-0.456, -0.418, -0.483, P<0.001).Angle(°) and MA value(mm) were positively correlated with Gensini score (r=0.531, 0.569, P<0.001).Conclusion: Thromboelastic graph (TEG) can be used as an effective indicator for predicting the condition of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), evaluating the severity of coronary artery disease, and guiding clinical treatment.
Clinicopathologic Features of TDO2 Overexpression in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Pham Quoc Thang , Taniyama Daiki , Sekino Yohei , Akabane Shintaro , Babasaki Takashi , Kobayashi Go , Sakamoto Naoya , Sentani Kazuhiro , Oue Naohide , Yasui Wataru
Published: February 2021

Background

Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2) is the primary enzyme catabolizing tryptophan. Several lines of evidence revealed that overexpression of TDO2 is involved in anoikis resistance, spheroid formation, proliferation, and invasion and correlates with poor prognosis in some cancers. The aim of this research was to uncover the expression and biofunction of TDO2 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
Methods

To show the expression of TDO2 in RCC, we performed qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in integration with TCGA data analysis. The interaction of TDO2 with PD-L1, CD44, PTEN, and TDO2 expression was evaluated. We explored proliferation, colony formation, and invasion in RCC cells line affected by knockdown of TDO2.
Results

RNA-Seq and immunohistochemical analysis showed that TDO2 expression was upregulated in RCC tissues and was associated with advanced disease and poor survival of RCC patients. Furthermore, TDO2 was co-expressed with PD-L1 and CD44. In silico analysis and in vitro knockout of PTEN in RCC cell lines revealed the ability of PTEN to regulate the expression of TDO2. Knockdown of TDO2 suppressed the proliferation and invasion of RCC cells.
Conclusion

Our results suggest that TDO2 might have an important role in disease progression and could be a promising marker for targeted therapy in RCC.
A Charge Balanced Vertical Power MOSFET With Record High Balliga’s Figure of Merit: Design and Investigation
Authors: Nigar Hafsa , Alkhammash Hend I , Loan Sajad A
Published: February 2021

In this work, we design and simulate a high-performance vertical power MOSFET with a charge balanced drift layer, which modulates the RON-BV relation from super quadratic to linear. The proposed device is designed with a super junction drift layer which modulates the RON-BV relation from super quadratic to linear. The proposed device has the source and channel regions isolated from the super junction drift layer. This results in a significant improvement in the performance of the proposed device in comparison to the other conventional devices, in terms of Balliga’s figure of merit. A 2D TCAD simulation study reveals that the proposed device with an epitaxial layer thickness of 50μm shows an ON resistance of 3.84mΩ.cm2 for a break down voltage of 833V, which is the lowest among the resistances reported in the previous literature at this breakdown voltage. Further, the study of charge imbalances and the capacitance analyses including the calculation of gate charge has also been done. The values of Balliga’s figure of merit (FOM) calculated for all the drift thicknesses of the proposed structures are significantly outperforming the conventional super junction structures reported so far.
Novel Fibrous Silica-Copper Sulfide Nanocomposite (KCC1-CuS): Synthesis and Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Humic Acid
Authors: Mohammadi Neda , Allahresani Ali , Naghizadeh Ali
Published: February 2021

The present study aims to test the degradation ability of KCC-1/CuS nanocomposite as a new photocatalyst for Humic acid (HA) degradation. The degradation process was accomplished using a photocatalytic reaction under irradiation by UV light. Structural characteristics of synthesized nanoparticles were done using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Furthermore, the effect of important degradation variables such as pH (3–11), nanocatalyst dosage (0.005-0.1 g/L), HA concentration (2–15 mg/L), and contact time (0–90 min) were investigated. SEM and TEM images showed that the size of KCC-1/CuS nanocomposite was approximately 50 nm. According to the results of the study, the maximum degradation of HA was 89.5% in the photocatalytic degradation process of HA by KCC-1/CuS nanocomposite under UV light at the optimum condition of pH = 3, nanocomposite dose of 0.1 g/L, HA concentration of 2 mg/L and contact time of 90 min.
Generation of Second Harmonics of Relativistically Self-Focused q-Gaussian Laser Beams in Underdense Plasma with Axial Density Ramp
Authors: Gupta Naveen , Kumar Sandeep
Published: February 2021

An investigation on frequency doubling of intense laser beams through the phenomenon of second harmonic generation (SHG) in underdense plasmas has been presented. In order to increase the efficiency of S.H.G the density profile of plasma has been considered in the shape of upward ramp. When laser beam with frequency !0 propagates through plasma, it makes the plasma electrons to oscillate at pump frequency. These oscillations of plasma
electrons in the presence of thermal velocity generate a plasma wave at frequency !0. The generated plasma wave beats with the pump beam to double its frequency. Variational theory has been adopted to find semi analytical solution of the wave equation for the slowly varying envelope of the laser beam. By using hydrodynamic fluid model of plasma,
nonlinear current density for SHG has been obtained. Emphasis are put on investigation of the effect of various laser and plasma parameters on propagation dynamics of pump beam and the power of generated second harmonics.
Continued functions and perturbation series: Simple tools for convergence of diverging series in $O(n)$-symmetric $\phi^4$ field theory at weak coupling limit
Authors: Abhignan Venkat , R. Sankaranarayanan
Published: February 2021

We determine universal critical exponents that describe the continuous phase transitions in different dimensions of space. We use continued functions without any external unknown parameters to obtain analytic continuation for the recently derived 7-loop $\epsilon$ expansion from $O(n)$-symmetric $\phi^4$ field theory. Employing a new blended continued function, we obtain critical exponent $\alpha=-0.01211$ for the phase transition of superfluid helium which matches closely with the most accurate experimental value. This result addresses the long-standing discrepancy between the theoretical predictions and precise experimental result of $O(2)$ $\phi^4$ model known as "$\lambda$-point specific heat experimental anomaly". Further we have also examined the applicability of such continued functions in other examples of field theories.
Single particle combinatorial multiplexed liposome fusion mediated by DNA
Authors: Malle Mette , Loffler Philipp , Bohr Soeren , Sletfjerding Magnus , Risgaard Nikolaj , Jensen Simon , Zhang Min , Hedegård Per , Vogel Stefan , Hatzakis Nikos
Published: February 2021

Combinatorial high throughput methodologies are central for both screening and discovery in synthetic biochemistry and biomedical sciences. They are, however, often reliant on large scale analyses and thus limited by long running time and excessive materials cost. We herein present Single PARticle Combinatorial multiplexed Liposome fusion mediated by DNA (SPARCLD), for the parallelized, multi-step and non-deterministic fusion of individual zeptoliter nanocontainers. We observed directly the efficient (>93%), and leakage free stochastic fusion sequences for arrays of surface tethered target liposomes with six freely diffusing populations of cargo liposomes, each functionalized with individual lipidated ssDNA (LiNA) and fluorescent barcoded by distinct ratio of chromophores. The stochastic fusion results in distinct permutation of fusion sequences for each autonomous nanocontainer. Real-time TIRF imaging allowed the direct observation of >16000 fusions and 566 distinct fusion sequences accurately classified using machine learning. The high-density arrays of surface tethered target nanocontainers ~42,000 containers per mm2 offers entire combinatorial multiplex screens using only picograms of material.
Naringenin and Metformin Enhance the Antitumor Effect of Doxorubicin Against Experimental Models of Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Pateliya Bharat , Burade Vinod , Goswami Sunita
Published: February 2021

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide and is curable in patients at an early stage. The present work is aimed to evaluate the potential of naringenin and metformin concomitant addition with doxorubicin chemotherapy against experimental breast carcinoma models. The antitumor potential of drugs under the study was evaluated in vivo against methylnitrosourea (MNU)- induced breast cancer in rats and 4T1- induced orthotropic mouse model. Tumor-bearing animals were randomly divided into various groups to assess the effect of each single drug and concomitant drug treatments. Parameters like tumor growth, body weight, survival rate, blood glucose, hematology and histology study were determined. There was significant reduction in tumor weight and an observed decrease in tumor multiplicity in naringenin and metformin concomitant addition with doxorubicin treatment as compared to doxorubicin alone against MNU-induced breast carcinoma. Likewise, significant reduction of tumor volume and tumor weight was also observed in 4T1 mouse model suggesting combination treatment enhanced antitumor activity in vivo. Further, histology of tumor biopsies presented enhanced antitumor activity of doxorubicin through increasing tumor necrosis. Hematological parameters, body weight and survival data presented better safety of combination treatment without compromising efficacy using lower dose of doxorubicin as compared to large dose of doxorubicin alone. These results demonstrate that naringenin and metformin enhanced the antitumor effect of doxorubicin in animal models of breast carcinoma and useful as an adjunct to increase the effectiveness of doxorubicin at lower dose.
Limitations in Cataract Surgical Services in Children in Ethiopia: A Nationwide Survey of Pediatric Cataract Surgeons
Authors: Asferaw Mulusew , Tolesa Kumale , Sherief Sadik Taju , Tadegagne Bezawit , Sintayehu Mandefro , Worku Addisu , Wondale Teshager , Girma Emebet , Gizachew Zelalem , Gilbert Clare , Woodruff Geoffrey
Published: February 2021

Background: Bilateral cataract is a significant cause of blindness in Ethiopia. This study aimed to identify the resources available for cataract surgery in children, and to assess current surgical practices, surgical output and factors affecting the outcome of surgery in Ethiopia. Methods: A Google Forms mobile phone questionnaire was emailed to nine ophthalmologists known to perform cataract surgery in young children.Results: All nine responded. All but one had received either 12- or 3-5-month’s training in pediatric ophthalmology with hands-on surgical training. The other surgeon had received informal training from an experienced colleague and visiting ophthalmologists. Five worked in the capital, Addis Ababa, and they worked in six public referral hospitals and one private center. Over 12 months (2017-2018) 508 children underwent surgery; 84 (17%) children had bilateral and 424 (83%) had unilateral cataract, mainly following trauma (mean 66 (range 18-145 standard deviation (SD) ±47) eyes/surgeon). There were substantially fewer surgeons per million population (nine for 115 million population) than recommended by the World Health Organization and they were unevenly distributed across the country.Methylcellulose and rigid intraocular lenses were generally available but less than 50% of facilities had a sharp vitrectomy cutter and cohesive viscoelastic. Mean travel time outside Addis Ababa to a facility offering pediatric cataract surgery was 10 hours. Conclusion: Despite the high number of cases per surgeon, the output for bilateral cataracts was far lower than required. More well-equipped ophthalmologists trained in pediatric cataract surgery are urgently required, with deployment to under-served areas.
Incidence of heart valve disease in women treated with the ergot-derived dopamine agonist bromocriptine
Authors: Clausen Marianne F. , Rørth Rasmus , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Westergaard Lucas Malta , Weeke Peter E. , Gislason Gunnar , Køber Lars , Fosbøl Emil , Kristensen Søren Lund
Published: February 2021

Background
Ergot-derived dopamine agonists are thought to induce fibrotic changes in cardiac valve leaflets. We sought to determine the incidence of heart valve disease in women treated with bromocriptine compared with age and sex matched controls from the background population.
Methods
In nationwide Danish registries we identified female patients treated with bromocriptine in the period 1995–2018. Patients were included at date of second redeemed prescription and were matched 1:5 with controls from the background population based on age, sex and year of inclusion by use of incidence density sampling. The outcomes were hospital admission for or outpatient diagnosis of heart valve disease, and death as competing risk. Incidence rates, cumulative incidence curves, and adjusted cox-proportional hazard models adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors were used to assess outcomes in bromocriptine users vs. controls.
Results
A total of 3035 female bromocriptine users and 15175 matched controls were included. Median age at inclusion was 32 years (Q1-Q3, 28–37 years). Both bromocriptine users and controls had few comorbidities and low use of concomitant pharmacotherapy. Within 10 years of follow-up, 11 patients (0.34%, 95 % CI 0.13%-0.55%) and 44 controls (0.29%, 95 % CI 0.20–0.37) met the primary endpoint of heart valve disease, p = 0.63. The adjusted cox regression analysis yielded a hazard ratio of 0.96 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55–1.69, p = 0.89).
Conclusions
Treatment initiation with ergot-derived dopamine agonist bromocriptine in younger women with few comorbidities, was associated with a low absolute long-term risk of heart valve disease, not significantly different from the risk in age and sex matched population controls. Thus, indicating a low clinical yield of pre-treatment echocardiographic screening in this patient population in accordance with current guidelines.
Electroacupuncture enhance therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells transplantation in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Deng Li , Zhou Ling , Zhu Yan , Fan Guangbi , Tang Huajun , Zheng Yujie , Gao Xiaoqing , Guo Kan , Zhou Peng , Yang Chaoxian
Published: February 2021

Background
Previous studies have showed the beneficial effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on experimental intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) animal. Enhancement of the treatment efficacy of MSCs in ICH is essential, considering the diseases association with high rates of disability and mortality. Some auxiliary methods to enhance the beneficial efficacy of MSCs have been introduced. However, the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs transplantation in hemorrhagic stroke and its potential mechanism is not explored.
Methods
ICH rat models were established using collagenase and heparin. 48 h after ICH induction, the rats were randomly divided into model control (MC), MSCs transplantation (MSCs), EA stimulation (EA) and MSCs transplantation combined with EA stimulation (MSCs + EA) groups. We used mNSS test and gait analysis to assess neurological function of rats, and PET/CT to evaluate the volume of hemorrhage focus and level of glucose uptake. The concentrations of MDA, SOD, NSE, S100B and MBP in serum or plasma were examined with ELISA. Neural differentiation of MSCs, and the expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, Arg-1 and iNOS proteins around hematoma were detected by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining respectively. Western blot was carried out to analyze the expression levels of COX4, OGDH, PDH-E1α, Bcl-2 and Bax proteins. TUNEL staining was used to estimate cell apoptosis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the ultrastructure and number of mitochondria.
Results
Our data showed that EA promoted neuron-like differentiation of transplanted MSCs and the expressions of BDNF and NGF proteins in ICH rats. The score of mNSS and the gait analysis showed that the recovery of the neurological function in the MSCs + EA group was better than that in the MSCs and EA groups. EA improved the structures of brain tissue, and alleviated brain injury further after MSCs transplantation in ICH rats. When compared with the MSCs and EA groups, the level of glucose uptake and numbers of mitochondria and Arg-1 positive cells in MSCs + EA group increased significantly, but the numbers of apoptotic cells and iNOS positive cells and volume of hemorrhage focus reduced. The expressional levels of COX4, OGDH, PDH-E1α and Bcl-2 proteins increased, while the expressional levels of Bax protein decreased compared with those in the MSCs and EA groups.
Conclusion
Our results reveal that EA improve therapeutic efficacy of MSCs transplantation in ICH rats.
Penetrating Popliteal Vascular Injury: Surgical Management and Early Outcome During Current War in Taiz –Yemen
Authors: ganadi Abudar Abdo AL , Al-Ossabi Naseem Saeed , Alshameri Ismail Samer , Al-Mekhlafi Mamon K , Hizam Maha A , Shamsan Abdulkafi M
Published: February 2021

Background: Popliteal vascular injury remains a challenging entity, and carries the greatest risk of limb loss among lower extremity vascular injuries. We aim to review our experience with complex penetrating popliteal vascular injuries, thereby focusing on therapeutic challenges, and early outcomes.Methods: From September 2015 to December 2019, we managed total of 728 penetrating vascular injuries with 163 popliteal vascular injuries presented to Authority of Althawra hospital in Taiz. Of 125 patients, 103 patients were fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Variables were retrospectively collected included patient demographics, mechanism and type of injuries, limb ischemia time, type of vascular reconstruction, associated complications, limb salvage, and mortality.Results: 157 vascular reconstructions were performed for 103 patients with penetrating popliteal vascular injuries, the majority 94 (91.3%) were male. Mean age was 27.3 ± 12.3 years. Popliteal vascular injuries were the second most common accounting for 35% of lower extremity vascular injuries and 22.4% of the total vascular injuries. Nearly half 54 (52.4%) of patients sustained complex popliteal vascular injuries (arterial and venous injuries), 31 (30.1%) isolated arterial injuries, and 18 (17.5%) isolated venous injuries. Management of vascular injury was repaired by interposition graft in 68 (66%), end-to-end anastomosis in 16 (15.5%), and venous patch in 1(1%). Venous injury was repaired in 53 (51.4%) and ligated in 18 (17.5%). Less than 6 hours from injury to completed revascularization was achieved in 58 (56.3%) patients. The overall fasciotomy was 28 (27.2%) which significantly increased length of hospital stays (17 days vs 7 days, P= 0.0003). The overall limb-salvage rate in our study was 94.2%. During the study period, the most common complication was 14 (13.6%) wound infection, 14 (13.6%) graft thrombosis, 6 (5.8%) bleeding, 4 (3.9%) graft infection. Early limb loss occurred in 6 (5.8%) and the mortality rate was (1.9%).Conclusions: Wartime penetrating popliteal vascular injury is a real challenge. However, team approach and promptly vascular repair found to associate with a remarkable limb salvage rate of 94.2%. We advocate repair of arterial injury with vein graft as the treatment of choice whenever possible.
Investigation an environmentally friendly method under magnetic field as a green solvent for the synthesis of brookite phase nanoparticles at room temperature
Authors: Absalan Yahya , Gholizadeh Mostafa , Kopylov Vladimir Viktorovich , Butsov Leonid Alekseevich , Kovalchukova Olga
Published: February 2021

TiO2 nanoparticles in the brookite phase were synthesized within an environmentally friendly method by magnetized water obtained by the US-patent magnetizing device (US10507450B2), which changes the properties of all types of the solvents with no limitation (protic or aprotic). Furthermore, this study is the first report on the synthesis of brookite TiO2 nanoparticle through magnetized water at room temperature. The procedure was tested by five different water; ordinary, 15, 30, 45, and 60min-magnetized water. The products were analyzed by various techniques including XRD, FESEM, ICP, BJH-plot, t-plot, Langmuir plot, BET, TEM, and FTIR. The result showed that the products obtained from 30 min-magnetized water were the most properly indexed TiO2 brookite phase with high surface activity. This sample could be a suitable green photocatalyst.
An Integrated DEMATEL-MMDE-ISM Approach for Analyzing Environmental Sustainability Indicators in MSMEs
Authors: Gani Abdul , Bhanot Neeraj , Talib Faisal , Asjad Mohammad
Published: February 2021

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises engaged in manufacturing activities are facing various environmental challenges encompassing material and energy consumption; waste generation and disposal; water and air pollution; etc. Hence, it becomes important to adopt policies, strategies, and technologies, which may help to bring down the adverse impacts of manufacturing on the environment. In this context, the current study identified the 15 critical environmental sustainability indicators to gauge the impact of their manufacturing activities on the environment taking a case of lock manufacturing industries. To understand the interdependence among the selected indicators, the study further utilizes an integrated DEMATEL-MMDE-ISM approach to analyse the inputs of industry professionals. The results of the study highlighted that design of products, which can be disassembled, reused, or recycled and are free from hazardous materials play a significant role in enhancing the environmental sustainability of the concerned industry. The study is expected to aid decision-makers (industry practitioners and academic researchers) to identify strategic areas in order to achieve higher environmental sustainability in manufacturing organizations.
A Fractional Order Generalized SEIR Model: The Role of “COVID-19 Symptom Data” in Receding Horizon Vaccine Policies
Authors: Zhao Yanting , Guo Lihong , Wang Yong , Chen YangQuan
Published: February 2021

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread worldwide, causing continued casualties and economic losses. To characterize the pandemic dynamics, we propose fractional order generalized SEIR epidemic models for COVID-19, considering real-world Facebook symptom data and state-level Google mobility. Fractional order models based on noninteger order calculus can better characterize inhomogeneity in human interactions and infection rates. Our models can describe psychological effect factors within the nonlinear incidence functions. Therefore, we can deliver better fitting and prediction performances. Comparative analysis of model predictions with different mitigation and intervention scenarios, which are affected by mobilities in California, are made. Now, vaccination is becoming a critical response so that the COVID-19 pandemic can become endemic in optimal possible ways.We propose the modified fractional order GSEIR model for near real-time COVID- 19 Receding Horizon vaccine policy study. The proposed Receding Horizon Control (RHC) optimal vaccine strategy can not only explicitly consider the constraints on vaccine availability, speed of replenishing, vaccine application rate, etc., but also can make the whole management in a closedloop manner with an optimization performance index. Additionally, our model can accommodate the age structure of the population, mobility level, community mitigation measures, the willingness to be vaccinated, etc. The closedloop vaccine system can achieve good tracking performance given a future desired and feasible trend. Specifically, our forecast trends of infections and death cases in different immunization scenarios can guide individual and policy decision-making processes in developing mitigation measures and monitoring community risk levels. Numerical simulations using Simulink Design Optimization (SLDO) are given to support our analysis.
Second-wave Dynamics of COVID-19: Impact of Behavioral Changes, Immunity Loss, New Strains, and Vaccination
Authors: Visscher Alex De , Sutton Brian , Sutton Tom
Published: February 2021

An epidemiological model for COVID-19 developed earlier was extended to determine the effects of behavioral changes, immunity loss, and vaccination on second and subsequent wave dynamics of the pandemic. A model variant that distinguishes four demographic groups with different infection rates and mortality rates was developed to test the hypothesis that behavioral divergence between groups can explain both the larger incidence and lower mortality rate of COVID-19’s second wave. A model version that incorporates immunity loss was developed to test the hypothesis that immunity loss can explain the second wave. Simulations indicate that of the two hypotheses, only the former is consistent with observed trends. Nevertheless, loss of immunity can significantly increase total number of deaths in the long run, particularly in cases where vaccine distribution is barely sufficient to reach herd immunity. The observed trends are illustrated with detailed simulations of the progression of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom, including the appearance of new strains. The U.K. case study indicates the extent to which NPI can be relaxed during the distribution of the vaccine.
Synthesis of activated carbon from black liquor for the application of supercapacitor
Authors: Palanisamy Shanmugam , Kandasamy Senthil Kumar , Thangmuthu Sathesh , Kumar Dhinesh Kumar , Panchanathan Marimuthu , Ramanai Prasanna Venkatesh , Gevert Borje Sten
Published: February 2021

In this present study, the black liquor carbonization has been investigated by hydrothermal process. The activated carbon from the carbonization of black liquor (AC-BL) and biomass based activated carbon from citrus sinensis flavedos (AC-OP) has been investigated for the suitability in supercapacitor application. The study have analysed in electrochemical measurement of both AC-BL and AC-OP in electrochemical station. The role of stable hydroxyl molecules on the surface of carbon material has been observed and its effective conductivity is studied. The superior performance of AC-OP derived nano porous carbon has fast ionic and electronic diffusion of the electrolyte in and out of the pores during charging and discharging due to high surface area. AC-BL exhibited with an EDLC mechanism, but AC-OP shows the pseudo capacitance property. The porous structure and oxygen doping characteristics in AC-BL can influence the potential electrode material for applications in the field of supercapacitors. With the help of this movement, electronic conductivity of the AC-BL has been increased. In general, electrochemical stability of the EDLC is far better than pseudo capacitor. From the EIS analysis, ESR value is very small for AC-BL (60 Ω), when compared to AC-OP (155 Ω). To conclude that the EIS results of low conductivity by AC-BL has potential to be future supercapacitor with enhanced treatment in carbonization techniques.
Development of Proton Conductive Polymer Electrolytes Composed of Sulfonated Poly(Ether Ether Ketone) and Brønsted Acidic Ionic Liquid (1-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate)
Authors: YILMAZOĞLU MESUT
Published: February 2021

This article relates to the synthesis, characterization and dielectric measurements of solid polymer electrolytes, derived from the ionic interaction of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (sPEEK) and a Brønsted acidic ionic liquid (1-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [Hmim][BF4]), for electrochemical applications. The efficiency of the interaction was examined by incorporating different amounts of ionic liquid (IL) with the sulfonated polymer matrices having three different degrees of sulfonation (DS). The composite electrolytes were systematically characterized with FT-IR, SEM, TGA and DMA analysis. Anhydrous proton conductivity and dielectric measurements were studied in detail as a function of temperature. The presented analyzes revealed that sPEEK1.0-2 sample (2.50–3.51×10− 1 Sm-1 at 380–450 K) exhibited maximum proton conductivity and thermomechanical stability under anhydrous environment. Furthermore, sPEEK1.0-2 composite membrane exhibited higher glass transition temperature and reasonable storage modulus value (Tg = 157 ℃; E' = 0.22 GPa) compared to IL doped sPEEK membranes presented in the literature. The work herein opens new prospects for the as-synthesized materials to use as a solid polymer electrolyte for electrochemical applications such as high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFC) in a wide temperature range.
Anomaly Detection in Multi Tiered Cellular Networks Using LSTM and 1D-CNN
Authors: Oğuz Hasan Tahsin , Kalaycıoğlu Aykut
Published: February 2021

Self Organizing Networks (SONs) are considered as one of the key features for automation of network management in new generation of mobile communications. The upcoming fifth generation (5G) mobile networks are likely to offer new advancements for SON solutions. In SON concept, self-healing is a prominent task which comes along with cell outage detection and cell outage compensation. 5G networks are supposed to have ultra-dense deployments which makes cell outage detection critical and harder for network maintenance. Therefore, by imitating the ultra-dense multi-tiered scenarios regarding 5G networks, this study investigates femtocell outage detection with the help of Long Short- Term Memory (LSTM) and one-dimensional Convolutional Neural Networks (1D-CNN) by means of time sequences of Key Performance Indicator (KPI) parameters generated in user equipments. In proposed scheme, probable anomalies in femto access points (FAP) are detected and classified within a predetermined time sequence intervals. On the average, in more than 80% of the cases the outage states of the femtocells are correctly predicted among healthyand anomalous states.
Radiogenomics in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Machine Learning Based CT Texture Analysis in Predicting β-Catenin Mutation Status
Authors: ZiYi Guo , LiPeng Jiang , ZhiTu Zhu
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential value of CT radiomics in predicting the mutation status of β-catenin in patients with hepatic cell cancer (HCC).MATERIALS AND METHODS.In this retrospective study, 43 patients with hepatic cell HCC (18 without β-catenin mutation and 15 with β-catenin mutation) were identified in The Cancer Genome Atlas–hepatic liver Cell Carcinoma database (TCGA-LIHC). To create stable models, the data were augmented to a total of 202 labeled samples (131 without β-catenin mutation and 73 with β-catenin mutation) by obtaining up to five different samples per patient. Extraction of large amounts of image features from portal phase contrast-enhanced CT images had been performed on an open-source software package (Pyradiomics, version 2.1.2.). Reproducibility analysis (intraclass correlation, run ICCs in SPSS 18.0) was performed by two radiologists. Classification problem is about β-catenin gene mutation status. Machine Learning based classifications were performed using the Pycaret (version 2.1.2) software. The main performance metric was the AUC value.RESULTS. Of 828 extracted texture features, 759 had excellent reproducibility. Using 10 selected features, the Extra Trees Classifier algorithm correctly classified 93.4% of the HCCs in terms of β-catenin mutation status (AUC value, 0.9741); the CatBoost Classifier algorithm correctly classified 91.9% of the HCCs (AUC value, 0.9692); Gradient Boosting Classifier algorithm correctly classified 91.1% ( AUC value, 0.9722). All the three advanced algorithms performed above 90% accuracy.CONCLUSION. Machine Learning-based high-dimensional quantitative CT radiomics analysis might be a feasible and potential method for predicting β-catenin mutation status in patients with HCC.
The Connection Between Childhood Maltreatment and Eating Disorder Psychopathology: A Network Analysis Study in People With Bulimia Nervosa and With Binge Eating Disorder
Authors: Monteleone Alessio Maria , Tzischinsky Orna , Cascino Giammarco , Alon Sigal , Pellegrino Francesca , Ruzzi Valeria , Latzer Yael
Published: February 2021

Purpose. Childhood maltreatment (CM) experiences are associated with heightened risk of Eating Disorders (EDs). The psychopathological pathways promoting this association in people with Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and in those with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) are under-investigated. Methods. One-hundred-eighty-one people with BN and 144 with BED filled in the Eating Disorder Inventory-2, to measure ED psychopathology, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, to assess their early traumatic experiences. Network analysis was conducted in order to investigate the interplay between those variables. The shortest pathways function was employed to investigate the shortest out of all routes conveying the association between CM and ED core symptoms. Results. In both people with BN and with BED, all CM types were connected to the ED psychopathology through the emotional abuse node. The association between emotional abuse and ED core symptoms (bulimia and body dissatisfaction) differed in the two groups: in people with BN, it included ineffectiveness, while in people with BED it involved impulsivity. Interoceptive awareness, an indirect measure of emotion regulation, was included in these pathways in both groups.Conclusion. In the light of literature showing that emotional abuse has a connecting role between CM and ED psychopathology also in anorexia nervosa, the present findings support the idea that emotional abuse conveys such association in all the main ED diagnoses. Ineffectiveness and impulsivity may represent the specific psychopathological dimensions connected to emotional abuse and promoting the maintenance of ED core symptoms in BN and in BED, respectively. These findings are worth of attention by clinicians.Level of evidence: Level III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies
Factors Affecting Farmers’ Use of Inorganic Fertilizers and Manure in South Asia
Authors: Aryal Jeetendra Prakash , Sapkota Tek Bahadur , Krupnik Timothy J. , Rahut Dil Bahadur , Jat Mangi Lal , Stirling Clare M
Published: February 2021

Fertilizer, though one of the most essential inputs for increasing agricultural production, is a leading cause of nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture, contributing significantly to global warming. Therefore, understanding factors affecting farmers’ use of fertilizers is crucial to develop strategies to improve its efficient use and to minimize its negative impacts. Using data from 2,558 households across the Indo-Gangetic Plains in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, this study examines the factors affecting farmers’ use of organic and inorganic fertilizers for the two most important cereal crops – rice and wheat. Together, these crops provide the bulk of calories consumed in the region. As nitrogen (N) fertilizer is the major source of global warming and other environmental effects, we also examine the factors contributing to its overuse. We applied multiple regression models to understand the factors influencing the use of inorganic fertilizer, Heckman models to understand the likelihood and intensity of manure use, and a probit model to examine the over-use of N fertilizer. Our results indicate that various socio-economic and geographical factors influence the use of inorganic fertilizer in rice and wheat. Across the study sites, N fertilizer over-use is the highest in Haryana (India) and the lowest in Nepal. Across all locations farmers reported a decline in manure application, concomitant with a lack of awareness of the principles of appropriate fertilizer management that can limit environmental externalities. Educational programs highlighting measures to improving nutrient-use-efficiency and reducing the negative externalities of N fertilizer over-use are proposed to address these problems.
Halomonas Maris Sp. Nov., a Moderately Halophilic Bacterium Isolated From Marine Sediment in the Southwest Indian Ocean
Authors: Qiu Xu , Cao Xiaorong , Xu Guangxin , Wu Huangming , Tang Xixiang
Published: February 2021

A halophilic, Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped, flagellated and motile bacterium, strain QX-1T, was isolated from deep-sea sediment at a depth of 3332 m in the southwestern Indian Ocean. Strain QX-1T growth was observed at 4–50 °C (optimum 37 °C), pH 5.0–11.0 (optimum pH 7.0), 3%–25% NaCl (w/v; optimum 7%), and it did not grow without NaCl. A phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene placed strain QX-1T in the genus Halomonas and most closely related to Halomonas sulfidaeris (97.90%), Halomonas zhaodongensis (97.80%), Halomonas songnenensis (97.59%), Halomonas hydrothermalis (97.37%), Halomonas subterranea (97.25%), Halomonas salicampi (97.09%), and Halomonas arcis (97.01%). DNA–DNA hybridization (< 26.50%) and average nucleotide identity values (< 83.54%) between strain QX-1T and the related type strains meet the accepted criteria for a new species. The principal fatty acids (> 10%) of strain QX-1T are C16:0 (25.50%), C17:0 cyclo (14.02%), C19:0 cyclo ω8c (18.72%), and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c, 18.08%). The polar lipids of strain QX-1T are mainly diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, unidentified phospholipid, unidentified aminophospholipid, and five unidentified lipids. The main respiratory quinone is Q-9. The G+C content of its chromosomal DNA is 54.4 mol%. Its fatty acid profile, respiratory quinones, and G+C content also support the placement of QX-1T in the genus Halomonas. These phylogenetic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic analyses indicate that QX-1T is a novel species, for which the name Halomonas maris is proposed. The type strain is QX-1T (=MCCC 1A17875T = KCTC 82198T = NBRC 114670T).
Synthesis of Nanocellulose Aerogels and Cu-BTC/Nanocellulose Aerogel Composites for Adsorption of Organic Dyes and Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Shaheed Nuhaa , Javanshir Shahrzad , Dekamin Mohammad G. , Naimi-Jamal Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2021

MOFs compounds have great adsorption potential and catalysis applications. However, the powdery morphology limits its applications. To overcome this problem, they can be trapped in a flexible aerogel matrix to form hierarchical porous structures. In this work, Cu-BTC/CNC (crystalline nanocellulose) and Cu-BTC/NFC (nanofibrillated cellulose) aerogel composites were synthesized using a direct mixing method by the addition of Cu-BTC powder to the liquid precursor solution followed by gelation and freeze-drying. Also, pure CNC and NFC aerogels were synthesized using cellulose isolated from peanut shells. All structure and morphology were scrutinized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The adsorption ability of pure CNC and Cu-BTC/NFC for Congo Red (CR) and Mn7 + was studied and determined by the UV-Vis spectrophotometry and inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results revealed that Cu-BTC/NFC has excellent adsorption capacity for CR. The adsorption process is well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 39 mg/g for CR. Both CNC and Cu-BTC/NFC act as a solid monolithic reducer and remove MnO4- from aqueous solution by reducing them to manganese dioxide, without releasing any side product.