bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Semianalytical Production Prediction Model and Dynamics Performance Analysis for Shale Gas Wells
Authors: Xu Yingying , Liu Xiangui , Hu Zhiming , Duan Xianggang , Chang Jin
Published: September 2021

The shale gas productivity model based on shale gas nonlinear seepage mechanism is an effective way to reasonably predict productivity. The incomplete gas nonlinear effects considered in the current production prediction models can lead to inaccurate production prediction. Based on the conventional five-zone compound flow model, comprehensive gas nonlinearities were considered in the improved compound linear flow model proposed in the paper and a semianalytical solution for productivity was obtained. The reliability of the productivity model was verified by the field data, and then, the 20-year production performance analysis of the gas well was studied. Ultimately, the key influencing factors of the fracture control stage and matrix control stage have been analyzed. Research indicated the following: (1) the EUR predicted by the productivity model is higher than the EUR that the comprehensive nonlinear effects are not considered, which demonstrated that the various nonlinear effects cannot be neglected during the production prediction to ensure the greater calculation accuracy; (2) during the early production stage of shale reservoir, the adsorbed gas is basically not recovered, and the cumulative adsorption contribution rate does not exceed 10%. The final adsorption gas contribution rate is 23.28%, and the annual adsorption rate can exceed 50% in the 20th year, showing that free gas and adsorbed gas are, respectively, important sources of the early stage of production and long-term stable production; (3) the widely ranged three-dimensional fracturing reformation of shale reservoirs and reasonable bottom hole pressure in the later matrix development process should be implemented to increase the effective early production of the reservoir and ensure the earlier gas production process of the matrix development. The findings of this study can help for better ensuring the prediction accuracy of the estimated ultimate recovery and understanding the main influencing factors of the dynamic performance of gas wells so as to provide a theoretical reference for production optimization and development plan formulation of the shale gas reservoirs.
The Impact of the Preferential Attachment Level on the Innovation Network Structure and Innovation Efficiency
Authors: Hua Lei , Yang Zhong , Shao Jiyou , Jin Dan
Published: September 2021

In the formation process of innovation networks, the level of preferential attachment between agents has an important impact on the resulting structural and functional characteristics of a network. A simulation model of innovation networks with variable preferential levels of attachment is established to study these impacts. Negative preferences tend to form chain-type structures, while positive preferences tend to form star-type structures. Furthermore, a simulation process of innovation is added to the network model to test the impact of the resulting structures on innovation efficiency. For explorative innovation, the structure with unbiased preference has the fastest innovation speed, but the structures with strong positive preference show lower innovation costs. For exploitive innovation, strong negative preferences generate the fastest innovation speed and relatively low cost, while strong positive preferences show a slightly lower cost than negative preference structures but a much lower innovation speed. Finally, some internal mechanisms of the results are discussed.
Application of an Accurate and Efficient Modeling Approach to a Multiscale Fractured Reservoir in South China Sea
Authors: Zhang Wei , Dai Zong , Gong Bin , Wang Yahui , Zhang Xiaolin , Chen Xiao
Published: September 2021

Carbonate reservoirs in the South China Sea mostly contain natural fractures with various length scales and different intensities, which causes great challenges in efficient reservoir modeling and flow simulation. Existing efforts based on dual-porosity and dual-permeability models could not reflect the characteristics of production data in certain wells. To accurately and efficiently characterize multiscale fractures, a hybrid fracture characterization method is proposed. Firstly, fractures are divided into two types according to the geometrical size and interpretation approach. Then, small-scale fractures, characterized mainly by image log interpretations, are modeled by the traditional dual-porosity/dual-permeability (DP) method. And large-scale fractures, which are characterized by seismic interpretations and dominate the flow regime, are modeled by the embedded discrete fracture method (EDFM) to achieve both accuracy and efficiency. Lastly, transmissibilities among these three types of grid mediums are calculated to generate the hybrid DP+EDFM model for flow simulation. The proposed approach is applied to a carbonate, fractured reservoir in the South China Sea. The overall procedure is fast and reliable, and water cut matches of both field and specific wells are dramatically improved. Comparing the simulation results with the conventional DP model, the proposed approach yields much more accurate predictions on rapid water breakthrough and high water cut in fractured reservoirs.
Investigation on Dewatering of a Deep Shaft in Strong Permeable Sandy Pebble Strata on the Bank of the Yellow River
Authors: Zheng Yuchao , Lei Jianyong , Wang Fei , Xiang Liang , Yang Jianfeng , Xue Qingshuai
Published: September 2021

This paper reports the dewatering scheme of a deep excavation in sandy pebble strata. The excavation is in high permeability strata and is close to the Yellow River, making the dewatering difficult during construction. At present, few researchers have specially studied the dewatering scheme of deep excavations in strong permeable strata near the water resource. Field pumping test was conducted before the excavation activity, and the permeability coefficient of the strata was obtained by reverse analysis. According to the characteristics of the project, the dewatering scheme of “

waterproof
 
curtain
+
base
 
grouting
+
pumping

” was proposed. The influence of vertical waterproof curtain and base grouting on dewatering was analyzed by numerical simulation. In the construction process, the field water table and ground settlement were measured. The results show that (1) the groundwater table versus permeability coefficient curve shows three different stages and (2) the dewatering scheme of “

waterproof
 
curtain
+
base
 
grouting
+
pumping

” is effective for deep excavation in strong permeable strata.
TGFBI Production by Macrophages Contributes to an Immunosuppressive Microenvironment in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Lecker Laura S.M. , Berlato Chiara , Maniati Eleni , Delaine-Smith Robin , Pearce Oliver M.T. , Heath Owen , Nichols Samuel J. , Trevisan Caterina , Novak Marian , McDermott Jacqueline , Brenton James D. , Cutillas Pedro R. , Rajeeve Vinothini , Hennino Ana , Drapkin Ronny , Loessner Daniela , Balkwill Frances R.
Published: September 2021

The tumor microenvironment evolves during malignant progression, with major changes in nonmalignant cells, cytokine networks, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we aimed to understand how the ECM changes during neoplastic transformation of serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma lesions (STIC) into high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOC). Analysis of the mechanical properties of human fallopian tubes (FT) and ovaries revealed that normal FT and fimbria had a lower tissue modulus, a measure of stiffness, than normal or diseased ovaries. Proteomic analysis of the matrisome fraction between FT, fimbria, and ovaries showed significant differences in the ECM protein TGF beta induced (TGFBI, also known as βig-h3). STIC lesions in the fimbria expressed high levels of TGFBI, which was predominantly produced by CD163-positive macrophages proximal to STIC epithelial cells. In vitro stimulation of macrophages with TGFβ and IL4 induced secretion of TGFBI, whereas IFNγ/LPS downregulated macrophage TGFBI expression. Immortalized FT secretory epithelial cells carrying clinically relevant TP53 mutations stimulated macrophages to secrete TGFBI and upregulated integrin αvβ3, a putative TGFBI receptor. Transcriptomic HGSOC datasets showed a significant correlation between TGFBI expression and alternatively activated macrophage signatures. Fibroblasts in HGSOC metastases expressed TGFBI and stimulated macrophage TGFBI production in vitro. Treatment of orthotopic mouse HGSOC tumors with an anti-TGFBI antibody reduced peritoneal tumor size, increased tumor monocytes, and activated β3-expressing unconventional T cells. In conclusion, TGFBI may favor an immunosuppressive microenvironment in STICs that persists in advanced HGSOC. Furthermore, TGFBI may be an effector of the tumor-promoting actions of TGFβ and a potential therapeutic target.

Significance:

Analysis of ECM changes during neoplastic transformation reveals a role for TGFBI secreted by macrophages in immunosuppression in early ovarian cancer.
COVID-19 and Obesity: Overlapping of Two Pandemics
Authors: Gammone Maria Alessandra , D’Orazio Nicolantonio
Published: September 2021

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has recently led to worldwide research efforts to identify subjects at greater risk of developing more severe illness: overall obesity displayed a strong correlation with critical illness and major severity of COVID-19 manifestations. Summary: Obesity and metabolic disorders are closely linked to chronic systemic inflammation. The adipose tissue constitutes a source of cytokines, which configure a low-grade inflammation and a hypercoagulation status; in addition, diagnosis and care of obese patients are often complicated by excess weight and ventilation difficulties. Key Messages: This review aims to examine the intersection between obesity and adverse outcomes of COVID-19, in order to investigate its preventive and/or therapeutic potential in the management of obesity-related COVID-19 complications.
As traduções latinas antimedievais da obra de Aristóteles: o caso Leonardo Bruni
Authors: Lindo Luiz Antônio
Published: September 2021

Resumo: A tradução para o latim da obra aristotélica, completada na Idade Média, foi marcada pelo método literalista, considerado por leitores filósofos e teólogos da época o mais adequado para transmitir da maneira mais fiel possível o conteúdo do original. Durante o Renascimento, o método medieval sofreu uma crítica vigorosa de humanistas, com destaque para Leonardo Bruni, que, com seu método de traduzir inspirado no estilo eloquente da literatura latina clássica, procurou renovar a forma de apresentação do texto aristotélico, aproximando-o do gosto do Renascimento. O confronto entre as duas escolas de tradução, a medieval e a humanista, mostra como maneiras distintas de utilização do legado cultural podem contribuir para o processo de intelectualização de uma época.
Improvement in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Scores After a Self-Care Intervention in Patients With Acute Heart Failure Discharged From the Emergency Department
Authors: Stubblefield William B. , Jenkins Cathy A. , Liu Dandan , Storrow Alan B. , Spertus John A. , Pang Peter S. , Levy Phillip D. , Butler Javed , Chang Anna Marie , Char Douglas , Diercks Deborah B. , Fermann Gregory J. , Han Jin H. , Hiestand Brian C. , Hogan Christopher J. , Khan Yosef , Lee Sangil , Lindenfeld JoAnn M. , McNaughton Candace D. , Miller Karen , Peacock W. Frank , Schrock Jon W. , Self Wesley H. , Singer Adam J. , Sterling Sarah A. , Collins Sean P.
Published: September 2021

Background:

We conducted a secondary analysis of changes in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ)-12 over 30 days in a randomized trial of self-care coaching versus structured usual care in patients with acute heart failure who were discharged from the emergency department.

Methods:

Patients in 15 emergency departments completed the KCCQ-12 at emergency department discharge and at 30 days. We compared change in KCCQ-12 scores between the intervention and usual care arms, adjusted for enrollment KCCQ-12 and demographic characteristics. We used linear regression to describe changes in KCCQ-12 summary scores and logistic regression to characterize clinically meaningful KCCQ-12 subdomain changes at 30 days.

Results:

There were 350 patients with both enrollment and 30-day KCCQ summary scores available; 166 allocated to usual care and 184 to the intervention arm. Median age was 64 years (interquartile range, 55–70), 37% were female participants, 63% were Black, median KCCQ-12 summary score at enrollment was 47 (interquartile range, 33–64). Self-care coaching resulted in significantly greater improvement in health status compared with structured usual care (5.4-point greater improvement, 95% CI, 1.12–9.68;
P
=0.01). Improvements in health status in the intervention arm were driven by improvements within the symptom frequency (adjusted odds ratio, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.01–2.59]) and quality of life (adjusted odds ratio, 2.39 [95% CI, 1.46–3.90]) subdomains.

Conclusions:

In this secondary analysis, patients with acute heart failure who received a tailored, self-care intervention after emergency department discharge had clinically significant improvements in health status at 30 days compared with structured usual care largely due to improvements within the symptom frequency and quality of life subdomains of the KCCQ-12.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02519283.
Singapore Basic Cardiac Life Support and Automated External Defibrillation Guidelines 2021
Authors: Lim SH , Chee TS , Wee FC , Tan SH , Loke JH , Leong BSH
Published: September 2021

Basic Cardiac Life Support and Automated External Defibrillation (BCLS+AED) refers to the skills required in resuscitating cardiac arrest casualties. On recognising cardiac arrest, the rescuer should call for ‘995’ for Emergency Ambulance and immediately initiate chest compressions. Good-quality chest compressions are performed with arms extended, elbows locked, shoulders directly perpendicular over the casualty’s chest, and the heel of the palm placed on the lower half of the sternum. The rescuer compresses hard and fast at 4–6 cm depth for adults at a compression rate of 100–120 per minute, with complete chest recoil after each compression. Two quick ventilations of 400–600 mL each can be delivered via a bag-valve-mask after every 30 chest compressions. Alternatively, a trained, able and willing rescuer can provide mouth-to-mouth ventilation. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be stopped only when the casualty wakes up, the emergency team takes over care, or when an automated external defibrillator prompts for heart rhythm analysis or delivery of a shock.
Life Support Course for Nurses: beyond competency training
Authors: Teoh YTE , Chew JJH , Lee ALI , Selvam UP , Wee FC
Published: September 2021

The Life Support Course for Nurses (LSCN) equips nurses with the resuscitation skills needed to be first responders in in-hospital cardiac arrests. Previous published articles on the LSCN were mainly focused on the development of the LSCN in Singapore, as well as nurses’ confidence level, defibrillation experience and outcomes, the perceived barriers faced by nurses and the usefulness of the course. This paper highlights the importance of two key learning methodologies in the LSCN: deep learning and reflection.
Extracorporeal life support in adult patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Lim JH , Chakaramakkil MJ , Tan BKK
Published: September 2021

The use of extracorporeal life support in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of adult patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by the application of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) during cardiac arrest has been increasing over the past decade. This can be attributed to the encouraging results of extracorporeal CPR (ECPR) in multiple observational studies. To date, only one randomised controlled trial has compared ECPR to conventional advanced life support measures. Patient selection is crucial for the success of ECPR programmes. A rapid and organised approach is required for resuscitation, i.e. cannula insertion with ECMO pump initiation in combination with other aspects of post-cardiac arrest care such as targeted temperature management and early coronary reperfusion. The provision of an ECPR service can be costly, resource intensive and technically challenging, as limited studies have reported on its cost-effectiveness.
Beyond return of spontaneous circulation: update on post-cardiac arrest management in the intensive care unit
Authors:   Singapore National Targeted Temperature Management Workgroup, Chia YW , Lim SL , Loh JK , Leong BSH , Ong MEH
Published: September 2021

A well-functioning chain of survival is critical for good outcomes following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, a major public health concern in Singapore. While the percentage of survivors to hospital admission has increased over the years, the percentage of survivors to hospital discharge and the number of patients with good neurological recovery can be greatly improved. This underscores the urgent need to focus on ‘post-cardiac arrest care’, the fifth link in the chain of survival, to improve the outcomes of patients who are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after return of spontaneous circulation. This review builds on earlier recommendations of the Singapore National Targeted Temperature Management Workgroup in 2017 to provide a focused update on post-cardiac arrest management and a practical guide for physicians managing resuscitated patients with cardiac arrest in the ICU.
A new species of the ʻprotozygopteranʼ damselfly (Odonata: Permagrionidae) from the Lower-Middle Permian of Russia
Authors: FELKER ANASTASIA , VASILENKO DMITRY
Published: September 2021

The small Paleozoic protozygopteran family Permagrionidae comprises 11 described species in 5 genera from the Lower Permian Chekarda and Solikamsk localities in Russia (Zalessky, 1948; Nel et al., 2012) and Salagou Formation in France (Nel et al., 1999; Fate et al., 2013), the Middle Permian Soyana and Kargala localities in Russia (Martynov, 1932; Martynov, 1937; Nel et al., 2012), and the Upper Permian Bodie Creek Head locality in Malvinas Tillyard (1928). Here we describe the new species, Epilestes rasnitsyni sp. nov. from the Ufimian of Perm Territory, which is characterized by specific arrangement of veins in the petiole and the unique preservation of body structures.
A Gondwanan record of the extinct genus Cretobibio (Diptera: Bibionidae)
Authors: LUKASHEVICH ELENA DMITRIEVNA , AMORIM DALTON DE SOUZA , RIBEIRO GUILHERME CUNHA
Published: September 2021

The Bibionidae or march flies are a dipteran family with a worldwide distribution, presently including over 750 species in the extant faunas (Hesperininae sometimes treated as a separate family) (Pape et al., 2009). Emergence of adults is markedly seasonal, and adults are often observed visiting flowers, apparently feeding on nectar, pollen, and honeydew (Fitzgerald, 2009). Larvae are mainly phyto-saprophagous, found on superficial soil layers, decaying organic matter, leaf litter, dung, and rotten wood (Krivosheina & Mamaev, 1967; Pinto & Amorim, 2000; Fitzgerald, 2009). Larvae of Bibionidae usually occur in dense aggregations in suitable habitats and adults emerge synchronously in huge numbers and often form dense mating aggregations (Skartveit, 2017).
A new genus of the family Alexarasniidae (Insecta: Embiida) from the Triassic of Kyrgyzstan
Authors: ARISTOV DANIIL S. , STOROZHENKO SERGEY YU.
Published: September 2021

The Recent webspinners (Embiida = Embioptera) comprise a small order of insects; there are about 400 species distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical regions (Miller et al., 2012). They are gregarious, living subsocially in galleries of fine silk which they spin from glands on their forelegs (Edgerly et al., 2002). The webspinner lineage is traceable back via Middle Cretaceous Sorellembiidae, Jurassic Sinembiidae and Late Permian–Triassic Alexarasniidae to the Early–Middle Permian Atactophlebiidae (Engel & Grimaldi, 2006; Huang & Nel, 2009; Shcherbakov, 2015).
Unseen Burden of Injury: Post-Hospitalization Mortality in Geriatric Trauma Patients
Authors: Huntington Ciara R. , Kao Angela M. , Sing Ronald F. , Ross Samuel W. , Christmas A. Britt , Prasad Tanushree , Lincourt Amy E. , Kasten Kevin R. , Heniford B. Todd
Published: September 2021

Background/Objectives

Older adults are at risk for adverse outcomes after trauma, but little is known about post-acute survival as state and national trauma registries collect only inpatient or 30-day outcomes. This study investigates long-term, out-of-hospital mortality in geriatric trauma patients.

Methods

Level I Trauma Center registry data were matched to the US Social Security Death Index (SSDI) to determine long-term and out-of-hospital outcomes of older patients. Blunt trauma patients aged ≥65 were identified from 2009 to 2015 in an American College of Surgeons Level 1 Trauma Center registry, n = 6289 patients with an age range 65-105 years, mean age 78.5 ± 8.4 years. Dates of death were queried using social security numbers and unique patient identifiers. Demographics, injury, treatments, and outcomes were compared using descriptive and univariate statistics.

Results

Of 6289 geriatric trauma patients, 505 (8.0%) died as an inpatient following trauma. Fall was the most common mechanism of injury (n = 4757, 76%) with mortality rate of 46.5% at long-term follow-up; motor vehicle crash (MVC) (n = 1212, 19%) had long-term mortality of 27.6%. Overall, 24.1% of patients died within 1 year of trauma. Only 8 of 488 patients who died between 1 and 6 months post-trauma were inpatient. Mortality rate varied by discharge location: 25.1% home, 36.4% acute rehabilitation, and 51.5% skilled nursing facility, P < .0001.

Conclusion

Inpatient and 30-day mortality rates in national outcome registries fail to fully capture the burden of trauma on older patients. Though 92% of geriatric trauma patients survived to discharge, almost one-quarter had died by 1 year following their injuries.
Non-iterative Conditional Pairwise Estimation for the Rating Scale Model
Authors: Elliott Mark , Buttery Paula
Published: September 2021

We investigate two non-iterative estimation procedures for Rasch models, the pair-wise estimation procedure (PAIR) and the Eigenvector method (EVM), and identify theoretical issues with EVM for rating scale model (RSM) threshold estimation. We develop a new procedure to resolve these issues—the conditional pairwise adjacent thresholds procedure (CPAT)—and test the methods using a large number of simulated datasets to compare the estimates against known generating parameters. We find support for our hypotheses, in particular that EVM threshold estimates suffer from theoretical issues which lead to biased estimates and that CPAT represents a means of resolving these issues. These findings are both statistically significant ( p < .001) and of a large effect size. We conclude that CPAT deserves serious consideration as a conditional, computationally efficient approach to Rasch parameter estimation for the RSM. CPAT has particular potential for use in contexts where computational load may be an issue, such as systems with multiple online algorithms and large test banks with sparse data designs.
Effects of the augmented reality game Pokémon GO on fitness and fatness in secondary school students
Authors: Martínez-López Emilio J , López-Serrano Sebastián , De La Torre-Cruz Manuel , Ruiz-Ariza Alberto
Published: September 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of 8 weeks of Pokémon GO on physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness [CRF], Speed/Agility [S/A], and muscular strength [MS]) and fatness (body mass index [BMI], percentage of body fat [%BF], and waist-hip index), as well as possible differences between weekly physical activity (PA) levels, in Spanish adolescents between 12 and 15 years of age.

Design, setting and method:

Comparative design, with a control group ( n = 86) that did not participate in Pokémon GO, and an intervention group ( n = 78) which did so over an 8-week period. Age, sex, number of home computers, and maternal educational level were controlled for as possible confounding variables.

Results:

Results show that players walked a total of 52 km in 8 weeks. Moreover, they played the game for a mean of 40 min/day. Pokémon GO players showed improvements in CRF and BMI ( p < .05). Inactive young people showed a 22.2% increase in CRF and an 11.3% decrease in their %BF compared to non-players. Despite these results, less than half of the participants considered that Pokémon GO had improved their overall fitness and felt more encouraged to engage in PA.

Conclusion:

Pokémon GO increased PA and CRF levels and decreased BMI and %BF after 8 weeks of practice independently of age, sex, number of computers at home, and maternal education. The Pokémon GO app could be used in school and family contexts to increase the daily amount of MVPA, improve CRF, and to take advantage of the effects of loss of body fat.
Creation of a State Drug Shortage Dashboard in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lux Kristin , Jorns Melinda , Vogler Carrie
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Drug shortages are anticipated to worsen with time as the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues. The aim of this study is to track drug shortages within Illinois and identify causes and trends to this time-sensitive problem. Methods: In order to communicate between health systems within the state, the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists (ICHP) developed a medication shortage dashboard, which collects information from health systems in the state on current drug shortages. Classes of medications inquired about included: anti-infectives, neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs), sedatives/analgesics, vasopressors, and “others.” Data was gathered from 6 different medication shortage dashboards, ranging from May 20, 2020 to June 22, 2020 and was used to track drug shortages within Illinois. Additionally, this data was analyzed in conjunction with the number of hospital beds utilized by COVID-19 patients at the time. Results: Illinois’s medication shortage dashboard tracked the supply level of 42 medications used in the treatment of patient’s hospitalized with COVID-19. Data from an average of 75 health systems was analyzed each week (average response rate: 52%). For each medication, health systems identified if they had ample supply, mild shortage, moderate shortage, or critical shortage. Overall the trends of these medications positively correlated with the number of hospital beds utilized by COVID-19 patients in Illinois ( r2 = 0.7). Conclusion: The data from this study supports the conclusion that increased hospital bed utilization by COVID-19 patients is correlated with increased drug shortages of medications used in the treatment of COVID-19. It is imperative that health systems take appropriate action to prevent and manage drug shortages.
Dialect Effects on Mandarin Tone Perception Development
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Zheng Yun , Li Gang
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to characterize factors that influence early dialect development in a language environment with multiple dialects. Children were evaluated for these dialect effects compared with normal hearing referenced measures of speech and language development that are commonly implemented in hearing-impaired children. Dialect exposure and use were assessed longitudinally in Chinese children (2–6 years old) that were raised in a community where Putonghua (PTH) and Sichuanhua (SCH) Mandarin dialects were used. Lexical tones in these dialects are different. A total of 20 boys and 20 girls (2 years old at the beginning of the study) that attended the same nursery school were included in this study. SCH was used by the majority of subjects <4 years old. The majority of subjects >4 years old used either dialect, with a few users of both dialects at this age. PTH tone perception did not differ significantly as a function of dialect use. Tone recognition and discrimination were >90% accurate by 6 years old, in contrast to previous results for children with minimal exposure and use of PTH. Children with approximately ⩾50% PTH exposure might be accurately assessed with norm-referenced speech materials spoken in PTH, regardless of their preferred dialect. However, the current norm-referenced assessments of children with minimal PTH exposure and nonusers of the dialect might be inaccurate.
Reconceptualizing College Knowledge: Class, Race, and Black Students in a College-Counseling Field
Authors: Gast Melanie Jones
Published: September 2021

Past work and college–access programs often treat college knowledge as discrete pieces of information and focus on the amount of available college information. I use ethnographic and multiwave interview data to compare college–aspiring working- and middle–class black 9th and 11th graders across almost two years in high school along with their post–high school updates. Respondents were exposed to college–going messages but faced racial constraints and unclear expectations for college preparation and help seeking. Working-class respondents drew on hopeful uncertainty—a repertoire of hope for college admissions but uncertainty in the specifics—and they waited for assistance. Twelfth-grade working–class respondents experienced the effects of counseling problems and frustrations near application time. Middle-class and some working–class respondents used a repertoire of competitive groundwork to improve their competitiveness for four–year admissions, targeting their help seeking to navigate impending deadlines and late–stage counseling problems. My findings point to the timing and process of activating repertoires of college knowledge within a high school counseling field, suggesting the need to reconceptualize college knowledge in research on racial and class inequality in college access.
Evidence for executive function advantages in low SES bilingual children. But why do they arise? A commentary on Grote, Scott and Gilger (2021)
Authors: Hofweber Julia
Published: September 2021

In a study comparing executive functions among US Spanish-English bilinguals from low socio-economic (SES) backgrounds to monolinguals of each language, Grote et al. find that bilingual advantages already manifest themselves in pre-school children. This commentary recommends building on this finding, and further investigate the causes underlying the observed executive function (EF) modulations in child bilingualism. A closer investigation of bilingual children’s dominance profiles and their bilingual practices, such as code-switching, may shed light on how bilingualism shapes the developmental trajectory of executive functions. The commentary also challenges the notion of ‘monolingualism’, and discusses whether bilingualism variables should be operationalised in a continuous or in a categorical manner.
Clinical Efficacy of Topical Nasal Pomegranate Fruit Extract for Chronic Rhinitis and Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Israeli Asaf , Grinblat Golda , Shochat Isaac , Sarid Miri , Dudkiewicz Mickey , Braverman Itzhak
Published: September 2021

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of topical nasal Pomegranate Fruit Extract (PFE) for Chronic Rhinitis (CR), Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis (CRSwNP), and Chronic Rhinosinusitis without Nasal Polyposis (CRSsNP). Methods: Prospective, double-blinded, randomized study including 111 consecutive patients, between April 2012 and January 2017, afflicted by CRSwNP, CRSsNP, and CR. Patients from each group were randomly assigned to either PFE treatment or placebo twice daily for 30 days. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed by Ear Nose and Throat, blood and tomographic examinations, and the SNOT-20 questionnaire. Results: CR patients treated with PFE suffered significantly less from thick nasal discharge, difficulty falling asleep, reduced productivity, reduced concentration, and sadness ( P = .004, P = .02, P = .03, P = .007 and P = .02, respectively). Conclusions: Topical nasal PFE was found to have some benefits for CR patients, however, not for CRS with or without Nasal Polyposis.
Thyroid Gland Metastasis From Endometrial Carcinoma Causing Acute Severe Dyspnea
Authors: Bertone Fabio , Serusi Elena , Liscia Daniel S. , Biletta Elena , Gervasio Carmine F.
Published: September 2021

Thyroid metastasis from cervical carcinomas is an extremely rare disease; therefore, only a few cases have so far been reported in the literature. Due to the lack of data and the heterogeneity of clinical cases, the percentage of patients affected by thyroid metastases eligible to undergo surgery is not easily predictable. This report describes a rare case of endometrioid adenocarcinoma metastasized to the thyroid gland. A 72-year-old woman was referred to the ENT department of our hospital (Ospedale Degli Infermi di Biella, Italy) presenting with dyspnea and rapidly worsening condition, in need of emergency surgery. The peculiarity of this case lies in the metastasis isotype rarity, in its voluminous dimension, and in its mediastinal localization, which required the intervention of a multidisciplinary team to establish successful treatment planning.
Reflexive Biopolitics and the Structure of Experimental Knowledge
Authors: Patkauskas Justas
Published: September 2021

Over the last 20 years, biopolitics has become an established research field within the humanities and the social sciences. However, scholars agree that the academic status of biopolitics remains problematic due to the latter’s conceptual fuzziness, unmanageable scope and weak foundations. To address these issues, biopolitics theorists have engaged in reflexive efforts to convert biopolitics into a respectable discipline with a clear definition, research agenda and canon. In this article, I examine the reflexive biopolitics scholarship that has emerged in the last decade and conclude that while biopolitics may not satisfy the criteria for achieving disciplinary respectability due to the chief aporia that both underpins and undermines the academic biopolitics project – namely, its seemingly infinite reach – the structure of biopolitics matches that of experimental knowledge, also known as counterscience, the university without condition and nomad science.
Prognostic impact of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in non-small cell lung carcinomas
Authors: Mlika Mona , Saidi Ayoub , Mejri Nesrine , Abdennadher Mehdi , Haddouchi Chokri , Labidi Soumeya , Khiari Hyem , Boussen Hamouda , Hsairi Mohamed , Mezni Faouzi
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes represent a pivotal component of the host anti-tumor response. Thus, they considerably influence the evolution of cancers including non-small cell lung carcinomas. Even if, this important role is consensual, many discordant results are published in the literature about the prognostic role of the different populations of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. The aim of our work was to evaluate the prognostic impact of CD8+, CD4+, and forkhead box protein P3+ lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment of non-small cell lung carcinomas.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective descriptive study, which included non-small cell lung carcinomas diagnosed in the department of pathology and followed in the medical oncology department of the same hospital between 2011 and 2015. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were analyzed by the immunohistochemical method for forkhead box protein P3, CD4, and CD8. Intratumoral and stromal-labeled lymphocytes were quantified by manual counting at high magnification (×400). Forkhead box protein P3+/CD8+, forkhead box protein P3+/CD4+, and CD8+/CD4+ ratios were subsequently calculated. The prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes was assessed in respect of overall survival, recurrence-free survival, and relapse-free survival.

Results

Thirty-nine patients were included. The mean age of patients was 59.6 years. A complete surgical resection ( p = 0.009), and a CD8/CD4 ratio ( p = 0.008) were prognostic factors for overall survival. Complete surgical resection ( p = 0.003), the forkhead box protein P3/CD8 ( p = 0.005), and forkhead box protein P3/CD4 ( p = 0.037) ratios were prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival. The CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes rate ( p = 0.037) was a prognostic factor for relapse-free survival with a threshold of 67.8/high power field. Microscopic subtype ( p = 0.037) was a prognostic factor for relapse-free survival when only adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were considered. In multivariate analysis, age ( p = 0.004) and a CD8/CD4 ratio ( p = 0.016) were independent predictors of overall survival.

Conclusion

Despite the limitations of our study, our results confirm the prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in non-small cell lung carcinomas and the importance of the combined quantification of their different subpopulations.
Brain oxygen extraction fraction mapping in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cho Junghun , Nguyen Thanh D , Huang Weiyuan , Sweeney Elizabeth M , Luo Xianfu , Kovanlikaya Ilhami , Zhang Shun , Gillen Kelly M , Spincemaille Pascal , Gupta Ajay , Gauthier Susan A , Wang Yi
Published: September 2021

We aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of whole brain oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) mapping for measuring lesion specific and regional OEF abnormalities in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. In 22 MS patients and 11 healthy controls (HC), OEF and neural tissue susceptibility ([Formula: see text]) maps were computed from MRI multi-echo gradient echo data. In MS patients, 80 chronic active lesions with hyperintense rim on quantitative susceptibility mapping were identified, and the mean OEF and [Formula: see text] within the rim and core were compared using linear mixed-effect model analysis. The rim showed higher OEF and [Formula: see text] than the core: relative to their adjacent normal appearing white matter, OEF contrast = −6.6 ± 7.0% vs. −9.8 ± 7.8% (p < 0.001) and [Formula: see text] contrast = 33.9 ± 20.3 ppb vs. 25.7 ± 20.5 ppb (p = 0.017). Between MS and HC, OEF and [Formula: see text]were compared using a linear regression model in subject-based regions of interest. In the whole brain, compared to HC, MS had lower OEF, 30.4 ± 3.3% vs. 21.4 ± 4.4% (p < 0.001), and higher [Formula: see text], −23.7 ± 7.0 ppb vs. −11.3 ± 7.7 ppb (p = 0.018). Our feasibility study suggests that OEF may serve as a useful quantitative marker of tissue oxygen utilization in MS.
Identification of independent risk factors for diabetic neuropathy progression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Huang Linjing , Shen Ximei , Huang Lingning , Yan Sunjie , Wu Peiwen
Published: September 2021

Objective

To identify independent risk factors for diabetic neuropathy (DN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 376 patients with T2DM at the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, China between January 2013 and October 2016. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore potential risk factors for progression of DN in patients with T2DM. Effect sizes were estimated using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The prevalence of DN in patients with T2DM was 43.1%. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that retinopathy (OR: 2.755, 95% CI: 1.599–4.746); diabetic nephropathy (OR: 2.196, 95% CI: 1.279–3.772); longer duration of T2DM (OR: 1.081, 95% CI: 1.045–1.120); use of insulin (OR: 1.091, 95% CI: 1.018–1.170); longer history of alcohol consumption (OR: 1.034, 95% CI: 1.010–1.059); and higher blood urea nitrogen (OR: 1.081, 95% CI: 1.009–1.159) were associated with increased risk of DN in patients with T2DM.

Conclusions

Retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, longer duration of T2DM, use of insulin, longer history of alcohol consumption, and higher blood urea nitrogen were independent risk factors for DN. These findings should be verified in large-scale prospective studies.
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated by radiofrequency ablation combined with oncolytic virus and anti-PD-1 antibody therapy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Xie Anqing , Xia Feng , Pei Jun , Sun Ximing , Song Zongtao
Published: September 2021

The development of an effective therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents an important global concern. In recent years, the combination of multiple treatment methods with immunotherapy has achieved great progress in patients with advanced HCC. Patient survival has been significantly prolonged, but cases of complete response (CR) remain rare. Here, we report two cases in which CR was achieved by radiofrequency ablation combined with an oncolytic virus (recombinant human adenovirus type 5) and anti-programmed cell death protein 1 antibody. Additionally, a literature review is presented to describe similar advancements in this field and explore viable methods for the treatment of advanced HCC.
Investigating Visual Recognition of Color and Safe Driving in Color-Weak Drivers
Authors: Wang Qingzhou , Wang Hongyu , Luo Te , Shi Lei , Fan Xin
Published: September 2021

This study examined the visual characteristics of drivers with color weakness to improve their safety while driving. Significantly affected by the traffic environment, drivers with color weakness are not able to recognize traffic lights rapidly and accurately, which endangers traffic safety. In the first part of the research, through a static visual recognition test of color vision using the orthogonal method, the study explored the influence of light intensity, visual recognition distance, and color weakness type on the perception of traffic light colors by participants with color weakness. In the second part, a dynamic visual recognition test of color vision was conducted through simulating the driving environment of urban roads. Eye movement indexes between participants with color weakness and those with normal vision were analyzed by means of different vehicle speeds and time periods. The results indicated that the type of color weakness was the dominant factor affecting visual recognition of traffic lights. The eye movements of participants with deuteranomaly were close to those of people with normal vision, whereas the eye movement index of those with protanomaly and dyserythrochloropsia were significantly different. Distraction, slower responses, and higher color recognition error rates for the traffic lights were major characteristics—all representing risks that increase at night. To reduce the probability of road traffic injury, the driving safety of people with color weakness should be addressed.
New Intersection Crash Prediction Models for the Second Edition of the Highway Safety Manual
Authors: Torbic Darren J. , Cook Daniel , Grotheer Joseph , Porter Richard , Gooch Jeffrey , Kersavage Kristin
Published: September 2021

The objective of this research was to develop new intersection crash prediction models for consideration in the second edition of the Highway Safety Manual (HSM), consistent with existing methods in HSM Part C and comprehensive in their ability to address a wide range of intersection configurations and traffic control types in rural and urban areas. The focus of the research was on developing safety performance functions (SPFs) for intersection configurations and traffic control types not currently addressed in HSM Part C. SPFs were developed for the following general intersection configurations and traffic control types: rural and urban all-way stop-controlled intersections; rural three-leg intersections with signal control; intersections on high-speed urban and suburban arterials (i.e., arterials with speed limits greater than or equal to 50 mph); urban five-leg intersections with signal control; three-leg intersections where the through movements make turning maneuvers at the intersections; crossroad ramp terminals at single-point diamond interchanges; and crossroad ramp terminals at tight diamond interchanges. Development of severity distribution functions (SDFs) for use in combination with SPFs to estimate crash severity as a function of geometric design elements and traffic control features was explored; but owing to challenges and inconsistencies in developing and interpreting the SDFs, it was recommended for the second edition of the HSM that crash severity for the new intersection configurations and traffic control types be addressed in a manner consistent with existing methods in Chapters 10, 11, and 12 of the first edition, without use of SDFs.
Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement Cracking Patterns and Properties with Internal Curing and Active Cracking
Authors: Dahal Sachindra , Roesler Jeffery Raphael
Published: September 2021

Transverse cracking in continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) develops over time and may exhibit irregular patterns such as cluster cracks, Y-shaped cracks, and divided cracks. These undesirable cracking patterns can increase the probability of premature spalling and punchouts. Ideally, a uniform transverse cracking pattern with small crack widths leads to favorable long-term performance in CRCP. An experimental field project was constructed with internally cured concrete and active cracking to control crack initiation timing, patterns, and properties. Prewetted fine lightweight aggregate was used for internal curing, and edge notches of 2 in. depth and 2 ft length every 4 ft along the test section were sawcut for active crack control. The three experimental CRCP sections in Illinois were monitored for crack spacing, crack width, and formation of undesirable cracks over a 4-year period. Internally cured concrete significantly reduced the undesirable crack patterns relative to the control section. Internally cured concrete coupled with active crack concrete produced superior crack patterns and properties, that is, uniform crack spacing of 3.6 ft without cluster cracks, 0.2 mm surface crack width, and only a small number of undesirable cracks. Active crack control produced a higher number of transverse cracks near the terminal joint (last 150 ft) compared with the control section. Moisture and temperature management with active crack control during construction of the CRCP provided a desirable crack pattern and properties that should increase the overall service life of a pavement.
Lower Volumes, Higher Speeds: Changes to Crash Type, Timing, and Severity on Urban Roads from COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Policies
Authors: Stiles Jonathan , Kar Armita , Lee Jinhyung , Miller Harvey J.
Published: September 2021

Stay-at-home policies in response to COVID-19 transformed high-volume arterials and highways into lower-volume roads, and reduced congestion during peak travel times. To learn from the effects of this transformation on traffic safety, an analysis of crash data in Ohio’s Franklin County, U.S., from February to May 2020 is presented, augmented by speed and network data. Crash characteristics such as type and time of day are analyzed during a period of stay-at-home guidelines, and two models are estimated: (i) a multinomial logistic regression that relates daily volume to crash severity; and (ii) a Bayesian hierarchical logistic regression model that relates increases in average road speeds to increased severity and the likelihood of a crash being fatal. The findings confirm that lower volumes are associated with higher severity. The opportunity of the pandemic response is taken to explore the mechanisms of this effect. It is shown that higher speeds were associated with more severe crashes, a lower proportion of crashes were observed during morning peaks, and there was a reduction in types of crashes that occur in congestion. It is also noted that there was an increase in the proportion of crashes related to intoxication and speeding. The importance of the findings lay in the risk to essential workers who were required to use the road system while others could telework from home. Possibilities of similar shocks to travel demand in the future, and that traffic volumes may not recover to previous levels, are discussed, and policies are recommended that could reduce the risk of incapacitating and fatal crashes for continuing road users.