bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subsea-Systems Innovations Improve Heavy-Oil Production in Ultradeep Water
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: September 2021

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 199003, “Subsea Systems Innovations and the Use of State-of-the-Art Subsea Technologies Help the Flow Assurance of Heavy-Oil Production in Ultradeep Water,” by Carlos Alberto Pedroso, SPE, Geraldo Rosa, SPE, and Priscilla Borges, Enauta Energia, et al., prepared for the 2020 SPE Latin American and Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference, Bogota, Colombia, 17–19 March. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

Flow assurance in ultradeep water is a major issue for production. The Atlanta field, which produces heavy oil in ultradeep water, is a project combining several challenges: hydrates formation, emulsion tendency, scale formation, foaming, and high viscosities. The complete paper discusses innovations and technologies applied to make Atlanta a successful case of ultradeepwater heavy-oil production.

Introduction

Discovered in 2001, the Atlanta field is in the presalt exclusion area in the north of the Santos Basin, 185 km southeast of Rio de Janeiro, at a water depth of 1550 m. The postsalt reservoir is contained in the Eocene interval and is characterized by high net-to-gross sands (82–94%) with a high average porosity of 36% and high permeabilities in the range of 4–6 Darcies. These excellent rock properties, however, are offset by the poor quality of the Atlanta crude, which is heavy (14 °API), viscous (228 cp at reservoir conditions), and highly acidic.

The development of the field took place in two phases, an early production system (EPS) and a definitive production system (DPS). First oil occurred in May 2018. The EPS is expected to last from 4 to 5 years, producing from three horizontal wells to a floating production, storage, and offloading vessel (FPSO) with a processing capacity of 30,000 BOPD. The DPS will consist of 12 horizontal producers tied to a larger-capacity FPSO.
Lessons Learned in Developing Human Capital for the Oil and Gas Industry in Kazakhstan
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: September 2021

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 201272, “Lessons Learned in Developing Human Capital for the Oil and Gas Industry in Kazakhstan,” by Zhassulan Dairov, SPE, KIMEP University and Satbayev University; Murat Syzdykov, SPE, Satbayev University; and Jennifer Miskimins, SPE, Colorado School of Mines, prepared for the 2020 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, originally scheduled to be held in Denver, Colorado, 5–7 October. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Human Capital initiative has been implemented at Satbayev University (SU), Almaty, Kazakhstan, during the last 2 years. Participating in this effort are Chevron, Eni, Shell, and the Colorado School of Mines (Mines). The complete paper assesses the effectiveness of project components, such as industry guest lectures, summer internships, and program improvement, and provides lessons learned for human-resource-development initiatives.

Introduction

In most cases, the industry/ university alliance is intermittent, short-term, and underdeveloped. The engagement of three stakeholders, such as government, industry, and the university, is the most-successful model of joint performance. This approach allows all participants to create competitive advantages in the achievement of common objectives. Moreover, the role of governmental agencies is critical alongside professional organizations in facilitating such cooperation.
Training Needs Assessment of Health Care Professionals in Reproductive, Maternal and Newborn Health in a Low-Income Setting in Tanzania
Authors: Mbekenga Columba , Pallangyo Eunice , Mwansisya Tumbwene E. , Isangula Kahabi , Mwasha Loveluck , Orwa James , Mugerwa Micheal A. , Mantel Michaela , Subi Leonard , Mrema Secilia , Siso David , Selestine Edna , Temmerman Marleen , Edwards Grace
Published: September 2021

Background: Healthcare delivery globally and particularly in low-income setting is challenged by multiple, complex and dynamic problems. The reproductive, maternal and newborn health (RMNH) care is among the most affected areas resulting into high maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity across the Sub Saharan region and Tanzania in particular. However, under-investment in adequate training and capacity development among health care workers (HCWs) is reported worldwide and contributes to the critical shortages, and lack of adequate knowledge and skills among HCWs. The aim of this study was to assess the training needs among HCWs of RMNH care in selected health facilities of Mwanza, Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive and analytic survey using a self- administered questionnaire was conducted in 36 out of 80 health care facilities included in Improving Access to Reproductive, Maternal and Newborn Health in Mwanza, Tanzania (IMPACT) project within the 8 councils of Mwanza region in Tanzania. The training needs assessment (TNA) tool adapted from the Hennessy-Hicks’ Training Needs Assessment Questionnaire (TNAQ) was used for data collection. The HCWs rated on the importance of their task and their current performance of the task. The differences in scores were calculated to identify the greatest training needs.Results: Out of 153 HCWs who responded to the TNA questionnaire, majority were registered (n=62) and enrolled (n=43) nurses. Ninety percent (n= 137) were from government-owned health facilities, mostly from hospitals 68 (45%). Training needs were high in 16 areas (out of 49) including cervical cancer screening and care; accessing research resources; basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care; and sexual and gender-based violence. The overall perceived importance of the training needs was significantly associated with perceived performance of tasks related to RMNH services (Pearson Correlation (r) = .256; p <001).Conclusions: The study highlights 16 (out of 49) training gaps as perceived by HCWs in RMNH in Tanzania. The utilization of findings from the TNA has great potential to facilitate designing of effective trainings for local RMNH services delivery hence improve the overall quality of care.
Modulation of Visual Alpha Oscillations in Expert and Novice Surgeons Performing Sutures
Authors: Reyes Sergio , Quiñones Matías , Kreither Johanna , López-Calderón Javier , Aylwin María de la L.
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND: Surgeons learn to perform highly repetitive movements, improving their speed and precision. Simple movements elicit a synchronization of alpha frequency band (8–12 Hz) in the occipital area, reflecting the inhibition of irrelevant areas. Yet, there is limited evidence on alpha modulation by movement performance and task experience and demands for complex visuo-motor skills. In this study we evaluated the extent of the modulation of the electroencephalogram (EEG) power in the alpha frequency band (8–12 Hz) in the visual areas and its relationship with suture performance to quantify the attentional modulation in expert surgeons and medical students. The EEG based measurements might offer a relevant measure of attentional modulation, to evaluate the progression and outcomes of learning and training surgical programs. Two groups of expert surgeons and medical students performed 6 surgical exercises on a suture pad, under two different task demands. They performed an open suture technique under relaxed conditions and stressed conditions. We obtained the EEG alpha power spectra, using a 20-20 system EEG device while suturing as well as in a baseline, eyes-open, condition as well as the number as sutures as an index of performance.RESULTS: Surgical expertise resulted in twice the number of sutures and greater task demands increased suture performance by 20%. In contrast, alpha power in the occipital areas is greater in surgeons and medical students performing sutures, relative to the baseline, yet it is not modulated by expertise or task demands. Interestingly, the alpha power correlated positively with suture performance in surgeons, but not in the medical students.CONCLUSIONS: The modulation of the EEG alpha power is consistent with the inhibitory-attentional hypothesis of alpha rhythm in a complex visuo-motor task, suggesting that the attentional resources allocated to the visual areas are redistributed in the somatosensory and motor areas, in addition to the visual areas during the suture task relative to the baseline. Furthermore, the association of alpha power with suture performance suggests that, unlike medical students, experts have a gradual redistribution of the inhibitory-attentional resources linked to their suture performance.
Discovery and Characterization of Differentially Expressed Soybean MiRNAs and Their Targets During Soybean Mosaic Virus Infection Unveils Novel Insight Into Soybean-SMV Interaction
Authors: Li Bowen , Karthikeyan Adhimoolam , Wang Liqun , Yin Jinlong , Jin Tongtong , Liu Hui , Li Kai , Gai Junyi , Zhi Haijian
Published: September 2021

Background: Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is the most devastating pathogen of soybean. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs (21-24 nucleotides) and play important roles in regulating defense responses against pathogens. However, miRNA's response to SMV in soybean is not as well documented. Result: In this study, we analyzed 18 miRNA libraries, including three biological replicates from two soybean lines (Resistant and susceptible lines to SMV strain SC3 selected from the near-isogenic lines of Qihuang No. 1× Nannong1138-2) after virus infection at three different time intervals (0 dpi, 7 dpi, and 14 dpi). A total of 1,092 miRNAs, including 608 known miRNAs and 484 novel miRNAs were detected. Differential expression analyses identified the miRNAs responded during soybean-SMV interaction. Then, miRNAs potential target genes were predicted via data mining, and functional annotation was done by Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. Eventually, the expression patterns of several miRNAs validated by quantitative real-time PCR analysis are consistent with sequencing results. Conclusion: We have identified a large number of miRNAs and their target genes and also functional annotations. Our study provides additional information on soybean miRNAs and an insight into the role of miRNAs during SMV-infection in soybean.
foodMASST: A Mass Spectrometry Search Tool for Foods and Beverages.
Authors: Dorrestein Pieter , West Kiana , Schmid Robin , Gauglitz Julia , Wang Mingxun
Published: September 2021

There is a growing interest in unraveling the chemical complexity of our diets. To help the scientific community gain insight into the molecules present in foods and beverages that we ingest, we created foodMASST, a search tool for MS/MS spectra (of both known and unknown molecules) against a growing metabolomics food and beverage reference database. We envision foodMASST will become valuable for nutrition research and dietary biomarker discovery.
Endoscopically Guided Resection of Brainstem Cavernous Malformations Through Miniature Corticotomies
Authors: Oertel Joachim , Fischer Gerrit , Linsler Stefan , Huelser Matthias , Sippl Christoph , Teping Fritz
Published: September 2021

Objective:Targeted surgical precision and minimally invasive techniques are of the utmost importance when it comes to resection of cavernous malformations involving the brainstem region. Minimization of the surgical corridor is desirable but should not compromise the extent of resection. This study provides detailed information on the role of endoscopic techniques in this challenging surgical task.Methods:A retrospective analysis of medical documentation, radiologic studies and detailed intraoperative video-documentation was performed for all consecutive patients, who underwent surgical resection of brainstem cavernous malformations between 2010 and 2020 at the authors’ institution. A case-based volumetry of the corticotomy was performed in relation to the cavernoma’s dimension. Results:A total of 20 procedures have been performed in 19 patients. Neuroendoscopy was implemented in all cases. Mean size of the lesion 5.4 (±5)mm3. Average size of the brainstem corticotomy was 4.5x3.7 (±1.0x1.1)mm with a median relation to the cavernoma’s dimension of 9.99% (1.2%-31.39%). Endoscopic 360° inspection of the resection cavity was feasible in all cases. There were no endoscopy related complications. Mean follow up was 27.8 (12-89) months. Gross-total resection was achieved in all but one cases (95%). Sixteen procedures (80%) resulted in an improved or stable medical condition. Eleven patients (61.1%) showed further improvement 12 months after initial surgery. Conclusion:Experience provided, endoscopic techniques can be safely implemented in surgery for BSCM. Combination of neuroendoscopic visualization and neuronavigation might enable a targeted size of brainstem corticotomy. Endoscopy can be considered as a valuable additive tool to ensure gross total resection of BSCM.
Translational Value of Exercise in Routine Care Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Marvin Sarah , Ross Lois , Yee Jasmine , Kay Shelley , Lacey Judith , Edwards Kate
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Exercise is an effective adjuvant therapy to address many of the symptoms experienced by Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) recipients. However, there is little translational research examining meaningful clinical effects. A retrospective analysis of a community-embedded exercise program based at a large urban comprehensive cancer hospital was conducted, with the aim of establishing the translational value of exercise in a clinical setting. A secondary aim was to determine the impact of baseline function on exercise response. Methods: The Living Well Program is an evidence-based program supervised by Accredited Exercise Physiologists, delivered through the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. HSCT recipients are prescribed individualised, once-weekly 1-hour aerobic, resistance and balance training. Changes in physical function (6-minute walk distance, strength, and balance), fatigue, and quality of life measures from baseline to post-intervention were analysed, and also assessed in relation to session attendance. Participants were then stratified as low- or high-function for each measure of physical function. Results: Data from 48 participants (male n=27, age=54.3±11.7-years) was included in the analysis. Significant improvements were found for all outcome measures, with improvements exceeding minimal clinically important differences for 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and 30-second sit-to-stand. Greater session attendance correlated with improvements in 6MWD and strength outcomes. Exercise response was greater among those with lower baseline scores for 6MWD only (p<0.001).Conclusions: An existing exercise program embedded in cancer care was successful in eliciting improvements that are both significant and clinically relevant. Further investigations into key factors that influence the efficacy of these programs are required.
Generalized Two-Dimensional Principal Component Analysis and Two Artificial Neural Networks to Detect Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances Using the Tsunami-Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling Mechanism
Authors: Lin Jyh-Woei
Published: September 2021

A weak tsunami was induced by the 2016 Mw = 7.8 Sumatra earthquake, which occurred at 12:49 on March 2, 2016 (UTC). The epicenter was at 5.060°S, 94.170°E at a depth of 10 km. At 15.02 on March 2 (UTC), the weak tsunami (amplitude: 0.11 m) arrived at the station located at 10.40°S, 105.67°E. The largest first principal eigenvalue derived using the bilateral projection-based two-dimensional principal component analysis (B2DPCA) indicated a spatial traveling ionospheric disturbance (TID), which was caused by internal gravity waves (IGWs), at 13:20 on March 2 (UTC). The largest second principal eigenvalue represented another TID expanding to the southwest. The two largest principal eigenvalues were associated with the TIDs, which were also determined using two back-propagation neural network (BPNN) models and two convolutional neural network (CNN) models, called the BPNN-B2DPCA and CNN-B2DPCA methods, respectively. These two methods yielded the same results as the B2DPCA. Therefore, the robustness and reliability of the B2DPCA were validated.
The Effect of Merging Subtropical Jet Stream and Polar Fronts Jet Stream on Heavy Rainfall in Southwest Asia
Authors: Saligheh Mohammad
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this paper is to show the effect of high troposphere winds and currents on low troposphere events at sea level. For this study, precipitation data from atmospheric stations in South Asia and west of the Zagros Mountains were used. After preparing these data, 500 and 300 hectopascal level maps were used to interpret the weather conditions. Vertical transect flow maps were used to identify the position of the jet stream. The results showed that the merger of the polar front jet stream and the subtropical jet stream provide the conditions for accelerating atmospheric currents and reaching more humidity and stronger ascent conditions to South Asia. Jet streams merger have three major effects on low pressure. If the Jet stream vorticity is the same as the curvature vorticity, the low-pressure centers on the low level will be strengthened, otherwise they will weaken due to the opposite effects. The low pressure under the Jet stream divergence area helps to strengthen it. The difference in wind speed in the jet stream with low pressures, stranger low pressures in the low level.
Responses of Bacterial Community in Cotton Rhizosphere Soil to the Application of Chitosan under Different Cultivation Patterns
Authors: jingang Wang , Tian Tian , Wang Haijiang , Liu Zheng , Cui jing , Shi Xiaoyan , Song Jianghui , Li Tianshen , Li Weidi , Zhong Mingtao
Published: September 2021

Aims Continuous cropping leads to the decreasing of soil nutrients and microbial diversity. This study aims to explore the effects of chitosan application on soil nutrient, enzyme activity, root exudates, and bacterial diversity in cotton field.Methods Topsoils were collected from four treatments (continuous cotton cropping (Ct), continuous cotton cropping with chitosan application (CtC), rotation (Rt) (cotton-corn-wheat), and rotation with chitosan application (RtC)) to determine the effects of chitosan on soil nutrients, enzyme activity, root exudates, and bacterial diversity under different cultivation patterns. The structure and functions of bacterial communities were analyzed using Illumina MiSeq sequencing and PICRUSt approach.Results Root exudates in CtC, Rt, and RtC treatments were higher than that in Ct treatment, while soil nutrients were lower. Soil enzyme activities were higher in Rt treatment than in Ct treatment, while only catalase activity was higher in CtC treatment. The abundance of Actinomycetes, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Bacteroidetes in Rt and CtC treatments, Firmicutes in Rt treatment, and Gemmatimonadetes in CtC treatment were higher than those in Ct treatment. PICRUSt analysis showed that the abundance of functional genes for soil microbial metabolism, environmental information processing, and organismal systems were higher in Rt, CtC, and RtC treatments than in Ct treatment, while that of genes for genetic information processing, cellular processes, and human diseases were slightly higher. Conclusions Chitosan application in cotton fields under different cultivation patterns could improve nutrient availability in continuous-cropping soils by reducing root exudates and improving soil bacterial community diversity, to reduce continuous cropping obstacles.
Compact Design of A Lightweight Rehabilitative Exoskeleton for Restoring Grasping Function in Patients with Hand Paralysis
Authors: Nazari Vaheh , Pouladian Majid , Zheng Yong-Ping , Alam Monzurul
Published: September 2021

BackgroundMillions of individuals suffer from upper extremity paralysis caused by neurological disorders including stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or other medical conditions. In order to restore motor control and enhance the quality of life of these patients, daily exercises and strengthening training are necessary. Robotic hand exoskeletons can substitute for the missing motor control and help to restore the functions performed in daily operations. They can also facilitate neuroplasticity to help rehabilitate hand function through routine use. However, most of the hand exoskeletons are bulky, stationary, and cumbersome to use.Methods We have utilized a recent design of a hand exoskeleton (Tenoexo) and modified the design to prototype a motorized, lightweight, fully wearable rehabilitative hand exoskeleton by combining rigid parts with a soft mechanism capable of producing various grasps needed for the execution of daily tasks. We have tested the performance of our developed hand exoskeleton in restoring hand functions in two quadriplegics with chronic cervical cord injury.ResultsMechanical evaluation of our exoskeleton showed that it can produce fingertip force up to 8 N and can cover 91.5 degree of range of motion in just 3 seconds. We further tested the robot in two quadriplegics with chronic hand paralysis, and observed immediate success on independent grasping of different daily objects. ConclusionsThe results suggest that our exoskeleton is a viable option for hand function assistance, allowing patients to regain lost finger control for everyday activities.
Evaluation of The Skills of Community Health Workers in Providing Self-Care Program for Pre-Diabetic Individuals Based On The Precede-Proceed Model: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Ghasemi Mahmoud , Ghofranipour Fazlollah , Shahbazi Hasan , Aminshokravi Farkhondeh
Published: September 2021

Background

This study aimed to investigate the skills of community health workers in providing a self-care program for pre-diabetic individuals in Mazandaran Province, Iran, based on the Precede-Proceed model.
Methods

This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 400 community health workers in Mazandaran province using the cluster random sampling method. Data collection tools included demographic information and 54 questions based on the structures of the Precede-Proceed model, the validity and reliability of which were confirmed. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software and Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression tests.
Results

The mean age of participants was 34.13 ± 8.94 years. The study results showed that awareness, attitude, and reinforcing factors variables were in the desired range, and knowledge, self-efficacy, enabling factors, and health workers' skills variables were in the moderate range. According to the regression test, self-efficacy (R2 = 0.503) and enabling factors (R2 = 0.422) were the most important predictors of health workers' skills in presenting a self-care program for pre-diabetic people.
Conclusion

According to the results obtained in the study of community health workers' skills, it is suggested that educational interventions to improve community health workers' skills in providing self-care programs for pre-diabetics with emphasis on predisposing factors (with more focus on knowledge and self-efficacy) and enabling factors to be designed and implemented.
Calcium-Phosphate Combination Enhances Spinosad Production in Saccharopolyspora Spinosa via Regulation of Fatty Acid Metabolism
Authors: Wan Miyang , Peng Cheng , Ding Wenxin , Wang Mengran , Hu Jinfeng , Li Jiyang
Published: September 2021

Phosphate concentration above 10 mM reduces the production of many secondary metabolites; however, the phenomenon is not mechanistically understood yet. Specifically, the problem of phosphorus limitation in antibiotic production remains unresolved. This study investigates the phosphorus inhibition effect on spinosad production and alleviates it by calcium and phosphate supplementation to fermentation media. Furthermore, we examined the mechanism of fatty acids induced increase in polyketides production. NaH2PO4 was found to be the most effective phosphate. Under the optimal phosphate condition, the maximal spinosad production reached 520 mg/L, showing a 1.65-fold increase over the control treatment. In the NaH2PO4-CaCO3 system, the de novo fatty acid biosynthesis was significantly downregulated while spinosad biosynthesis and β-oxidation were upregulated. The coordination of de novo fatty acid biosynthesis and β-oxidation promoted intracellular acetyl-CoA concentration. The results demonstrate that NaH2PO4-CaCO3 combined addition is a simple and effective strategy to alleviate phosphorus inhibition effect through the regulation of fatty acid metabolism and accumulation of immediate precursors. This information improves our understanding of phosphates' influence on the large-scale production of polyketides.
Recent Transposition of an LTR-Retrotransposon in the Gene Coding for S Receptor Kinase is Responsible for a Novel Self-Compatible Phenotype of Radish (Raphanus Sativus L.)
Authors: Bong So-Hyeon , Cho Ganghee , Kim Dong-Seon , Kim Sunggil
Published: September 2021

Self-incompatibility (SI) responses of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) are determined by two tightly linked genes encoding an S receptor kinase (SRK) and an S-locus cysteine-rich protein/S locus protein 11 (SCR/SP11), respectively. A radish showing an almost self-compatible (SC) phenotype was identified in this study. Inheritance patterns showed that this SC phenotype was dominant over an SI phenotype. In addition, this SC phenotype co-segregated with an S haplotype in an F2 population. This SC radish contained an RsS-26 haplotype in which duplicate SRK-like genes were previously identified. Full-length sequences of two SRK-like genes of 18,133-bp and 6,200-bp in length were obtained from radish with the RsS-26 haplotype (designated as RsSRK-26-1 and RsSRK-26-2, respectively). Duplicate SCR/SP11-like genes were also identified in the radish with the RsS-26 haplotype. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that both duplicate SRK-like and SCR/SP11-like genes were closely related to other known SRK and SCR/SP11 genes, respectively. No critical mutation was found in the coding region of SRK-like or SCR/SP11-like gene. However, a 4,146-bp intact LTR-retrotransposon was identified in the third intron of RsSRK-26-1 of the SC radish. Interestingly, this LTR-retrotransposon was not detected in three other breeding lines containing the same RsS-26 haplotype. Except for this LTR-retrotransposon, only two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in intronic regions between normal and mutant RsSRK-26-1 alleles. While normal transcription was observed for radish showing RsSRK-26-1 and SI phenotypes in these three breeding lines, no transcript of RsSRK-26-1 was detected in the SC radish, suggesting that recent transposition of an LTR-retrotransposon in the RsSRK-26-1 gene might be responsible for the SC phenotype of radish.
Plasma Atherogenic Indexes Are Independent Predictors of Slow Coronary Flow
Authors: Afsin Abdulmecit , Kaya Hakan , Yavuz Fethi , Uzel Kader Eliz , Bursa Nurbanu , Hosoglu Yusuf , Suner Arif , Asoglu Ramazan
Published: September 2021

Background

Although the pathophysiology of coronary slow flow (CSF) has not been fully elucidated, emerging data increasingly support potential role for subclinical diffuse atherosclerosis in the etiology of CSF. We aimed to investigate relationship between atherogenic indices and CSF.
Methods

130 patients with CSF diagnosed according to Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI)-frame count (TFC) method and 130 controls who had normal coronary flow (NCF) were included in this retrospective study. Atherogenic indices (atherogenic index of plasma [AIP], Castelli risk indices I and II [CRI-I and II]) were calculated using conventional lipid parameters
Results

The logistic regression analyses demonstrated that AIP (OR, 5.463; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.357–21.991; p = 0.017) and CRI-II (OR, 1.624; 95% CI, 1.138–2.319; p = 0.008) were independent predictors of CSF. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the optimal cutoff value to predict the occurrence of CSF was 0.66 for AIP (sensitivity, 59%; specificity, 73%; area under curve [AUC], 0.695; p < 0.001) and 3.27 for CRI-II (sensitivity, 60%; specificity, 79%; AUC, 0.726; p < 0.001).
Conclusions

AIP and CRI-II levels were independent predictors of CSF, suggesting that atherogenic dyslipidemia may contribute to the pathophysiology of CSF.
Spatial Coherence Manipulation on the Statistical
Photonic Platform
Authors: Liu Leixin , Liu Wenwei , Wang Fei , Cheng Hua , Choi Duk-Yong , Tian Jianguo , Cai Yangjian , Chen Shuqi
Published: September 2021

Coherence, like amplitude, polarization and phase, is a fundamental characteristic of the light fields and is dominated by the statistical optical property. Generally, accurate coherence manipulation is challenging since coherence as a statistical quantity requires the combination of various bulky optical components and fast tuning of optical media. Spatial coherence as another pivotal optical dimension still has not been significantly manipulated on the photonic platform. Here, we theoretically and experimentally realize accurate manipulation of the spatial coherence of light fields by loading a temporal random phase distribution onto the wave-front on the statistical photonic platform. By quantitatively manipulating the statistical photonic properties, we can successfully achieve the partially coherent light with the pre-defined degree of coherence and continuously modulate it from fully coherent to incoherent. This design strategy can also be easily extended to manipulate the spatial coherence of other special beams such as partially coherent vortex beam generations. Our approach provides straightforward rules to manipulate the coherence of the light fields and paves the way for applications of partially coherent beams in information encryption, ghost imaging, and information transmission in turbulent media.
Ultra-high Accuracy Microwave Positioning System based on Free Space Frequency Synchronization
Authors: Zhao Q , Chen Y.T. , Wang Z.B. , Wang L.J.
Published: September 2021

The ultra-high accuracy indoor and outdoor positioning is fundamental for a variety of applications such as industrial automation, Internet of Things and structure monitoring. Approaches based on optical methods, ultrasound and computer vision areoften suffer from limited coverage areas, obstruction by objects and high computing load. While the GNSS and conventionalradar-like radio frequency (RF) methods can suffer from insufficient accuracy and are not feasible for many scenarios. Now weachieve an inverse GPS microwave positioning system based on ultra-stable frequency synchronization in free space andcarrier phase difference principle to surpass the limitation of current methods. The stability of frequency synchronization link isbetter than 10−13/s . The distance resolution retrieved from phase information is 25 micrometres and the Mean Squred Error(MSE) of three-dimensional positioning is 16 micrometres. An ultra-high accuracy positioning system with large coverage area,compatibility and versatility can potentially be achieved gearing to extensive needs.
A Functionalized Electrospun Double-Layer Nanofibrous Scaffold for Wound Healing and Scar Inhibition
Authors: Su Chang-Ming , Chen Jing , Gao Zhong-Fei , Guan Zhen-Xin , Mo Xiu-Mei , Wang Chun-Hua , Hou Gui-Ge
Published: September 2021

Background:Considerable advances have been made in developing materials that promote wound healing and inhibit scar formation in clinical settings. However, some challenges, such as cumbersome treatment processes and determination of optimal treatment time, remain unresolved. Thus, developing a multifunctional wound dressing with both wound healing and scar inhibition properties is crucial. Here, we present an integrated electrospun fibrous composite membrane (MPC12) for wound healing and scar inhibition, consisting of aquaternized chitosan-loaded inner membrane (PCQC5) and quaternized silicone-loaded outer membrane (MQP12).Results:The inner membrane effectively coagulates blood and promotes wound healing, and the outer membrane moisturizes, resists bacteria, and inhibits scar formation. In vivo evaluation in a rabbit ear model revealed that MPC12 treatment results in faster wound healing and better alleviation of scar hypertrophy than treatment with commercial products (KELO-COTE, MSSG).Conclusions:Our strategy offers an excellent solution for the potential integration of wound healing and scar inhibition.
Radio Transmitter Identification Under Small Sample Conditions
Authors: Li Ke , Tong Lin , Zhu Junlin , Wang Nannan , Xia Chuan
Published: September 2021

Radio transmitter identification is an emerging technology that uses RFfingerprints to identify different radiation sources, and can find important applications in the field of wireless security.The choice of classifier is one of the key factors affecting recognition performance. Aiming at the shortcomings of a single classifier model, the author proposes a radio transmitter identification method based on improved SVM-KNN. First, the square integral bispectrum(SIB) algorithm is used to extract the signal fingerprint features from the steady-state signal of the mobile phone. Then, instead of the traditional Euclidean distance calculation method, the manifold geodesic distance calculation method is used to calculate the distance between the test sample and each support vector.Experimental studies using the same model of mobile phone show that the improved SVM-KNN algorithm is less affected by the choice of kernel function parameters, and has higher recognition accuracy without increasing the computational complexity. We also proved the robustness of our method in a wide range of signal-to-noise ratio.
Creating Conditions for Effective Knowledge Brokering: A Qualitative Case Study
Authors: Burns Prue , Currie Graeme , McLoughlin Ian , Robinson Tracy , Sohal Amrik , Teede Helena
Published: September 2021

Background: Process improvement in healthcare is informed by knowledge from the private sector. Following which, individuals broker such knowledge to the frontline of care delivery. Their effect is likely limited where the context proves unreceptive to brokering knowledge. We need greater insight into what organizational and system level conditions are necessary to support individuals to broker process improvement knowledge to the frontline of care delivery, and how policy makers and organizations might generate such conditions. Methods: Our research took place in a healthcare system within an Australian State. Following COREQ guidelines for qualitative research, we undertook qualitative research over the four year period of the process improvement intervention encompassing 57 semi-structured interviews, 12 focus groups, and 137 hours observation of process improvement workshops, which involved improvement advisors (the knowledge brokers), policy makers, and executive sponsors. Results: We identified four phases of the process improvement intervention that moved towards a mature collaboration within which knowledge brokering by improvement advisors emerged as effective. In the first phase knowledge brokering was not established. In a second phase, whilst initiated, it lacked legitimacy amongst frontline practitioners, following which they resisted the brokering of process improvement knowledge by improvement advisors. Only following reflection by policy makers, and actions to engender a receptive context were improvement advisors able to effectively broker knowledge to frontline professionals for process improvement. Conclusion: We highlight four interlinked prescriptions for the conditions policy makers need to engender to support individuals to broker process improvement knowledge to the frontline of care delivery, and how they go about this. Policy makers should: respect local context through building cultural linkages between people and organizations; build individuals’ knowledge integration skills; awaken and enable active and latent “seekers” of knowledge to pull knowledge upward; strengthen collaboration, not competition so as to be friend, not foe, to healthcare organizations on their knowledge integration journey.
Changes in Health Behaviours in Adults At-Risk of Chronic Disease: Primary Outcomes From The My Health for Life Program
Authors: Seib Charrlotte , Moriarty Stephanie , McDonald Nicole , Anderson Debra , Parkinson Joy
Published: September 2021

Background

Chronic disease is the leading cause of premature death globally, and many of these deaths are preventable by modifying some key behavioural and metabolic risk factors. This secondary data analysis examines changes in health behaviours among men and women at risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease (CVD) who participated in a 6-month lifestyle intervention called the My health for life program.
Methods

My health for life is a government-funded multi-component program designed to reduce chronic disease risk factors amongst at-risk adults. The intervention comprises six sessions over a 6-month period, delivered by a trained facilitator or telephone health coach. The analysis presented in this paper stems from 9,372 participants who participated in the program between July 2017 and December 2019. Primary outcomes included fruit and vegetable intake, consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and take-away, alcohol and tobacco smoking, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC). Variables were summed to form a single Healthy Lifestyle Index (HLI) ranging from 0 to 18, with higher scores denoting healthier behaviours. Longitudinal associations between lifestyle indices, assessed using Gaussian Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) models with an identity link and robust standard errors.
Results

Improvements in HLI scores were noted between baseline (Md = 10.0; IQR = 8.3, 11.7] and 26-weeks (Md = 11.7; IQR = 10.0, 13.2] which corresponded with increases in fruit and vegetable consumption and decreases in takeaway frequency, and weight indices (p < .01 for all) but not risky alcohol intake. Modelling showed higher average HLI among those aged 45 or older (β = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.81, 1.13, p < .01) with vocational educational qualifications (certificate/diploma: β = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.19, 0.76, p < .01; bachelor/post-graduate degree β = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.76, 1.34, p < .01) while being male, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, or not currently working conferred lower average HLI scores (p < .01 for all).
Conclusions

While participants showed improvements in many healthy lifestyle indices including BMI, waist circumference, physical activity, and dietary indicators, changes in alcohol consumption were less amenable to the program. There is a need for additional research to understand the multi-level barriers and facilitators of behaviour change in this context to tailor the intervention for more-difficult-to-treat groups.
Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation Dynamics During Cervical Carcinogenesis
Authors: Li Jianfang , Teng Wen , Wang Yuan , Tan Yuan , Zhou Dongmei , Cao Ting , Ou Yuhua , Zhong Caizhou , Deng Yingqing , Li Wei , Xu Jieying , Wang Ting , Ji Yongkun , Long Huilong , Guo Linlang , Liu Qianqian , Chen Lipai , Xie Ruiyu , Luo Xiping , Sheng Xiujie , Zhou Xinke , Sun Deqiang
Published: September 2021

Background Cervical cancer is the second most common gynaecological tumor of women worldwide, however, the molecular mechanism for the cervical carcinogenesis remains elusive. Current study provides a series of genome-wide DNA methylation blueprints of normal cervix and cervical cancers using Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing. Results DNA methylation dynamic alternations during cervical carcinogenesis were focused on the signal pathway of TGF-beta and epidermal growth factor, which could be used to monitor the treatment response and Tumorigenesis. Transcription factor of E2F6, MBD2 and STAT3 were interfered by aberrant methylation in cancer development. Furthermore, those identified novel methylation markers for the risk of progression along the spectrum of lesion grades could provide new insights into the prevention and treatment. Conclusion DNA methylation signature in cervical cancers can serve as valuable epigenetic markers to guide the clinical treatment. The epigenetic features detected in this study can be exploited for previously unidentified biomarker and prognostic marker development.
Highly Diastereoselective Cascade [5+1] Double Michael Reaction, a Route for The Synthesis of Spiro Thio-Oxindoles
Authors: Moghaddam Firouz Matloubi , Saberi Vahid , Karimi Ashkan
Published: September 2021

The first diastereoselective synthesis of spiro-thiooxindole is reported via Michael reaction between thiooxindoles and divinyl ketones. The reaction was conducted without any catalyst or additive under green conditions, i.e., ethanol as the solvent and room temperature. This study showed the art of governing regioselectivity in which novel spiro frameworks were generated in high yields. In addition to simple and column chromatography-free purification, the high diastereoselectivity makes this protocol very robust. The regio- and stereo- selectivity of the reaction has been discussed in light of the theoretical calculations, and molecular docking has been performed on the reaction products. Our method presents the first synthesis of cis-spiro thiooxindoles, which can be used to generate cis-spiro oxindoles. According to our docking studies, the latter demonstrates higher binding affinities towards the LdUMPS than corresponding trans-spiro oxindoles and may be utilized to develop new hit compounds for leishmaniasis treatment.
Exendin-4 alleviates hepatic steatosis by lowering FABP1 and raising FOXA1 expression via the Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Khalifa Olfa , AL-AKl Neyla S. , Errafii Khaoula , Arredouani Abdelilah
Published: September 2021

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading chronic liver disease worldwide. Agonists of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), currently approved to treat type 2 diabetes, hold promise to improve steatosis and even steatohepatitis. However, due to their pleiotropic effects, the mechanisms underlying their protective effect on NAFLD remain elusive. We aimed to investigate these mechanisms using an in vitro model of steatosis treated with the GLP-1R agonist Exendin-4 (Ex-4). We established steatotic HepG2 cells by incubating HepG2 cells with 400 µM oleic acid (OA) overnight. Further treatment with 200nM Ex-4 for 3 hours significantly reduced the OA-induced lipid accumulation (p < 0.05). Concomitantly, Ex-4 substantially reduced the expression levels of Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 1 (FABP1) and its primary activator, Forkhead box protein A1 (FOXA1). Interestingly, the silencing of β-catenin with siRNA abolished the effect of Ex-4 on these genes, suggesting dependency on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Furthermore, after β-catenin silencing, OA treatment significantly increased the expression of nuclear transcription factors SREBP-1 and TCF4, whereas Ex-4 significantly decreased this upregulation. Our findings suggest that direct activation of GLP-1R by Ex-4 reduces OA-induced steatosis in HepG2 cells by reducing fatty acid uptake via FABP1 downregulation.
Hospital Management Practices In County-Level Hospitals In Rural China And International Comparison
Authors: Hu Min , Chen Wen , Yip Winnie
Published: September 2021

Background: Although management is important in healthcare, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have little experience measuring the competence of hospital management. While improving hospital management is the main focus of hospital reform in China, few studies have empirically documented the baseline situation to inform policy design.Methods: We assessed the management practices of county-level hospitals in Guizhou in southwest China during 2015. We used the Development World Management Survey (D-WMS) instrument to interview 273 managers in 139 hospitals. We scored the management practices of the sampled hospitals, overall and in four dimensions (operations, monitoring, targets, personnel management) and three processes (implementation, usage, monitoring). We then converted the scores to the WMS scale and compared these with data from two other LMICs and seven high-income countries (HICs). Results: On a scale of 1 (‘worst practice’) to 5 (‘best practice’), the mean (SD) hospital D-WMS scores were 2.57 (0.46) overall; 2.71 (0.48), 2.64 (0.58), 2.40 (0.64), and 2.56 (0.40) for operation, monitoring, target, and personnel, respectively; and 2.43 (0.48), 2.62 (0.48), and 2.66 (0.47) for implementation, usage, and monitoring, respectively. After conversion to WMS scores, China ranked seventh of 10 countries, after six HICs and higher than one HIC and two other LMICs (Brazil and India). China ranked higher than the two LMICs in each of the four dimensional scores. Conclusions: Chinese county-level hospitals should improve their low quality of management by prioritizing target-setting and process implementation, particularly in personnel management. Meanwhile, modern management training should be given to most clinical managers.
WITHDRAWN: Efficacy of commercially available disinfectants against human norovirus surrogates and Clostridioides difficile endospores
Authors: Huang Jinge , Park Geun W , Jones Rachael , Frazer Angie , Vinje Jan , Jiang Xiuping
Published: September 2021

Background
Routine disinfection of environmental surfaces is essential to control the spread of pathogens that cause healthcare-associated infections. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a panel of disinfectants against two human norovirus surrogates [feline calicivirus (FCV) and Tulane virus (TuV)] and Clostridioides difficile endospores.
Methods
Nine products on EPA’s List G were selected using four criteria: 1) ready-to-use, 2) nonchlorine-based active ingredient, 3) commercially available, and 4) limited known health risks. Active ingredients of the products included hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), peracetic acid, quaternary ammonium compounds, or alcohols. The efficacy of the products against FCV, TuV and C. difficile spores was tested using the ASTM suspension test and on stainless steel coupons for 1, 5 and 10 min (FCV, TuV) and 10 min (C. difficile spores).
Results
On stainless steel carriers, seven of the nine products reduced FCV > 5.1 log after 5 min of contact time and eight products after 10 min. One product reduced TuV > 3.1 log after 5 min while 8 products could not achieve this level of reduction even after 10 min. Only one product achieved > 6.0 log reduction of C. difficile spores after 10 min while other 8 products could not achieve this acceptable efficacy. The two most efficacious products contained H2O2 as active ingredient and resulted in > 5.1 log reduction of FCV and ≥ 2.4 log reduction of TuV after 5 min contact time on stainless steel carriers. However, among the five products containing H2O2, no strong correlation (R2 = 0.25, p = 0.03) between log reduction and H2O2 concentration was detected using the ASTM suspension test, suggesting product formulation, not active ingredient concentration, impacts efficacy.
Conclusion
A panel of nine EPA-approved disinfectants was tested against two HuNoV surrogates (FCV and TuV) and C. difficile endospores. The most efficacious products contained hydrogen peroxide as active ingredient. TuV was confirmed to be the more conservative surrogate for HuNoV than FCV. No strong correlation between log reduction and hydrogen peroxide concentration was detected, suggesting that product formulation has a significant impact on the efficacy of a product.