bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Strain Fields Generated by Hydraulic Fracturing with Analytical and Numerical Modeling of Fiber Optic Response
Authors: Ramos Gurjao Kildare George , Gildin Eduardo , Gibson Richard , Everett Mark
Published: February 2022

The use of fiber optics in reservoir surveillance is bringing valuable insights into fracture geometry and fracture-hit identification, stage communication, and perforation cluster fluid distribution in many hydraulic fracturing processes. However, given the complexity associated with field data, its interpretation is a major challenge faced by engineers and geoscientists. In this work, we propose to generate distributed strain sensing (DSS)/distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) synthetic data of a crosswell fiber deployment that incorporates the physics governing hydraulic fracturing treatments. Our forward modeling can be used to add value to the interpretation task.

The forward modeling is based on analytical and numerical solutions. The analytical solution is developed integrating two models: 2D fracture (e.g., Khristianovic-Geertsma-de Klerk known as KGD) and Sneddon’s induced stress. DSS is estimated using the plane strain approach that combines calculated stresses and rock properties (e.g., Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio). On the other hand, the numerical solution is implemented using the displacement discontinuity method (DDM), a type of boundary element method, with net pressure and/or shear stress as the boundary condition. In this case, the fiber gauge length concept is incorporated deriving displacement (i.e., DDM output) in space to obtain DSS values. In both methods, DAS is estimated by the differentiation of DSS in time.

The analytical technique considers a single fracture opening and is used in a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the impact that rock/fluid parameters can promote on strain time histories. Moreover, advanced cases including multiple fractures failing in tensile or shear mode are simulated applying the numerical technique. Results indicate that our models are able to capture typical characteristics present in field data: heart-shaped pattern from a fracture approaching the fiber, stress shadow, and fracture hits. In particular, the numerical methodology captures relevant phenomenon associated with hydraulic and natural fractures interaction, which is often interpreted purely in terms of opening fractures.

We can anticipate that the developed forward modeling, when embedded in a classification or regression artificial intelligence framework, will be an important tool adding substantial insights related to field fracture systems that ultimately can lead to production optimization. Also, the development of specific packages (commercial or otherwise) that explicitly model both DSS and DAS, incorporating the impact of fracture opening and slippage on strain and strain rate is still in its infancy. This paper is novel in this regard and opens up new avenues of research and applications of synthetic DAS/DSS in hydraulic fracturing processes.
Inflow Control Devices Placement: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach
Authors: Sabet Nasser , Irani Mazda , Hassanzadeh Hassan
Published: February 2022

Nowadays, it is common to use horizontal wells to improve the oil production rate. The production rate varies along the horizontal well because of either frictional pressure losses (the heel-toe effect) or reservoir heterogeneity. Such a flux variability in zones close to the bottomwater and gas cap leads to water and gas breakthroughs. To mitigate water (or gas) coning, inflow control devices (ICDs) have become a standard practice to control instability and improve uniformity in the inflow profile. These devices help delay the water (or gas) breakthroughs by exerting a greater restriction on high water/oil ratio (or gas/oil ratio) zones.

In the design and analysis of ICDs, the only sensible method is to model these tools using the numerical simulation that couples the well and the reservoir. Reservoir and production engineers formulate the ICD characteristics using expensive and time-consuming flow loop testing. In some scenarios, fluid flow simulations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are used to compare the results with the flow loop. However, owing to convergency issues in CFD and the unavailability of an established framework, the CFD results are not used to formulate the ICDs in the reservoir models. Instead, different types of empirical correlations are used to describe the ICDs, which require many empirical factors, causing inconsistencies in calculations. In this study, we first use CFD to characterize an orifice-based ICD in terms of the Reynolds number. Then, the results are formulated in a correlation that provides a consistent approach from CFD to well/reservoir modeling. Using such a framework, operators can ensure their prototypes are suitable for any specific problem by altering the geometry and simulating several scenarios from CFD to well/reservoir model.
Interpretation of HFTS 2 Microseismic Data Using Bedding-Plane-Slip Mechanism
Authors: Tan Yunhui , Wang Jiehao , Rijken Margaretha , Zhang Zhishuai , Fang Zijun , Wu Ruiting , Lim Chen Ning Ivan , Liu Xinghui
Published: February 2022

The objective of this study is to understand how microseismic events are generated during hydraulic fracturing, as well as the role of geomechanical conditions (i.e., stress and mechanical stratigraphy) in this process. In the industry, microseismic event clouds have been generally used as an “outer boundary” of the “stimulated reservoir volume” (SRV). However, by comparing with other surveillance data (low-frequency distributed acoustic sensing, or LF-DAS, strain) in the Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site (HFTS) 2 experiment, we show that this assumption is fundamentally flawed. The HFTS 2 data have three unique observations that have not been commonly observed in other datasets: (1) Due to the influence of offset pad depletion, microseismic data show that hydraulic fractures from the child well can propagate over 3,000 ft into the depleted low-stress zone. (2) By comparing microseismic and horizontal fiber LF-DAS strain data, we observe that the microseismic event cloud does not necessarily reflect the created hydraulic fracture volume. Particularly, the extent of microseismic event clouds near heel stages is much shorter than what is shown with LF-DAS strain data. (3) Microseismic event magnitudes are larger in the depleted regions. Through geomechanical analysis, we demonstrate that the “bedding-plane-slip” model is likely the mechanism for microseismic generation during hydraulic fracturing. This model successfully explains the above field observations from the HFTS 2 experiment. We also provide a quantitative relationship connecting the microseismic event magnitude with fracture width increment and layer mechanical property contrast.
Right Ventricle Fatty Infiltration Evaluated by Cardiac-CT Scan in Anderson-Fabry’s Disease, A Case Report
Authors: Rodríguez-Pérez Álvaro , Ruíz-López Adrian , Fernández-Martínez Juan , Torra Roser , Medel David Viladés
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Anderson Fabry Disease (AFD) is a metabolic storage disorder that leads to a multisystemic accumulation of glycosphingolipids. AFD cardiomyopathy presentation includes left ventricular hypertrophy, tachyarrhythmias and conduction disturbances. Right ventricle impairment is less common, probably underdiagnosed and its prognosis has been barely reported possibly due to technical limitations in cardiac magnetic resonance studies (CMR).Case presentation: A patient with AFD presented with functional deterioration, moderate left ventricular systolic dysfunction and a new onset lateral segmentary defect. A cardiac CT scan was indicated to rule out significant coronary artery disease and showed myocardial fatty infiltration progression and right ventricle involvement that was not reported in previous cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).Conclusions: Although CMR is the gold standard technique to study AFD cardiomyopathy, in some selected cases cardiac CT scan could help to better evaluate disease progression, especially when RV is affected.
Integration of blue-green electroluminescence structure in mid-infrared hollow optical fiber for targeting invisible CO2 laser beam
Authors: Shen Yang , Li Guishun , Xie Guoxing , She Changkun , Jing Chengbin , Chu Junhao
Published: February 2022

Mid-infrared (IR) CO2 lasers have important applications in laser medicine and material processing. However, the CO2 laser beam is invisible to human eyes, it is not easy to accurately indicate the beam position in practical applications. In this work, we designed a PEDOT (Poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) /ZnS: Cu /BaTiO3 /Ag electroluminescence (EL) structure and integrated it at the output end of the mid-IR hollow optical fiber. The blue-green light can be output along with the CO2 laser beam in this EL structure integrated fiber, thus achieving the optical path indication and illumination of invisible laser beam. This work provides a possible guide for aiming the CO2 laser beam in the min-IR optical fiber.
The Time Trend of Callssuspected of Having A Stroke with The Emergency Medical Services and Its Forecasting for The Next 5 Years in Iran
Authors: Seyfi Saeed , Moradian Mohammad Javad , Seif Mozhgan , Mirzaei Samaneh , Nasiriani Khadijeh
Published: February 2022

Backgrounds: Stroke is known as the second leading cause of death and the first leading cause of disability in developing and underdeveloped countries and the annual absolute numbers of people with stroke, stroke survivors, stroke-related deaths, and overall stroke burden have shown an increasing trend. This study was aimed to investigate the time trend of calls for suspected stroke received by the Emergency Medical Servicesand to predict this trend for the next 5 years inShiraz, Iran.Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical ecological study with time seriesdata. The required data were extracted from Shiraz Emergency Medical Center between2013and2019. ITSM 2000, Excel 2013 and SPSS, version 19.0 were used to analyze and predict the data.Results: During 2013-2019, a total of 844004 calls were received by EMS call center in Shiraz city, of which 6620 calls were suspected of strokes. The number of suspected cases of stroke between 2013and2016demonstrated a steady trend in a certain range, while between 2016 and 2017, it has significantly increased and after that the number of stroke cases has reached a relative stability.In a short time period, like monthly or seasonally, the highest incidence of stroke occurs in February, the coldest month of the year in shiraz city, and the lowest incidence of stroke occurs in July and August, the warm times of the year in Shiraz city, and this trend is repeated every year. Also, the predict of stroke incidence for the next 5 years indicated that the trend is almost constant with a slightdecline, that is the total number of stroke caseswill diminish by 6% in 2024 compared to 2019. Conclusion:The results of study demonstrated that the long-term trend of reported suspected calls cases of stroke in EMSis currently stable following an increase in Iran, and itis expected to decline in the upcoming years. Besides, in short-term seasonal trend, the number of reported suspected calls cases of stroke in EMS is higher in cold seasons than in warm seasons.
Evaluating the supply and demand of cultural ecosystem services in the Tibetan Plateau of China
Authors: Zhang Jinxi , He Chunyang , Huang Qingxu , Li Jian , Qi Tao
Published: February 2022

Context In the Tibetan Plateau (TP), the supply of cultural ecosystem services (CESs) is unique, and the demand for CESs is gradually increasing with rapid urbanization. Evaluating the relationship between the supply and demand for CESs is critical for guiding regional sustainable development. However, due to the difficulty in obtaining empirical data in the high altitude and complex topography of the TP, relevant research is still lacking. Objectives The objective of this study was to develop an approach to address the difficulties of obtaining the empirical data on the TP and to evaluate the relationship between the supply and demand for CESs.Methods Taking the Qinghaihu-Huangshui basin as an example, we combined the SolVES model and social media big data to evaluate the supply and demand for CESs in the TP. Results Our results showed that the combined method can effectively evaluate the supply and demand for CESs in the basin, and can be used for other remote regions. The supply and demand for CESs in the basin exhibited obvious spatial mismatch. Among the two types of mismatch, in the areas of high supply and low demand of CESs, residents’ subjective well-being (SWB) were substantially lower. Being far away from central city was an important reason for the high supply and low demand of CESs.Conclusions Establishing and improving the transportation system connecting central cities with other counties is encouraged to utilize the rich cultural and tourism resources of the TP, as well as enhance the SWB and promote regional sustainable development.
Leveraging the polymer glass transition to access thermally-switchable shear jamming suspensions
Authors: Chen Chuqiao , de Naald Mike van , Singh Abhinendra , Dolinski Neil , Jackson Grayson , Jaeger Heinrich , Rowan Stuart , de Pablo Juan
Published: February 2022

When sheared sufficiently strongly, suspensions having a large volume fraction of solid particles can exhibit a dramatic increase in viscosity (shear thickening) and even solidify (shear jamming). Investigations to date have almost exclusively focused on rigid, non-responsive particles, which do not allow in situ tuning of shear thickening or jamming. Here we report suspensions of polymeric micron-sized particles with accessible glass transition temperatures Tg) designed to control their non-Newtonian rheology. The underlying mechanical stiffness and interparticle friction between particles change dramatically near Tg. We capitalize on these properties and show that, in contrast to conventional systems, a dramatic and non-monotonic change in shear thickening is observed as the suspensions transition through the particles’ Tg. This behavior enables the in situ turning on or off of shear jamming by varying the temperature relative to Tg, and lays the groundwork for thermally switchable jamming systems.
A practical method to simulate and analyze the consequence of ammonium nitrate explosion accidents
Authors: Wang Qiang , Lu Wei , Huang Qingzhen , Wang Lili
Published: February 2022

Several catastrophic ammonium nitrate (AN) explosion accidents have been observed over the last two decades. Previous studies have been mainly focused on investigating adverse effects caused by the AN explosion, while only a few systematically analyzed the consequences and effects of AN blast. The present study collected the data on three ammonium nitrate explosion accidents (accidental explosion of the US fertilizer plant in 2013; an accidental explosion of China's Tianjin port in 2015, and a recent explosion (2020) of the Beirut port in Lebanon) and analyzed the consequences of the accidental explosions through simulation calculation, thus providing a scientific explanation for the AN explosion in media reports. According to the actual damage, it was recommended that the impact of both shock wave overpressure and ground shock on people and buildings should be considered in the accidental explosions. Calculating the shock wave overpressure, ground shock, and the influence distance, and then comparing the calculations with the actual situation can be used as a feasible method in the rapid analysis of the accidental consequences of ammonium nitrate explosion.
Theoretical Analysis and Experimental Research on the Pressing Force of Robot Drilling CFRP Sheet
Authors: Fu Pengqiang , Wang Yan , Miao Yuhang , Wang Yiwen , Zhou Lijie , Yang Sisi
Published: February 2022

In the process of drilling CFRP sheets by industrial robots, the contact stiffness between the terminal actuator and the sheet is poor, which causes the hole position to vibrate during processing. The design of a presser foot device in front of the terminal actuator can effectively solve this problem. The Navier method is used to solve the allowable range of the pressing force of the presser foot. A numerical simulation model for drilling CFRP sheets is established, and the influence of different pressing forces within the allowable range on the drilling quality is studied, and the recommended value of the pressing force of the presser foot is obtained. Drilling experiments are carried out under different pressing forces. The experimental results show that the optimized pressing force of the presser foot can effectively reduce the vibration of the CFRP sheet during the drilling process, and the surface roughness of the drilling hole wall can reach 1.8μm. At the same time, the surface morphology at the exit of the machined hole is improved.
In silico analysis for the repurposing of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs against multiple targets from SARS-CoV-2: A molecular docking and ADMET approach
Authors: Parihar Arpana , Zafar Tabassum , Khandia Rekha , Parihar Dipesh Singh , Dhote Rupali , Mishra Yogesh
Published: February 2022

Background: Amidst the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) led the world devastated, and resulted in the death of millions of people with its deadly virulence potential. In comparison to similar virus outbreaks, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS CoV) and middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS CoV), COVID-19 led to severe morbidity and mortality. Various therapeutic interventions to combat the SARS-CoV-2 infection are actively investigated, but still, there is no specific drug with high anti-viral efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been reported yet. The present work is an effort to represent the promising therapeutic efficacy of 52 broad-spectrum anti-viral drugs as a potential lead molecule to suppress SARS-CoV-2 infection. These are the drugs that have shown potential efficacy against several viral infections earlier. The present article discusses the comparative analysis of the therapeutic efficacy of available broad-spectrum anti-viral drugs via assessment of receptor-ligand interaction using the molecular docking approach. Results: Based on the molecular docking indications, we predict the potential importance of various broad-spectrum antiviral drugs that can be repurposed for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Molecular docking revealed that Remedesivir, Imatinib, Herbacetin, Zanamivir, Ribavirin, Dasabuvir, Rhoifolin, Sofosbuvir, Cirsimaritin, and 2H-Cyclohepta[b]thiophene-3-carboxamide having strong interactions with respective targets. Conclusion: The present piece of work strongly recommends the anti-viral potential of Zanamivir for RdRp enzyme inhibition, Herbacetin against receptor binding domain of spike protein, and main protease target, Adefovir for ACE2, and Ribavirin for endoribonuclease active site. The current predictions will enhance the clinical development of potential therapeutic drugs to combat the pandemic significantly.
Effect of Load Frequency and Amplitude of Displacement on Soft Rock Joints under Cyclic Shear loads
Authors: Niktabar S.M.Mahdi , Rao K. Seshagiri , Shrivastava Amit Kumar , Ščučka Jiří
Published: February 2022

A series of cyclic shear tests was conducted on soft synthetic rock joints with 30°- 30° asperities. Large scale shear apparatus was used in the experiments to investigate effects of shear load frequency and amplitude of displacement on the joint behaviour. Varying load frequencies (0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 Hz,) and displacement amplitudes (±4, ±6, and ±8 mm) for three different normal stresses (0.1, 0.5 and 1 MPa) were applied. The results indicated that the first peak shear stress on the joint is significantly influenced by the frequency of cyclic shear load and subsequent peaks of shear stress are largely influenced by the amplitude of displacement. Reduction in peak shear stress at higher frequency of load is greater than the reduction at lower frequency of load under cyclic movements. Shear mechanism on the joint asperities at low normal stress demonstrate asperity diminishing does not depend on load direction at high frequency. Whereas, at low frequency of loads, it depends on direction of starting cyclic shear load. Low amplitude of displacement has no effect on asperity deformation under cyclic loads. As the amplitude rises, the diminishing of asperities increases significantly. Shear mechanism and asperity diminishing at low normal stress is similar for the both higher amplitude of displacement and lower frequency of load. Comparison of shear strength envelopes indicated an opposite behaviour of the joint at varying load frequencies and displacement amplitudes.
Lycorine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, inhibits breast cancer proliferation and metastasis involving cytoskeletal protein
Authors: Sun Yanfang , Gao Xiaoyan , Wang Pan , Wink Michael , Drobot Liudmyla , Jin Xiaoyan , Horak Iryna , Li Jinhua , Yang Linjun , Liang Zongsuo
Published: February 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Establishment and Characterization of Chemotherapy-Enriched Sphere-Forming Cells with Stemness Phenotypes as A New Cell Line (BAG50) of Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: bagheri vahid , gholamin mehran , mansouri atena , abbaszadegan mohammad reza
Published: February 2022

Gastric cancer is a malignancy with a high mortality rate worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of tumor cells that possess the tumor-initiating ability, self-renewal capacity, and high resistance to conventional therapies. Due to the diversity and complexity of human tumors, new cell lines are urgently needed to supply clinically and physiologically relevant cancer models. Here, we report establishing a novel cell line (BAG50) with stemness properties. Chemotherapy-enriched sphere-forming cells with CSC properties isolated from a patient with GC were cultured in a serum-containing medium and passaged for up to 51 passages. The colony-forming ability and tumor-forming capacity of BAG50 cells were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. mRNA upregulation of stemness-related transcriptional factors using real-time PCR as well as expression of CSC markers using flow cytometry was investigated. Finally, STR profiling and chromosome studies were performed. BAG50 cells formed floating spheroid colonies in a serum-free medium. Subcutaneous injection of these cells generated xenograft tumors in nude mice. Pluripotency markers (SOX-2, OCT4, and Cripto-1) in them were upregulated compared with normal gastric cells. The majority of them expressed CSC markers of CD44, CD54, and EpCAM, and stemness marker of oct-4. STR profiling showed a unique DNA fingerprint. Karyotype also demonstrated multiple aneuploidies and chromosomal translocations. We suggested that the highly tumorigenic BAG50 cell line with stem cell-like phenotypes may provide a valuable in vitro tool to support new diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers as well as the development of more effective treatment strategies.
Identification and establishment of a culture method for the spiral nematode Helicotylenchus microlobus from tomato in China
Authors: Xia Yanhui , Li Jin , Xu Feifei , Lei Bin , Li Honglian , Wang Ke , Li Yu
Published: February 2022

Background: Spiral nematodes of the genus Helicotylenchus are globally distributed, and contain various species complexes that normally exhibit similar diagnostic characteristics. Some studies on the parasitism of tomato by spiral nematodes include only census data, or morphological data and lack detailed molecular data in China. At present, carrot disks have been successfully applied in the culture of plant-parasitic nematodes, but carrot disks are not suitable for rearing all migratory plant-parasitic nematodes, and only a small number of plant-parasitic nematodes can be cultured. However, the establishment of a culture method for Helicotylenchus has not been reported.Results: Spiral nematodes were recovered from tomato roots and soil samples, and the purified spiral nematode LQ-1 population was identified based on morphological and molecular biological technology. Both the morphological characteristics and molecular analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and D2-D3 expansion region of 28S ribosomal RNA sequences revealed that the species of the spiral nematode LQ-1 population was Helicotylenchus microlobus. Phylogenetic analysis with the rRNA sequences of the ITS and 28S D2-D3 regions was consistent with molecular identification, suggesting that the spiral nematode LQ-1 population formed a highly supported clade with other H. microlobus populations. Additionally, a method for culture of H. microlobus on carrot disks was established, and the effect of temperature on the reproduction rate (Rr) of this nematode was investigated. The optimum temperature for H. microlobus culture on carrot disks was 27.5 °C, and the Rr reached 406 after 90 days of inoculation with 30 females.Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first systematic description of H. microlobus from tomato in China. This study also demonstrated for the first time that the carrot disk method is suitable for the culture of H. microlobus. This study lays a foundation for other related research on H. microlobus, and has significance for the study of spiral nematodes.
The structure of SpoT reveals evolutionary tuning of enzymatic output through constraint of the conformational landscape
Authors: Tamman Hedvig , Ernits Karin , Roghanian Mohammad , Ainelo Andres , Julius Christina , Perrier Anthony , Talavera Ariel , Ainelo Hanna , Dugauquier Rémy , Zedek Safia , Thureau Aurélien , Perez Javier , Lima-Mendez Gipsi , Hallez Regis , Atkinson Gemma , Hauryliuk Vasili , Garcia-Pino Abel
Published: February 2022

Stringent factors orchestrate bacterial cell reprogramming through increasing the level of the alarmones (p)ppGpp. In Beta- and Gammaproteobacteria, SpoT hydrolyses (p)ppGpp to counteract the synthetase activity of RelA. However, structural information about how SpoT controls the levels of (p)ppGpp is missing. Here we present the crystal structure of the hydrolase-only SpoT from Acinetobacter baumannii and uncover the mechanism of intra-molecular regulation of “long”-RSH factors. In contrast to ribosome-associated Rel/RelA that adopt an elongated structure, SpoT assumes a compact τ-shaped structure in which the regulatory domains wrap around a Core subdomain that controls the conformational state of the enzyme. The Core is key to the specialisation of long-RSHs towards either synthesis or hydrolysis: while the short and structured Core of SpoT stabilises the τ-state priming the HD domain for (p)ppGpp hydrolysis, the longer, more dynamic Core of RelA destabilises the τ-state precluding (p)ppGpp hydrolysis and priming RelA for synthesis
Long-term observation of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab combined with Ozurdex ® in the treatment of retinal vein occlusion with macular edema
Authors: Liang Xuemei , Shen Baiyun , Ou Zuguo , An Hongmei , Li Li
Published: February 2022

Objectives To evaluate the duration and long-term efficacy of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (IVR) combined with Ozurdex® (DEX) in the treatment of retinal vein occlusion with macular edema (RVO-ME).Methods This retrospective case study included 38 patients with non-ischemic RVO-ME who were initially treated by intravitreal injection of IVR combined with DEX. Patients with recurrence of macular edema continued with IVR+DEX therapy. Data were recorded for all patients at baseline and at 1 week, and 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 12 months after treatment. The primary outcome measures were the average reinjection interval and the number of injections. Results The mean interval for reinjection of RVO-ME was 134.2±9.1 days. The average number of injections was 4.2±1.1, and 65.8% of patients received 4 injections. There was no significant difference in mean reinjection interval and injection number between central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) patients. At the end of follow-up, the mean improvement of BCVA in CRVO and BRVO patients was 0.29±0.26 and 0.31±0.33, respectively, and 52.6% (20/38) patients experienced visual acuity improvement of > 3 lines. The average decrease in CFT was 406.0±272.3 μm and 408.2±379.9 μm, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two types of RVO-ME in BCVA improvement and CFT reduction (p=0.82 and 0.98). Conclusion Intravitreal injection of ranibizumab combined with Ozurdex® led to better efficacy, fewer injections, lower medical burden, and more controllable side effects.
Preparation of graphene-based catalysts and combined DBD reactor for VOCS degradation
Authors: liu zongyang , wang yifan , zhang gengmeng , yang jie , liu shengyu
Published: February 2022

The objective of this study was to compare the transformation of by-products between single dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) and double dielectric barrier discharge (DDBD), to optimize the preparation of graphene-based catalysts and apply them in combination with DBD for VOCs degradation. The effect of three experimental conditions (initial concentration, output voltage, flow rate) on degradation rate, by-product transformation, and mineralization was investigated comparatively for SDBD and DDBD. Graphene oxide was prepared using the improved Hummers' method, and the optimal pathway of adding KMnO4 was selected. Graphene-based catalysts were synthesized using the ion-assisted hydrothermal method. The effect of the amount of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM]PF6) on the preparation of three typical transition metal catalysts (Mn, Fe, and Ti) was studied. It was found that NO2 transformation rate of DDBD was higher than that of SDBD. The addition amount and interval time of KMnO4 affect the preparation of graphene oxide. [BMIM]PF6 dose of 0.25 ml, the preparation of three catalysts showed the best performance. MnOx/rGO exhibited superior performance in the degradation of benzene series, NO transformation, NO2 transformation, CO2 selectivity, and energy efficiency. FeOx/rGO exhibited superior performance for O3 transformation. Mn3O4 and Fe3O4 played a leading role in promoting the degradation of the benzene series and the transformation of by-products.
Pyogenic spondylodiscitis caused by atopic dermatitis
Authors: Fukunaga Takanori , Sasaki Manabu , Ninomiya Koshi , Moriguchi Gento , Matsumoto Katsumi , Kishima Haruhiko
Published: February 2022

Pyogenic spondylodiscitis (PS) frequently occurs in the elderly or those with risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic renal disease (CRD), and malignancy. Although we have recorded PS occurring in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), there have been no reports on the same. This retrospective study aimed to determine whether AD is a potential risk factor for PS. We reviewed the clinical records of 39 patients with PS who were surgically treated. Causative bacteria were identified via blood and operative tissue samples and compared to the underlying diseases and age at onset, for patients with AD, DM, CRD, and malignancy. Consequently, AD was identified as the underlying disease in five patients (12.8%); DM, in 12 (30.8%); CRD, in nine (23.1%); and malignancy, in five (12.8%). Staphylococcus aureus was identified as the causative bacteria for all patients in AD (100%), five in DM (41.7%), two in CRD (22.2%), and one in malignancy (20.0%). Age at onset was significantly lower in AD as compared to the other three groups. In this study, the onset of PS in all patients with AD was 50 years, caused by S. aureus. These results suggest that AD is risk factor for middle-aged patients with PS.
PM2.5 concentration prediction in Lanzhou, China, using hyperchaotic cuckoo search––extreme learning machine
Authors: Yang Wenjing , Du Juan , Jia Bowen , Yang Ling , Dong Renze , Li Xinyi
Published: February 2022

Recently, Northwest China has been suffered PM2.5 pollution. Through a case study of Lanzhou city, capital of Northwest China’s Gansu province, a hyperchaotic cuckoo search-extreme learning machine (HCCS-ELM) approach is proposed to establish a PM2.5 concentration prediction model. The cuckoo search is used to generate the number of hid- den layer neurons in ELM. The hyperchaotic system is innovatively introduced to improve the accuracy of the algorithm with its good ran- domness and convergence. HCCS-ELM has a similar memory footprint as ELM, while experiments using observed data from four monitoring stations in Lanzhou during 2016 to 2018 show that HCCS-ELM has higher accuracy in PM2.5 hourly and daily concentration prediction.
Challenges To Maintaining Disaster Relief Supply Chains In Island Communities: Disaster Preparedness And Response In Honolulu, Hawai’i
Authors: Shen Suwan , Chang Ray Hsienho , Kim Karl , Julian Megan
Published: February 2022

Due to global warming and rising sea levels, Honolulu, Hawai’i—a city on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean—is becoming more vulnerable to climate disasters. This article utilizes a mixed-method approach to investigate the challenges of maintaining disaster relief supply chains in the face of the emerging risks to Honolulu. We conduct eighteen in-depth interviews with key emergency management stakeholders to understand current approaches to supply chain risk management. Based on the research, three main challenges influence disaster preparedness in Hawai’i. First, the physical location of the island and the spatial distribution of risk, assets, and capabilities supporting emergency relief present large, unusual constraints not found in other jurisdictions. Second, the challenges of supply chain management, planning, communications and coordination are exacerbated during disruptions and disaster events. Unlike other states, with neighboring, contiguous jurisdictions, there are severe limitations to mutual aid and assistance from outside sources. Third, our research has also identified cultural challenges associated with social, political, and economic development and change. Stronger institutional collaboration both within the state and beyond its boundaries are key to increased supply chain resilience and effective response and recovery from disasters. We conduct social network analysis focusing on measures of density, degree, betweenness, and centrality to better understand the status and gaps in institutional collaboration. The social network analysis reveals that the current levels of collaboration are relatively low with significant gaps between government agencies and the private sector, as well as limited vertical collaborations with respect to supply chain management between federal, state and local partners. There is a need for stronger leadership with deeper engagement across stakeholders. A pathway forward includes: 1) vulnerability analyses focused on private sector supply chain management and public sector transport hubs, networks, and facilities, 2) exercises and training on emergency supply chain management, and 3) longer-term actions to support sustainability, self-sufficiency, local production, and community resilience. Our research is relevant not just to Hawai`i and other island and isolated communities but also to communities threatened by supply chain disruptions.
Whole Genome Sequences Analyses of Indonesian Isolates SARS-CoV-2 Variants and their Clinical Manifestations
Authors: Lie Elnora Listianto , Hermawan Tedi Dwi Fauzi , Audah Kholis Abdurachmin
Published: February 2022

Background: SARS-CoV-2 virus is the cause of the global pandemic since the end of the year 2019. Since then, the virus has had mutations that cause different types of variants with various effects on those infected. This has complicated human intervention for prevention. Indonesia is one of the countries which was heavily affected by the pandemic specifically from May to August 2021, and it is a country that has recorded many distinct isolates.Methods: GISAID database was used to obtain the Indonesian isolates while NCBI BLAST was utilized for comparison of all variants, and MAFFT version 7 for multi comparison.Results: There were 9,488 isolates in Indonesia as of November 2021 where most include the Delta variant. Most of the isolates have mutations common to the ones from other countries. Although there are some atypical ones such as the mutation V1264L in the Delta variant that was suspected play a role in worsening the pandemic.Conclusions: The Delta variant had the most mutations in the Spike protein, when compared to the Alpha and Beta variants, giving its important roles in infectivity and vigorous entry into cells, explaining why in the period of May to November 2021 in Indonesia, there was a rocket of cases for the Delta variant unlike the other variants
The Short-term Effectiveness of Scapular Focused Taping on Scapular Movement in Tennis Players With Shoulder Pain
Authors: Kim Taegyu , Zhang Zhendong , Park Jong-Chul , Choi Hokyung
Published: February 2022

Background: This study aimed to investigate the short-term effectiveness of scapular focused taping (SFT) on scapular position and kinematics during the tennis serve among professional players with and without shoulder pain. Methods: The cohort included 7 players who had no history of shoulder pain (NSP) and 6 players with shoulder pain (SP). All participants performed tennis flat serves while the Qualisys motion capture system recorded three-dimensional scapular kinematic data according to the International Society of Biomechanics recommendations. SFT was applied to the participants’ torso aligned with the lower trapezius, and the same movements were repeated.Results: In the SP group, the scapula was tilted more posteriorly after the application of SFT as compared to before at ball release and maximally externally rotated humerothoracic joint during tennis serve (t=-5.081, p=0.004 and t=-2.623, p=0.047, respectively). In the NSP group, the scapula was tilted more posteriorly with SFT as compared to without at first 75% timing of the cocking phase and maximally externally rotated humerothoracic joint (t=-3.733, p=0.010 and t=-2.510, p=0.046, respectively). And the SP group exhibited a more rotated scapula externally after the application of SFT as compared to before at Ball impact (t=5.283, p=0.003).Conclusions: SFT had a positive immediate effect on the scapular posterior tilting and external rotation during certain phases of the tennis serve among tennis athletes with and without shoulder pain. These findings may help clinicians and sports practitioners to prevent and rehabilitate shoulder injuries for overhead athletes.
Pay for performance (P4P) and estrangement: A mixed-method study on the physicians’ perceptions of the influence of a new reimbursement system on themselves as professionals, their moral stances, and their working and private lives
Authors: Kavas Mustafa Volkan , Tut Hasan , Senyurek Gamze , Elhan Atilla Halil
Published: February 2022

BackgroundPay-for-performance system (P4P) has been in operation in the Turkish healthcare sector since 2004. While the government defended that it encouraged healthcare professionals’ job motivation, and improved patient satisfaction by increasing efficiency and service quality, healthcare professionals have emphasized the system’s negative effects on working conditions, physicians’ trustworthiness, and cost-quality outcomes. In this study, we investigated physicians’ accounts of current working conditions, their status as a moral agent, and their professional attitudes in the context of P4P’s perceived effects on their professional, social, private, and future lives. MethodsFirst, we held 3 focus groups with 19 residents and 1 specialist regarding their lived experiences under P4P and thematically analyzed the transcripts. Second, we developed a questionnaire in order to assess how generalizable the qualitative findings are for a broader group of physicians. The tool has three parts questioning 1) demographic information, 2) working conditions, and 3) perceived consequences and effects of P4P. 2136 physicians responded to the survey. After refining the data, we conducted the statistical analysis over 1378 responses by using Spearman's correlation coefficient, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) for categorical data, and Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis.ResultsThematic analysis revealed two dimensions: 1) factors leading to estrangement, and 2) manifestations of estrangement. As for the initial, participants thought that P4P affected relationships at work; family and social relationships; working conditions; quality of the specialty training; quality of healthcare services; and it caused healthcare system-related consequences. Concerning the latter, the following themes emerged: Estrangement of the physician; damaging effects on physician’s psychology; physician’s perception of their future life; and physician as a moral agent. According to EFA, a 5-factor structure was appropriate: F1) Estrangement; F2) adverse effects on the physician’s quality of life; F3) favorable consequences; F4) physicians becoming disreputable; F5) unfavorable consequences.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that under P4P, physicians have become more estranged towards their profession, their patients, and themselves. They suffer from deteriorating working conditions, lack of motivation, lack of work-related satisfaction, and hopelessness regarding their future. Furthermore, P4P impairs their ability to realize themselves as moral subjects practicing in alignment with professional values and principles.
In Vitro and In Vivo anticancer activity of Ferula gummosa essential oil nanoemulsions (FGEO-NE) for the colon cancer treatment
Authors: Nosrat Toktam , Tabrizi Masoud Homayouni , Etminan Ayda , Irani Mahjoubeh , Zarei Bahar , Rahmati Amir
Published: February 2022

This survey was performed to aim of synthesize Nano emulsion from Ferula gummosa essential oil (FEGO-NE) and to evaluate its anti-tumor effect.First, Ferula gummosa essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS method, then the Nano emulsion was synthesized as O/W and after characterization by DLS, Zeta potential, AFM, FESEM and TEM methods, its toxicity was evaluated by MTT method. Then its pro-apoptotic effects were evaluated by qPCR (Caspase3, 9, Bax and Bcl-2) method and AO/PI staining. The cancer induction model was used to evaluate the antitumor effects in Balb/C mice. The anti-angiogenic and antioxidant effects were evaluated by qPCR (VEGF, CAT and SOD) method.The results of physicochemical studies showed the formation of nanoparticles with dimensions of 24.6 nm, dispersion index of 0.41 and zeta potential of -28.5 mV with a spherical morphology. The Nano emulsion synthesized at a concentration of 2.9 μg/ml inhibited about 50% of ht-29 cells, while up to a concentration of 4 μg/ml showed no inhibitory effect on normal cells. Increase of caspase 3, 9 and Bax and decrease of BCL-2 gene expression along with increase of apoptotic cells in AP / PI staining confirmed induction of apoptosis by FEGO-NE. The FEGO-NE showed an inhibitory effect on angiogenesis and an additive effect on the expression of antioxidant genes. In addition, the reduction of tumor volume (69.72% in 14 days) in samples treated with FEGO-NE was confirmed. The results of this study showed that FEGO-NE by various mechanisms are able to inhibit cancer cells and have a reducing effect on induced tumors in the in vivo model. These results suggest FEGO-NE as a suitable candidate for cancer therapy studies.
Diagnostic value of routine dental radiographs for predicting the inferior alveolar nerve localization validated by CBCT measurements.
Authors: Wiechens Bernhard , Brockmeyer Phillipp , Sevinc Tayhan , Hoene Georg , Schliephake Henning , Hahn Wolfram
Published: February 2022

Purpose
To test the hypothesis that routine dental radiographs can be used to draw conclusions regarding inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) localization.
Methods
A total of 108 radiographs (36 orthopantomograms [OPTs], 36 lateral cephalograms [LCs], and 36 cone-beam computed tomograms [CBCTs]) of 36 patients were analyzed. Cephalometric parameters obtained through OPTs and LCs were correlated with CBCT scans for predictability of IAN localization.
Results
The IAN ran along the lingual half (n = 24) twice as often as in the buccal half (n = 12) in population of the study. The position was always symmetrical contralaterally. No sex-specific correlations were observed (p = 0.34). Lingual nerve courses correlated with enlarged and buccal courses with reduced jaw angles (p = 0.003 / p = 0.010). An increased jaw angle was significantly correlated with a more cranial nerve position; a deep and distal bite position was significantly correlated with a caudal and buccal nerve position (p = 0.020). Moreover, an increase of 1 point in the Hasund score predicted an increased probability of a buccal nerve position by 18.6%. The jaw angle analyzed in OPT, and LC images were positively correlated (r = 0.89, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Routine dental radiographs provide meaningful conclusions about IAN localization in the vertical and transverse dimension prior CBCT scans. This finding could be used during the initial consultation and treatment planning to weigh more invasive diagnostic methods further down the line.
The impact of the COVID-19 on the mental health of pregnant women in Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhang Jiali , Yuan Hualong , Xu Liping , Yi Chuntao , Tang Weiming
Published: February 2022

Background
The COVID-19 has greatly impacted people's health, especially mental health. This study aimed to compare the psychological status of pregnant women before and after the COVID-19 outbreak.
Method
Participants were recruited (from September 29, 2019, to November 5, 2020) and screened by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). The study participants were categorized into three groups based on two turning-point days: January 23, 2020, when China initiated a locked-down strategy, and May 11, 2020, when Shanghai’s COVID epidemic situation became stable.
Results
We recruited 478 pregnant women. After the outbreak, the depression rate (PHQ-9≥5) increased 12.3% (from 35.4–47.7%, P=0.022), and the anxiety rate (GAD-7≥5) was stable (13.3% VS 16.2%, P=0.46). The multivariable logistic regression results further confirmed that the odds of depression in pregnant women increased 79% after the outbreak (aOR=1.79, 95%CI: 1.14-2.79). Under the epidemic, the median depression scale score was still statistically higher after the epidemic situation was stable (5.0 vs. 4.0, P=0.028).
Conclusion
The depression rate increased among pregnant women after the outbreak and was not recovered after the epidemic turned normal among pregnant women. Health institutes should pay attention to the long-term influence of the pandemic.