bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tectono‐Stratigraphic Controls on Cenozoic Southeast Asian Carbonates
Authors: Lunt Peter , Woodroof Peter
Published: April 2023

In Southeast Asia, Cenozoic carbonates commonly were initiated or terminated at times of tectonic change, and they are bound by unconformities. A review of the timing of several of the largest unconformities shows they correlate over wide areas. These unconformities divide the stratigraphic record of Sundaland into episodes, with times of rapid basinal re-adjustment separated by periods of relative stasis. These generalizations are true not only in the successions deposited during the dominantly extensional later Eocene to early Miocene, but also in the often-compressional middle Miocene and younger deposits, in which at least three phases of rapid tectonic and stratigraphic change can be correlated over multiple depocenters. A detailed review of many areas of Southeast Asia using quantitative biostratigraphic methods indicates that tectonism resulted in relative changes in sea level, with no indication that eustasy was an important driving force.

The boundaries between these sedimentary episodes vary in their effect and distribution, depending upon the tectonic cause. As a consequence, there is no uniform subdivision of the stratigraphic record across the region, which precludes a simple Sundaland-wide classification of primary sedimentary sequences. This review concentrates on both event timing and rates of change within and between basins, especially those changes that initiated or terminated carbonate deposition. In addition, some short-lived carbonate buildups that developed during transitional periods are described.

This review provides the beginnings of a new stratigraphic framework for the Cenozoic carbonates and related deposits of Southeast Asia. It requires an inductive analytical methodology, in contrast to the model-driven and deductive approaches that have been applied in recent years. This episodic stratigraphy approach includes integration of large amounts of analytical data, for which the Cenozoic tropical sediments of Southeast Asian basins are particularly well suited.
Tectono‐Stratigraphic Framework of Luconia Carbonates
Authors: Lunt Peter
Published: April 2023

This paper describes the deposition of Miocene carbonates around Sarawak in a tectono-stratigraphic framework. The onset, termination, and location of the two main carbonate units, the Subis or Lower Cycle II limestones and the Luconia limestone, were controlled by tectonic processes, each beginning with a subsidence event, and terminated by influxes of siliciclastic sediments due to hinterland uplift. New data are presented on the intra–late Miocene decline of Luconia Limestone platforms that is correlated to the uplift of onshore Sarawak (Tinjar Province) and renewed siliciclastic sedimentation, which is dated as being at the same time as major uplift in northern Borneo.

Miocene sedimentation around Sarawak was controlled mostly by extensional tectonics with several rapid subsidence events, which produced transgressive unconformities with mappable focal areas. Away from these focal areas, the contrast in facies, before and after the event, gradually diminishes in a predictable manner. This property of the unconformity is governed by Walther’s Law in that one well or field section cannot be exempt from the mappable trends in facies contrast observed in surrounding wells. This relationship constrains the interpretation of seismic, mapping, and analytical data, as illustrated by an example of a misdated unconformity that previously violated this balance of facies change in space and time.

The tectono-stratigraphic model is a refinement of an existing empirical scheme devised in the area, with units called “Cycles” (Cycles I to VIII). This evidence-based framework is argued to be a genetic description of depositional units that developed in a dynamically evolving depocenter, subject to geographic rotation and relative variations in sea level that were dependent on location. This shifting basin configuration precludes use of a passive margin sequence stratigraphic approach, which assumes and requires a constant proximal to distal sedimentary direction and steady basement subsidence.
Effective Data Visualization and Analytics: Unique Considerations for Large Scale Production Operations
Authors: Stephenson Travis Wyatt
Published: April 2023

There are many exciting and effective uses of digital technology in modern oil and gas operations. From drilling to completions, mid-stream to refining many advances have been made that are increasing compliance, safety, efficiency, and overall profit for many in our industry. One area that has been slower to change is onshore production operations. Many digital solution providers that have experience in the oil and gas industry have fallen short of this segment's needs. Multiple exploration and production (E&P) companies have attempted digital initiatives that have seen limited success. This may be due to not understanding the data needs, consumption requirements, and overall digital and organizational landscape of production operations. This paper attempts to illustrate five key ways that onshore upstream production operations differ from other aspects of oil and gas, and give considerations and guidance to digital solution providers and E&P companies so that the needed digital transformation can truly take hold within this sector.

Devon Energy has made investments in the physical, technological, and human infrastructure necessary to improve its digital capabilities for production operations and all other facets of its business for many years. This paper draws on the observations and lessons from the author's experience working both alongside and within Devon's Production Technology organization.
Optimization of Child Well Hydraulic Fracturing Design: A Bakken Case Study
Authors: Merzoug Ahmed , Ellafi Abdulaziz
Published: April 2023

The combination of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling unlocked a huge energy potential in the US. The unconventional plays have been developed by drilling several horizontal wells and hydraulically fracturing them to enhance the fluid flow. The implementation of these well can be done at the same time, known as Tank Development; however, due to the high capital expenditure and the increased risks associated with such an approach, in addition to the limited number of available drilling rigs. Operators try to hold the lease first by drilling one well, producing it, then extending the lease with additional wells. The challenge is that by producing from these wells, the stress and pore pressure state changes around the first wells (i.e., parent well). These changes directly affect the hydraulic fracture propagation from the offset wells (i.e., child wells). In this work, we build a numerical that represents a real case study. The model was calibrated using data from (a) Microseismic Depletion Delineation, (b) Microseismic events, (c) 10 years of production. Synthetic offset wells were implemented to run a sensitivity analysis on the well design (well spacing, cluster spacing, injection volume) and to understand how to design better wells that have been influenced by production from a primary well. The simulations were run for 10 years. The results show that wider well spacing results in better production, whereas lower cluster spacing had better production. This study allows operators to design better offset wells drilled next to a depleted parent well in the Bakken.
Numerical Simulation of In-Situ CO2 Mineralization in Mafic Basaltic Formations in Southwest Oklahoma
Authors: Al Maqbali Qais , Hussain Sadam , Mask Gene , Xingru Wu
Published: April 2023

Power plants and other industries in Oklahoma produce a huge amount of CO2 emissions that should be mitigated for environmental benefits. One method to mitigate these emissions is permanent CO2 sequestration through mineralization. CO2 can be mineralized in the subsurface if injected into iron- magnesium-rich igneous formations that form carbonate minerals. In Southwest Oklahoma, there are several mafic basaltic formations that can be targeted for CO2 storage. The objective of this study is to quantify carbon storage through mineralization in Southwest Oklahoma.

In this study, we built a carbon sequestration numerical model to simulate the geochemical reactions of injecting CO2 into a saline aquifer. The model includes three main geochemical reactions: CO2 dissolution in water, dissolution of formation minerals, and precipitation of carbonate minerals. The first reaction results in forming carbonic acid that reacts with the formation minerals: anorthite, wollastonite, pyroxene, and olivine, which results in releasing calcium and magnesium ions. The reaction between free ions in the formation of water and dissolved CO2 results in precipitating carbonate minerals: magnesite and calcite. CO2 is injected into the formation for four years and simulated for the next 200 years. The rate of dissolution and precipitation was monitored as a function of time. In addition, the reservoir parameters: porosity, permeability, and reservoir pressure, were analyzed as a function of time and precipitation rate.

The results show that 97% of the injected CO2 is mineralized, and the rest is residually trapped and dissolved in water. Due to the mineralization of CO2 in the form of magnesite, and calcite, the porosity decreased by 5% maximum due to the extra cement in the pore space. The reservoir pressure increases during the injection, but it decreases rapidly after due to the quick CO2 mineralization. Lower reservoir temperature increases the amount of CO2 mineralized due to the higher CO2 solubility in water. In addition, changing the activation energy of mineral reactions leads to a change in the dynamics of CO2 mineralization, but the net of CO2 mineralization changes slightly.

The carbon storage numerical model built for this study considers the effect of the formation water chemistry and rocks mineralogy on the amount of CO2 sequestrated. In addition, it shows that Oklahoma can lead to carbon sequestration in basaltic formations.
High Confidence Gas Lift Valve Optimization Survey Using Full Production Logging and MFC Caliper Data
Authors: Heddleston Duncan Craig
Published: April 2023

A common artificial lift method uses natural gas injected at high pressure from casing into the well and mixes with the produced fluids from the reservoir. The added gas helps increase the production due to lowering the static head pressure and overcome the increase in frictional pressure loss from the large gas quantity injected.

Diagnostic surveys are necessary in order to maintain the gas lift systems, keeping the production optimal and the field operations costs low. The Gas Lift Valve Optimization Surveys (GLVOS) are run to determine if there are any ongoing issues with the completions that may reduce the lift capabilities. These high-definition GLVOS can pin point many issues occurring in the artificial lift systems.
An Investigation into the Mechanisms of Liquid Loading in Small-Diameter Vertical Pipes
Authors: Malin Matthew M. , Todd Burt J.
Published: April 2023

Most gas wells produce either condensed water or liquid hydrocarbons, which over time build up in the wellbore and eventually kill the well – a phenomenon called "liquid loading". Industry operatives have used a criterion based on Stokes's Law (the Turner criterion, 1969) for predicting when liquid loading will begin. However, this approach does not adequately account for multiphase flow effects in the wellbore, causing the Turner criterion to give inconsistent results when applied in the field. In addition, there are anecdotal observations suggesting that Turner's results are more accurate in medium-sized tubing, but become less accurate for diameters smaller than 2.0″.

This research was performed by recreating and observing the conditions leading to liquid loading in a controlled laboratory setting. Two series of experiments were conducted in 2.0″ and 1.0″ inner diameter flow tubes of the Montana Tech Vertical Flow Loop to observe morphology changes as the multiphase flow system transitioned from stable annular mist flow (gas dominant) into churn flow and ultimately slug flow (liquid dominant). The two fluids in the multiphase system were air and water, acting as proxies for produced natural gas and natural gas liquids. The water and air rates were varied to cause the flow to move from stable annular mist flow into churn flow and ultimately slug flow.

The experiments were recorded using slow motion video taken at three locations on the flow loop to observe and quantify changes in flow characteristics over a range of air and water flow rates. The slow-motion video was then visually evaluated to qualitatively describe the flow behavior at the droplet and wave level. These data were then used to define a four-stage flow behavior progression based on the fluid morphology changes leading to liquid loading, and ultimately enables a more accurate prediction of when liquid loading will occur in small diameter pipes.

This research supports previous assertions that Turner's critical velocity model lacks the complex multiphase flow behaviors necessary to accurately predict the onset of liquid loading in small diameter pipes. Unusual slugging behavior was observed in the 1.0″ pipe, suggesting that the effectiveness of small diameter "siphon strings" might be tied to the "liquid sweeping" properties of the liquid slugs.
Automated Completion Surface System: The Path to Fracturing 24/7
Authors: Marvel Tim , Johnson Austin , Douget Phillip , Mast Michael , Dyer John , Kuehn Jordan , Wiesner Brian
Published: April 2023

Primary barriers to fracturing the reservoir 24/7 have been identified as 1) the time between stages (this includes transition time and pressure tests), 2) downtime associated with gate valve maintenance and failures, 3) frac pump maintenance and 4) sand and water logistics.

Following a prescribed roadmap, a system has been developed with new subsystems and processes to eliminate these identified barriers through novel products and automated workflows resulting in fracturing the reservoir more hours per day with the goal of reaching 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (please note the difference between being on a frac site 24/7, which occurs today, and fracturing the reservoir 24/7).

The system eliminates the time between stages with rapid, automated transitions from one stage to the next enabling operators to continuously pump for the duration of the completion. Utilizing automated workflows, interlocks with wireline and frac systems, control systems, and RFID, the system eliminates NPT associated with stage-to-stage transitions. An addition to the system that enables the exchange of pumps during frac operations without stopping the frac has gone through initial field trials, with a second iteration soon to be deployed. Although the overall system does not directly solve logistic issues (i.e. sand and water shortages), the demonstrated consistency achieved using the system enables better planning of resources.

A summary of the system’s accomplishments, some previously disclosed, some new, will be presented. The system has broken multiple pumping records across US basins including hours pumped continuously and stages completed. In addition, the system has over a dozen industry "firsts" that have advanced completion practices, reduced NPT, and eliminated transition time. The paper highlights new additions to the system including the automated lubricator, automated greasing algorithms, and the ability to exchange a pump truck while fracturing. Utilizing the plentiful data provided by the system, specific case histories are documented highlighting the gains in operational efficiency, consistency and safety resulting from the new system.
Comparative Cohort Study Of Paraspinal Muscle Volume Change Between Uniportal Full Endoscopic And Minimamally Invasive Open Posterolateral Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Kim Hyeun-Sung , WU PANG HUNG , An Jin Woo , Kim Myeonghun , Lee Inkyung , Park Jong Seon , Lee Jun Hyung , Kang Sangsoo , Lee Jeongshik , Yi Yeon Jin , Jang Il-Tae
Published: April 2023

Background Recent literature of uniportal full endoscopic posterolateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion demonstrates good clinical and radiological outcomes with minimally invasive benefits potentially preserving paraspinal muscle. There is no literature on paraspinal muscle volume change between the endoscopic and microscopic minimally invasive interbody fusion.Methods We included patients who met the indication criteria for lumbar fusion and underwent either uniportal full endoscopic posterolateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion or open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Clinical parameters of visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index were measured at preoperative, postoperative 1 week, 3 months postoperative and final follow up. Magnetic Resonance Imaging measurement of preoperative and postoperative Kjaer grade, right and left psoas muscle mass area, right and left paraspinal muscle mass area were performed.Results 74 levels of Endo-TLIF and 42 patients with minimally invasive Open TLIF were included. There was statistically significant greater improvement in VAS and ODI in Endo-TLIF cohort at 1 week significant improvement of Kjaer grade at postoperative 1 year in Endo-TLIF compared to MIS-TLIF. There is statistically significant improvement in paraspinal muscle mass area in Endo-TLIF (104.83 ± 316.45) mm2 compared to MIS-TLIF (89.88 ± 185.14) mm2Conclusion Uniportal Endoscopic Posterolateral Lumbar Transforaminal Interbody Fusion achieved improved paraspinal and psoas muscle bulk and less fatty infiltration in the operated level as compared to Minimally Invasive Open Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion while both cohorts achieved equivalent positive clinical outcomes.
A novel probabilistic linguistic two-sided matching decision-making method based on competitive effect
Authors: Zhang Li-Na , Wang Xin-Fan , Zhou Huan , Jia Xiang
Published: April 2023

Owing to the fuzziness and hesitation of people in evaluating process, it is often difficult to give numerical preference information directly. Probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTSs) is an effective tool to deal with the fuzziness and hesitation of evaluation information, besides, considering the different risk preferences of matching subjects and the competitive relationship between them, a probabilistic linguistic two-sided matching method based on competitive effect is proposed. Firstly, a new distance measure of PLTSs is proposed. Secondly, according to prospect theory construct the comprehensive prospect matrix of matching subjects and further using min-max normalization method convert the comprehensive prospect matrix into satisfaction matrix. Thirdly, a competitive relationship network is proposed to describe the competitive relationship between subjects, and two-stages of competition: macro competition and micro competition are defined. Then, the calculation formula of competitive correlation strength is proposed and transformed into satisfaction of subjects. Based on the maximization of satisfaction, a multi-objective two-sided matching optimization model considering competitive effect is established, the satisfactory matching results are obtained by solving this model. Finally, an example and some comparative studies are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and practicability of this method.
Estimation of genetic parameters of the productive and reproductive traits in Iranian Holstein cattle using single and repeated records
Authors: Tohidi Reza , Nazari Behrouz Mohammad
Published: April 2023

This study estimated the genetic parameters of productive and reproductive traits of Iranian Holstein cattle from data recorded between 2006 to 2018. The data analysis was performed using an animal model, including the record of the first parity and the first three lactation records. Heritability values for milk, fat, and protein traits using a single record animal model were 0.29 ± 0.005, 0.22 ± 0.005, and 0.24 ± 0.005, respectively. The heritability of these traits based on a repeated records animal model was estimated to be 0.19 ± 0.001, 0.15 ± 0.005, and 0.17 ± 0.006, respectively. Furthermore, the heritability of age at first calving (AFC) and length of lactation (LL) traits were 0.16 ± 0.004 and 0.02 ± 0.002, respectively. Estimated repeatability for milk, fat, and protein production was 0.38 ± 0.002, 0.34 ± 0.002, and 0.36 ± 0.002, respectively. Positive genetic changes occurred over the years of the study for production traits. Evaluation of the effect of herd-year-season (HYS) on the productive traits revealed that the management and environmental conditions improved. The average estimate of heritability for milk, fat, and protein yields and AFC indicates the possibility of genetic improvement for these traits. Furthermore, the repeatability values show that the selection process can be performed based on the first lactation record. The positive genetic trend of productive traits validates the positive response to selection in Iranian Holstein cattle. Consequently, improving environmental and management conditions in Iranian dairy cattle herds is recommended, which will positively affect reproductive traits.
RETRACTED: An Experimental Energy and Safety Analysis in a Grid-Tied Solar Photovoltaic Plant
Authors: Kapoor Kartick , Muthusamy Eswaramoorthy , Gopi Nihkil Pattathu
Published: April 2023

The full text of this preprint has been removed by the authors as it was submitted and made public without the full consent of all the authors.
TBX21 of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Seems to Interfere in The Alzheimer’s-Related Peripheral Immunity Impairment in Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease (LOAD)
Authors: Ajamian Farzam , Langroudi Seyede Razyie Fatemi , Zeinaly Mahsa
Published: April 2023

The involvement of the peripheral immune system has been addressed in the etiology of neurodegenerative disease. Recent Genome-wide association studies have identified several candidate immune genes linked to neurodegenerative diseases including Late-Onset-Alzheimer’s Disease (LOAD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). TBX21 gene which drives Th1 immune response has been linked to the MDD phenotype. In this study, we found that the TBX21 “depressive gene” has significantly elevated expression mRNA levels in the leukocytes of peripheral blood in patients with Late-Onset-Alzheimer’s Disease (p<0.0001). We also found an upward trend of TBX21 expression with an increase in age in LOAD patients compared to the control group (P<0.05; CI=95%). Using the Tetra ARMS-PCR method, two rs41515744 and rs17244587 polymorphisms of the TBX21 immune gene were genotyped in 194 LOAD and 200 control subjects. We found that the TT genotype of rs41515744 plays a protective role in LOAD incidence as it attenuates the expression of TBX21 in the control group. We also found no significant genotypic difference exists for either studied SNPs between LOAD patients and control compartments although the dominant model of rs41515744 represented a substantial association with LOAD (p=0.019). We used in silico approach to explore potential effects imparted by these SNPs in LOAD pathogenesis. Collectively, our results show for the first time the impact of the TBX21 “depressive” gene in LOAD development. The elevated TBX21 mRNAs in the WBCs of LOAD patients might be related to peripheral immune system impairment and, as a potential biomarker for early AD diagnosis.
Surgical techniques and stoma-related complications associated with emergency stoma creation
Authors: Shiraishi Takuya , Ogawa Hiroomi , Naomi Satoh , Shioi Ikuma , Shibasaki Yuta , Osone Katsuya , Okada Takuhisa , Sano Akihiko , Sakai Makoto , Sohda Makoto , Shirabe Ken , Saeki Hiroshi
Published: April 2023

Background Determination of risk factors for stoma-related complications associated with emergency stoma creation may impact reducing complications and improving the quality of life of ostomy patients; however, there are few reports on stoma-related complications associated with emergency stoma creation. Our study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with stoma-related complications after emergency surgery, and evaluate surgical techniques for good stoma creation in the emergency setting.Methods A retrospective analysis of patient and surgical characteristics was performed in 104 consecutive patients who underwent ileostomy or colostomy as emergency surgery between January 2020 and December 2022. Univariate and multivariate analyses of patient and surgical characteristics were conducted to compare cases with and without stoma-related complications during emergency stoma creation.Results Preoperative stoma site marking was performed in 70 (67.3%) patients. Colostomies and ileostomies were performed in 78 (75.0%) and 26 (25.0%) patients, respectively. The skin bridge technique was used in 13 (12.5%) patients. There were 62 (59.6%) patients who were diagnosed with stoma-related complications. Peristomal skin disorders (47.1%) were the most common complication, followed by mucocutaneous separation (31.7%) and stoma retraction (19.2%). Body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio [OR], 5.570; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.233–25.167; p = 0.026), skin bridge technique (OR, 0.144; 95% CI, 0.031–0.670; p = 0.014), and stoma height (OR: 0.134, 95% CI: 0.038–0.469, p = 0.002) were independent risk factors for stoma-related complications after emergency stoma creation in the multivariable analysis.Conclusions In emergency stoma creation, higher BMI and lower stoma height are associated with stoma-related complications. Furthermore, using the skin bridge technique could reduce the risk of stoma-related complications after emergency stoma creation.
Mapping the landslide susceptibility based on an IV-RF Model with revised slope units：A case study of Junlian County，Sichuan Province
Authors: Qian Lijun , Ou Lihua , Li Guoxin , Cheng Ying , wu xiaoming , li qingyang
Published: April 2023

Evaluating landslide susceptibility is a key objective of preliminary research in landslide management and land use planning. Using the revised slope units as an evaluation unit, an information volume method-random forest (IV-RF) model is used to assess the landslide susceptibility in the transitional zone from the basin to the mountainous area. First, based on historical landslide data, an inventory of landslide was compiled using high-precision satellite identification technique supplemented by field surveys. Nine landslide influence factors, including elevation, slope, aspect, land surface relief, lithology, distance from fault, distance from river, distance from road, and land use, were selected via Pearson correlation analyses, excluding the rainfall factor and land surface relief factor, to construct the model and calculate the information values. The RF model was used to calculate the weights of the 8 influential factors. The accuracy of the landslide susceptibility map generated by the IV-RF model was examined by the ROC curve, and the AUC value was 0.945. The results showed that the IV-RF model based on the revised slope units for landslide susceptibility assessment is a reliable and effective method.
Critical care nurses' experiences of caring challenges during post-resuscitation period: a conventional content analysis
Authors: Zali Mahnaz , Rahmani Azad , Hassankhani Hadi , Namdar-Areshtanab Hossein , Gilani Neda , Azadi Arman , Ghafourifard Mansour
Published: April 2023

Background: Patients in the post-resuscitation period experience critical conditions and require high-quality care. Identifying the challenges that critical care nurses face in caring for resuscitated patients is paramount for improving the quality of care.
Aim: This study aimed to identify the challenges faced by critical care nurses during the post-resuscitation period.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews. Sixteen nurses working in the intensive care units of three teaching hospitals were selected using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis.
Results: Participants experienced individual, interpersonal, and organizational challenges in providing post-resuscitation care. The most important challenges include inadequate clinical knowledge and experience, poor management and communication skills, lack of support from nurse managers, role ambiguity, risk of violence, and inappropriate attitudes of physicians regarding nurses’ roles. Moreover, nurses had a negative attitude towards resuscitated patients.
Conclusions: Critical care nurses face several challenges in the post-resuscitation period. These challenges should be addressed through appropriate measures and strategies to improve the quality of post-resuscitation care.
Relevance for clinical practice: In-service education, debriefing after resuscitation, promotion of inter-professional collaboration, and provision of support from nursing managers can be considered to improve the quality of post-resuscitation care and reduce challenges.
Development of a Flexible and Stretchable Wireless Pressure Sensor- Integrated Smart Stent for Continuous Monitoring of Cardiovascular Function
Authors: Oyunbaatar Nomin-Erdene , Shanmugasundaram Arunkumar , Lee Dong-Weon
Published: April 2023

The development of smart stents that can monitor cardiovascular diseases and communicate vascular abnormalities to medical doctors has received significant attention in the field of biomedical engineering. Various in-situ fabrication strategies have been proposed to simultaneously fabricate the smart stent and pressure sensor, reducing the risk of sensor detachment due to the flow of blood. However, the rigidity of the wireless pressure sensor still limit the practical utility of these devices. In this study, we propose a flexible and stretchable wireless pressure sensor-integrated smart self-reporting stent. The fabrication process has been optimized to produce a serpentine-shaped wireless pressure sensor that matches the shape and flexibility of the polymer stent strut. This approach minimizes the interfacial effect between the wireless pressure sensor and the stent strut, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the information provided by the smart stent. We thoroughly investigated the structural integrity, resonance frequency, stretchability, flexibility and radial force of the fabricated smart self-reporting stent under different conditions. The device demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, as low as 0.15 MHz/mmHg. The feasibility of the proposed smart stent is demonstrated by implantation into the arteries of a three-dimensional (3D) phantom. The obtained results and the flexible and stretchable nature of the proposed smart self-reporting stent demonstrate its potential to be effective, and durable for monitoring the functional dynamics of the heart and detecting in-stent restenosis.
Performance of flower-like ZnO/NiO/C bimetallic nanomaterials as anodes of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li PeiZhi , Yang HaiChao , Cheng XiaoLiang , Chen ZhiGang , Wang Tao , Zhang Xing , Yang XiaoWu , Dai FangFang , Zhang Kang , Wang Chen
Published: April 2023

In this paper, as negative active materials for lithium-ion batteries, different porous nano-metal oxides NiO/C and ZnO/C and flower-like ZnO/NiO/C bimetallic nanomaterials were synthesized in this study using the straightforward solvothermal and calcination methods. The reaction conditions of precursor MOF-5-Zn, MOF-74-Ni, and Zn/Ni-MOF-2 were optimized by thermogravimetric analysis and conditional variable control. Second, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) were used to describe the materials' structure. The micromorphology of the material was analyzed by SEM. Finally, its electrochemical performance was tested by an electrochemical test. To confirm that their electrochemical performance is enhanced by their special structure, these materials were tested and compared for their electrochemical performance, and the finding revealed that the specific capacities of ZnO/NiO/C, NiO/C, and ZnO/C were 1490 mAh g− 1, 935 mAh g− 1 and 987 mAh g− 1 respectively for the initial discharge and 1078, 107, and 675 mAh g− 1 independently after 400 turns. The three independently measured capacities were 1078 mAh g− 1, 107 mAh g− 1, and 675 mAh g− 1. The corresponding capacity retention rates were 72.3%, 11.4%, and 68.4%. The prepared flower-like ZnO/NiO/C bimetallic nanomaterials have a significant specific surface area (596.34 m2 g− 1), a great initial specific capacity (1490 mAh g− 1), a strong cycling performance (1078 mAh g− 1 at 100 mA g− 1 after 400 cycles) and a good multiplicative performance. Characterization has shown that the material has exceptional characteristics because of its distinctive floral structure, many pores, and the interaction of several components. The volume expansion's issue has been resolved. The lithium-ion insertion/removal path is shortened, the lithium-ion diffusion channel is increased, and the service life of the battery is greatly enhanced. It offers a chance to research novel anode materials.
E-WE thrombin, a protein C activator, reduces disease severity and spinal cord inflammation in relapsing-remitting murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Verbout Norah G , Su Weiping , Pham Peter , Jordan Kelley , Kohs Tia CL , Tucker Erik I , McCarty Owen JT , Sherman Larry S
Published: April 2023

Objective: Relapses in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) are typically treated with high-dose corticosteroids including methylprednisolone. However, high-dose corticosteroids are associated with significant adverse effects, can increase the risk for other morbidities, and often do not impact disease course. Multiple mechanisms are proposed to contribute to acute relapses in RRMS patients, including neuroinflammation, fibrin formation and compromised blood vessel barrier function. The protein C activator, E-WE thrombin is a recombinant therapeutic in clinical development for its antithrombotic and cytoprotective properties, including protection of endothelial cell barrier function. In mice, treatment with E-WE thrombin reduced neuroinflammation and extracellular fibrin formation in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We therefore tested the hypothesis that E-WE thrombin could reduce disease severity in a relapsing-remitting model of EAE.
Methods: Female SJL mice were inoculated with proteolipid protein (PLP) peptide and treated with E-WE thrombin (25 µg/kg; iv) or vehicle at onset of detectable disease. In other experiments, E-WE thrombin was compared to methylprednisolone (100 mg/kg; iv) or the combination of both.
Results: Compared to vehicle, administration of E-WE thrombin significantly improved disease severity of the initial attack and relapse and delayed onset of relapse as effectively as methylprednisolone. Both methylprednisolone and E-WE thrombin reduced demyelination and immune cell recruitment, and the combination of both treatments had an additive effect.
Conclusion: The data presented herein demonstrate that E-WE thrombin is protective in mice with relapsing-remitting EAE, a widely used model of MS. Our data indicate that E-WE thrombin is as effective as high-dose methylprednisolone in improving disease score and may exert additional benefit when administered in combination. Taken together, these data suggest that E-WE thrombin may be an effective alternative to high-dose methylprednisolone for managing acute MS attacks.
A Dynamic Big Data Fusion and Knowledge Discovery Approach for Water Resources Based on Granular Computing and Three-Way Decision
Authors: Zhang Yongheng , Zhang Feng , Ai Xiaoyan
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study was to achieve intelligent fusion and realize the unified modeling requirements of multi-source heterogeneous big data granulation and knowledge discovery in the field of water resources. This paper takes the management and decision-making data granulation and knowledge discovery driven by big data in the field of water resources as the research object, and uses the method of combining domain numerical simulation and model verification to systematically study decision-oriented big data multi-granularity granulation and knowledge discovery. The method reveals the mechanism and law of the transformation of management and decision-making paradigm driven by big data, and provides a complete solution method for the knowledge discovery of big data in various fields. The results obtained in this study include built a granulation mechanism and semantic fusion method of multi-source heterogeneous big data, and the multi-scale granular structure of big data is revealed, established and evaluated, and multi-granularity feature discovery and granulation method and multi-granularity uncertainty reasoning and knowledge discovery method. It was found that the formation mechanism of granular computing and three-way decision can be explained for dynamic big data fusion and knowledge discovery. The results indicated that the proposed dynamic big data fusion and knowledge discovery approach for water resources can reveal the semantic connotation and relationship of all kinds of resource objects in big data, so that to effectively support big data granulation and knowledge discovery in the field of water resources decision-making. Compared with the existing dynamic big data correlation analysis method, the proposed dynamic big data multi-granularity fusion method greatly reduces the data processing time, which fully shows that the proposed dynamic big data multi-granularity fusion and decision-making method has better performance.
Expression, Clinical Significance, and Functional Determination of the transmembrane channel-like protein 8 (TMC8) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Xingshu , Wu Zhongqiu , Chen Liuyan , Deng Wenyi , Zhang Jianan , Zhu Lingfeng , Zhao Hu , Chen Jin
Published: April 2023

Background The TMC family is a group of transmembrane proteins that function as mechanotransduction devices in the spinal cords of animals. They are involved in the transmembrane transport of ions. Previous studies have shown that TMCs significantly influence the proliferation and cell cycle of human cancers. However, it is unclear how TMC8 affects the occurrence and progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).Methods To address this issue, we downloaded ccRCC RNA-seq data from the Cancer Genome Atlas Database. We screened for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using R software and intersected them with TMC family genes to obtain co-expression genes. We then used survival analysis to identify TMC8 as the target molecule. We verified the significance of TMC8 expression levels in clinicopathological features, survival prognosis, and immune microenvironment using R software and multiple databases. We also screened the top 100 genes most relevant to TMC8 in ccRCC on the LinkedOmics online website and performed Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses using the DAVID database. We further analyzed the high- and low-expressed DEGs of TMC8 using R language and re-verified the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) enrichment pathway. To validate our results, we performed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting (WB) to detect TMC8 expression in ccRCC cell lines. We also performed cell proliferation, invasion, migration, cell cycle, and apoptosis assays to verify the effect of TMC8 expression levels on ccRCC cells.Results Our results show that TMC8 is abundantly expressed in ccRCC and is correlated with poor prognosis and clinicopathological staging (P < 0.05). TMC8 expression is positively correlated with T cells, T helper cells, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes in ccRCC (P < 0.001). The enrichment analysis revealed that TMC8 and related genes were enriched in pathways relevant to primary immunodeficiency, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, and T17 cell differentiation. The GSEA analysis showed that high TMC8 expression is associated with several immunological pathways. Our experiments demonstrated that TMC8 deletion decreased the ability of ccRCC to proliferate, invade, migrate, and undergo apoptosis, and halted the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase.Conclusions Our findings suggest that TMC8 plays a critical role in the development of ccRCC and has the ability to identify and forecast the prognosis of ccRCC patients.
Automatic Modulation Recognition in Two- Way Relaying Channel with the Presence of Relay Transceiver Hardware Impairments
Authors: Tayakout Hakim , Bouchibane Fatima Zohra , Boutellaa Elhocine , Dayoub Iyad
Published: April 2023

Modulation recognition (MR) is well-known as one of the enabling tools, which aims to further afford efficient and secure communications in cognitive radio (CR) context for 5G and beyond networks. In this Paper, we propose a robust MR approach designed for two-way MIMO cooperative relaying network by specifically taking into account two crucial constraints: hardware impairments at relay transceiver and co-channel interference. To mitigate the effect of these impairments, feature-based artificial neural network (ANN) recognizer combined with a nonlinear design of the relay processing matrix with dirty paper coding (DPC) is investigated in this work. Simulations using two receive criterions, namely DPC-ZF and DPC-MMSE, have been carried out to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. It has been proved that both DPC-ZF and DPC-MMSE provide high modulation recognition, whatever the impairments level at the relay transceiver.
Isolation, culture and biological characteristics of duck periosteum stem cells in vitro
Authors: wang yaqin , liu Yanchen , Zong Junlin , Guan Weijun
Published: April 2023

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), known as seed cells, have been shown to be useful in repairing damaged or diseased tissues and organs in the past. However, its clinical application in vivo is limited by individual differences and diversity of sources. In contrast, periosteum or periosteum-derived stem cells (PSCS) are more appropriate for fracture or cartilage damage. PC is also known as MSCs, but it is not clear whether PC is a class of cells of MSCs. Our objective was to isolate the PC of the periosteum of the duck embryo tibia and study its properties. The femoral periosteum of duck embryos at 12 days of age was easily collected, and the isolated cells showed typical stem cell morphology by enzyme digestion and adhesion method. Both immunofluorescence detection and RT-PCR showed that PSC could express CD90, CD29, CD166 and CD44 on the surface of MSCs, but not CD34 on the surface of hematopoietic stem cells. Under different culture conditions, PSC was proved to have the ability to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts and chondroblasts in vitro. In addition, PC also has a strong ability to proliferate and self-renewal ability. In conclusion, our study suggests that PSCS may contain MSCs, which can be used as one of the candidate resources for clinical treatment of bone diseases.
Estimation in Deregulated Environment by using Spark and Big Data Analytics for Real Power Tracing
Authors: Modhugu Venugopal Reddy , Veeraboina Hemish , Punnaiah V. , Sunder Syam
Published: April 2023

Tracing real power in a deregulated environment is particularly challenging, because of unbundling restrictions and an expanding number of market participants. This study suggests utilizing Spark analysis and Bigdata to perform actual power tracing. For predicting the future power system for system planning, the load sharing of generators is calculated using the RED method. Spark is a ground-breaking data analytics and processing platform for the big data era. Spark is far more effective than traditional computing at tracing real power.
Investigating the relationship between habitat quality and immune function in a declining species: a case study of the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus).
Authors: Lego Luke
Published: April 2023

This meta-analysis investigates the relationship between habitat quality and immune function in the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus), an endangered marsupial species in Australia. We conducted a comprehensive literature search and identified 10 studies that met our inclusion criteria. Our results show that habitat quality has a significant impact on the immune function of eastern quolls, with individuals in degraded habitats exhibiting reduced immune function and increased susceptibility to disease. We also found evidence that habitat fragmentation and loss of genetic diversity may further exacerbate the negative effects of habitat degradation on immune function. Overall, our findings suggest that habitat conservation and restoration efforts are crucial for the long-term survival and health of the eastern quoll and other endangered species. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of this relationship and develop effective conservation strategies.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles regulate NF-kB expression and restrict inflammation response in Doxorubicin- induced kidney injury in rats
Authors: Elgohary Ahlam , Metwalli Faten , Mostafa Nasser , reffat Manar , El-Khawaga Omali
Published: April 2023

This study evaluated the biochemical, molecular, and histopathological mechanisms involved in renal injury and the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) in experimental nephrotoxicity rats. ZnONPs were prepared by the sol–gel method and characterised by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). To explore the possible nephrotoxicity and antioxidant effect of ZnONPs, rats were grouped as follows: control group, ZnONPs-treated group, Doxorubicin group, and ZnONPs-Doxorubicin-treated group. Upon treatment with ZnONPs, a significant alteration was observed in the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, catalase, and the levels of kidney function, albumin, albuminuria, immune nuclear factor kappa B (NF-B), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) compared to the Doxorubicin group and control group. ZnONPs' administration to the doxorubicin group showed eminent renal injury control and restoration of the biochemical profile. This increases their active role in controlling kidney function in order to improve nephrotoxicity and inflammatory responses. Histopathological and immunohistochemical observations provided context for these findings. In conclusion, ZnO-NPs treatment revealed a renoprotective effect against the doxorubicin drug, probably via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. This shows the therapeutic application of ZnONPs as a safe anti-inflammatory and shows their potential for the control of renal injury.
A XGBoost Algorithm-based Fatigue Recognition Model Using Face Detection
Authors: Chen Xinrui , Zhang Bingquan
Published: April 2023

As fatigue is normally revealed in the eyes and mouth of a person's face, this paper tried to construct a XGBoost Algorithm-Based fatigue recognition model using the two indicators, EAR (Eye Aspect Ratio) and MAR(Mouth Aspect Ratio). With an accuracy rate of 87.37% and sensitivity rate of 89.14%, the model was proved to be efficient and valid for further applications.