bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Возрастные особенности прооксидантно-антиоксидантной системы крови бычка-кругляка Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1814) из Черного и Азовского морей
Authors: Сигачева Т. Б.
Published: November 2021

Проведён анализ возрастных изменений показателей прооксидантно-антиоксидантной системы (активности каталазы (КАТ), супероксиддисмутазы (СОД), пероксидазы (ПЕР), глутатионредуктазы (ГР), глутатионтрансферазы (ГТ) и содержания продуктов окислительной модификации белков (ОМБ)) крови бычка-кругляка Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1814) из прибрежных районов Чёрного (г. Севастополь) и юго-западной части Азовского морей. Установлено достоверное снижение активности КАТ и ГР в эритроцитах крови рыб из Чёрного моря в возрасте 2+ по сравнению с группой 0+–1+ и увеличение уровня ОМБ в сыворотке крови рыб старших возрастных групп. У азовских бычков отмечена аналогичная зависимость: активность СОД и ГР была достоверно ниже в крови рыб в возрасте 2+ по сравнению с группой 0+–1+. При этом достоверных изменений уровня ОМБ в сыворотке их крови не обнаружено. Выявлен более высокий уровень ОМБ в сыворотке крови бычка-кругляка из Чёрного моря по сравнению с таковым у одновозрастных особей из Азовского моря, что может свидетельствовать о менее экологически благополучном состоянии севастопольских акваторий. Полученные результаты позволяют рекомендовать проведение биоиндикационных исследований с применением показателей прооксидантноантиоксидантной системы крови бычка-кругляка на особях одной возрастной группы.
Дельта реки Волги: статистичекие тренды водного режима
Authors: Валов М. В. , Колотухин А. Ю. , Бармин А. Н. , Татаринцев С. А. , Синцов А. В.
Published: November 2021

В работе проанализированы статистические количественные показатели некоторых характеристик водного режима реки Волги и специфические особенности их динамики за несколько временных периодов с общим охватом лет наблюдений с 1881 по 2019 г. В качестве инструментов анализа использовались методы математической статистики. В динамике водного стока выявлены два периода: до 50-х и после 50-х гг. XX в. Первый из них характеризуется большей амплитудой колебаний между периодами больших и малых сбросов воды в створе Волжской гидроэлектростанции, большей вариативностью и разбросом показателей; второй период ― меньшим разбросом между уровнями сбросов, но значительно укороченными промежутками между годами с бóльшим и меньшим уровнями водности.
Анализ абсолютных высот рельефа в пределах ландшафтов Крымского полуострова
Authors: Табунщик В. А. , Келип А. А. , Андрончик Я. О.
Published: November 2021

В статье получены количественные данные об абсолютной высоте рельефа в пределах таксономических единиц ландшафтов Крымского полуострова ― ландшафтных уровней, ландшафтных зон, ландшафтных поясов и ярусов, а также групп местностей. Установлено, что значение абсолютной высоты рельефа является фактором, оказывающим большое влияние на дифференциацию ландшафтов Крымского полуострова на уровне высоких таксономических единиц. Постепенно влияние этого фактора сглаживается при выделении более мелких таксономических единиц.
A detailed approach to autonomous vehicle control through Ros and Pixhawk controllers
Authors: Quinn Brian , Bates Jordan , Parker Michael , Shoop Sally
Published: November 2021

A Polaris MRZR military utility vehicle was used as a testing platform to develop a novel, low cost yet feature-rich, approach to adding remote operation and autonomous driving capability to a military vehicle. The main concept of operation adapts steering and throttle output from a low cost commercially available Pixhawk autopilot controller and translates the signal into the necessary inputs for the Robot Operating System (ROS) based drive by wire system integrated into the MRZR. With minimal modification these enhancements could be applied to any vehicle with similar ROS integration. This paper details the methods and testing approach used to develop this autonomous driving capability.
Seismic testing of a static power static transfer switch
Authors: Wilcoski James
Published: November 2021

This test report documents seismic qualification testing of a Static Power Static Transfer Switch (STS). The STS is a mission-critical unit that will be installed at Eareckson Air Station (EAS), on the island of Shemya, Alaska. Two units were built, one of which was tested on the ERDC-CERL shake table on 10 November 2020, and the other delivered to EAS for installation. This report presents details on the STS configuration, seismic tests conducted, and the performance of the unit. The unit passed the final seismic test and can now confidently be installed at the EAS.
On the Fracture Evolution and Instability of Pyrite-Filled Marble Exposed to Freeze-Thaw-Compression Loads
Authors: Wang Yu , Yang Haonan , Zhu Chun , Gao Shaohua
Published: November 2021

The preexistence of the geological discontinuities in cold regions is susceptible to freeze-thaw weathering and rock instability, and even the occurrence of geological hazards is strongly impacted by the discontinuities. Knowledge of how natural fracture affects the rock field deformation is crucial to rock stability prediction. This work is aimed at revealing the influences of freeze-thaw on failure process for pyrite-filled marble obtained from an open pit slope. All the tested marbles were selected to roughly have the same initial pyrite band; the full-field displacement and the progressive failure behaviors under uniaxial compression were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using 3D digital image correlation (3D DIC) technique. The testing results show that the previous freeze-thaw action weakens the cementation between the rock matrix and pyrite band; the peak stress and strain are obviously impacted by the freeze-thaw treatment. In addition, the stimulation of pyrite bands influences the displacement development and high strain concentration pattern. The stimulation of pyrite band results in the formation of strain concentration zone, and shear sliding occurs until rock failure. Moreover, it is found that the stimulation of pyrite band and its localized strain takes place progressively and develops fast for marble exposed to higher freeze-thaw treatment. It is suggested that the field deformation development depends on the stimulation of the pyrite bands.
What’s the Best Friction Reducer? You Need To Figure It Out Yourself
Authors: Rassenfoss Stephen
Published: November 2021

Friction reducers are expected to play critical roles in fracturing, some better than others.

Shale producers are belatedly realizing that there are many variables that can alter the performance of these chemicals used to reduce the power needed to hydraulically fracture a reservoir, and in higher doses, to thicken fluid, making it possible to deliver proppant more efficiently.

There are wells that can justify paying more for a friction reducer formulated to stand up to difficult chemical challenges, and others that cannot.

But there is no guide that describes how these key additives perform. Those who do evaluations will realize that a lot of details about friction reducers are proprietary and no industry standard provides guidance about the information needed to thoroughly assess their compatibility with reservoir conditions.

“There hasn’t been a really good method to quantitatively evaluate friction reducers and what they do,” said Paul Carman, the completion fluid advisor for ConocoPhillips, who has not figured out what that method might be.

Recently, Occidental Petroleum took a stab at answering the question with a paper discussing its evaluation of friction-reducer performance.

It’s not a short answer. The paper delivered at the Unconventional Resources Technology Conference (URTeC) does not offer names of the products tested, how many were tested at any stage of the process, or details that might identify top performers (URTeC 5249).

Those who dig deeper and ask fracturing experts will learn that the best friction reducer will depend on the job. And money, time, and research are required to gather the data needed for informed decision making.

When Occidental began working on a system to evaluate friction reducers, they found little had been written on how to do it, said Nancy Zakhour, Occidental’s well design lead, a coauthor of the paper.

There was a general paper from Shell on well chemical evaluation but little else. That shows how oil companies have come to rely on others to do performance testing.

The shale business has not shown much interest in chemical performance until recently. Greater attention has turned to the many details that can incrementally improve shale well performance and to the research showing how friction reducers perform badly due to chemical reactions in some wells.

These are not the only additives that may be affected by chemical reactions during and after fracturing. But friction reducers have grabbed the most attention because they do a couple important jobs.
Sand Control and Management Strategies in a Low-Permeability Sandstone Oil Field
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: November 2021

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 31002, “Lessons Learned From Optimizing Sand Control and Management Strategies in a Low-Permeability Sandstone Oil Field,” by Babalola Daramola, SPE, Propellio, and Chidubem Martins Alinnor, SPE, consultant, prepared for the 2021 Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, 16–19 August. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2021 Offshore Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission.

The complete paper presents lessons learned from optimizing sand control and management strategies for an offshore Nigerian oil field after multiple sanding events and well failures. The authors discuss selection of the previous sand control solution, failure root causes, and remediation options considered.

Introduction

Field E is in a water depth of 500 ft. It features unconsolidated sands interbedded with siltstones and mud rocks, and was developed with five horizontal production wells (A1 through A5), two horizontal water injection wells (W1 and W2), and two gas injection wells (G1 and G2) drilled from an offshore platform.

The produced oil from Field E is exported by pipeline to a storage terminal and exported by shuttle tanker to market. The produced gas is reinjected into the reservoir. Field E achieved first oil production in December 2013 and had produced 43 million STB of crude oil by December 2016 (a current oil recovery factor of 13%).

Field E’s development wells were completed with 13Cr 5.5-in. tubing, permanent bottomhole pressure and temperature gauges, gas-lift valves, and chemical-injection valves for scale and hydrate management.

Initial Standalone Screen (SAS) Selection and Installation

Although core samples were collected from two appraisal wells in Field E, a sand-strength study was not completed before drilling because of existing field analog data and cost-saving reasons. Sand-production prediction was based on the Niger Delta reservoir rule of thumb, which assumes that reservoir sands at depths shallower than 10,000 ft true vertical depth subsea (TVDSS) are unconsolidated and are expected to fail. The target reservoir was at a depth of 9,450 ft TVDSS and was expected to produce sand. Field E’s rock unconfined compressive strength was not measured, with 2,000–8,000 psi assumed based on field analog data. SASs were selected for sand control because most neighboring oil fields used them as well.

The complete paper includes failure root-cause analyses of all four wells; this synopsis will include analyses of Wells A2 and A3.
Pore Scale Study of the Effects of Wettability Alteration on Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Yang Weipeng , Lu Jun
Published: November 2021

Drainage displacement at unfavorable viscosity ratios is often encountered in oil recovery process, which significantly limits the oil recovery. Surfactants have been extensively used as wettability modifier to improve the hydrocarbon recovery from rock matrix by imbibition, but little attention has been paid to the use of surfactant-aided wettability alteration to suppress fingering during displacement. In this study, we investigate the surfactant-aided immiscible displacement in oil-wet microfluidic chips. We find that the change of advancing contact angle by surfactant is velocity dependent and stable displacement can be achieved at low velocity when surfactant solution is used at the injection fluid. In comparison, fingering occurs at all capillary numbers for water injection, resulting in low oil recovery. Besides, the generation of oil ganglion during waterflooding and surfactant flooding exhibits completely different characteristics. Our study reveals the pore-scale mechanism of surfactant-aided wettability on the immiscible displacement, which is important for highly efficient oil recovery.
Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci for Related Traits of Stalk Lodging Resistance Using Genome-wide Association Studies in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Wu Lifen , Zheng Yunxiao , Jiao Fuchao , Wang Ming , Zhang Jing , Zhang Zhongqin , Huang Yaqun , Jia Xiaoyan , Zhu Liying , Zhao Yongfeng , Guo Jinjie , Chen Jingtang
Published: November 2021

Background: Stalk lodging is one of the main factors affecting maize (Zea mays L.) yield and limiting mechanized harvesting. Developing maize varieties with high stalk lodging resistance requires exploring the genetic basis of lodging resistance-associated agronomic traits. Stalk strength is an important indicator to evaluate maize lodging and can be evaluated by measuring stalk rind penetrometer resistance (RPR) and stalk buckling strength (SBS). And morphological traits of the stalk for the third internodes length (TIL), fourth internode length (FIL), third internode diameter (TID), and the fourth internode diameter (FID) traits are associated with stalk lodging resistance.Results: In this study, 248 genome-wide association study (GWAS) panel with 83,057 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to detect the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for six stalk lodging resistance-related traits. The heritability of all traits ranged from 0.59 to 0.72 in the association mapping panel. A total of 85 significant SNPs were identified for the association mapping panel using best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) values of all traits. Additionally, five candidate genes were associated with stalk strength traits, which were either directly or indirectly associated with cell wall components. Conclusions: These findings contribute to our understanding of the genetic basis of maize stalk lodging and provide valuable theoretical guidance for lodging resistance in maize breeding in the future.
Peripheral Blood Monocyte Abundance Predicts Outcomes in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Balko Justin , Axelrod Margaret , Wang Yu , Xu Yaomin , Sun Xiaopeng , Bejan Cosmin , González-Ericsson Paula , Nunnery Sara , Berhman Riley , Donaldson Joshua , Guerrero-Zotano Angel , Massa Chiara , Seliger Barbara , Sanders Melinda , Mayer Ingrid
Published: November 2021

Biomarkers of response are needed in breast cancer to stratify patients to appropriate therapies and avoid unnecessary toxicity. Peripheral blood gene expression and cell type abundance were used to identify biomarkers of response and recurrence in neoadjuvant chemotherapy treated breast cancer patients. Higher peripheral blood monocyte abundance after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved prognosis in multiple independent cohorts of breast cancer patients.
Long-Term Coexistence of Two Invasive Vespid Wasps in NW Patagonia (Argentina)
Authors: Pereira Ana Julia , Masciocchi Maité , Corley Juan Carlos
Published: November 2021

In Patagonia (Argentina) two non-native vespid wasps became established in the last decades. Vespula germanica was first detected in 1980 while V. vulgaris arrived some 30 years later. Both species can have a strong negative impact on agriculture, natural environment and on outdoor human activities. Invasion success -the establishment and spread of a species- may be influenced negatively by the degree of interaction with the resident native community, and alien species already present. The sequential arrival of these two wasps allows us to understand key questions of invasion ecology. Additionally, recognizing the outcome of the invasion by vespids in Patagonia -a region lacking native social wasps-, may help plan species-focused mitigation and control strategies. We explored long term species coexistence through the deterministic Lotka-Volterra competition model, using site-specific field data on prey captured (to estimate niche overlap) and current nest densities in sites. Food items carried by workers were similar but there is some degree of segregation. V. germanica nest density in shared sites, and in sites without coexistence, were 3.14 and 3.5 respectively, being higher for V. vulgaris with 4.71 and 5.33. The model predicts stable co-existence of both species in the invaded range, yet a higher abundance of V. vulgaris should be expected. Added to evidence on other foraging behavioral attributes of both wasp species and the invasion patterns observed in other regions, it is likely that the prior presence of V. germanica does not contribute significantly to the biotic resistance of the invaded range for V. vulgaris
Endophytic fungi facilitate the coexistence of host grasses and neighboring legumes by changing rhizobial abundance
Authors: Fan Xiaowen , Deng Yongkang , Ge Xiaoyu , Dong Ke , Chen Lei , Zhao Nianxi , Gao Yubao , Ren Anzhi
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Grass-endophyte and legume-rhizobium symbionts coexist in grasslands. However, the effects of endophyte infection on legume-rhizobium symbionts remain poorly understood, especially in natural grasslands. Methods: In this study, Achnatherum sibiricum - Epichloë endophytes and Medicago ruthenica -rhizobia were selected as materials to investigate whether and how endophyte infection affected the growth of legume-rhizobia symbionts. It was hypothesized that endophytes can facilitate the coexistence of grass-legume systems. Results: The results demonstrated that endophyte infection affected the growth of both rhizobia and M. ruthenica -rhizobia symbionts, and the results depended on rhizobial identity. Endophyte infection inhibited the growth of Mesorhizobium ciceri , which significantly promoted the growth of M. ruthenica , and promoted Sinorhizobium meliloti , which had no significant effect on the growth of M. ruthenica . Endophyte infection also changed the interaction between A. sibiricum and M. ruthenica . When inoculated with M. ciceri , endophyte infection weakened the promoting effect of A. sibiricum on M. ruthenica , while when inoculated with S. meliloti , endophyte infection enhanced the promoting effect. Endophyte infection affected the growth of M. ruthenica -rhizobia symbionts by affecting rhizobia abundance in roots and nitrogen content in plant leaves. Conclusion: In conclusion, endophyte infection was beneficial to biomass accumulation and species coexistence in grass-legume mixed planting systems. In this study, it was proposed that endophyte infection may change the growth of legume-rhizobia symbionts by affecting the growth and nitrogen fixation of rhizobia.
Trends in Cancer Diseases Prevalence by Different Socioeconomic Strata in the United States
Authors: Wang Mingsi , Ma Yi , Zhou Liangru , Cheng Yi , Li Yue , Cheng Pengxin , Sun Chengyao , Liu Guoxiang , Zhang Xin
Published: November 2021

Background

Income disparity among different socioeconomic strata in the United States has widened sharply in recent decades. Take into account the well-established link between income and health, this widening income gap may provide insight into the dynamics of the cancer disease burden in American adults. Assess the temporal trends of the 20-year predicted absolute cancer risk in American adults at different socioeconomic classes.
Methods

The cross-sectional analyses were carried out using data from adults aged 20 to 85 years between the 1999 and 2018 NHANES. Socioeconomic status was divided into three groups based on the family income to poverty ratio (PIR): high income (PIR ≥ 4), middle income (> 1 and <4), or at or below the federal poverty level (≤ 1).
Results

The analysis included 49 720 participants. The prevalence of lung cancer was lower in high-income participants than in middle-income participants (0.15% [n= 19] vs 0.35% [n= 92], p <0.001). For the low-income stratum, the prevalence of breast cancer was 1.12% [n = 117], but the number of adults in the middle (1.48% [n = 391], p = 0.009) and high-income levels (1.71% [n = 219], p <0.001) has increased.
Conclusions

The study found that the prevalence of cancer diseases was increasingly different among participants of different socioeconomic classes of NHANES from 1999 to 2018. Further research is required on the dynamics and health impact of income inequality, as well as public health policies and efforts to reduce these inequalities.
Preclinical Evaluation and Pilot Clinical Study of Al18F-DX600-BCH for non-invasive PET Mapping of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 in Mammal
Authors: Ding Jin , Zhang Qian , Jiang Jinquan , Zhou Nina , Wang Zilei , Meng Xiangxi , Liu Teli , Wang Feng , Lu Zhihao , Yang Xing , Yang Zhi , Zhu Hua
Published: November 2021

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a transmembrane protein, is the main entry point for certain coronaviruses including the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 to enter cells. Synthesizing the PET imaging probe Al18F-DX600-BCH which is high-affinity ACE2 is aim to detect the expression of ACE2 in body and monitor the therapeutic effect. The Al18F-DX600-BCH was obtained manually with a 20.4% ± 5.2% radiochemical yield without attenuation correction and an over 99% purified radiochemical purity, being stable in vitro within 4 hours and cleared rapidly in blood (the half-lives of the distribution phase and clearance phase were 2.12 min and 25.31 min, respectively). Results of both biodistribution and PET imaging showed that Al18F-DX600-BCH was highly accumulated in the kidney (SUVkidney/normal > 50), and specific uptake in testis (SUVtestis/normal > 10) was observed in rat images. The kidney (++), gastrointestinal (++) and bronchial (+++) cells were evidenced of ACE2 positive by IHC staining of rats. A total of 10 volunteers were enrolled and received PET/CT 1 hour and 2 hours after injection or dynamic PET/CT during 0-330 seconds (NCT04542863), from which strong radioactivity accumulation was mostly observed in the genitourinary system (SUVrenal cortex = 32.00, SUVtestis = 4.56), and moderate accumulation in conjunctiva and nasal mucosa for several cases. This work firstly reported the probe Al18F-DX600-BCH targeting ACE2, conducting preliminary preclinical experiments and a total of 10 clinical transformations, which demonstrated the potential and possibility of non-invasive mapping of ACE2. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04542863. Registered 9 September 2020.
The Intra-Annual Intrinsic Water Use Efficiency Dynamics Based on an Improved Model
Authors: Bing Xiaojin , Fang Keyan , Gong Xiaoying , Wang Wenzhi , Xu Chenxi , Li Maihe , Ruan Chaoyue , Ma Weiting , Li Yingjun , Zhou Feifei
Published: November 2021

The carbon isotope fractionation value (Δ) has been widely used to infer the intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) of C3 plants. Currently, the most commonly used iWUE method (expressed as iWUE tra ) in tree rings assumes that the mesophyll conductance in plants is infinite. However, many observation-based studies have pointed out that such an assumption leads to overestimating the impact of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) on intrinsic water use efficiency in plants. In this study, a constant g s /g m ratio (0.79) was introduced for calculating iWUE (expressedas iWUE mes ). We applied this iWUE mes model to our newly developed intra-annual (10 samples per ring) Δ 13 C chronology of Cryptomeria fortunei tree for 1965–2017 at Gu Mountain Area and our annual Δ 13 C chronology of Pinus massoniana tree for 1865–2014 at Niumulin Natural Reserve in southeast China. Using dendrochronology techniques, our analysis revealed that the current iWUE tra model overestimates the iWUE values by approximately 2 times and that the iWUE value of trees inferred from iWUE mes modelling decreased significantly in summer-autumn time, which may indicate that alternative factors play a role in limiting the degree of iWUE improvement under the drought-stressed forest in southeast China.
Plasma Disinfection: Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Attenuates SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Binding to ACE2 Protein and the RNA
Authors: Khanikar Rakesh Ruchel , Kalita Monalisa , Kalita Parismita , Kashyap Bhaswati , Das Santanu , Khan Mojibur R. , Bailung Heremba , Sankaranarayanan Kamatchi
Published: November 2021

Cold atmospheric pressure (CAP) plasma has a profound effect on protein-protein interactions. In this work, we have highlighted the deactivation of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Spike protein by CAP plasma treatment. Complete deactivation of spike protein binding to the human ACE2 protein was observed within exposure time of 5 minutes and which is correlated to the higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide formation due to the interaction with the reactive oxygen species present in the plasma. On the other hand, it is established that CAP plasma is also capable of degrading RNA of SARS-CoV-2 virus which is also linked to hydrogen peroxide concentration. Results of this work could be useful in designing plasma-based disinfection systems over those based on environmentally hazardous chemicals-based disinfections.
Allopurinol and Febuxostat Equally Attenuate Methotrexate-Induced Testicular Injury In Rats Via Activation Of EGF/ ERK1/2/HO‐1 Signaling Pathway.
Authors: Rofaeil Remon R , Ibrahim Mohamed A. , Mohyeldin Reham H. , Abdelzaher Walaa Y.
Published: November 2021

Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used in the management of several malignancies and autoimmune disorders; however, testicular damage is one of the most detrimental effects of MTX administration. In the current study, we evaluated the possible protective effect of xanthine oxidase inhibitors either purine analogue; allopurinol (ALL) or non-purine analogue; febuxostat (FEB) in testicular injury induced by MTX in rats. Gonadotoxicity was induced by a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg, i.p.). ALL and FEB were administered orally in the following daily doses (100, 10 mg/kg, respectively) for 15 days. Total and free testosterone were measured in serum. In addition, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), epidermal growth factor (EGF), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), extracellular signal-regulating kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), and nitric oxide (NO) end products were measured in testicular tissues. At the same time, immunoexpression of HO-1in testicular tissue was measured. Histopathological examination was done. ALL and FEB increased total and free serum testosterone. Both drugs showed a significant reduction in testicular MDA, NO, TNF-α levels with an increase in TAC, EGF, and ERK1/2 levels in testicular tissue. Furthermore, both drugs enhanced HO-1 immunoexpression in testicular tissue. All these findings were parallel to the preservation of normal testicular architecture in rats treated with ALL and FEB. In conclusion, All and FEB were protective against testicular damage induced by MTX through anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant actions which might be through activation of the EGF/ERK1/2/HO-1 pathway. At the same time, no significant difference between ALL and FEB was noticed in this protective effect.
Ultraviolet Radiation/persulphate/hydrogen Peroxide Treatment System for Acid Blue 80 Dye Degradation of Batch Flow Chemical Reactor: Effects of Operational Parameters, Mineralisation, Energy Consumption, and Kinetic Studies
Authors: Al–Musawi Tariq , Yilmaz Murat , Mahvi Amir , Mohebi Samaneh , balarak davoud
Published: November 2021

This study offers a comprehensive investigation into the efficiency of degradation of acid blue 80 (AB80) dye using a system using ultraviolet (UV) radiation combined with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and persulphate (PS) oxidants (UV/PS/H2O2). The degradation reactions were performed under different values of PS and H2O2 concentrations, initial AB80 dye concentration, pH, UV intensity, and contact time. The results revealed that the UV/H2O2 provided the best performance at pH of 5, while the best performance for the UV/PS and UV/PS/H2O2 systems was obtained at pH of 7. Besides, 15 mmol was found to be the optimum concentration for both oxidants. The efficiency of the combined process of the UV/PS/H2O2 was higher than that of the other two processes i.e., UV/PS and UV/H2O2, which was 98.2% for a dye concentration of 25 mg/L. Further, the BOD5/COD ratios at the beginning and end of the UV/PS/H2O2 process were 0.19 and 0.52, respectively, indicative of the conversion of the non-biodegradable dye molecules to biodegradable compounds. The toxicity test was performed using the bioassay method with Daphnia magna, and 90% reduction in toxicity was observed in the effluent. The lethal concentration 50 (LC50) indicator was found to be 4.7 mg/L for the dye solution. The results also revealed that the degradation data followed the pseudo-first-order kinetics, and the reaction rate constant was higher for the UV/PS/H2O2 system than for the other systems. The rate of mineralisation by this process was 0.92. Scavenging studies also showed that both the sulphate (SO°-4) and hydroxyl (OH°) radicals play an important role in the degradation process. Energy consumption in the UV/H2O2, UV/PS, and UV/PS/H2O2 processes was 61, 47.8, and 20.8 kWh/m3, respectively. On conclusion, the UV/PS/H2O2 is an effective and applicable process for the treatment of dye in wastewater, particularly when the medium is neutral.
Evaluation of Groundwater in Udi L.G.A. in Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Abbey Minaibim E. , Onyebueke Dennis E. , Ashaka Godspower O. , Ezeife Chikanso K.
Published: November 2021

Groundwater has remained indispensable in Enugu state Nigeria owing to industrialization, lack of surface water, and significant depth to aquifer in the area. A geophysical investigation involving vertical electrical soundings was conducted in order to evaluate groundwater potential at some locations in the Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. With the aid of resistivity instrument ABEM Terrameter, four (4) Vertical Electrical Sounding using Schlumberger configuration were conducted, and the data acquired was interpreted using WINRESIST software. Information obtains from the survey shows that the underlying geological formation in those areas has between 5 – 7 layers. The apparent resistivity obtained in all the layers of the locations ranges from 47.1 – 6956.8 Ωm, while the aquifer was interpreted to exist at a depth between 90 – 120m. Result obtained from this geophysical investigation has shown that the survey area possesses a good groundwater potential which will go a long way in cushioning the effect associated with water scarcity in the area if exploited.
Lipid absorption and overall intestinal lymphatic transport are impaired following partial small bowel resection in mice
Authors: Onufer Emily J. , Czepielewski Rafael S. , Han Yong-Hyun , Courtney Cathleen M. , Sutton Stephanie , Sescleifer Anne , Randolph Gwendalyn J. , Warner Brad W.
Published: November 2021

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is associated with diminished levels of serum fats caused by unknown mechanisms. We have shown that mesenteric lymphatics remodel to a more primitive state one week after small bowel resection (SBR); therefore, this study focuses on the effect of chronic lymphatic remodeling and magnitude of resection on intestinal fatty acid uptake and transport. C57BL6 and Prox1 creER-Rosa26LSLTdTomato (lymphatic reporter) mice underwent 50% or 75% proximal SBR or sham operations. Functional transport of lipids and fecal fat content was measured and lymphatic vasculature was compared via imaging. There was a significant reduction in functional transport of cholesterol and triglyceride after SBR with increasing loss of bowel, mirrored by a progressive increase in fecal fat content. We also describe significant morphological changes in the lymphatic vasculature in both the lamina propria and mesentery. Intestinal lymphatic drainage assay in vivo demonstrated a marked reduction of systemic absorption after resection. Intestinal lymphatic vessels significantly remodel in the setting of chronic SBS. This remodeling results in impaired intestinal transport of fat via the compromised lymphatic architecture, contributing to decreased fatty acid uptake. We believe that these changes may contribute to the development of IFALD, a major morbidity in patients with SBS.
Weighted P-Rank Algorithm Based on aHeterogeneous Scholarly Network
Authors: Zhou Jian , Feng Lin , Liu Shenglan , Yang Jie , Cai Ning
Published: November 2021

The evaluation of scientific article has always been a very challenging task because of the dynamicchange of citation networks. Over the past decades, plenty of studies have been conducted on thistopic. However, most of the current methods do not consider the link weightings between differentnetworks, which might lead to biased article ranking results. To tackle this issue, we develop aweighted P-Rank algorithm based on a heterogeneous scholarly network for article ranking evaluation.In this study, the corresponding link weightings in heterogeneous scholarly network can be updatedby calculating citation relevance, authors’ contribution, and journals’ impact. To further boost theperformance, we also employ the time information of each article as a personalized PageRank vectorto balance the bias to earlier publications in the dynamic citation network. The experiments areconducted on three public datasets (arXiv, Cora, and MAG). The experimental results demonstratedthat weighted P-Rank algorithm significantly outperforms other ranking algorithms on arXiv andMAG datasets, while it achieves competitive performance on Cora dataset. Under different networkconfiguration conditions, it can be found that the best ranking result can be obtained by jointlyutilizing all kinds of weighted information.
Hyaluronan and Proteoglycan Link Protein 1 (HAPLN1) Promotes Viability of Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes
Authors: Chen Yong , Wang Baojiang , Chen Yanjuan , Wu Qunyan , Nandakumar Kutty Selva , Liu Dongzhou
Published: November 2021

Background

To investigate HAPLN1 contribution to the viability of RA-FLSs and identify its potential role in RA pathogenesis.
Methods

Plasma levels and synovial expression of HAPLN1 were compared between healthy controls, and osteoarthritis (OA) and RA patients. Proliferation and migration of RA-FLSs transfected with siHAPLN1, HAPLN1OE (over-expression vector) and respective controls or treated with rHAPLN1 were measured by MTT and CCK8 assays as well as wound healing and transwell assays. RT-qPCR and automated WB analysis were used to compare the expression of AMPK-ɑ, TNF-ɑ, TGF-β, ACAN, MMPs, Cyclin-D1 and Ki-67 after siHAPLN1 or HAPLN1OE transfection. Proteomics and mRNA-seq analysis was done to study the differentially expressed proteins/genes after siHAPLN1 or rHAPLN1 treatment.
Results

Expression of HAPLN1 was increased in the plasma samples and synovium tissues of RA patients. HAPLN1OE transfected or rHAPLN1 treated RA-FLSs showed an increased proliferation capacity. However, Si-HAPLN1 has failed to affect the viability of RA-FLSs, though it decreased the migration ability of these cells. On the other hand, HAPLN1OE or rHAPLN1 had inhibitory effect on migration. Both si-HAPLN1 and HAPLN1OE treated RA-FLSs had down-regulated AMPK-ɑ gene expression, while protein level was found to be up-regulated. Furthermore, si-HAPLN1 has down-regulated TNF-ɑ, MMPs, IL-6, TGF-β, fibronectin and ACAN levels, while HAPLN1OE has up-regulated the levels of TNF-ɑ, MMPs, IL-6 and ACAN. Proteomics and mRNA-Seq analysis demonstrated HAPLN1 function in the activation of inflammation, proliferation, increased cell adhesion and strengthening of ECM function.
Conclusons:

HAPLN1 accelerated the proliferation of RA-FLSs but inhibited its migration ability. HAPLN1 network was found to be mainly involved in the activation of inflammation, cell proliferation and increased cell adhesion.
Functional Outcomes of Cochlear Implantation in Children with Bilateral Cochlear Nerve Aplasia
Authors: Choe Goun , Kim Young Seok , Suh Myung-Whan , Park Moo Kyun , Oh Seung-Ha , Lee Sang-Yeon , Lee Jun Ho
Published: November 2021

Many otologists face a dilemma in the decision-making process of surgical management of patients with cochlear nerve (CN) aplasia. Currently, evidence on cochlear implantation (CI) outcomes in patients with CN aplasia is limited. We scrutinized functional outcomes in 37 ears of 21 children with bilateral CN aplasia who underwent unilateral or bilateral CI based on cross-sectional and longitudinal assessments. The Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP) scores gradually improved throughout the 3-year follow-up; however, variable outcomes existed between individuals. Specifically, the majority of recipients with a 1-year postoperative CAP score ≤1 remained steady or achieved awareness of environmental sounds, while recipients with early stage hearing benefit had markedly improved auditory performance and could possibly discriminate some speech without lipreading. Meanwhile, intraoperative electrically evoked compound action potential was not correlated with postoperative CAP score. The dynamic range between T and C levels remained unchanged. Our results further refine those of previous studies on the clinical feasibility of CI as the first treatment modality to elicit favorable auditory performance in children with CN aplasia. However, special attention should be paid to pediatric patients with an early postoperative CAP score ≤1 for identification of unsuccessful cochlear implants and switching to auditory brainstem implants.
Long-Term Outcomes After Extra-Levator Versus Conventional Abdominoperineal Excision for Low Rectal Cancer
Authors: Haoyu Zhang , Li Ganbin , Cao Ke , Zhai Zhiwei , Wei Guanghui , Ye Chunxiang , Zhao Baocheng , Wang Zhenjun , Han Jiagang
Published: November 2021

PurposeExtralevator (ELAPE) and abdominoperineal excision (APE) are two major surgical approaches for low rectal cancer patients. Although excellent short-term efficacy is achieved in patients undergoing ELAPE, the long-term benefits have not been established. In this study we compared the survival outcomes in low rectal cancer patients who underwent ELAPE and APE.MethodsOne hundred fourteen patients were enrolled, including 68 in the ELAPE group and 46 in the APE group at the Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2011 to December 2018. The baseline characteristics, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) were calculated and compared between the two groups.ResultsDemographics and tumor stage were comparable between the two groups. The 5-year PFS (67.2 per cent versus 38.6 per cent, log-rank P = 0.008) and LRFS (87.0 per cent versus 62.3 per cent, log-rank P = 0.047) were significantly improved in the ELAPE group compared to the APE group, and the survival advantage was especially reflected in patients with pT3 tumors, positive lymph nodes or even those who have not received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Multivariate analysis showed that APE was an independent risk factor for OS (hazard ratio 3.000, 95 per cent c.i. 1.171 to 4.970, P = 0.004) and PFS (hazard ratio 2.730, 95 per cent c.i. 1.506 to 4.984, P = 0.001).Conclusion Compared with APE, ELAPE improved long-term outcomes for low rectal cancer patients, especially among patients with pT3 tumors, positive lymph nodes or those without neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.
Investigating how different classes of nest predators respond to the playback of the begging calls of nestling birds
Authors: Liu Shilong , Xie Qiao , Jiang Aiwu , Goodale Eben
Published: November 2021

Background

Begging brings benefits and costs for nestling birds: it can indicate their needs to their parents, but it can also be a cue used by predators to find the nest. The costs, like many variables related to nest predation, can be specific to what kinds of predators are present and their auditory capabilities. These costs and benefits could also be affected by human noise, as noise could disrupt communication to parents and eavesdropping by predators, although human-produced noise might be easily ignored if predators can hear high-frequency components of the begging. We studied nest predation on a generalist bird, the Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus, in a tropical rainforest in which there are many kinds of nest predators, including birds, mammals and reptiles.
Results

In a total of 160 artificial nests, we broadcast recordings of begging nestlings, with and without traffic noise, at two volume levels. We hypothesized that playback would increase predation relative to a silent control, and that mixing in traffic noise with the begging would decrease predation, as the begging signal was masked. However, we hypothesized that some predators, particularly small mammals with sensitive high-frequency hearing, might ignore the traffic noise. We found that predation was lowest for the control treatment, and lower for treatments mixed with traffic noise than for those without it. Small mammals, however, showed an unexpected pattern, strongly avoiding the treatments with traffic noise.
Conclusion

Our results demonstrate the human-associated noise can disturb nest predators and influence which kinds of predators use begging to locate nests.
Factors that Influence Modern Contraceptive use Among Women Aged 35 - 49 Years and their Male Partners in Gomoa West District, Ghana: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Takyi Amy , Sato Miho , Adjabeng Michael , Smith Chris
Published: November 2021

Background: The use of contraception among women aged 35 to 49 years is imperative due to the risk of unplanned pregnancy and poor obstetric outcomes. However, the use of contraceptives in this age group has been reported to be low. In Ghana, studies are limited that determine factors influencing contraception among women in this age group, in particular the influence of husbands. This study aims to ascertain factors that influence contraception among women aged 35 to 49 years and their male partners. Objectives: The objective of the study was to describe factors that influence modern contraceptive use among women aged 35 to 49 years and their male partners in the Gomoa West District of Ghana. Methods: A total of 44 informants participated in the study. In-depth interviews were conducted remotely for 22 women, 15 male partners of women interviewed, and seven family planning service providers. Twenty-one informants participated in four focus group discussions organized. A simple thematic analysis was undertaken. Results: Factors that influenced the use of modern contraceptives were achieved desired family size, counselling by health professionals, health reasons, and influence of male partner. Barriers to using modern contraceptives included religious or socio-cultural reasons, experience or fear of side effects, rumors or misconceptions, and the belief that contraceptive use is a matter for women. Conclusions: This study described factors that influence contraception among women 35 to 49 years and their male partners. All informants used some form of contraception, although traditional contraceptive method users (TCMUs) did not consider traditional contraceptive methods (TCMs) as a form of contraception. Education on effective TCMs as an alternative for non-users of modern contraceptive methods (MCMs) is needed. Strengthening male involvement in family planning and health educational activities could alleviate fear and reduce misconceptions about using modern contraceptives.
EEG resting-state functional connectivity: evidence for an imbalance of external/ internal information integration in Autism
Authors: Wantzen Prany , Clochon Patrice , Doidy Franck , Wallois Fabrice , Mahmoudzadeh Mahdi , Desaunay Pierre , Mille Christian , Guilé Jean-Marc , Guénolé Fabian , Eustache Francis , Baleyte Jean-Marc , Guillery-Girard Bérengère
Published: November 2021

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with atypical neural activity in resting-state. Most of the studies have focused on abnormalities in alpha-frequency, as a marker of ASD dysfunctions. However, few have explored alpha synchronization, with a specific interest in resting-state networks: the default mode network (DMN), the sensorimotor network (SMN), and the dorsal attention network (DAN). These functional connectivity analyses provide relevant insight into the neurophysiological correlates of multimodal integration in ASD.
Methods

Using the high temporal resolution of EEG, the present study investigates the functional connectivity in the alpha band within and between the DMN, SMN, and the DAN. We examined eyes-closed EEG alpha lagged phase synchronization, using standardized Low-Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography (sLORETA) in 29 participants with ASD and 38 age,- sex- and IQ-matched typically developing (TD) controls.
Results

We observed reduced functional connectivity in the ASD group relative to TD controls, within and between the DMN, the SMN, and the DAN. We identified three hubs of dysconnectivity in ASD: the posterior cingulate cortex, the precuneus, and the medial frontal gyrus. These three regions also presented decreased current source density in the alpha band.
Conclusion

These results may account for impairments in multimodal - sensory and internal information - integration frequently observed in ASD. Underconnectivity potentially involves difficulties switching between this externally oriented attention and internally oriented thoughts and, more broadly, may impact embodied cognition.
Prognostic prediction of preoperative nutritional status in low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms
Authors: Wang Bing , Ma Ruiqing , Shi Guanjun , Yang Zhenpeng , Tang Huazhen , Lu Shuai , Wang Yuying , Qu Jinxiu , Rao Benqiang , Xu Hongbin
Published: November 2021

Background

To describe the preoperative nutritional status of Low-grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasms (LAMNs) and identify prognostic factors for survival.
Methods

Medical records from 165 patients with LAMNs who attended the Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China between January 2017, and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Survival analysis was performed with the Kaplan-Meier method, the log-rank test, and a Cox proportional hazards model.
Results

Among 165 patients, 59 (36%) were male and 106 (64%) were female. Patient’s median age was 58 years (range, 20 to 78 years). Univariate analysis indicated that gender, weight loss, prior surgical score (PSS), red blood cell, albumin, peritoneal cancer index (PCI), completeness of cytoreduction (CCR), and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) were related to prognosis. Multivariate analysis showed that PSS, CCR and HIPEC were independent predictors of prognosis.
Conclusions

The preoperative nutritional status of patients plays an important role in predicting prognosis. Patients can benefit from a complete cytoreductive surgery (CCRS) and HIPEC in an experienced institution for the first medical treatment.