bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Characterization of Petrophysical Properties in Tight Sandstone Reservoirs
Authors: Jin Guowen , Xie Ranhong , Xiao Lizhi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPermeability and bound water saturation (Swb) are key parameters reflecting the petrophysical properties of porous rocks. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has proved to be effective in investigating the properties of porous media. However, estimating Swb and the permeability in tight sandstone reservoirs based on conventional NMR methods, which requires the inversion of NMR echo data to obtain the transverse relaxation time (T2) distribution, proves to be a challenging task. In this study, a method is proposed to estimate Swb and the permeability in tight sandstone reservoirs based on the direct analysis of NMR echo data, thus avoiding the inversion process. A total of 20 tight sandstone samples from the Ordos Basin in China was taken for laboratory NMR measurements. The kernel function of the echo data was used to characterize the ratio distribution of bound water volume to pore volume for different pore sizes. Following this, an echo data calibration method was applied to estimate Swb without the inversion of the T2 distribution, and the window method was used to reduce the impact of noise in the echo data. Furthermore, models for estimating permeability were proposed based on the determined windows of the NMR echo data in the Swb estimation. The reliability of the proposed method for estimating Swb and permeability was verified by comparing the estimated and experimental results. Our study provides an efficient method for the estimation of petrophysical parameters in porous rocks based on the direct analysis of NMR echo data.
Role of Eddy Heat Feedback in Modulating Winter‐Mean NAO‐Related Thermodynamic Structure
Authors: Zhao Shuo , Ren Hong‐Li , Zhou Fang , Gao Li 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe thermodynamic structure of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), in terms of the pattern of the winter‐mean potential temperature (PT) anomaly in the troposphere, is a crucial indicator of regional climate variations and can be influenced by synoptic‐scale eddy heat (EH) fluxes. The role and mechanism of EH feedback in modulating the winter‐mean thermodynamic structure of the NAO are investigated. We show that the low‐frequency NAO‐related flow can barotropically regulate EH flux and give rise to an EH transport that is down‐gradient (up‐gradient) of the NAO‐related PT anomalies, thus creating negative (positive) EH feedback on PT anomalies in the middle‐lower (upper) troposphere. Using eddy structure decomposition, we calculated the two primary terms of anomalous EH flux: the BA term is the product of basic eddy velocity and anomalous eddy PT, and the AB term is the product of anomalous eddy velocity and basic eddy PT. The meridional BA EH flux is caused by the meridional shift of eddy PT structure under NAO. It is a major contributor of the anomalous EH flux and forcing, which weaken NAO‐related PT anomalies. The zonal AB EH flux is smaller in magnitude and is induced by the zonal slant of the eddy streamfunction structure in the negative NAO phase. It creates EH feedback upstream of the NAO flow. In addition, the positive NAO phase has a negatively stronger EH feedback than the negative phase; this is related to the higher persistence of the anomalous PT pattern under negative NAO.
The Impact of the Stratosphere on the MJO in a Forecast Model
Authors: Martin Zane , Vitart Frederic , Wang Shuguang , Sobel Adam 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis study examines the relationship between the Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO) and stratospheric quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) in a state‐of‐the‐art global numerical weather forecast model. A set of 61‐day model integrations, with 15 ensemble members, is performed across 84 start dates during December–February of 1989–2016. For 28 of those dates—every 1 January—the stratosphere is initialized from observation, and the model simulates stronger MJO events during observed easterly QBO phases (QBOE) than westerly QBO phases (QBOW). However, in these “control experiments,” the QBO's impact on the MJO is already present in the initial conditions, and the direct influence of the model stratosphere during the simulation is unclear. To explore this more directly, the model was rerun with an artificially imposed QBOE and QBOW state, replacing the existing stratospheric initial condition above 150 hPa while leaving the troposphere unaltered. Though the imposed QBO states weaken faster in the model than in observations, their persistence is comparable to the control simulations. The MJO is stronger during imposed‐QBOE experiments than imposed‐QBOW, and differences are statistically significant by several metrics, though magnitude of the differences is smaller than in observations. Analysis suggests that the strength of the MJO response to the QBO increases for simulations with stronger upper‐tropospheric temperature differences and for simulations in which the MJO at the initialization time is strong and active over the Maritime Continent. However, tropospheric conditions still appear to have a dominant effect in explaining the apparent QBO influence in this model.
Operational Bayesian GLS Regression for Regional Hydrologic Analyses
Authors: Reis Dirceu S. , Veilleux Andrea G. , Lamontagne Jonathan R. , Stedinger Jery R. , Martins Eduardo S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis paper develops the quasi‐analytic Bayesian analysis of the generalized least squares (GLS) (B‐GLS) model introduced by Reis et al. (2005, https://doi.org/10.1029/2004WR003445) into an operational and statistically comprehensive GLS regional hydrologic regression methodology to estimate flood quantiles, regional shape parameters, low flows, and other statistics with spatially correlated flow records. New GLS regression diagnostic statistics include a Bayesian plausibility value, pseudo adjusted R2, pseudo analysis of variance table, and two diagnostic error variance ratios. Traditional leverage and influence are extended to identify rogue observations, address lack of fit, and support gauge network design and region‐of‐influence regression. Formulas are derived for the Bayesian computation of estimators, standard errors, and diagnostic statistics. The use of B‐GLS and the new diagnostic statistics are illustrated with a regional log‐space skew regression analysis for the Piedmont region in the Southeastern U.S. A comparison of ordinary, weighted, and GLS analyses documents the advantages of the Bayesian estimator over the method‐of‐moment estimator of model error variance introduced by Stedinger and Tasker (1985, https://doi.org/10.1029/WR021i009p01421). Of the three types of analyses, only GLS considers the covariance among concurrent flows. The example demonstrates that GLS regional skewness models can be highly accurate when correctly analyzed: The B‐GLS average variance of prediction is 0.090 for South Carolina (92 stations), whereas a traditional ordinary least squares analysis published by the U.S. Geological Survey yielded 0.193 (Feaster & Tasker, 2002, https://doi.org/10.3133/wri024140). B‐GLS provides a statistical valid framework for the rigorous analysis of spatially correlated hydrologic data, allowing for the estimation of parameters and their actual precision and computation of several diagnostic statistics, as well as correctly attributing variability to the three key sources: time sampling error, model error, and signal.
B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) in multiple myeloma: rationale for targeting and current therapeutic approaches
Authors: Shah Nina , Chari Ajai , Scott Emma , Mezzi Khalid , Usmani Saad Z. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDespite considerable advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) in the last decade, a substantial proportion of patients do not respond to current therapies or have a short duration of response. Furthermore, these treatments can have notable morbidity and are not uniformly tolerated in all patients. As there is no cure for MM, patients eventually become resistant to therapies, leading to development of relapsed/refractory MM. Therefore, an unmet need exists for MM treatments with novel mechanisms of action that can provide durable responses, evade resistance to prior therapies, and/or are better tolerated. B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is preferentially expressed by mature B lymphocytes, and its overexpression and activation are associated with MM in preclinical models and humans, supporting its potential utility as a therapeutic target for MM. Moreover, the use of BCMA as a biomarker for MM is supported by its prognostic value, correlation with clinical status, and its ability to be used in traditionally difficult-to-monitor patient populations. Here, we review three common treatment modalities used to target BCMA in the treatment of MM: bispecific antibody constructs, antibody–drug conjugates, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T-cell therapy. We provide an overview of preliminary clinical data from trials using these therapies, including the BiTE® (bispecific T-cell engager) immuno-oncology therapy AMG 420, the antibody–drug conjugate GSK2857916, and several CAR T-cell therapeutic agents including bb2121, NIH CAR-BCMA, and LCAR-B38M. Notable antimyeloma activity and high minimal residual disease negativity rates have been observed with several of these treatments. These clinical data outline the potential for BCMA-targeted therapies to improve the treatment landscape for MM. Importantly, clinical results to date suggest that these therapies may hold promise for deep and durable responses and support further investigation in earlier lines of treatment, including newly diagnosed MM.
Examining the complexity of functioning in persons with spinal cord injury attending first rehabilitation in Switzerland using structural equation modelling
Authors: Hodel Jsabel , Ehrmann Cristina , Stucki Gerold , Bickenbach Jerome E. , Prodinger Birgit ,   and the SwiSCI Study Group
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Study design
Cross-sectional.

Objectives
To examine the associations between activities, body structures and functions, and their relationship with aetiology, age and sex in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) at discharge from first rehabilitation.

Setting
Swiss SCI Cohort Study (SwiSCI).

Methods
The study included 390 participants with newly acquired SCI and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as conceptual frame of reference. Body structures were represented by injury level and severity; body functions by cardiovascular, pulmonary, skin, bowel and urinary functions and pain; mental functions by anxiety, depression, optimism and self-esteem; and activities by independence in performing activities of daily living (ADL). Using structural equation modelling (SEM), indirect effects of body structures and functions on independence in performing ADL through mental functions were tested for each mental function separately. For each structural model, fit was assessed using several indices and differences in aetiology, age and sex groups were explored.

Results
The structural model about optimism showed good fit in all indices; the models about anxiety, depression and self-esteem showed conflicting fit indices, respectively. Within all models, effects on independence in performing ADL were mainly direct. Pain showed significant (P < 0.05) indirect effects on independence in performing ADL within the depression, optimism and self-esteem models. The model about anxiety showed differences in aetiology groups.

Conclusions
Using an ICF-based modelling approach, this study presents an attempt towards a more comprehensive understanding of functioning in first rehabilitation of persons with SCI, which might be fundamental for rehabilitation planning.
Low expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, Bak and Smac indicates prolonged progression-free survival in chemotherapy-treated metastatic melanoma
Authors: Guttà Cristiano , Rahman Arman , Aura Claudia , Dynoodt Peter , Charles Emilie M. , Hirschenhahn Elodie , Joseph Jesuchristopher , Wouters Jasper , de Chaumont Ciaran , Rafferty Mairin , Warren Madhuri , van den Oord Joost J. , Gallagher William M. , Rehm Markus 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDespite the introduction of novel targeted therapies, chemotherapy still remains the primary treatment for metastatic melanoma in poorly funded healthcare environments or in case of disease relapse, with no reliable molecular markers for progression-free survival (PFS) available. As chemotherapy primarily eliminates cancer cells by apoptosis, we here evaluated if the expression of key apoptosis regulators (Bax, Bak, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Smac, Procaspase-9, Apaf-1, Procaspase-3 and XIAP) allows prognosticating PFS in stage III/IV melanoma patients. Following antibody validation, marker expression was determined by automated and manual scoring of immunohistochemically stained tissue microarrays (TMAs) constructed from treatment-naive metastatic melanoma biopsies. Interestingly and counter-intuitively, low expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, Bak and Smac indicated better prognosis (log-rank p < 0.0001, p = 0.0301 and p = 0.0227 for automated and p = 0.0422, p = 0.0410 and p = 0.0073 for manual scoring). These findings were independently validated in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) metastatic melanoma cohort (TCGA-SKCM) at transcript level (log-rank p = 0.0004, p = 0.0104 and p = 0.0377). Taking expression heterogeneity between the markers in individual tumour samples into account allowed defining combinatorial Bax, Bak, Smac signatures that were associated with significantly increased PFS (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0028 at protein and transcript level, respectively). Furthermore, combined low expression of Bax, Bak and Smac allowed predicting prolonged PFS (> 12 months) on a case-by-case basis (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC) = 0.79). Taken together, our results therefore suggest that Bax, Bak and Smac jointly define a signature with potential clinical utility in chemotherapy-treated metastatic melanoma.
Effects of temperature fluctuations on spatial-temporal transmission of hand, foot, and mouth disease
Authors: Xu Chengdong , Zhang Xiangxue , Wang Li , Zhou Yuke , Xiao Gexin , Liao Jiaqiang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), predominantly occurs among infants and children. Previous studies have shown that suitable, stable temperatures favor HFMD virus reproduction; however, temperature fluctuations also affect virus transmission, and there are, so far, no studies concerning the association between such fluctuations and the incidence of HFMD. The objective of this study was to map the spatial-temporal distribution of HFMD incidence and quantify the long-term effects of temperature fluctuations on HFMD incidence in children. HFMD cases in children under five, from January 2009 to December 2013, in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei provinces of China, were used in this study. The GeoDetector and Bayesian space-time hierarchy models were employed to explore the spatial-temporal association between temperature fluctuations and HFMD incidence. The results indicate that HFMD incidence had significant spatial stratified heterogeneity (GeoDetector q-statistic = 0.83, p < 0.05), and that areas with higher risk mainly appeared in metropolises and their adjacent regions. HFMD transmission was negatively associated with temperature fluctuations. A 1 °C increase in the standard deviation of maximum and minimum temperatures was associated with decreases of 8.22% and 11.87% in the risk of HFMD incidence, respectively. The study suggests that large temperature fluctuations affect virus growth or multiplication, thereby inhibiting the activity of the virus and potentially even leading to its extinction, and consequently affecting the spatial-temporal distribution of HFMD. The findings can serve as a reference for the practical control of this disease and offer help in the rational allocation of medical resources.
Comparison between in vitro toxicities of tobacco- and menthol-flavored electronic cigarette liquids on human middle ear epithelial cells
Authors: Go Yoon Young , Mun Ji Yoen , Chae Sung-Won , Chang Jiwon , Song Jae-Jun 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSince electronic-cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are considered less toxic than conventional tobacco smoking, the use of e-cigarettes has increased, and the market for e-cigarette liquids (e-liquids) is continuously increasing. However, many studies showed that e-cigarettes may cause various harmful effects in lung, oral and heart. In this study, we investigated the effects of e-liquids on otitis media (OM) using human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs). Menthol-flavored e-liquid induced significant cell death in HMEECs (IC50: 1.45 ± 0.14%) and tobacco-flavored e-liquid led to increase in inflammatory cytokine levels and higher mucin production. Flavored e-liquids decreased the mRNA levels of genes encoding epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) in HMEECs. Apoptosis and autophagy reactions were induced by exposure of HMEECs to menthol- and tobacco-flavored e-liquids. Tobacco-flavored e-liquids caused a greater increase in the levels of autophagosome marker, LC3-II, compared to menthol-flavored e-liquids, which was followed by cell death. These results demonstrate that flavored e-liquids cause cytotoxicity via apoptosis, autophagy, inflammatory response, and mucin production in HMEECs. The flavors present in e-liquids might be a risk factor for the development of otitis media.
Effect of Scalp Nerve Block with Ropivacaine on Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Craniotomy: A Randomized, Double Blinded Study
Authors: Yang Yaoxin , Ou Mengchan , Zhou Hongyu , Tan Lingcan , Hu Yajiao , Li Yu , Zhu Tao 
Published: February 2020

AbstractScalp nerve block with ropivacaine has been shown to provide perioperative analgesia. However, the best concentration of ropivacaine is still unknown for optimal analgesic effects. We performed a prospective study to evaluate the effects of scalp nerve block with varied concentration of ropivacaine on postoperative pain and intraoperative hemodynamic variables in patients undergoing craniotomy under general anesthesia. Eighty-five patients were randomly assigned to receive scalp block with either 0.2% ropivacaine, 0.33% ropivacaine, 0.5% ropivacaine, or normal saline. Intraoperative hemodynamics and post-operative pain scores at 2, 4, 6, 24 hours postoperatively were recorded. We found that scalp blockage with 0.2% and 0.33% ropivacaine provided adequate postoperative pain relief up to 2 h, while administration of 0.5% ropivacaine had a longer duration of action (up to 4 hour after craniotomy). Scalp nerve block with varied concentration of ropivacaine blunted the increase of mean arterial pressure in response to noxious stimuli during incision, drilling, and sawing skull bone. 0.2% and 0.5% ropivacaine decreased heart rate response to incision and drilling. We concluded that scalp block using 0.5% ropivacaine obtain preferable postoperative analgesia compared to lower concentrations. And scalp block with ropivacaine also reduced hemodynamic fluctuations in craniotomy operations.
Connexin43 expression in bone marrow derived cells contributes to the electrophysiological properties of cardiac scar tissue
Authors: Vasquez Carolina , Mezzano Valeria , Kessler Newman , Swardh Freja , Ernestad Desiree , Mahoney Vanessa M. , Hanna John , Morley Gregory E. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCardiac pathologies associated with arrhythmic activity are often accompanied by inflammation. The contribution of inflammatory cells to the electrophysiological properties of injured myocardium is unknown. Myocardial scar cell types and intercellular contacts were analyzed using a three-dimensional reconstruction from serial blockface scanning electron microscopy data. Three distinct cell populations were identified: inflammatory, fibroblastic and endocardial cells. While individual fibroblastic cells interface with a greater number of cells, inflammatory cells have the largest contact area suggesting a role in establishing intercellular electrical connections in scar tissue. Optical mapping was used to study the electrophysiological properties of scars in fetal liver chimeric mice generated using connexin43 knockout donors (bmpKO). Voltage changes were elicited in response to applied current pulses. Isopotential maps showed a steeper pattern of decay with distance from the electrode in scars compared with uninjured regions, suggesting reduced electrical coupling. The tissue decay constant, defined as the distance voltage reaches 37% of the amplitude at the edge of the scar, was 0.48 ± 0.04 mm (n = 11) in the scar of the bmpCTL group and decreased 37.5% in the bmpKO group (n = 10). Together these data demonstrate inflammatory cells significantly contribute to scar electrophysiology through coupling mediated at least partially by connexin43 expression.
Foveal Microvascular Structures in Eyes with Silicone Oil Tamponade for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study
Authors: Lee Jong Young , Kim Jin Young , Lee Sang-Yoon , Jeong Jin Ho , Lee Eun Kyoung 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSilicone oil (SO) is widely used as a long-term intravitreal tamponading agent for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair. This study investigated the structural changes of the foveal microvasculature using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with RRD treated with vitrectomy and SO tamponade. Thirty-eight patients with unilateral RRD who were treated with vitrectomy and SO tamponade and were followed up for ≥3 months after SO removal were included. En face OCTA images were obtained and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and vascular density (VD) were compared between study eyes and unaffected contralateral eyes. The FAZ area in deep capillary plexus (DCP) was larger (P < 0.001) and the VD in DCP was lower (P = 0.022) in the study eyes than in the fellow eyes. The duration of SO tamponade was significantly correlated with the enlargement of FAZ area (P = 0.034) and reduction of VD in DCP (P = 0.015). These changes could reflect vascular insufficiency in eyes with SO tamponade and may represent a potential explanation for the pathogenesis of retinal thinning and unexplained visual loss.
Co-expression network-based identification of biomarkers correlated with the lymph node metastasis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jin Yu , Qin Xing 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is ranked as one of the most frequent malignancies worldwide with a high risk of lymph node metastasis, which serves as a main reason for cancer deaths. Identification of the potential biomarkers for lymph node metastasis in HNSCC patients may contribute to personalized treatment and better therapeutic effect. In the present study, GSE30788 microarray data and corresponding clinical parameters were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was performed to investigate significant modules associated with clinical traits. As a result, the genes in the blue module were determined as candidate genes related with HNSCC lymph node metastasis and ten hub genes were selected from the PPI network. Further analysis validated the close associations of hub gene expression with lymph node metastasis of HNSCC patients. Furthermore, survival analysis suggested the level of Loricrin (LOR) was statistically significantly associated with the disease-free survival of HNSCC patients, indicating the potential of utilizing it as prognosis predictor. Overall, our study conducted a co-expression network-based analysis to investigate significant genes underlying HNSCC metastasis, providing promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets.