bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty Quantification of an Explicitly Coupled Multiphysics Simulation of In-Situ Pyrolysis by Radio Frequency Heating in Oil Shale
Authors: Ramsay Travis 
Published: March 2020

SummaryIn-situ pyrolysis provides an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technique for exploiting oil and gas from oil shale by converting in-place solid kerogen into liquid oil and gas. Radio-frequency (RF) heating of the in-place oil shale has previously been proposed as a method by which the electromagnetic energy gets converted to thermal energy, thereby heating in-situ kerogen so that it converts to oil and gas. In order to numerically model the RF heating of the in-situ oil shale, a novel explicitly coupled thermal, phase field, mechanical, and electromagnetic (TPME) framework is devised using the finite element method in a 2D domain. Contemporaneous efforts in the commercial development of oil shale by in-situ pyrolysis have largely focused on pilot methodologies intended to validate specific corporate or esoteric EOR strategies. This work focuses on addressing efficient epistemic uncertainty quantification (UQ) of select thermal, oil shale distribution, electromagnetic, and mechanical characteristics of oil shale in the RF heating process, comparing a spectral methodology to a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation for validation. Attempts were made to parameterize the stochastic simulation models using the characteristic properties of Green River oil shale. The geologic environment being investigated is devised as a kerogen-poor under- and overburden separated by a layer of heterogeneous yet kerogen-rich oil shale in a target formation. The objective of this work is the quantification of plausible oil shale conversion using TPME simulation under parametric uncertainty; this, while considering a referenced conversion timeline of 1.0 × 107 seconds. Nonintrusive polynomial chaos (NIPC) and MC simulation were used to evaluate complex stochastically driven TPME simulations of RF heating. The least angle regression (LAR) method was specifically used to determine a sparse set of polynomial chaos coefficients leading to the determination of summary statistics that describe the TPME results. Given the existing broad use of MC simulation methods for UQ in the oil and gas industry, the combined LAR and NIPC is suggested to provide a distinguishable performance improvement to UQ compared to MC methods.
Prenatal diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and cytogenetic analysis in 303 Chinese families
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Yao Fengxia , Hao Na , Zhang Weimin , Zhou Jing , Tan Li , Qiu Zhengqing , Liu Juntao 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has showed a wide spectrum of mutations in the dystrophin gene including exon deletions, duplications and small mutations. This retrospective study was to supply information of the DMD mutational spectrum in 303 Chinese families and further offer 5-year clinical experience of DMD genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis.Methods: In this retrospective study, 305 pregnancies in 303 pregnant women who has a birth history of DMD patients underwent prenatal diagnosis using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) followed by Sanger sequencing between 2014 and 2018. Karyotype analysis was performed to exclude fetal abnormal karyotype.Results: The detection rate of DMD gene mutation in 303 probands was 97.7% with 7 families having a negative genetic diagnosis. The mutational spectrum comprised of large arrangements in 288/303 (95.0%) and small mutations in 8/303 (2.6%). 204 pregnant women did carrier testing among whom, 108 mothers had the same mutation as family proband. Of the 305 pregnancies underwent prenatal diagnosis, 55 of 173 male fetuses were affected. We also performed karyotype analysis and found 3 abnormal karyotypes of trisomy 21. We even found a fetus with DMD gene mutation and trisomy 21 in a same fetus by further analysis.Conclusions: The distribution and mutation profile of 303 probands and 305 fetuses were demonstrated. Given the large samples provided in this study, the information is essential for genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis in DMD families in China.
Five-year direct medical costs and comorbidities after bariatric surgery of obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A population-based propensity score-matched study
Authors: Wu Tingting , Wong Simon Kin Hung , Law Betty Tsz Ting , Grieve Eleanor , Wu Olivia , Tong Daniel King Hung , Leung David Kai Wing , Ng Enders Kwok Wai , Lam Cindy Lo Kuen , Wong Carlos King-Ho 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Bariatric surgery is effective in weight reduction and diabetes remission. This study aimed to estimate direct medical costs and changes of comorbidities after bariatric surgery up to five years among obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A population-based retrospective cohort of obese type 2 diabetes patients from Hong Kong Hospital Authority between 2006 and 2017 was assembled. One-to-five propensity score matching method was applied to match 401 eligible surgical patients with 1,894 non-surgical patients. Frequency of healthcare service utilization and dispense of diabetes medication were collected for both groups to estimate the direct medical costs from baseline to up to 60 months; Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and number of comorbidities were measured to compare the changes of comorbidities between two groups over the 5 years. Results: Direct medical costs were US$40,889 for surgical patients and US$6,163 for controls in the index year (p<0.001), with incremental costs of US$34,726. Bariatric surgery and hospitalization were the main cost drivers for surgical patients in the year of surgery. Although surgical patients had significantly lower annual costs than control patients in the subsequent four years, five-year cumulative costs incurred by surgical patients were significantly greater than controls (US$60,174 vs US$33,374, p<0.001), regardless of subgroups. Surgical patients had better profile of comorbidities than controls, as they had significantly lower CCI after baseline and fewer percentages of them proceeded to higher CCI categories. Conclusions: Over 5 years, bariatric surgery was associated with increased medical costs in the year of surgery and cumulative costs. Although bariatric surgery is not cost-saving for type 2 diabetes patients at 5 years, it is associated with improved comorbidity profile.
C5 palsy in the treatment of cervical spondylosis myelopathy with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Authors: yan denglu , Zhang Zaiheng , Zhang Zhi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background There are many factors that affect the C5 palsy in the treatment of cervical spondylosis myelopathy (CSM) with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), but the spinal compression degrees may be an important factor in affection on it. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of spinal cord compression degrees on the clinical outcomes of OPLL patients which been treated by anterior and posterior surgery. Methods From May 2010 to October 2017, 145 patients cervical spondylosis myelopathy with OPLL (spinal canal narrowing by the OPLL exceeded 30%) were enrolled in this study; 76 patients received anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion surgery (ACCF), and 69 patients had posterior cervical decompression and laminoplasty procedures (PCDL). The clinical outcomes of pain relief (visual analog scale, VAS), functional disability (neck disability index, NDI) were recorded at baseline and at the final follow-up. Results There were five patients with C5 palsy in this series cases (two in ACCF and three in PCDL), and the rate is 4.1% (3.2% in ACCF and 5.2% in PCDL, P > 0.05). Five C5 palsy cases had more than 50% compressed degrees of dural sac and flattened spinal cord, and the compressed dural sac and flattened spinal cord had totally expansion after operation. There were no patients resented with CSF leakage in PCDL group, and six patients presented with CSF leakage in ACCF. The mean postoperative canal diameter were significant better than preoperative in PDL patients (P < 0.01). The average spinal sagittal and axial compressive ratio were significantly decreased from preoperative in ACR and PDL groups (P < 0.01). The mean cervical ROM values were decreased in ACR and PDL groups (P< 0.05). Conclusions Based on the results of this study, anterior and posterior surgery was effective and safe in the treatment of the OPLL patients. The complication of C5 palsy were no related in the surgery methods, but may be related the degrees of spinal cord compressed.
Feasibility Study and Process Evaluation of MRI Plus Physiotherapy vs. Physiotherapy alone in Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain Among Patients in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhowimel AHMED , Alotaibi Mazyad , Coulson Neil , Radford Kate 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Aim To determine the feasibility of conducting a definitive randomized control trial (RCT) to answer the question of whether an MRI diagnosis can negatively influence psychosocial and disability outcomes in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) treated by physiotherapy in Saudi Arabia.Methods In a feasibility RCT in Riyadh City from 01/03/2018 until 29/07/2018, CLBP patients presenting to spine clinics were randomized to receive an MRI (intervention) plus physiotherapy rehabilitation or physiotherapy alone (control group). The acceptability of randomization to the control group (non-MRI) was tested during recruitment and by qualitatively interviewing study participants and referring physicians.Results The recruitment target was not met: 16/24 (66%) participants were recruited in 4 months (12.4% of those screened); 33% declined. The process evaluation identified numerous factors that may affect the success of a definitive RCT in Saudi Arabia. These were research resources; the lack of research infrastructure to support recruitment to trials; limited research capacity in terms of knowledge and skills of the healthcare team; and limited funding.Conclusion A definitive RCT to test the influence of MRI diagnosis on the psychosocial and disability outcomes in people with CLBP treated with physiotherapy in Saudi Arabia is feasible. However, the lack of research infrastructure, research capacity, the impact of MRI on patient outcomes, and a lack of clinical equipoise in the treatment and management of CLBP in Saudi Arabia pose major barriers to clinical trials.
Screening results of high-risk population of elderly cerebral stroke in a community in Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Authors: Yang Yumei , Li Lingyu , Feng Lei , Yang Xi , Liu Feifeng , Yi Jinqiu , Dai Hui , Liu Zheng , zhang bei 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective To investigate the exposure of risk factors and the characteristics of population distribution of elderly patients with high-risk of cerebral stroke in Sanlin Community, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, aiming to provide the evidence for the development of the prevention strategies for elderly patients with high-risk of stroke. Methods From 2015 to 2017, a cluster sampling method was adopted to conduct on-the-spot investigation and related physical examinations for resident populations ≥65 years old in Sanlin Community of Pudong New Area. The demographic characteristics, medical history, blood lipids, fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, homocysteine and electrocardiogram were collected to screen the relative risk factors of ischemic stroke. Results 9,195 residents were surveyed between 2015 and 2017. 1,504 residents were high-risk population and 535 residents (5.82%) had a history of transient ischemic attack or stroke. There were 969 residents (10.54%) with ≥ 3 risk factors. Risk factors were hypertension, overweight, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, stroke history, smoking history, family history, lack of exercise and atrial fibrillation in turn. Among the high-risk groups of 969 risk factors ≥ 3, women's diabetes and hyperlipidemia exposure rate was higher than that of men, and male smoking rate and overweight were higher than females. Among the community members who participated in the screening, the detection rate of hyperhomocysteinemia for male was 63.8%, which was significantly higher than 45.7% for female. Conclusion The detection rate of high-risk groups in people over 65 years old in Sanlin area is similar to that in other areas in Shanghai. Hypertension, overweight and hyperlipidemia are the highest exposure risk factors. There are differences in exposure to certain risk factors between men and women. There is a high detection rate of hyperhomocysteinemia in the elderly and male population. Regular follow-up management should be implemented in combination with the occurrence of risk factors in different populations in order to prevent stroke.
Potential mechanisms of action of celastrol against rheumatoid arthritis: transcriptomic and proteomic analysis
Authors: Song Xinqiang , Xinqiang SONG , Erqin DAI , Yu ZHANG , Hongtao DU , Lei WANG 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The natural triterpene celastrol exhibits potential anti-inflammatory activity in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Here we explored through what proteins and processes celastrol may act in activated fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from RA patients. Differential expression of genes and proteins after celastrol treatment of FLS was examined using RNA sequencing, label-free relatively quantitative proteomics and molecular docking. Results: Expression of 26,565 genes and 3,372 proteins was analyzed. Celastrol was associated with significant changes in genes that respond to oxidative stress and oxygen levels, as well as genes that stabilize or synthesize components of the extracellular matrix. Conclusions: These results identify several potential mechanisms through which celastrol may inhibit inflammation in RA.
Hand Rehabilitation Programs Used for Second to Fifth Metacarpal Fractures: A Systematic Literature Review Protocol
Authors: Keller Monique Marie , Barnes Roline Y , Brandt Corlia 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMetacarpal fractures have an incidence rate of 13.6 per 100000, affects males more than females and accounts for 33% of all hand fractures. No evidence-based rehabilitation program exists for second to fifth metacarpal fractures potentially causing poor health related quality of life, decrease hand function and disability.MethodsExperimental study designs, quasi-experimental, cohort studies and case control studies for the last ten years from January 2008 to September 2018 with English as a language restriction will be included. Sources investigating hand rehabilitation, immobilization, splinting and home programs after surgical and conservative management for second to fifth metacarpal fractures, will be included. MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate, CINAHL, CAB Abstracts, Health Source - Consumer Edition, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, SPORTDiscus, Africa-Wide Information, MasterFILE Premier, Google Scholar and other grey literature will be searched. Two independent reviewers will independently conduct the study selection, methodology quality assessment and extraction of data. Findings will be pooled, meta-analysis performed, Summary of Findings provided according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis if deemed appropriate.DiscussionIt is imperative to implement effective rehabilitation to prevent poor health related quality of life, decrease hand function and disability. In this systematic literature review, we will determine the existing evidence on hand rehabilitation programs used after post-surgical and conservative management for 20 to 59-year-old humans who sustained a single or multiple second to fifth metacarpal fracture.
Validation of the primary care experiences survey developed with Indigenous patients with type 2 diabetes in Canada
Authors: Green Michael E , Han Han , Henderson Rita , Calam Betty , Jacklin Kristen , Walker Leah , Crowshoe Lynden 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Health disparities experienced among Indigenous populations in Canada arise from complex historical and social causes. Addressing health disparities requires a multi-sectoral approach, including measures for Indigenous patient healthcare experiences. The Canadian Institute for Health Information published Measuring Patient Experiences in Primary Health Care Survey to evaluate care experiences among general populations; it is not known whether this survey tool is appropriate to measure Indigenous people’s experiences of healthcare. As part of a large research project known as Educating for Equity (E4E), we developed an Indigenous patient experiences with diabetes care survey from existing validated primary care assessment tools, adapting items to the domains of the E4E Care Framework that addresses social and cultural factors that impact Indigenous health. This study describes the development of this Indigenous patient experiences survey, assessing the tool’s validity and reliability.Method A consensus approach was used to establish the face validity of the survey and ease of completion. The survey was administered in three on- and off-reserve practices in Northern Ontario during 2015 and 2016. In total, 154 completed surveys were collected for data analysis. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to assess the survey’s structure. Internal consistency, item convergent validity and discriminant validity were assessed to determine internal reliability and correlation of items within each scale and between scales.Results The Indigenous patient experiences survey consists of two sections: a patient demographic section of eight items and healthcare experience section of 36 items on Likert scales. Exploratory factor analysis identified seven main and sub-scales that align with the survey’s conceptual domains. Two items were removed due to insufficient loading scores. All main and sub-scales obtained acceptable internal reliability (Cronbach’s α: 0.7-0.957), item convergent validity (AVE: 0.4-0.7; CR: 0.78-0.99), and discriminant validity (√ AVE: 0.66-0.85).Conclusion The Indigenous patient experiences survey maps out the construct concepts of the E4E Care Framework: provider-patient relationship, provider cultural competence and social sensitivity, patient diabetic-related psychosocial self-efficacy, and patient-centred continuity of care. Study results indicate this culturally-tailored instrument is reliable and valid for measuring primary care experiences of Indigenous patients with diabetes in Ontario, Canada.
Performance assessment of Swedish sewer pipe networks using pipe blockage and other associated performance indicators
Authors: Okwori E. , Viklander M. , Hedström A. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Sewer pipe networks are expected to operate with minimal or no interruptions. The complex nature of randomly occurring failures in sewer networks arising from blockages significantly adds to the cost of operation and maintenance. Blockages are significant due to sewage backup or basements flooding, resulting from their occurrence. Therefore, continuous performance assessment of sewer pipe networks is necessary to ensure required levels of service at an acceptable cost. This study provides insight into the performance of the sewer pipe networks by assessing the proneness of the network to blockages. Furthermore it draws inferences at a holistic strategic level of influential explanatory factors of blockage proneness, using data available in the Swedish Water and Wastewater Association's benchmarking system. Results indicate that medium sized municipalities are prone to at least 30% more blockages per km per year compared to other municipalities. A hypothesis of explanatory factors includes reduced flow volumes and flow depth. Flow velocities below self-cleaning velocity in sewer pipe networks, encouraged by sluggishness of flow are responsible for increased possibility for sediment deposition and accumulation in sewers leading to blockages. This is also exacerbated by the deposition of non-disposables (wet wipes, baby diapers, hard paper, etc.), accumulation of fats, oils and grease in sewers and increased water conservation measures.
Preventing the growth of iron bacteria in water wells by copper and silver coating
Authors: Houben Georg , Sander Jürgen 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The growth of iron-related bacteria and their deposition of iron oxides often impedes the operation of water wells, resulting in costly rehabilitation measures. The microbicidal potential of a silver and copper coating was investigated. Field-scale experiments on a riser pipe showed that silver coating only slightly subdued the growth of iron bacteria, while copper coating was highly effective. However, the coating was eroded and oxidized over the course of the experiment, rendering it ineffective. Model experiments with different types of copper coatings showed that only polished copper metal was able to prevent the growth of an iron bacteria biofilm for a longer period of time, while thinner coatings were overcome after some months. While the coating of screens, casings and riser pipes might thus not be sustainable, protecting parts of the submersible pump prone to iron oxide deposition by a copper coating could be an interesting option.
Impact of Hydration on Exercise Performance and Physiological Responses
Authors: Batista Mara C.C. , dos Santos Marcos A.P. 
Published: March 2020

Introduction:
Studies have shown the importance of hydration in maintaining the physical
performance and physiological responses of athletes. Therefore, the objective of this review was to
provide data on the impact of hydration on physical performance and physiological responses during
sports practice.

Methods:
We performed a search of articles published in selected PubMed and ScienceDirect databases
from March 2018 to May 2019 using the keywords “hydration”, “dehydration”, “physical performance”,
“thermoregulation”, and “hydroelectrolytic repositors”.

Results:
The scientific data presented in this review show the importance of hydration in maintaining
heart rate, maximum oxygen volume (VO2MAX), and the physical performance of athletes. Besides,
our results show that when properly performed, hydration can help athletes avoid hyponatremia, fatigue,
and quitting due to perceived exertion more quickly.

Conclusion:
Proper hydration during exercise helps achieve satisfactory physical performance and
prevents health-related problems.
Malaysia REIT Companies Concepts in Practicing Sale and Leaseback Investment
Authors: Ling Nur Lesya Firsya Johaimi , Haffiz Aliasak Mohd Hasrol , Alauddin Kartina 
Published: March 2020

Sale and leaseback investment has been a growing trend among the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Companies in Malaysia. This study is to determine the important elements in the concepts of the sale and leaseback transactions practiced by the REIT companies. The study uses the NVIVO software to analyze the data interviews with the REIT managers that adopt sale and leaseback investment transactions. With a response rate of 78%, results show there are three main elements namely location, type of lease, and rental. This study forms a useful guide to real estate managers in developing countries towards using the sale and leaseback as one of the alternative methods in property investment.