bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Polymer-Induced Clogging Using Microfluidics
Authors: Sugar Antonia , Torrealba Victor , Buttner Ulrich , Hoteit Hussein 
Published: December 2020

SummaryPolymers have been successfully deployed in the oil and gas industry in various field implementations, including mobility control in waterflood, flow divergence, and well conformance control. However, lab and field applications of polymer injections often encounter polymer-induced formation damage related to pore-throat clogging from polymer entrapments, leading to permeability reduction. This phenomenon manifests as a loss of injectivity, which can diminish the recovery performance. The polymer interaction mechanisms with porous rocks are not fully understood. In this work, we use microfluidics to assess formation clogging induced by polymer flood. Microfluidic techniques offer convenient tools to observe polymer flow behavior and transport mechanisms through porous media. The microfluidic chips were designed to mimic the pore-size distribution of oil-bearing conventional reservoir rocks, with pore throats ranging from 1 to 10 µm. The proposed fabrication techniques enabled us to transfer the design onto a silicon wafer substrate through photolithography. The constructed microfluidic chip, conceptually known as “reservoir-on-a-chip,” served as a 2D flow proxy. With this technique, we overcome the inherent complexity of the 3D aspects of porous rocks to study the transport mechanisms occurring at the pore scale. We performed various experiments to assess some mechanisms of polymer-rock interaction related to the sizes of the polymer molecules and pore throats. The polymer flow behavior was compared to that of the waterflood baseline. Our observations showed that prolonged injection of polymer solutions could clog pore throats of sizes larger than the measured mean polymer-coil size, which is consistent with lab and field observations. This finding highlights a limitation in some polymer screening workflows in the industry that suggest selecting the candidate polymers based solely on their molecular size and the size distribution of the rock pore throats. This work emphasizes the need for careful core-flood experiments to assess polymer entrapment mechanisms and their implication on short- and long-term injectivity.
Recent Advances in Polymer Flooding in China: Lessons Learned and Continuing Development
Authors: Guo Hu , Song Kaoping , Liu Shaopeng , Zhao Fengxiang , Wang Zhengbo , Xu Yang , Liu Jiangbin , Tang Engao , Yang Zhaopeng 
Published: December 2020

SummaryPolymer flooding is one of the most promising chemical enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) techniques. It offers a high incremental-oil-recovery factor (IORF), low cost, and wide reservoir applicability. The first large commercial polymer-flooding application began in Daqing Oil Field and remains the largest polymer application in the world. However, encouraged by the success of previous field applications and new findings regarding the viscoelasticity of polymers in the reduction of residual oil saturation (ROS), high-concentration high-molecular-weight (MW) polymer-flooding (HCHMW) field tests have been conducted in many oil fields in China. Although some of these field tests in Daqing are well-documented, subsequent progress has seldom been reported. Moreover, recent references about the latest polymer-flooding applications in China reveal that HCHMW has only a limited application in Daqing. This is not in agreement with previous reports and expectations, especially given that viscoelasticity has been drawing increased attention. This paper explains why HCHMW is not currently widely used. New types of amphiphilic polymers are also field tested in China. Lessons learned from polymer-flooding practices in offshore reservoirs, heavy-oil reservoirs, and conglomerate reservoirs are given to help reduce risks and costs of polymer flooding in the low-oil-price era. EOR techniques in post-polymer-flooding reservoir field tests are also compared. In addition to providing useful information for engineers, this paper helps clarify some misconceptions—such as injecting the most viscous polymer possible—in polymer-flooding implementations, according to polymer-flooding practice in China. Annual oil production using polymer flooding as well as polymer utility factors (UFs) are given. Various technical parameters, such as polymer slug, viscosity, IORF, oil-increase factor (OIF), and water-cut decrease, are provided to better understand polymer-flooding evaluation as well economics.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus Supplementation Exerts A Synergistic Effect on Tacrolimus Efficacy by Restoring Th17/Treg Imbalance in Lupus-Prone Mice via the SIGNR3 Pathway
Authors: Kim Da Som , Park Youngjae , Choi Jeong-Won , Park Sung-Hwan , CHO MI-LA , Kwok Seung-Ki 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterised by tissue-binding autoantibodies and immune complexes. Tacrolimus (Tac), also known as FK506, is an immunosuppressant used in the treatment of lupus; however, it induces T-cell imbalances. Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) is reported to have therapeutic efficacy in immune-mediated diseases via T-cell regulation. This study investigated whether a combination therapy of LA and Tac improves the therapeutic efficacy of Tac by ameliorating T-cell imbalance in an animal model of SLE. Eight-week-old MRL/Mp-Faslpr (MRL/lpr) mice were orally administered with 5 mg/kg of Tac and/or 50 mg/kg of LA daily for 8 weeks. Caecal microbiota compositions, serum autoantibodies levels, the degree of proteinuria, histological changes in the kidney, and populations of various T-cell subsets in the spleen were analysed. Results: MRL/lpr mice presented with significant gut microbiota imbalances, which were subsequently recovered by the combination treatment of Tac and LA. Double negative T-cells, a pathogenic subset of T-cells, in the peripheral blood and spleens of MRL/lpr mice were significantly decreased by the combination therapy. The combination treatment also reduced serum levels of anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies and immunoglobulin G2a, and renal pathology scores were markedly alleviated. The combination therapy induced Treg cells and decreased Th17 cells both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro treatment with LA induced the production of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase, programmed death-ligand 1, and inerleukin-10, which was partially mediated by the induction of the specific intracellular adhesion molecule-3 grabbing non-integrin homolog-related 3 (SIGNR3) receptor. Conclusions: The present findings indicate that LA augments the therapeutic effect of Tac and restores Th17/Treg balance in a murine model of lupus. Accordingly, the combination treatment of Tac with LA could be a promising therapeutic candidate for lupus.
Population Genetic of Anopheles Arabiensis Patton(Diptera: Culicidae) the Malaria Vector in the Republic of Sudan.
Authors: Mustafa Mashair , Jaal Zairi , Kashawa Sumia Abu , Nor Siti Azizah Mohd 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Anopheles arabiensis is a member of An. gambiae complex and a main malaria vector in Sudan. There is no sufficient An. arabiensis population genetic data available an understanding of vector population structure and genetics are important to the malaria vector control programs. The objective of this investigation is to study the population structure, gene flow and isolation by distance among An. arabiensis for developing control strategies Methods Mosquitoes were collected from six sites in Sudan using pyrethrum spray catch of indoor resting mosquitoes. Anopheline mosquitos were identified morphologically and based on species specific nucleotide sequences in the ribosomal DNA intergenic spacers (IGS). Seven microsatellite loci published An. gambiae primers were used to amplify the DNA of An. arabiensis samples. Results PCR confirmed that An. arabiensis was the main malaria vector found in the six localities. Of the seven microsatellite loci utilized, six were found to be highly polymorphic across populations, with high allelic richness and heterozygosity with the remaining one being monomorphic. Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg expectations were found in 21 out of 42 tests in the six populations due to heterozygotes deficiency. Bayesian clustering analysis revealed two gene pools, grouping samples into two population clusters; one includes four and the other includes two populations. The genetic distances between pairs of populations ranged from 0.06 to 0.24. Significant F ST was observed between all An. arabiensis populations . Kr population indicated high genetic differentiation (F ST ranged from 0.17 to 0.24). High gene flow (Nm= 1.6–8.2) was detected between clusters. There was evidence of a bottleneck event in the Hj population. No isolation by distance pattern was detected among populations. Conclusions This study revealed low levels of population differentiation with high gene flow among six An. arabiensis populations in Sudan.
Assessment of Neuropsychological Function in Veterans with Blast-related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Sub-concussive Blast Exposure
Authors: Clausen Ashley N , Bouchard Heather C , Workgroup VA Mid-Atlantic MIRECC , Welsh-Bohmer Kathleen A. , Morey Rajendra A 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective: Nearly 20% of Veterans report deployment-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) with most deployment injuries stemming from blast exposure. While Veterans with TBI report cognitive complaints and may acutely display impaired neuropsychological performance, there is little evidence examining the effects of so-called sub-concussive blast exposure, which does not meet clinical symptom criteria for mild TBI during the acute period following exposure. We compared chronic effects of combat blast-related mild TBI and combat-related sub-concussive injuries on neuropsychological performance in Veterans.Methods: Post-9/11 Veterans with sub-concussive (n=33) and mild TBI (n=26) from combat-related blast-exposure in addition to and without control Veterans (n=33) without combat-related blast-exposure, completed neurocognitive assessments of intellectual and executive functioning, processing speed, response inhibition, and working memory via NIH toolbox. Veterans also completed assessment of current clinical psychopathology. The Quantification of Cumulative Blast Exposure was used to assess the number of blast exposure and their severity as well as non-blast-related head injuries. Veteran’s self-reported their history of non-blast head injuries and current medication. Huber Robust Regressions were employed to compare neuropsychological performance across groups. Results: Veterans with combat-related mild TBI and sub-concussive blast exposure displayed significantly poorer performance on measures of processing speed compared to controls. After adjusting for PTSD symptoms, those with combat-related mild TBI exhibited slower processing speed than controls; however, this result was not statistically significant after FDR correction.Conclusion: Veterans in the mild TBI group exhibited poorer processing speed and working memory relative to controls even when controlling for PTSD. However, cognition did not significantly differ between the sub-concussive and control groups or between sub-concussive and mild TBI groups. These results suggest that traditional cognitive assessment may not be sensitive enough to detect long-term effects of sub-concussive blast exposure.
LncRNA DUXAP8 promotes the progression of laryngeal cancer through targeting miR-384/ POU2F1 axis
Authors: Yan Zhanfeng , Wen Xiaohui , Dai Jinsheng , Liu Jinfeng , Hao Pengpeng , Wang Ningyu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Laryngeal cancer is the highest incidence of head and neck cancers in the world. Increasing evidences have demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in the progression of laryngeal cancer. Despite of the essential role of lncRNA DUXAP8 in many human cancers, its function and specific mechanisms in laryngeal cancer are poorly understood.
Methods

Differentially expression analysis of lncRNAs in GSE59652 dataset was performed by using limma package of R language. The expression of DUXAP8, miR-384 and candidate mRNAs was evaluated by qRT-PCR. Luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay were performed to determine the direct correlation between DUXAP8, miR-384 and POU2F1. Cell proliferation of laryngeal cancer cell lines TU212 and TU177 cells was evaluated by using CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay and EdU staining assay. Xenograft tumor model in vivo and rescue experiments were performed to explore the function and mechanisms of DUXAP8 in laryngeal cancer.
Results

The expression of DUXAP8 in tumor tissues was higher than that in adjacent normal tissues. High level of DUXAP8 was closely correlated to the worse prognosis of laryngeal cancer patients. Knockdown of DUXAP8 inhibited the proliferation of TU212 and TU177 cells in vitro, as well as tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, overexpression of POU2F1 significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect of sh-DUXAP8 on cell proliferation of TU212 and TU177 cells. In addition, sh-DUXAP8 significantly decreased the expression of DUXAP8 and POU2F1, while increased miR-384 expression in tumor tissues compared with sh-NC group.
Conclusion

DUXAP8 acted as a sponge of tumor suppressor miR-384 and then upregulated POU2F1 expression, thereby promoted the development of laryngeal cancer. Our findings suggest that DUXAP8 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for laryngeal cancer.
MicroRNA Expression Signature and Target Prediction in Familial and Sporadic Primary macronodular adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Xiaogang Tan , Zhu Jie , Liang Cui 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Primary macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PMAH) is a rare cause of Cushing's syndrome, usually characterized by functioning adrenal macronodules and increased cortisol production.Methods: To screen and analyze the microRNA profile of PMAH, so as to elucidate the possible pathogenesis of the disease, MiRNA microarray was used to test the tissue samples from familial patients with PMAH , sporadic patients with PMAH and normal controls of other non-tumor adrenocortical tissues, to identify characteristic microRNAs expression signatures. Random selected miRNAs were validated by RT-PCR. Furthermore, the key signal pathways and miRNAs involved in PMAH pathogenesis were analyzed by gene ontology and pathway analysis.Results: Characteristic microRNA expression signatures were identified for familial patients with PMAH including 16 differentially expressed microRNAs and sporadic patients with PMAH including 8 differentially expressed microRNAs respectively. RT-PCR assay confirmed the chosed miRNAs expression, suggesting the high reliability of miRNA array. Pathway analysis showed that the most enriched pathway was renal cell carcinoma pathway. Overexpression of miR-17，miR-20a and miR-130b may be inhibit glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in the PMAH pathogenesis.Conclusion: We have identified the miRNA signature in in Familial and Sporadic patients with PMAH, The differentially expressed miRNAs may be involved in the mechanisms of PMAH pathogenesis. Specific miRNAs, such as miR-17，miR-20a and miR-130b may be new potential targets for further functional studies of PMAH.
Association of γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor-associated protein with prognosis in patients after radical pancreatic cancer treatment
Authors: Zhang Chao , Tang Wenhao , Tu Yanyuan , Yuan Zurong , Wang Wei , Wu Zhaokun , Xiao Li , Gu Yan , Wang Weiyi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background：Pancreatic cancer is difficult to cure and many factors influence patient prognosis, of which autophagy is a recent research hotspot, and GABARAP plays a key role in autophagy, which has been found to interfere with cancer cell survival and metastasis in a variety of tumours. In this study, we analysed the correlation between GABARAP and patient prognosis in pancreatic cancer, as well as its correlation with clinicopathological parameters and its impact on the efficacy of chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer patients.Methods: The pancreatic tissues of 76 pancreatic cancer patients after R0 resection were screened according to the criteria, and the expression levels of GABARAP were determined by using immunohistochemistry (MaxVision) to label the pancreatic cancer tissues and normal pancreatic tissue around carcinoma in these two types of specimens, and the relationship between GABARAP and other factors and the disease-free and overall survival of patients after radical pancreatic cancer treatment was evaluated by single factor survival analysis and Cox regression analysis.Results：The expression ratio of GABARAP in pancreatic cancer tissue was drastically higher than that in normal pancreatic tissue adjacent to cancer. Cox regression model evaluation showed that GABARAP and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy were the overall survival of patients after radical pancreatic cancer Period independent prognostic indicators and both are protective factors for the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. Further data analysis found that postoperative chemotherapy drastically increased the total patient Survival period in GABARAP-negative patients but had no drastically effect on the patient's relapse-free survival period.Conclusion: The expression of GABARAP in pancreatic cancer tissues was drastically up-regulated, and patients with high expression of GABARAP in pancreatic cancer tissues had better prognosis, but had no drastically effect on the relapse-free survival of patients after radical operation of pancreatic cancer. The expression of GABARAP in pancreatic cancer tissues and Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy is an independent indicator of patients' prognosis after radical pancreatic cancer resection. Both are protective factors. The high expression of GABARAP in pancreatic cancer may indicate that the adjuvant chemotherapy is low benefit.
An Integrated Hardware and Software Application to Support Wound Measurement Using a 3D Scanner and Image Processing Techniques
Authors: Tassanavipas Kriangkrai , Natsupakpong Suriya 
Published: December 2020

Aim:
To build wounds volume(3D) and area(2D) measuring system and device.

Background:
The measurement of the wound depth has been troublesome due to difficulty fo the procedures, physicians mostly avoid inspecting the wound depth as it could cause wound inflammation and infection.

Objective:
To build a contactless device for measuring wound volume and develop the system to support the wound treatment process which offers precise measurement and wound healing progression.

Methods:
Build a machine to control and stabilize 3D-scanner over the wound using a servo motor and apply the image processing technique to calculate the wound's area and volume. Comparing the machine accuracy by using Archimedes's principle testing with various wound model sizes, made from folding clay and pork rinds.

Results:
The device and system generate an error value of less than 15% which is within a satisfactory level.

Conclusion:
Knowing the wound depth is vital for the treatment, direct contact to the wound area can cause inflammation, infection, and increase time to heal. This device will help physicians to get more insight into the wound and improve the treatment plan for the patients.
There are certain limitations to be considered for future work. Firstly, different software components used in the image processing and estimation process could be integrated to enhance user experience. Secondly, it is possible to apply Machine Learning techniques to identify the wounded area on the wound image file.
Síndrome de Ellis Van Creveld
Authors: Erazo Narvaez Andres Felipe , Muñoz Vidal Juan Manuel , Acosta Aragon Maria Amparo 
Published: December 2020

El síndrome de Ellis van Creveld es un trastorno autosómico recesivo, caracterizado por mutaciones en los genes ECV y ECV2, los cuales son importantes para el desarrollo osteocondral. A nivel mundial, se han reportado aproximadamente 300 casos ,presentándose con mayor frecuencia en poblaciones endogámicas. Se caracteriza por distrofias óseas, displasias ectodérmicas y malformaciones cardíacas.
El diagnóstico clínico puede ser confirmado mediante pruebas moleculares. A continuación, se presenta el caso de una paciente diagnosticada con el síndrome, la cual fue evaluada de manera interdisciplinaria. Esta revisión permitió dar a conocer un nuevo caso de la patología, relacionar las manifestaciones clínicas de la paciente con la literatura y describir nuevos hallazgos que pueden correlacionarse con el síndrome.
Pengaruh Kualitas Pelayanan Terhadap Minat Beli Konsumen Pada Nasi Kuning Puput Di Kayumalue
Authors: Ermawati Ermawati , Utami Riza Putri , Pakawaru Irham 
Published: December 2020

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui apakah kualitas pelayanan Nasi Kuning Puput di Kayumalue berpengaruh terhadap minat beli konsumen dan bagaimanakah kualitas pelayanan Nasi Kuning Puput di Kayumalue mempengaruhi minat beli konsumen dalam Perspektif Ekonomi Islam. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian survei dengan pendekatan kuantitatif, dimana populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh konsumen Nasi Kuning Puput. Adapun sampelnya berjumlah 40 orang berdasarkan rumus Hair. Teknik pengambilan sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah Nonprobability Sampling dengan cara accidental sampling. Hasil Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa kualitas pelayanan berpengaruh besar terhadap minat beli konsumen pada Nasi Kuning Puput di Kayumalue. Dimana besaran pengaruhnya dapat dilihat pada tabel Cofficients pada kolom Standardized Coefficient yaitu sebesar 0,543 atau 54,3%, sedangkan sisanya dijelaskan oleh variable independen lain yang tidak termasuk dalam penelitian ini. Dalam Perspektif Ekonomi Islam Nasi Kuning Puput telah terwujud hubungan antara manusia karena pelaku usaha Nasi Kuning Puput tidak membedakan-bedakan antara konsumen yang satu dengan konsumen yang lainnya, semua dilayani dengan ramah, cepat dan tanggap.
X-ray image denoising based on wavelet transform and median filter
Authors: Dong Hanlei , Zhao Liguo , Shu Yunxing , Xiong Neal N. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This paper mainly proposed and researched based on wavelet transform, and then used the X-map denoising technique of value filter. In other words, the value image was filtered in the spatial domain, and the value filtering was used as the standard pulse (salt) noise, also used as in the wavelet domain. After the filtered image was decomposed by biorthogonal double wavelet transform, a wavelet coefficient matrix was generated, and a soft threshold quantisation process was performed on the wavelet coefficients to produce a new wavelet coefficient matrix. In the end, they used a new wavelet coefficient matrix for image reconstruction. The processing resulted that the denoising method proposed in this paper showed that the X image can be denoised, which not only reduced the X-picture-like noise but also preserved the X-picture-like details as much as possible. It also helped to enhance diagnostic accuracy and reduced the difference in reading.
Effect of season and pregnancy on minerals serum variations of local rabbits in Tiaret, Algeria
Authors: Selmani Moulkheir , Meliani Samia , Kouidri Mokhtaria , Berrouaguia Karim , Khelil Sofiane Raouf , Chafaa Meriem 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The present study aimed to assess the season and pregnancy influence on minerals serum of local rabbits raised in semi-arid climate type. Fifty-nine multiparous does was used in this study during 2019. The semi-intensive rhythm of reproduction was used. All pregnant does were at the late stage of pregnancy at the sampling date. Serum samples were collected in two seasons: winter and summer. In this study, biochemical parameters concentrations of pregnant rabbits were significantly higher (p<0,05) compared with non-pregnant rabbit. The value of biochemical parameters total protein, albumin, triglyceride, cholesterol, calcium, and phosphorusus changed significantly. In this study, most parameters were influenced by pregnancy.