bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing Upscaling Approach for Swarming Hydraulic Fractures Observed at Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site through Multiscale Simulations
Authors: Fu Wei , Morris Joseph P. , Fu Pengcheng , Huang Jixiang , Sherman Christopher S. , Settgast Randolph R. , Ryerson Frederick J. 
Published: March 2021

Summary
This work aims to address a challenge posed by recent observations of tightly spaced hydraulic fractures in core samples from the hydraulic fracturing test site (HFTS) in the Middle Wolfcamp Formation. Many fractures in retrieved cores have subfoot spacing, which is at odds with conventional models in which usually one hydraulic fracture is initiated per cluster. Models assuming a single fracture at each cluster, although a common practice, often predict excessive fracture propagation that is inconsistent with microseismic observation. Here, we aim to develop a numerical approach to effectively account for densely spaced hydraulic fractures in field-scale simulations. Because it is impractical to explicitly model all aforementioned fractures, we develop a new upscaling law that enables existing simulation tools to predict reservoir response to fracture swarms. The upscaling law is derived based on an energy equivalence argument and validated through multiscale simulations using a high-fidelity code, GEOS. The swarming fractures are first modeled with a spacing that is much smaller than the cluster spacing; these fractures are then approximated by an upscaled, single fracture based on the proposed upscaling law. The upscaled fracture is shown to successfully match the energy input rate and produce the total fracture aperture and average propagation length of the explicitly simulated swarm. Afterward, the upscaling approach is further implemented in 3D field-scale simulations and validated against the HFTS microseismic data of a horizontal well. Our results show that hydraulic fracture swarming can significantly affect fracture propagation behaviors compared with the propagation of single fractures as assumed by conventional modeling approaches. Under the considered situations, the conventional treatment yields fast propagation speed that far exceeds that indicated by the microseismic data. We also illustrate that this discrepancy can be reduced readily through the implementation of the upscaling law. Our results demonstrate the importance of accounting for the fracture swarming effect in field-scale simulations and the efficacy of this approach to enable realistic predictions of reservoir responses to fracture swarms, without the need to model tightly spaced fractures individually.
Differential expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs during male germ-like cell differentiation in human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells by RNA-seq
Authors: Xie Lichun , Zhou Guichi , Ma Lian , Wen Feiqiu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of various biological processes and crucial for cell development and differentiation. However, their roles in the differentiation of human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) into male germ-like cells remain largely unknown. Method: Here, the expression of lncRNAs and mRNAs in undifferentiated HUMSCs and HUMSCs undergoing differentiation into male germ-like cells was analyzed. RNA-sequencing was performed to profile the expression of non-coding RNAs. We analyzed the total expression of lncRNAs/mRNAs at three time points during HUMSC differentiation [day (D)7, D14, and D21]. Result: Expression profiling revealed 110 lncRNAs, 584 mRNAs, and 21 miRNAs common to the three experimental groups during HUMSC male germ-like cell differentiation. The maximum and minimum total overall lncRNA expression occurred on D14 (638) and D21 (283), respectively. The maximum and minimum numbers of up-regulated mRNAs were observed on D21 (2,398) and D7 (2,106), respectively. The maximum and minimum numbers of down-regulated mRNAs were observed on D14 (3,357) and D21 (202), respectively. The expression level of mRNA ENST00000486554 was up-regulated on D7, D14, and D21 after induction. Pathway analysis identified meiotic signaling pathways and nitrogen metabolism as being associated with the differentiation potential of HUMSC male germ-like cells. Non-coding RNA expression profiles significantly differed in HUMSC male germ-like cell differentiation. One mRNA, ENST00000486554, was crucial for differentiation. Conclusions: Our results provide a systematic perspective on the potential functions of non-coding RNAs and novel insights into the complicated regulatory mechanisms underlying the differentiation of HUMSCs into male germ-like cells.
Water Quality and Plankton Assessment of Eme River, Umuahia, Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Anyanwu Emeka Donald , Adetunji Onyinyechi Gladys , Umeham Solomon Nnanna 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Certain anthropogenic activities have negative impacts on the aquatic ecosystems. Plankton are sensitive to their environment and are used to monitor anthropogenic impacts. A South-eastern Nigeria River was studied from December 2017 to November 2018 in 6 stations; to assess the plankton community, water quality and anthropogenic impacts. The river was subjected to intense sand mining activities among other activities. The plankton was sampled with filtration method while water was collected and analysed using standard methods. A total of 36 phytoplankton species and 27 zooplankton species were recorded with Chlorophyceae and Rotifers being the most abundant groups. The most abundant species - Melosira granulata (phytoplankton) and Daphnia pulex (zooplankton) are pollution indicators. Some of the physicochemical parameters showed that the river was perturbed by the anthropogenic activities in the watershed. However, the plankton assemblage and community structure gave an indication of a stable environment; though the zooplankton fauna showed some level of stress. The impacts of sand mining activities on water quality and plankton were more in the downstream stations (4–6) where sand mining was intense while perturbation from swimming children and related activities were observed in station 1 especially during the dry season. The presence of eutrophic indicators and tolerant species showed that the river was tending towards eutrophication. Sand mining activities contributed to the nutrient enrichment of the river. CCA showed the major water quality parameters that influenced the plankton community structure. There is need to regulate illegal sand mining activities in the river.
Effectiveness of the Internet-based Versus Face-to-Face Interaction on Reduction of Tobacco use among Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Kant Ravi , Yadav Poonam , Rodney Tamar , Bairwa Mukesh 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe burden of tobacco-associated disorders is prevalent worldwide. Over the years, many innovative internet-based approaches have been utilized with variable success to quit tobacco. Though the effectiveness of internet-based and face-to-face interventions on quitting smoking are very well reported in the literature, due to limitation in methodology and limited sample size, it is required to integrate and analyze these studies' findings to reach a single conclusion. The study evaluated the effectiveness of the internet as an intervention approach versus face-to-face interaction on reducing tobacco use as control among adults.MethodsA systematic search was performed through various electronic databases such as Medline, PsychInfo, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and Academia. Reference lists of the eligible articles were also screened. Full-text articles were included as per eligibility criteria (PICO framework). No ethnicity restriction was applied.ResultsA total of 13 studies were selected for meta-analysis, with 3852 and 3908 participants in intervention and control groups respectively. Forest plot favours the intervention group at one month follow up for tobacco quitting (OR: 2.37, CI: 1.86-3.02, P-0.00001, I2 =0%), at three months (OR: 1.88, CI: 1.48-2.40, P-0.00001, I2 =42%) at six months (OR: 2.02, CI: 1.64-2.50, P-0.00001, I2 =38%) and at 1 year of follow-up (OR: 1.43, CI: 1.18-1.74, P-0.00001, I2 = 36%) comparing to control group. ConclusionInternet and web-based interventions are highly useful in tobacco quitting at one month, three months, six months, and one year of follow-up compared to face-to-face interaction or no intervention, although the level of evidence was moderate. Additionally, limited availability of trials in developing countries, arising need for research of internet use in developing countries to quit tobacco. Prospero Registration number- PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020214306
Estimation of sediment thickness by solving Poisson's equation with bedrock outcrops as boundary conditions
Authors: Kitterød Nils-Otto , Leblois Étienne 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSediment thickness and bedrock topography are vital for the terrestrial hydrosphere. In this study, we estimated sediment thickness by using information from digital elevation models, geological maps, and public databases. We discuss two different approaches: First, the horizontal distances to the nearest bedrock outcrop were used as a secondary function in kriging and cokriging. Second, we applied Poisson's equation to estimate the local trend of the sediment thickness where bedrock outcrops were used as boundary conditions. Differences between point observations and the parabolic surface from Poisson's equation were minimized by inverse modelling. Ordinary kriging was applied to the residuals. These two approaches were evaluated with data from the Øvre Eiker, Norway. Estimates derived from Poisson's equation gave the smallest mean absolute error, and larger soil depths were reproduced better if the local trend was included in the estimation procedure. An independent cross-validation was undertaken. The results showed the best accuracy and precision for kriging on the residuals from Poisson's equation. Solutions of Poisson's equation are sensitive to the boundary conditions, which in this case were locations of the bedrock outcrops. Bedrock outcrops are available for direct observations; hence, the quality of the estimates can be improved by updating input from high-resolution mapping.
Effects of sea level rise on salinity and tidal flooding patterns in the Guadiana Estuary
Authors: Mills Lara , Janeiro João , Martins Flávio 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Sea level rise is a worldwide concern as a high percentage of the population is located in coastal areas. The focus of this study is the impact of sea level rise in the Guadiana Estuary, an estuary in the Iberian Peninsula formed at the interface of the Guadiana River and the Gulf of Cadiz. Estuaries will be impacted by sea level rise as these transitional environments host highly diverse and complex marine ecosystems. The major consequences of sea level rise are the intrusion of salt from the sea into fresh water and an increase in flooding area. As the physical, chemical, and biological components of estuaries are sensitive to changes in salinity, the purpose of this study is to further evaluate salt intrusion in the Guadiana Estuary caused by sea level rise. Hydrodynamics of the Guadiana Estuary were simulated in a two-dimensional numerical model with the MOHID water modeling system. A previously developed hydrodynamic model was implemented to further examine changes in salinity distribution in the estuary in response to sea level rise. Varying tidal amplitudes, freshwater discharge from the Guadiana River and bathymetries of the estuary were incorporated in the model to fully evaluate the impacts of sea level rise on salinity distribution and flooding areas of the estuary. Results show an overall increase in salinity and land inundation in the estuary in response to sea level rise.
Hybrid modeling and prediction of oyster norovirus outbreaks
Authors: Chenar Shima Shamkhali , Deng Zhiqiang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper presents a hybrid model for predicting oyster norovirus outbreaks by combining the Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) methods and using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite remote-sensing data. Specifically, 10 years (2007–2016) of cloud-free MODIS Aqua data for water leaving reflectance and environmental data were extracted from the center of each oyster harvest area. Then, the PCA was utilized to compress the size of the MODIS Aqua data. An ANN model was trained using the first 4 years of the data from 2007 to 2010 and validated using the additional 6 years of independent datasets collected from 2011 to 2016. Results indicated that the hybrid PCA-ANN model was capable of reproducing the 10 years of historical oyster norovirus outbreaks along the Northern Gulf of Mexico coast with a sensitivity of 72.7% and specificity of 99.9%, respectively, demonstrating the efficacy of the hybrid model.
Irrigation management strategies through the combination of fresh water and desalinated sea water for banana crops in El Hierro, Canary Islands
Authors: Álvarez-Méndez Sergio J. , Padrón-Armas Isidro , Mahouachi Jalel 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The current lack of natural water resources, mainly due to the absence of sufficient precipitation and the deterioration of irrigation water (IW) quality, urgently requires a search for alternative resources, especially in arid and semiarid areas. Desalination of sea water is well established in numerous regions where water is scarce. To investigate the effects of the combination of regular fresh water and desalinated sea water (DSW) on mineral nutrient changes in crops, an experimental system based on Musa acuminata AAA plants was performed in Frontera (El Hierro, Canary Islands). Data showed that banana crops irrigated with a mixture of fresh water and DSW exhibited an adequate nutritional status and did not suffer any injuries of salt ions (Na+ and Cl−) or B toxicity. Moreover, plants may tolerate higher concentrations of these elements and a major supply of the other essential micronutrients. The obtained results suggest that irrigating crops with a combination of fresh water and DSW is a good strategy to respond to the high water requirements, at least under the tested experimental conditions. This strategy could be very helpful in arid regions, as well as in other areas where precipitation is seasonal and scarce, like the Mediterranean or the Canaries.
Mobile Health Intervention Promoting Physical Activity in Adults Post Cardiac Rehabilitation: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Park Linda G , Elnaggar Abdelaziz , Lee Sei J , Merek Stephanie , Hoffmann Thomas J , Von Oppenfeld Julia , Ignacio Nerissa , Whooley Mary A 
Published: March 2021

Background
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an exercise-based program prescribed after cardiac events associated with improved physical, mental, and social functioning; however, many patients return to a sedentary lifestyle leading to deteriorating functional capacity after discharge from CR. Physical activity (PA) is critical to avoid recurrence of cardiac events and mortality and maintain functional capacity. Leveraging mobile health (mHealth) strategies to increase adherence to PA is a promising approach. Based on the social cognitive theory, we sought to determine whether mHealth strategies (Movn mobile app for self-monitoring, supportive push-through messages, and wearable activity tracker) would improve PA and functional capacity over 2 months.

Objective
The objectives of this pilot randomized controlled trial were to examine preliminary effects of an mHealth intervention on group differences in PA and functional capacity and group differences in depression and self-efficacy to maintain exercise after CR.

Methods
During the final week of outpatient CR, patients were randomized 1:1 to the intervention group or usual care. The intervention group downloaded the Movn mobile app, received supportive push-through messages on motivation and educational messages related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) management 3 times per week, and wore a Charge 2 (Fitbit Inc) activity tracker to track step counts. Participants in the usual care group wore a pedometer and recorded their daily steps in a diary. Data from the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and self-reported questionnaires were collected at baseline and 2 months.

Results
We recruited 60 patients from 2 CR sites at a community hospital in Northern California. The mean age was 68.0 (SD 9.3) years, and 23% (14/60) were female; retention rate was 85% (51/60). Our results from 51 patients who completed follow-up showed the intervention group had a statistically significant higher mean daily step count compared with the control (8860 vs 6633; P=.02). There was no difference between groups for the 6MWT, depression, or self-efficacy to maintain exercise.

Conclusions
This intervention addresses a major public health initiative to examine the potential for mobile health strategies to promote PA in patients with CVD. Our technology-based pilot mHealth intervention provides promising results on a pragmatic and contemporary approach to promote PA by increasing daily step counts after completing CR.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03446313; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03446313
Morbidity and Mortality Associated with Typhoid Fever Among Hospitalized Patients in Hyderabad District, Pakistan, 2017-2018: Retrospective Record Review
Authors: Fatima Munaza , Kumar Santosh , Hussain Mudassar , Memon Naveed Masood , Vighio Anum , Syed Muhammad Asif , Chaudhry Ambreen , Hussain Zakir , Baig Zeeshan Iqbal , Baig Mirza Amir , Asghar Rana Jawad , Ikram Aamer , Khader Yousef 
Published: March 2021

Background
Hyderabad, Pakistan, was the first city to witness an outbreak of extensively drug resistant (XDR) typhoid fever. The outbreak strain is resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, fluoroquinolones, and third-generation cephalosporin, thus greatly limiting treatment options. However, despite over 5000 documented cases, information on mortality and morbidity has been limited.

Objective
To address the existing knowledge gap, this study aimed to assess the morbidity and mortality associated with XDR and non-XDR Salmonella serovar Typhi infections in Pakistan.

Methods
We reviewed the medical records of culture-confirmed typhoid cases in 5 hospitals in Hyderabad from October 1, 2016, to September 30, 2018. We recorded data on age, gender, onset of fever, physical examination, serological and microbiological test results, treatment before and during hospitalization, duration of hospitalization, complications, and deaths.

Results
A total of 1452 culture-confirmed typhoid cases, including 947 (66%) XDR typhoid cases and 505 (34%) non-XDR typhoid cases, were identified. Overall, ≥1 complications were reported in 360 (38%) patients with XDR typhoid and 89 (18%) patients with non-XDR typhoid (P<.001). Ileal perforation was the most commonly reported complication in both patients with XDR typhoid (n=210, 23%) and patients with non-XDR typhoid (n=71, 14%) (P<.001). Overall, mortality was documented among 17 (1.8%) patients with XDR S Typhi infections and 3 (0.6%) patients with non-XDR S Typhi infections (P=.06).

Conclusions
As this first XDR typhoid outbreak continues to spread, the increased duration of illness before hospitalization and increased rate of complications have important implications for clinical care and medical costs and heighten the importance of prevention and control measures.
Participación pedagógica, comunitaria y social del profesorado de primaria en cuatro municipios de Chihuahua, México
Authors: Gaytán Díaz Claudia Celina , Ruíz López Salvador , Alarcón Nakamura Daniel 
Published: March 2021

Este artículo trata sobre la participación pedagógica, comunitaria y social del profesorado de primaria y los motivos por los que participan en actividades y proyectos. El estudio es descriptivo basado en métodos mixtos, con una estrategia secuencial explicativa. Para este, se aplicó un cuestionario a una muestra de 800 maestros y 1,131 maestras en cuatro municipios de Chihuahua, México; además de realizarse dos grupos focales. Se encontró que uno de cada diez docentes manifiesta un alto nivel de participación en actividades escolares y en proyectos pedagógicos, no así en proyectos comunitarios y sociales. El profesorado hace alusión a la mejora de la calidad educativa o de los aprendizajes como los principales motivos por los que participan. Finalmente, se identificaron estrategias implementadas por los colectivos para promover la participación, como la libertad para expresar ideas y el apoyo y acompañamiento de los integrantes que favorecen el logro de objetivos.
Hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, lipid peroxidation and membrane damage in leaves of the tree Prosopis nigra (Fabaceae) under simulated glyphosate drift
Authors: Meloni Diego Ariel , Inés Bolzón Graciela 
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The tree Prosopis nigra is native to the Western Chaco phytogeographic region, affected by the application of glyphosate in the surrounding crops. Objective: To determine the impact of simulated glyphosate drift on growth, photosynthesis and oxidative stress in P. nigra seedlings. Methods: We simulated drift in seedlings at doses of 0, 200, 400 and 800 g a.e. ha-1 of glyphosate. We also measured gas exchange and modulated fluorescence emission of chlorophyll a. Results: Glyphosate reduced biomass, photosynthetic rate, and stomatal conductance. Doses of 400 and 800 g a.e. ha-1 glyphosate produced photoinhibition. The electron transport rate was sensitive to glyphosate, and it decreased at all doses of the herbicide. Glyphosate generated oxidative stress, and produced damage to membranes, because of the accumulation of H2O2 and O2.. Conclusions: Glyphosate reduces growth and photosynthesis in these seedlings. The inhibition of photosynthesis is due to stomatal closure, and alterations in the photochemical stage, associated with oxidative stress.
El zorro gris pampeano (Lycalopex gymnocercus) como dispersor de las semillas de mora (Morus nigra)
Authors: Duarte Baschini Candela , Dellafiore Claudia M. 
Published: March 2021

Introducción: En los bosques serranos de Córdoba, Argentina, los zorros (Lycalopex gymnocercus) incluyen en su dieta frutos de especies exóticas como la mora (Morus nigra), una especie invasora originaria de Asia. Objetivo: Conocer si las semillas de mora sufren daños en el tracto digestivo de los zorros, y si esto afecta su viabilidad, poder de germinación, inicio y tasa de germinación. Métodos: Recolectamos semillas de zarzamora en el campo y de heces frescas de zorros cautivos, seleccionando al azar 300 semillas por tratamiento que mantuvimos en germinador a 25 ° C. El criterio de germinación fue la salida de la radícula. Resultados: Todas las semillas extraídas de las heces estaban sanas. El inicio de la germinación ocurrió el mismo día en ambos tratamientos, aunque las tasas de germinación fueron mayores para las semillas extraídas directamente de los frutos. Conclusiones: A pesar de daños menores a las semillas, el zorro es un dispersor de semillas de mora.