bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental Investigation On Hydrate Dissociation in Near-Wellbore Region Caused By Invasion of Drilling Fluid: Ultrasonic Measurement and Analysis
Authors: Li Qingchao , Cheng Yuanfang , Ansari Ubedullah , Han Ying , Liu Xiao , Yan Chuanliang 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
As we all know, development and utilization of clean energy is the only way for society to achieve sustainable development. Although natural gas hydrates is a new type of clean energy, uncontrollable hydrate dissociation and accompanying methane leakage in drilling operation threaten drilling safety and marine environment. However, dissociation range of natural gas hydrates around wellbore can't be reasonably and clearly determined in previous investigations, which may lead to the inaccurate estimation of borehole collapse and methane leakage. Then, the marine environment will be greatly damaged or affected. The purpose of the present work is to experimentally explore the dissociation characteristics of natural gas hydrates around wellbore in drilling operation, and analyze the influence law and mechanism of various factors on hydrate dissociation. It is expected to provide reference for exploring effective engineering measures to avoid the uncontrolled hydrate dissociation, borehole collapse and accompanying methane leakage. The experimental results demonstrate that acoustic velocity of hydrate-bearing sediment can be accurately expressed as quadratic polynomial of hydrate saturation, which is the theoretical basis for determination of hydrate saturation in subsequent experiments. Owing to the fact that hydrate dissociation is an endothermic reaction, hydrate dissociation gradually slows down in experiment. Throughout the experiment, the maximum dissociation rate at the beginning of the experiment is 8.69 times that at the end of the experiment. In addition, sensitivity analysis found that the increase of stabilizer concentration in drilling fluid can inhibit hydrate dissociation more than the increase in hydrate saturation. Hydrate dissociation was completely inhibited when the concentration of soybean lecithin exceeds 0.60wt%, but hydrate dissociation definitely occurs in the near-wellbore region no matter what hydrate saturation is. In this way, based on the requirements of drilling safety and environment protection, hydrate dissociation and accompanying methane leakage can be controlled by designing and adjusting the stabilizer concentration in drilling fluid.
Research of Technology For Production Deformed Semi-Finished Products From Chip Waste of Aluminum Alloys And Study Properties of The Obtained Products
Authors: Sidelnikov Sergey Borisovich , Zagirov Nikolay Nikolaevich , Loginov Yuri Nikolaevich , Ivanov Evgeniy Vladimirovich , Voroshilov Denis Sergeevich , Lopatina Ekaterina Sergeevna , Konstantinov Igor Lazarevich , Mansurov Yulbarskhon Nabievich , Galiev Roman Ilsurovich , Ber Vladimir Ivanovich , Voroshilova Marina Vladimirovna , Zagirova Elena Vladimirovna 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The results of studies of some methods of obtaining longish deformed semi-finished products in the form of rods and wires from chips of aluminum alloys 6063 and AlSi12 excluding the melting process during their implementation are presented. At the same time, the main methods used powder metallurgy (briquetting), metal forming (extrusion and drawing), and heat treatment (annealing). Using the developed general technological scheme of thermal deformation processing of chip waste from aluminum alloys, experimental studies of the technology of production of longish deformed semi-finished products from high-quality chips of alloys 6063 and AlSi12 have been carried out. The mechanical properties of metal obtained from shavings of experimental alloys of briquettes, rods, and wires were determined. The change in the structure of semi-finished products at all technological stages of processing was investigated. Computer simulation has been carried out, according to the results of which the regularities of temperature change, degree of deformation, and relative density in the volume of the deformation zone for semi-finished products obtained by the method of combined rolling-extrusion of a porous billet from briquette chips of 6063 alloy. As well as the degree of deformation, average normal and tangential stresses in the zone have been established. Deformation depends on the conditions of contact friction when drawing a wire from this alloy. Using the results of computer simulation, the proposed routes for drawing wire from extruded rods of chips of 6063 and AlSi12 alloys were experimentally tested and with their help, experimental batches of products were obtained for various industrial purposes.
Will environmental information disclosure affect bank credit decisions and corporate debt financing costs? Evidence from China's heavily polluting industries
Authors: Du Mo , Chai Shanglei , Wei Wei , Wang Shuqi , Li Zhilong 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
In the context of green finance, whether listed companies in heavily polluting industries can convert the external pressure of environmental information disclosure into internal motivation is critical to achieving environmental governance goals. This paper selects 946 listed companies of 16 heavily polluting industries in the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets as samples to explore whether environmental information disclosure can help companies increase bank credit support and reduce debt financing costs to transform their external pressures into internal motivation. The empirical results show that there is a significant positive correlation between environmental information disclosure and bank credit decisions. From the perspective of financing scale, heavily polluting companies have the inherent motivation to disclose environmental information actively and proactively to obtain more credit support. There is no significant relationship between the corporate debt financing cost and environmental information disclosure. This paper puts forward some critical policy suggestions for government decision makers, heavily polluting enterprises and financial institutions.
The Effects of the Functional Garment on the Biomechanics During the Single Leg Drop Landing.
Authors: Kudo Shintarou , Yamamoto Ayane , Katayama Sho , Miyashita Toshinori , Takasaki Raita 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Female athletes with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury should decrease both dynamic valgus of the knee and related kinematics of the lower limb during single leg drop landing (SLDL). A functional biomechanics garment (FBG) may help prevent injury by improved kinematics during motion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the FBG on the biomechanics of SLDL.Methods: Seventeen female university basketball players participated in this study. Characteristics of the FBG were designed based on biomechanics during weight-loaded performance of human movement such as gait, running, and jumping. Lower limb kinematic and kinetic data were calculated using a three-dimensional motion analysis system during a SLDL task with and without the FBG. The hip, knee, and ankle angles and joint moments were automatically calculated from the standard plug-in gait lower body model. The average values of lower limb kinematics and kinetics in the sagittal and frontal planes from 3 SLDL with and without FBG were measured and compared.Results: The maximum varus angle of the knee showed a significant difference between with FBG (15.3±15.1 degrees) and without FBG (5.9±15.4 degrees). (p<0.01; effect size 0.6) Conclusion: Use of the FBG decreases dynamic knee valgus, which reduces risk of knee injury. The FBG can reduce dynamic knee valgus during SLDL in athletic rehabilitation and to play a role in the prevention of knee injury.
“I feel like it is asking if he is a stalker… But I also feel like it is asking if he cares”: Exploring South African Youth’s Perceptions of the Sexual Relationship Power Scale
Authors: Closson Kalysha , Zharima Campion , Kuchena Michelle , Dietrich Janan J. , Gadermann Anne , Ogilvie Gina , Beksinska Mags , Kaida Angela 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Gender inequity and the subsequent health impacts disproportionately affect communities in the Global South. However, most gender equity measures, such as Pulerwitz’ (2000) Sexual Relationship Power Scale (SRPS), are developed and validated in the Global North and then applied in Global South settings without investigation of context applicability or validity. This study examines the SRPS’ validity evidence, comprehensiveness and contemporary relevance for young South African women and men. Methods: Between 2019-2021, 38 cognitive interviews (CIs) were conducted among previous participants of a South African youth cohort study ‘AYAZAZI’ (2015-2017) to explore youth’s perceptions of the SRPS. The SRPS measures women’s perceptions of their partner’s controlling behaviours, and men’s perceptions of their own controlling behaviours. Using CIs, participants responded to a 13-item South African youth SRPS (Strongly Agree-Strongly Disagree), and then were asked to think-aloud their reasoning for responses, their understanding and perceived relevance of each item, and made overall suggestions for scale adaptations. An item appraisal coding process was applied, whereby Cognitive Coding assessed the types of cognitive problems youth had with understanding the items, and Question Feature Coding assessed which item features caused problems for participant understandings. Finally, youth recommendations for scale adaptations were summarized. Results: Overall, 21 women and 17 men aged 21-30 participated in CIs in Durban and Soweto, South Africa. Cognitive Coding revealed 1. Comprehension issues, and 2. judgements related to items’ applicability to lived experiences and identities (e.g., being unmarried). Question Feature Coding revealed items’ 1. Lack of clarity or vagueness in wording and 2. logical problems in assumptions leading to multiple interpretations (e.g., item ‘does your partner always need to know where you are’ interpreted as both controlling and caring behaviour). Multiple, overlapping issues revealed how many items failed to “fit” within the present-day living realities of South African youth. Youth recommended several item adaptations and additions, including strength-based items, to existing measures of gender equity and power. Conclusion: Given identified issues, several adaptations including revising items to be more inclusive, contemporary, context specific, and strength-based are needed to validly measure gender equity and power dynamics within the relationships of South African youth.
An Efficient multi-level Pre-processing Algorithm for the Enhancement of Dermoscopy images in Melanoma detection
Authors: D JEBA DERWIN , O JEBA SINGH , B PRIESTLY SHAN 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
In this paper, a multi-level algorithm for Pre-processing of dermoscopy images is proposed, which helps in improving the quality of the raw images, making it suitable for skin lesion detection. This multi-level pre-processing method has a positive impact on automated skin lesion segmentation using Regularized Extreme Learning Machine. Raw images are subjected to de-noising, illumination correction, contrast enhancement, sharpening, reflection removal and virtual shaving before the skin lesion segmentation. The NLM filter with lowest BRISQUE score exhibits better de-noising of dermoscopy images. To suppress uneven illumination, gamma correction is subjected to the de-noised image. RICE algorithm is used for contrast enhancement, produces enhanced images with better structural preservation and negligible loss of information. Unsharp Masking for sharpening exhibits low BRISQUE scores for better sharpening of fine details in an image. Output images produced by the phase-congruency based method in virtual shaving shows high similarity with groundtruth images as the hair is removed completely from the input images. Obtained scores at each stage of pre-processing framework shows that, the performance is superior compared to all the existing methods, both qualitatively and quantitatively, in terms of uniform contrast, preservation of information content, removal of undesired information and elimination of artifacts in melanoma images. Output of proposed system is assessed qualitatively and quantitatively with and without pre-processing of dermoscopy images. From the overall evaluation results it is found that, the segmentation of skin lesion is more efficient using Regularized Extreme Learning Machine if the multi-level pre-processing steps are used in proper sequence.
Stem Cells Micro-transplantation in Elderly Patients Aged Over 70 With Acute Myeloid Leukemia: a Multicenter, Prospective, Non-interventional Study
Authors: hu kaixun , Guo Mei , Yu Chang-Lin , Qiao Jian-Hui , Sun Qi-Yun , Cai Bo , zuo hongli , Huang Ya-Jing , Zhan Xingrong , Shen Xu-liang , Fan Chuan-bao , Dong Zheng , Ai Hui-Sheng , Wang Yi , Tu Xiao-nian , zheng zhongzheng 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe treatment outcomes of elderly patients aged over 70 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been very disappointing. In comparison, our designed HLA-mismatched hematopoietic stem cell micro-transplantation (MST) has achieved such encouraging treatment results in AML patients as might warrant further investigations of the outcomes of MST for the above mentioned patients. MethodsOne hundred and eleven patients aged 70-88 years were enrolled. Eighty patients were assigned to the high-risk MST or standard MST group according to high-risk prognostic factors. The other thirty-one patients were assigned to either the chemotherapy group or support group. After receiving induction chemotherapy with cytarabine and anthracycline, patients who achieved complete remission (CR) were given another 2 cycles of post-remission therapy with cytarabine. Each chemotherapy regimen was followed by donor stem cell infusion in the MST groups. ResultMST achieved an encouragingly high CR rate in patients (63.8%), even in high-risk patients (54%). It was significantly higher than that in the chemotherapy alone group. The 1-year overall survival (OS) of MST patients was 57.7% and was 68.6% in the high-risk and standard group, respectively, whereas the OS was only 37.3% in the chemotherapy group. The severe infection rate was 36% and 54% in MST and chemotherapy group. No GVHD was observed in MST patients. A larger updated T cell clones was observed in MST patients by T cell receptor repertoire analysis with a Next Generation Sequencing methodology. ConclusionsThese results suggested that MST is a safe and practical treatment regimen conducive to a longer-term survival for AML patients at a highly advanced age.
Detection of Subclinical Keratoconus Using a Novel Combined Tomographic and Biomechanical Model Based on an Automated Decision Tree
Authors: Song Peng , Ren Shengwei , Liu Yu , Li Pei , Zeng Qingyan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a predictive model for subclinical keratoconus (SKC) based on decision tree (DT) algorithms. A total of 194 eyes (including 105 normal eyes and 89 SKC) were included in the double-center retrospective study. Data were separately used for training and validation databases. The baseline variables were derived from tomography and biomechanical imaging. DT models were generated in the training database using Chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) and classification and regression tree (CART) algorithms. The discriminating rules of the CART model selected variables of the Belin/Ambrósio deviation (BAD-D), stiffness parameter at first applanation (SPA1), back eccentricity (Becc), and maximum pachymetric progression index in order, while the CHAID model selected BAD-D, deformation amplitude ratio, SPA1, and Becc. The CART model allowed discrimination between normal and SKC eyes with 92.2% accuracy, which was higher than that of the CHAID model (88.3%), BAD-D (82.0%), Corvis biomechanical index (CBI, 77.3%), and tomographic and biomechanical index (TBI, 78.1%). The discriminating performance of the CART model was validated with 92.4% accuracy, while the CHAID model was validated with 86.4% accuracy in the validation database. Thus, the CART model using tomography and biomechanical imaging was an excellent model for SKC screening and provided easy-to-understand discriminating rules.
Early prediction of COVID-19 patient survival by targeted plasma multi-omics and machine learning
Authors: Borchers Christoph , Richard Vincent , Gaither Claudia , Popp Robert , Chaplygina Daria , Brzhozovskiy Alexander , Kononikhin Alexey , Zahedi René , Nikolaev Evgeny 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The recent surge of COVID-19 hospitalizations severely challenges healthcare systems around the globe and demands for reliable tests predictive of disease severity and mortality. Using multiplexed targeted mass spectrometry assays on a robust triple quadrupole MS setup which is available in many clinical laboratories, we determined the precise concentrations of 100s of proteins and metabolites in plasma from hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We observed a clear distinction between COVID-19 patients and controls and, strikingly, a significant difference between survivors and non-survivors. With increasing length of hospitalization, the survivors’ samples showed a trend towards normal concentrations, indicating a potential sensitive readout of treatment success. Building a machine learning multi-omic model that considers the concentrations of ten proteins and five metabolites we could predict patient survival with 92% accuracy (AUC 0.97) at the day of hospitalization. Hence, our standardized assays represent a unique opportunity for the early stratification of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Spatial Distribution of Rotavirus Immunization Coverage in Ethiopia
Authors: Atalell Kendalem Asmare , Alene Kefyalew , Liyew Alemneh Mekuriaw 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Introduction:
Rotavirus immunization prevents severe diarrheal diseases in children, but vaccination coverage is still far from desired targets in many African countries including Ethiopia. Measuring rotavirus immunization coverage at a lower geographic area can provide information for designing and implementing a targeted immunization campaign. This study aimed to investigate the spatial distributions of rotavirus immunizations coverage in Ethiopia.
Methods
Rotavirus immunization coverage data were obtained from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2019. Covariate data were assembled from different publicly available sources. A Bayesian geostatistic model was used to estimate the national rotavirus immunization coverage at a pixel level and to identify factors associated with the spatial clustering of immunization coverages.
Result
The national rotavirus immunization coverage in Ethiopia was 52.3% (95% CI: 50.3, 54.3). The immunization coverage varied substantially at the sub-national level with spatial clustering of low immunization coverage observed in the Eastern, Southeastern, and Northeastern parts of Ethiopia. The spatial clustering of the rotavirus immunization coverage was positively associated with altitude of the area (mean regression coefficient (β): 0.38; 95% credible interval (95% CrI): 0.18, 0.58) and negatively associated with travel time to the nearest cities in minutes (mean regression coefficient (β): -0.45; 95% credible interval (95% CrI): (-0.73, -0.18) and distance to the nearest health facilities (mean regression coefficient (β): -0.72; 95% credible interval (95% CrI): (-1.07, -0.37).
Conclusions
This study found that the rotavirus immunization coverage varied substantially at sub-national and local levels in Ethiopia. The spatial clustering of rotavirus immunization coverage was associated with geographic and healthcare access factors such as altitude, distance to health facilities, and travel time to the nearest cities. The immunization program should be strengthened in Ethiopia, especially in the Eastern, Southeastern, and Northeastern parts of the Country. Outreach immunizations services should be also implemented in areas with low coverage.
Intermediate-dose cytarabine is an effective therapy for adults with non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Liu Ting , Cai Hua-cong , Cai Hao , Chen Miao , Zhang Wei , Li Jian , Zhou Dao-bin , Cao Xin-xin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis, including Erdheim–Chester disease (ECD), Rosai–Dorfman disease (RDD), indeterminate cell histiocytosis (ICH), and unclassified histiocytosis, is a rare disorder lacking a standard treatment strategy. We report our experience using intermediate-dose cytarabine as the first or subsequent therapy in non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
Results
Eight ECD patients, 5 RDD patients, 1 ICH patient and 1 unclassified histiocytosis patient were enrolled. Intermediate-dose cytarabine therapy was administered as 0.5-1.0 mg/m2 of intravenous cytarabine every 12 hours for 3 days every 5 weeks. The median age at cytarabine initiation was 45 years (range, 18–70 years). The median number of cycles of cytarabine administered was 6 (range, 2–6). The overall response rate (ORR) was 86.7% in the overall cohort, including 6.7% with complete response and 80.0% with partial response. All patients (n=10) with CNS involvement achieved disease improvements. One patient experienced disease recurrence 19 months after cytarabine therapy. The median follow-up duration for the entire cohort was 12 months (range, 4-61 months). The 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 85.6% and 92.3%, respectively. The most common toxicity was haematological adverse events, including grade 4 neutropenia and grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia. No treatment-related deaths occurred.
Conclusions
Intermediate-dose cytarabine is a cost-effective treatment option for non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis patients, especially for those with CNS involvement.
AVE0991 Promotes Neuroprotection via Mas/ERK/mPTP Pathway in α-Synuclein A53T Transgenic Mice
Authors: Ou Zhou , Xue Jun Liu , Xu Gui Fu , Yi Yan Hong , Yang Xiu , Wei Ming , Wang Jun Li , zheng Long jing , Tong Qiang 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative movement diseases featured by selective loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons within the striatum and substantia nigra (SN). Accumulating evidence have indicated that angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) prevents neuronal damage by binding to its specific receptor Mas in PD. To date, the underlying mechanisms is not known thus far. In the present study, by using α-synuclein A53T transgenic mice (A53T mice), we showed that the neuronal apoptosis in the SN of A53T mice may be attributed to a decrease in Ang-(1-7) levels. Additionally, we revealed that AVE0991, a recently found non-peptide analogue of Ang-(1−7), ameliorated neuronal apoptosis via Mas/ERK pathway in primary DA neurons. More importantly, we provided novel evidence that this beneficial impact was dependent on the suppression of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening. In conclusion, these findings disclose the neuroprotective impact of Ang-(1−7) in the etiology of PD, and support the application of its nonpeptide analogue AVE0991 in the therapies of this neurodegenerative disease.