bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Wettability on Vaporization of Hydrocarbon Solvents in Capillary Media
Authors: Al-Kindi Ilyas , Babadagli Tayfun 
Published: July 2021

SummaryTight rock reservoirs have gained popularity and become a subject of great interest because of their huge recovery potential. A substantial portion of the potential hydrocarbon could be removed from the reservoir by injecting solvent gases [hydrocarbon or carbon dioxide (CO2)] as an enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) application. Achieving precise modeling of these processes and an accurate description of hydrocarbon dynamics requires a clear understanding of phase-change behavior in a confined (capillary) medium. It was previously shown that early vaporization of liquids could occur in channels that were larger than 1000 nm. The surface wettability plays a critical role in influencing the vaporization and condensation nature in confined systems. This paper studies the influence of the medium wettability on phase-transition temperatures of liquid hydrocarbons in macrochannels (greater than 1000 nm) and nanochannels (less than 500 nm) by using different types of rock samples. The boiling temperature of hydrocarbon solvents was measured in two extreme wetting conditions: (1) strongly water-wet and (2) strongly oil-wet. Boiling temperatures of heptane and octane in sandstone, limestone, and tight sandstone were observed to be lower than their bulk boiling points by 13% (4% in Kelvin units), on average. Altering rock wettability characteristically changes the average hydrocarbon nucleation temperatures, being as critical as the pore size. Changing sandstone’s wettability to strongly oil-wet shifted the average nucleation temperature of heptane and octane by 6% (1.3% in Kelvin units) and 15% (0.8% in Kelvin units), compared with cases before wettability alteration. The experimental outcomes also showed that reducing the solvent adsorption on clays in Berea sandstone lowers the nucleation temperature of heptane and octane from their normal phase-change temperatures by 20% (4.3% in Kelvin units) and 30% (6.5% in Kelvin units). In comparison with the medium wettability alteration, reducing the solvent adsorption had a greater influence on nucleation temperatures. Such a phenomenon shows that molecule-solid interactions have more control of altering the phase behavior of solvents than of medium wettability.
The experimental verification of how light spreads at large distances - A missing experiment at foundation
Authors: Costescu Corneliu I. , Costescu Ruxandra M. , Costescu Doina M. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
We recognize that the spreading of light at large distances (the whole space) is the only property which can decide by yes or no if light really behaves physically like waves, while the fit of the waves for describing the diffraction fringes is insufficient for this purpose. Indeed, the fringe space is too limited and hence, brings the possibility of misinterpretation. Hence, the experiment for the verification if light is spreading like waves at large distances is necessary in principle, and is crucial. However, very surprisingly and tragically, this experiment was totally missing in history. This experiment uses the simplest diffraction case, in which a beam of light falls perpendicularly with its axis on the line and the plane of a straight edge. Practically, this experiment verifies if there is a dependence of the diffracted light at large distances in the geometrical shadow on the changes in beam thickness traversal to a single straight edge, while the distribution of light along the straight edge remains the same. If this dependence exists, as the wave theory for light fundamentally predicts, then the wave approach to light is physically true. If there is no dependence then light cannot behave physically like waves. This experiment can clearly be developed and performed without any calculation from the wave approach, just by a careful measurement practice. However, for a broader view, we describe in detail wave results for spreading of light at large distance, which illustrate the experiment – what are the spatial points where the measurement must be done to see if the above dependence exists, and which is the big picture for the wave approach. We attempted this experiment for many years, but could not finish it because of the lack of resources to measure at 100–500 m. The present article will empower big labs to perform this experiment. However, we show alternatively that the answer to how light spreads also comes from comparing the well known data for the diffraction on macroscopic holes with relatively recent data for the diffraction on nanoscopic holes. This comparison clearly shows that light does not spread physically like waves, which makes necessary a new, non-wave but periodic structure for light. Such an alternative answer regarding the spreading of light also makes absolutely necessary to perform the above missing experiment, as a direct way that convinces anybody how light is spreading.
Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis Caused by Candida Albicans in a COVID-19 Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Wali Haytham , Tabb Deanne , Baloch Saeed A. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAcute acalculous cholecystitis is a necro-inflammatory disease of the gallbladder with multifactorial pathogenesis and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has been declared a pandemic that causes coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Although many COVID-19 patients reported gastrointestinal symptoms such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, there was no evidence about the gallbladder and biliary tract involvement in the literature to date. Case ReportA 71-year-old male was admitted to our facility and found to be positive for COVID-19. He received appropriate COVID-19 treatment with dexamethasone, remdesivir, and convalescent plasma. The patient continued to be lethargic, weak, and had elevated inflammatory markers. The arterial blood gas (ABG) panel showed metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation, and the patient appeared to be overcompensating because of his hypoxia. Consequently, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) for intubation and mechanical ventilation. The total bilirubin started to increase over the following days and reached 8 mg/dL. The ultrasound did not show cholelithiasis. The bile culture grew Candida albicans, and the patient was diagnosed with acalculous Candida cholecystitis. The patient had a significant deterioration in clinical status and expired after being transferred to comfort care.ConclusionLong-term complications of COVID-19 are still unknown. This case suggests the incidence of a fungal infection involving the gallbladder. Future research could help facilitate a better pathophysiological understanding of those complications.
Comparison of Mechanical Behaviors of Loess Based on Two Different Modes of Oil Contamination
Authors: Zhang Shibin , Li Rongjian , Wang Lei , Yang Qiang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In loess oil-production areas, oil leakage not only contaminates the loess, but also changes its mechanical properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of diesel oil contamination on mechanical behaviors of loess though extensive laboratory tests conducted on loess with different oil contents (0% to 16%) and dry densities (1.35, 1.45, and 1.55 g/cm3). Two different modes of oil contamination were proposed and applied in compression tests, direct shear tests and unconfined compressive strength tests to study the compressibility and strength characteristics of diesel-contaminated loess. Results show that oil-contamination modes have certain effects on the mechanical behaviors of loess. Under the first mode of oil contamination, compared with clean loess, the compressibility of contaminated loess increases and its unconfined compressive strength and shear strength all decrease. The compression modulus, friction angle, unconfined compressive strength of diesel-contaminated loess using the second mode of oil contamination are larger than those in the first mode of oil contamination at the same oil content and dry density. Understanding these effects of oil pollution can significantly guide soil and environment-remediation activities in oil-production areas.
Compressed sensing based fingerprint imaging system using a chaotic model-based deterministic sensing matrix
Authors: Wolde Workneh Wolde , Gupta Pallavi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
A novel deterministic sensing matrix design approach applied to enable secured compressed sensing and transmission of fingerprint images. The performance of the sensing matrix was analyzed in detail by varying compressed sensing and security parameters. The number of sampling and sparse coefficient are the parameters taken under consideration from compressed sensing, whereas the encryption key is from the security scheme. The first stage in the performance study is acquiring the signal, and followed by sparsely modelling it using Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) algorithm. The sparse modelled data is multiplied by the proposed deterministic partial orthogonal Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) sensing matrix to reduce its dimension and encrypt it. To introduce confusion on the DCT matrix rows, the pseudo-random permutation is applied to the DCT matrix rows before sensing matrix derivation. Additionally, recovering and decryption of the compressed image accomplished with the help of a convex optimization method. The results obtained from the simulation of the proposed system confirmed that a better Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) than the recommended value for wireless transmission is archived using a sample below 25% without losing a significant number of fingerprint minutiae.
Basilar Artery Plaque Distribution, Pontine Infarction and Vertebrobasilar Artery Geometry: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Zheng Jinmei , Sun Bin , Lin Ruolan , Teng Yongqi , Zheng Enshuang , Zhao Xihai , Xue Yunjing 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Basilar artery (BA) atherosclerosis is a common cause of posterior-circulation ischemic stroke. In this study, we investigate the relationship between BA plaque distribution, pontine infarction (PI) and vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) geometries. Methods: 86 patients with BA plaque were enrolled in this study, the VBA geometry was classified into four configurations: walking, tuning fork, lambda, and no confluence. The AP-Mid-BA, Lateral-Mid-BA, and VA-BA angles were measured on three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography. Patients underwent high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the BA plaque distribution (either anterior, posterior, or lateral wall). Acute and subacute PIs were identified by T2 weighted imaging-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and diffusion-weighted imaging.Results: BA plaques in patients with PI were more frequently located at the posterior wall (50.00%) than at the anterior (10.00%) and lateral (37.50%) walls (P =0.028).Compared with patients without pontine infarction, patients with pontine infarction were more likely to have plaque distributed at the posterior wall (P = 0.009). In the tuning fork group, BA plaques were evenly distributed. BA plaques were more frequently located at the lateral wall than at the anterior and posterior walls in patients with walking, lambda, and no confluence geometry (all P ≤ 0.05). The AP-Mid-BA angle in patients with a tuning fork configuration (14.950±11.660) was lower than that in patients with other vascular geometries (P=0.001); there was no significant difference in the VA-BA angle and lateral-mid-BA angle among the four VBA geometries (P >0.05).Conclusion: VBA configuration strongly influences BA plaque distribution and BA plaque distribution was associated with PI.
Short Duration Exposure of 3 µm Polystyrene Microplastics Affected Morphology and Physiology of Watermilfoil (sp. Roraima)
Authors: Senavirathna Mudalige Don Hiranya Jayasanka , Zhaozhi Liu , Fujino Takeshi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Microplastics are one of the most widely discussed environmental issues worldwide. Several studies have shown the effect of microplastic exposure on the marine environment; however, studies on freshwater systems are lacking. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of microplastics on hydroponically growing emergent freshwater macrophytes, Watermilfoil (sp. Roraima) under controlled environmental conditions. Plants were exposed to 0 mg L− 1 (control), 0.05 mg L− 1, 0.25 mg L− 1, 1.25 mg L− 1, and 6 mg L− 1 of 3 µm polystyrene microspheres for seven days. The oxidative stress, antioxidant response, pigmentations, Fv/Fm, and growth parameters in above-water and below-water parts were analyzed separately. Microscopic observations were performed to confirm the tissue absorbance of the microplastics. Exposure to microplastics altered some parameters; however, growth was not affected. The effect of microplastics was not linear with the exposure concentration for most of the parameters and between 1.25 mg L− 1 and 6 mg L− 1 concentrations. The response trends mostly followed the second-order polynomial distributions. Under the 1.25 mg L− 1 exposure, there were significant changes in root length, H2O2 content, catalase activity, anthocyanin content, and Fv/Fm. There were differences in parameters between the above-water and below-water parts, and the responses of the microplastics followed different trends. Microscopic observations confirmed the attachment of microplastic particles onto newly formed roots, except for older roots or shoot tissues.
Do Renewable Energy Policies Can Decrease The Deaths From Outdoor and Indoor Air Pollution? Empirical Evidence From Latin American and Caribbean Countries
Authors: Koengkan Matheus , Fuinhas José Alberto , Kazemzadeh Emad , Alavijeh Nooshin Karimi , Araújo Saulo Jardim 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This investigation analysed the effect of renewable energy incentive policies on deaths caused by outdoor and indoor air pollution in fifteen countries from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region over the period from 1990 to 2017. The results from the Panel quantile model regression showed that in the 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 quantiles, the variables carbon dioxide emissions, electricity consumption from new renewable energy sources economic instruments-fiscal/financial incentives policies to enable clean energy deployment, economic growth, and social globalisation reduces the air pollution deaths, while the variables electricity consumption from non-renewable energy sources, urbanisation, and economic globalisation encourages the increase of these deaths caused by outdoor and indoor air pollution in the LAC region.
Precise Control of Single-phenanthrene Junction’s Conductance
Authors: Al-Jobory Alaa , Al-Meshal Abdelkareem , Mijbil Zainelabideen Yousif 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The electronic transmission of fifteen potential configurations of single-phenanthrene junction has been theoretically investigated. The structures include para-para, para-meta, and meta-meta combined with phenyl pendant group and substituted nitrogen atom. The results show that the para-meta, which offers a tunable antiresonance in the HOMO-LUMO gap, is the most suitable for synthesizing nano-device. The antiresonance is susceptible (unsusceptible) to the heteromotif location at site four (five). Hence, our paper presents the appropriate hetero-motif conditions—type and location— to synthesize molecular devices with the desired electronic conductance. The study also deepen the understanding of the molecular conductance by demonstrating the active and inactive sites to create and tune antiresonances. It finally introduces the essential impact of connectivity, quantum interference, and aromaticity in controlling the conductance of single-phenanthrene junction.
Plasma endothelin-1 and circulating endothelial progenitor cell levels after cardiopulmonary bypass in children with congenital heart diseases: a preliminary study
Authors: Rangel-López Angélica , Paniagua-Medina María Eugenia , González-Cabello Héctor Jaime , López-Romero Ricardo , Arriaga-Pizano Lourdes , Lozano-Ramírez Miguel , Pérez-Barragan Juan José , López-Sánchez Dulce María , Mata-Rocha Minerva , Carrillo-Montes Guadalupe , Márquez-González Horacio , Paniagua-Sierra Ramón , Mejía-Aranguré Juan Manuel 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
There are very few data on analytical biomarker levels in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) before and after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. We conducted a preliminary study in the Pediatric Hospital of Medical Center IMSS Mexico, to evaluate plasma levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CPEC) before and after correction surgery. 56 patients were included: 41 with CHD that required CPB and 15 controls with surgery other than CPB, which were stratified by age (infants, preschool-age-children, and school-age-children). Samples of peripheral blood were taken 24h before and 48h after surgery, cytokine levels (TNF/IL-1β/IL-6/IL-8/IL-10 and IL-12p70) and brachial-artery-flow-mediated dilation (BAFMD) were explored too. Demographic and clinical data were collected. BAFMD was evaluated by-Doppler-ultrasound, the percentage (%) and absolute number (N) of CPEC [CEC and EPC], ET-1 and cytokines concentrations were measured by flow-cytometry, radioimmunoassay and a Bead-Array-cytometric-system, respectively. The% and N of CEC[CD34 + / CD146 + / VEGFR2 + / CD133−] increased in infants versus their control group; and EPC[CD34 + / CD146 + / VEGFR2 + / CD133 +] were higher in the control group of infants versus patients. ET-1 levels were higher in patients than in controls (p = 0.002). N-CEC showed differences between 24 and 48 hours; BAFMD in CPB-preschool at 24H and 48H showed a significant difference. Higher levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were detected in CPB-school-age at 48H. This pilot study observed a significant increase in the levels of CEC and ET-1. To validate these data, subsequent studies should increase the sample size.
Analysis of Diversity And Identification of SSR, SCoT, And ITAP Informative Amplicons For Grain Fe And Zn Content In Wheat Genotypes
Authors: Badakhshan Hedieh , Nosratifar Rozhin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Biofortification provides a promising method of solving microelement malnutrition in developing countries. For this purpose, a study was conducted to understand the grain Fe and Zn content variation in seventy prevalent Iranian wheat genotypes across three consecutive years, to assess genetic diversity, and to identify informative amplicons for high grain Fe and Zn content using three simple sequence repeat (SSR), start codon targeted (SCoT) polymorphism, and intron targeted amplified polymorphism (ITAP) markers. Grain Fe and Zn content was highly variable each year with high heritability. Despite the highly significant effect of year-genotype interaction, some stable genotypes were ranked highly all the three years for grain Fe and Zn content. The grain Fe and Zn contents were positively correlated in the second and third years. High genetic diversity was detected among the wheat genotypes using three different marker systems. A number of informative SSR, SCoT, and ITAP amplicons for high grain Fe and Zn were identified overall or in individual years. A few informative amplicons were common and stable for grain Fe and Zn content in the different years. The SSR alleles located on 3A, 4A, 4B, and 6B chromosomes were positively correlated with high Fe and Zn content, indicating that co-location of genes affected Fe and Zn content. Identification of informative alleles and amplicons for high grain Fe and Zn content could contribute to the development of sequence-based markers and improve the selection of genotypes with high micronutrient content.
Prevalence of minority Human Immunodeficiency virus multi-drug resistant mutations among patients failing a Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor based regimen in Uganda
Authors: Nankya Immaculate Lillian , Nabulime Eva , Kyeyune Fred , Kityo Cissy Mutuluza , Quinones Miguel Mateu 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objective

To determine the prevalence of multi-drug resistant variants among patients failing on a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) based regimen with a detectable viral load ≥ 1000 copies/ml among patients harboring HIV subtype A, C and D.
Methods

Samples were obtained from patients who were failing on an NRTI based regimen. Sanger based sequencing was performed as part of the standard of care. Mutation analysis was performed using the Stanford HIV drug Resistance database. A subset of these patient samples was further analyzed using the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology and analysis of the drug resistance mutations was performed at the 20% and 1% cut off
Results

Analysis of the Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) coding region revealed that the K101 and the Y181 mutations were more predominant among subtype C than subtype A and D. Although Thymidine analog mutations (TAMs) were prevalent in all subtypes, our analyses showed that these mutations occurred in significantly less proportions among subtype C infections when compared with the subtype A and D counterparts. Furthermore, the Q151M mutation complex which involves mutations in multiple domains was significantly more prominent among patients harboring subtype C variants. Analysis using NGS revealed that minority drug resistant mutations that confer multi-drug resistance (MDR) were present even in patients who exhibited a susceptible genotype based on the Sanger sequencing technique.
Conclusion

Although HIV-1 MDR variants occur in all subtypes, their predominance is subtype specific with TAMs being significantly more predominant among subtype A and D while the Q151M complex being significantly more predominant among patients harboring subtype C viruses. Even in patients with a susceptible genotype based on Sanger technology, minority variants are present and their evolution to full blown MDR occurs over time such that by the time they are detectable, cross resistance to other drugs has occurred in some cases.
Responses of Spatiotemporal Vegetative Land Cover To Meteorological Changes in Bangladesh
Authors: Fattah Md. Abdul , Morshed Syed Riad 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Quantifying the response of vegetation cover change (VCC) to climatic variables is a gap that is mandatory for the conservation and rehabilitation of natural landscape to ensure sustainability. This study aims to assess the response of VCC to temperature and rainfall change in Bangladesh. We used (i) Landsat images to analyze VCC using image classification method, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) (ii) temperature and rainfall statistics to investigate the spatiotemporal variations (SV) of meteorological factors, urban lands, VCC in all the 64 districts of Bangladesh during 1990-2018 and examined their correlation. To quantify the impact of urbanization on VCC, two regression models were built between growing-season NDVI (GNDVI) and urban land proportion (PLU). Results show that the SV of precipitation, temperature, GNDVI, and PUL varied greatly among the districts. GNDVI was found closely related to climatic variables and less sensitive to climatic factor changes. There has been found a significant correlation between the trend of GNDVI and GP while the negative correlation between GNDVI trend and GT, ΔPUL. Strong sensitivity of GNDVI change to GP was calculated in the range of precipitation 2200-3000mm and GNDVI to GT change in the range of temperature 300C-310C. Besides, urban expansion was found mostly responsible for VCC in the study area.