bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of Digital Rock Method for Pore-Space Estimation to Heterogeneity in Carbonate Formations
Authors: Sharma Ravi , Malik Shruti , Shettar Adithya Shashidhara 
Published: January 2021

Summary
With advancements in technology and computational capacity, the method of digital rock physics (DRP) for characterizing the storage and flow properties of a reservoir is gradually taking up the space that was once dominated by conventional methods such as routine core analysis (RCA) and special core analysis (SCAL). Unlike RCA and SCAL, the DRP method provides a nondestructive approach to deal with the core samples, which in a way is also more repeatable, economic, and is a clear improvement over the existing conventional methods in terms of its flexibility to experience the multiphysics of the rock and fluids. However, DRP still has some lacunae because the available algorithms have limitations in handling various challenges of complex lithology, such as grain/pore-boundary transition, soft/hard-matter transition, and imprints of intensity gradients of a 3D structure on 2D slices. Therefore, in this paper, we proposed a new approach to handle multiple issues by optimizing the segmentation algorithms and putting them together to standardize workflows (WFs) for reliable determination of the pore volume (PV), which could be verified with the field observation of porosity obtained using industry-standard laboratory methods and well logs. More emphasis was placed on the adaptability of the WF to deal with varying heterogeneity in the rocks.
In this work, we proposed five WFs and compared them with the standard algorithms (including edge detections, watershed, and global thresholding) in terms of accuracy and computation time for a set of four homogeneous and four heterogeneous samples. We found that WF3 was the one that consistently performed better than all other WFs and some of the popular algorithms when compared one to one. We used a data-conditioning filter, contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE)—a practice used in medical imagery—for local contrast enhancement in the heterogeneous carbonates to increase the signal/noise ratio of the rock-sample images. It successfully handled the contrast variability caused by the pockets of low illumination in the heterogeneous samples. Its limitation has also been detailed in the paper.
Incidence, bacteriological profile and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of neonatal sepsis in a tertiary health facility in Abuja, North-central Nigeria.
Authors: Oluyinka Olutunde , Airede Kareem I. , Olateju Kudi E. , Stephen Obaro K. , Izevbigie Nosakhare , Iloh Kenechukwu K. , Igbokwe Obianuju , Osuorah Chidiebere Donatus Ignatius 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Neonatal sepsis is commonly caused by bacteria in the first 28 days of life. Due to diagnostic limitations in developing settings, prompt laboratory identification of causative organisms is usually a challenge. To prevent mortality, clear knowledge of bacteria and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns are important for prompt empirical treatment. Methods: This prospective study enrolled 339 newborns with signs and symptoms suggestive of neonatal sepsis out of 645 that were admitted into the special care unit of the University of Teaching Hospital during the study period. Socio-demographic and clinical profiles of the newborns were obtained using a questionnaire and blood culture was done from every enrolled newborn (339 newborns) using BACTEC 9050. The bacteriological profile and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of newborns with confirmed neonatal sepsis were documented. Results: A total of 339 newborn were admitted for probable sepsis out of a total admission of 645 newborns during the study period based on clinical features and initial laboratory work-up. Forty-six of the 645 newborns (46/645) had culture proven sepsis resulting in a neonatal sepsis incidence rate of 71.3 (95%CI 50.7-91.9) per 1000 admitted newborns. Seventeen of the 46 confirmed sepsis cases were among the 1322 newborns delivered within the study facility during the study period giving an in-hospital neonatal sepsis incidence rate of 12.9 (95% CI 6.7-19.0) per 1000 live births. Amongst the 46 babies with positive blood culture, 27/46 (58.7%) had normal white cell count while the remaining 19/46 (41.3%) had abnormal results. Fifty-two (52) counts of bacteria categorized into 11 bacteria species were isolated from the 46 positive blood cultures. Enterococcus spp and streptococcus species were the commonest gram-positive while Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas luteola were the commonest gram-negative bacteria isolates. Imipenem, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, Vancomycin, and ofloxacin had the widest coverage of bacteria isolated from newborn with sepsis. Conclusion: Neonatal sepsis is still prevalent in our environment and compared to previous documented isolates and sensitivity pattern, the bacteria causes, and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns appears to be changing.
Response of wheat DREB transcription factor to drought stress based on DNA methylation
Authors: Zhu Yanqiu , Wang Huihui , Jia Wenjing , Wei Xiaoyan , Duan Zhikun , Qi Qianting , Jiang Lina , Zhou Yanqing , Duan Hongying 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The growth and development of wheat are seriously influenced by drought, dehydration responsive element binding protein (DREB) plays an important role in the response of plant to drought stress, but epigenetic regulation for gene expression of DREB transcription factor is less studied, especially the regulatory role of DNA methylation has not been reported.Results: In this research, DREB2, DREB6 and Wdreb2 were cloned from wheat AK58, and one 712-bp intron was identified in DREB6. Although AP2/EREBP domains of DREB2, DREB6 and Wdreb2 showed 73.25% identity, they belong to different types of DREB transcription factor. Under drought stress, different transcript expression patterns of DREB2, DREB6 and Wdreb2 were observed, and their expression had tissue specificity, was obviously higher in leaves. Promoters of DREB2, DREB6 and Wdreb2 were further studied, some elements related to stresses were found, and the promoters of DREB2 and Wdreb2 were slightly methylated, but DREB6 promoter was moderately methylated. Compared with the control, the level of promoter methylation in DREB2 and DREB6 decreased after 2 h stress treatment, and then increased, which was opposite in Wdreb2 promoter, the status of promoter methylation in DREB2, DREB6 and Wdreb2 also had significant changes under drought stress. Further analysis showed that promoter methylation of DREB6 and Wdreb2 was negatively correlated with their expression, especially in Wdreb2. Conclusions: Our data suggest the different functions of DREB2, DREB6 and Wdreb2 in response to drought stress, and demonstrate the strong effects of promoter methylation on the regulation of Wdreb2 and DREB6 gene expression.
Evidence on collaboration of traditional and biomedical practitioners in the management of antimicrobial resistance in sub-Saharan Africa over 15 years: A systematic review protocol
Authors: MUSHEBENGE AGANZE GLOIRE-AIME , KADIMA MUKANDA Gedeon , MASHAMBA-THOMPSON TIVANI Phosa , NLOOTO MANIMBULU 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background The overuse of prescribed antimicrobials, concurrent use of traditional medicine, and prescribed antimicrobials have led to antimicrobial resistance. The absence of collaboration between traditional health practitioners and biomedically trained healthcare professionals can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, treatment failure, overdose, toxicity, and misadministration. This scoping review explores the evidence on collaboration between traditional health practitioners and biomedically trained healthcare professionals to reduce antimicrobial resistance and treatment failure in bacterial and viral diseases. Methods/design We will search for electronic databases such as Science Direct, Google Scholar, PubMed, MEDLINE via EBSCOhost. We will also search reference lists of included studies. A two-stage mapping procedure will be carried out. Stage one (1) will consist of the title, abstracts, and full article screening, respectively. A pilot screening form guided by the defined eligibility criteria will be used. Stage two (2), data will be extracted from the included studies. Two reviewers will conduct parallel screening and data extraction. Mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT) will be used to assess the quality of the included studies. NVIVO version 11 will be employed to aid pertinent thematic analysis. The outcomes of interest will be as follows: Primary outcome will be preventing and reducing antimicrobial resistance. The secondary effect is the effective collaboration between traditional healthcare practitioners and biomedically healthcare professionals. Discussion This review anticipates uncovering pertinent publications reporting the evidence of collaboration between traditional health practitioners and biomedically trained healthcare professionals to reduce antimicrobial resistance in sub-Saharan Africa. The sum-up of evidence acquired from the included studies will help guide future research. The result of the study will be print and electronically exposed. Systematic review registration ID: PROSPERO CRD42017072952
Dissecting Dynamics near the Glass Transition
Authors: Akkaoui Khalil , Schlenoff Joe 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Though the strong transformation in mechanical properties of glass-forming materials near the glass transition, Tg, has been recognized and exploited for millenia, efforts to understand and predict this phenomenon at a molecular level continue to this day. Close to Tg, where relaxation is considerably slower than predicted by the well-known Arrhenius equation, one of the most versatile and widely-used expressions to describe the dynamics or relaxation of glass formers is that of Vogel, Fulcher and Tammann (VFT). The VFT equation, introduced nearly 100 years ago, contains three adjustable fit parameters. In this work the dynamics of the polymer repeat units are related to macroscopic dynamics in polyelectrolyte complexes, which are hydrated amorphous blends of charged polymers. A simple expression, containing no freely adjustable fit parameters, is derived to quantitatively model relaxation from Tg to temperatures well into the Arrhenius region. The new expression, which also fits a selection of three common neutral polymers, will advance the understanding and use of the glass-forming phenomenon.
Problems of Designing Transport Systems of «siberian Antrazit»
Authors: Gorbunova Natalia , Mirkushov Oleg 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The main aim of this work was to identify an optimal route design for the delivery of coal from the open pit mines to the enrichment plants on the example of the Sibathractic Group’s mine “Kolyvansk” and its enrichment plants «Listvjanskaja-1» and «Listvjanskaja-2». The new route would allow the corporation to increase production rates and to reduce the risks associated with the use of motor vehicles. Dynamic programming method, mainly the Bellman equation principle, was chosen as an algorithm for searching for the optimal route from Kolyvansky mine to the «Listvjanskaja-1» and «Listvjanskaja-2». In the course of the study the two possible routes were selected. Further comparison indicated that only one of them - “2nd railway track”, corresponded to all the recommended parameters for the delivery route. All the findings are presented in detail in the study.
Enantioselective Access to Dialkyl Amines and Alcohols via Ni-Catalyzed Reductive Hydroalkylations
Authors: Wang Shan , Zhang Tian-Yi , Zhang Jian-Xin , Meng Huan , Chen Bi-Hong , Shu Wei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Chiral dialkyl amines and alcohols are ubiquitous in pharmaceuticals, pesticides, natural products and fine chemicals, yet difficult to access due to the challenge to differentiate between the spatially and electronically similar alkyl groups. Herein, we report a nickel-catalyzed enantioselective reductive hydroalkylation of acyl enamines and enol esters with alkyl halides to afford enantioenriched α-branched aliphatic amines and alcohols in good yields with excellent levels of enantioselectivity. The operationally simple protocol provides a straightforward access to chiral dialkyl amine and alcohol derivatives from simple starting materials with great functional group tolerance.
Angiotensin‐(1‐7) Alleviates Autophagy Response Through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Li Chunyun , Yu Xiaozheng , Guo Yinan , Wang Xueyan , Liu Ruixia , Yin Chenghong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a fatal medical emergency. The autophagy response is essential for cellular homeostasis, and plays an important role in SAP. We aimed to determine if angiotensin‐(1‐7), abbreviated as Ang1‐7, regulates the autophagy response in SAP and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.Methods: We used a rat model to investigate the effects of Ang1-7 on pancreatic pathomorphological damage and the autophagy response, which were evaluated using histological scoring and the quantification of the autophagy markers microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and p62/SQSTM (p62) by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. We treated rat pancreatic acinar AR42J cells with caerulein (CAE) to build an in vitro model. To prevent degradation of the autophagy markers, so that we could determine the increase in autophagic vacuolization, we used chloroquine to inhibit autophagosome and lysosome fusion. The PI3K inhibitor BEZ235 was used to suppress PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling. We observed the impact of Ang1-7 on the autophagy response and evaluated the underlying mechanism by detecting protein expressions of LC3 and p62.Results: In the rat SAP model, Ang1-7 significantly relieved pancreatic pathological damage. Ang1-7 also reduced autophagy protein markers, including the LC3-Ⅱ to LC3-Ⅰ ratio and the p62 level. In AR42J cells, the autophagy markers significantly increased after treatment with CAE and chloroquine. The autophagy response was significantly alleviated after treatment of the cells with Ang1-7, while blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway remarkably counteracted this effect.Conclusions: Our results indicated that Ang1-7 alleviated the autophagy response in SAP via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Passing On The Baton: Professional Nurses As Role Models in Professional Socialisation of Leaner Nurses in Limpopo Province.
Authors: Mafumo Julia , Netshikweta Lizzbeth , Maputle Maria 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Professional nurses play a significant role in the professional socialisation of learners as learners look up to them as seniors. Learners come into the profession with the values and norms from the different societies where they grew up. These learners do not possess the ethics and skills in the nursing profession and rely on professional nurses to pass these qualities. The objective of the study was to explore the perception of professional nurses regarding their role as role models in the profession. Methods: A qualitative, explorative design was used to collect data from professional nurses. No probability purposive sampling was used to select professional nurses working at sampled hospitals where learners are placed for clinical practice. The selection criteria were an experience of three years and above in professional socialisation of learners. Data was collected through a semi structured interview. An interview guide was used to ask the appropriate questions related to the role modelling of professional nurses in the profession. Data was collected until saturation was reached. Tesch’s open coding system was used to analyse data Results: The findings revealed that professional nurses acknowledged their responsibilities role modelling of the profession in professional socialisation of learners. Three main themes that emerged from the study were professional nurses as mentors, professional nurses as teachers and professional nurses as competent practitioners. Professional nurses were aware of their role in transferring the ethical skills and knowledge to learners during clinical placement. However professional nurses also acknowledged that there were incidences where professional nurses behave in a manner that does not promote exemplary role modelling. Conclusion: The professional nurses should uphold the moral ethics of the profession always to teach learners the correct and acceptable behaviour and conduct in the profession. Children learn from adults therefore the learners copy the conducts of the adults in the profession. Through teaching in the clinical areas, professional nurses transfer the skills that they have. Mostly teaching in the clinical areas is informal and observed. Therefore, professional nurses should use teachable moments to transfer skills. Lastly the professional nurse is expected to be a competent practitioner. Learners learn these skills when professional nurses are executing them. The competent practitioner is also confident in practice.
Genome Wide Pleiotropic Analysis to Identify Novel Variants
and Improve Genetic Risk Score Construction
Authors: Zhu Xiaofeng , Zhu Luke , Wang Heming , Cooper Richard , Chakravarti Aravinda 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (S/DBP) are highly correlated and modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We report here a bidirectional Mendelian Randomization (MR) and GWAS pleiotropy analysis of S/DBP summary statistics from large published BP GWAS and construct a composite genetic risk score (GRS), capturing respectively 21%, 11%, and 227% more of SBP, DBP and PP heritability than achieved with the traditional GRS. The composite GRS improves the prediction of hypertension and CVD in persons of European as well as African and Asian descent. We identified and confirmed 120 novel BP pleiotropic variants that are not in linkage disequilibrium with known variants, including 17 novel BP loci. We further observed significant age-modulated genetic effects on BP, hypertension and CVD in both Europeans and Asians. Our study provides further insight into BP regulation and provides a novel way to construct a GRS for correlated traits.
Incubation Period of Coronavirus Disease 2019: New Implications for Intervention and Control
Authors: LI Jing , DAI Chengguqiu , TIE Zihan , XU Jiazhao , XIONG Xiang , HAO Xingjie , WANG Zhongyi , LU Chan , HUANG Shunxiang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic raging around the world has caused serious disasters to mankind. The incubation period is a key parameter for epidemic control and also an important basis for epidemic prediction, but its distribution law remain unclear. Methods: The incubation period T was described by the accelerated failure time models, and the principle of interval-censored data processing and estimation methods were used. Statistical analysis were performed on R-4.0.2 software using “coarseDataTools 0.6-5” package to optimize the parameters to be estimated and calculate the confidence interval. The optimization method used when solving the maximum likelihood function is the simplex method. We used bootstrap re-sampling procedures with 1000 iterations to estimate the confidence interval. Results: Here we analyzed the epidemiological information of 787 confirmed non-Wuhan resident cases, and systematically studied the characteristics of the incubation period of COVID-19 based on the interval-censored data estimation method. Through the statistical analysis of the overall and 7 types of sub-group samples, it was concluded that the incubation period of COVID-19 approximately conformed to the Gamma distribution with a mean value of 7.8 (95%CI: 7.4-8.5) days and a median value of 7.0 (95%CI: 6.7-7.3) days. Conclusions: The incubation period was positively correlated with age and negatively correlated with disease severity. Female cases presented a slightly higher incubation period than that of males. The incubation period of cases with travel history to Hubei and multiple exposures was shorter. The proportion of infected persons who developed symptoms within 14 days was 91.6%. These results are of great significance to the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Efficacy of EGFR-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients With Synchronous Brain Metastasis: A Real-World Study
Authors: Choi Jin-Hyuk , Choi Yong Won , Lee Hyun Woo , Kang Seok Yun , Jeong Geum Sook , Ahn Mi Sun , Oh Young-Taek , Nho O kyu , Kim Se-Hyuk , Roh Tae Hoon , Sheen Seung Soo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The optimal treatment (Tx) for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (pts) with brain metastasis (BM) remains to be determined. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 77 NSCLC pts with synchronous BM who underwent first-line EGFR-TKI Tx (gefitinib: 46, erlotinib: 11, afatinib: 20). The outcomes of pts were analyzed according to the clinicopathological characteristics including local Tx modalities.Results: Fifty-nine pts underwent local Tx for BM (gamma knife surgery (GKS): 37, whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT): 18, others: 4) concurrently or sequentially with EGFR-TKI. Pts treated with TKI alone showed significantly lower incidence of central nervous system (CNS) symptoms (p=0.006), with a tendency toward a smaller number of BM lesions compared with those who received local treatment. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) after the initiation of EGFR-TKI for all pts were 9 and 19 months, respectively. In 60 pts with follow-up brain imaging, the median intracranial PFS was 15 months. Pts with EGFR exon 19 deletion (n=42) had a significantly longer median OS than those with L858R mutation (n=25) or other mutations (n=10) (23 vs. 17 months, p=0.010). Other clinical characteristics, including CNS symptoms (p=0.410), number of BM (p=0.709), and the use of local Tx (p=0.834), were not associated with OS, as well as PFS. In terms of the local optimal treatment modality, no difference was found between GKS and WBRT in the OS and PFS.Conclusions: This study suggests that EGFR-TKI may result in a favorable outcome in NSCLC pts with synchronous BM, especially in deletion 19 mutant, regardless of the extent of BM lesions or local Tx modalities. Pts with asymptomatic BM can be treated with EGFR-TKI and careful surveillance.