bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Efficiency of Saturating Shale Oil Cores and Evaluating Hydrocarbon Gas Huff ‘n’ Puff Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Cudjoe S. E. , Barati R. , Tsau J.-S. , Zhang C. , Nicoud B. , Bradford K. , Baldwin A. , Mohrbacher D. 
Published: February 2021

SummaryShale oil formations have a very low primary yield despite advances in multistage hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. In so doing, gas huff ‘n’ puff (HnP), among other improved oil recovery methods, is implemented to recover more liquid hydrocarbons. Gas HnP has proven to be an effective recovery process in shales taking into account the fracture properties, fluid-fluid interactions, and gas diffusion controlled by matrix properties. However, a laboratory-scale understanding of the gas HnP mechanism proves challenging. At this scale, measuring saturation before and after HnP tests in a nonintrusive and nondestructive manner, and understanding rock properties that affect diffusion is essential. In addition to ascertaining how the multiscale pore systems and varying mineral composition of shales affect its evaluation. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is considered a suitable tool for estimating fluid content in shales and understanding rock/fluid interactions. Generally, synthetic oil samples are used on either outcrop core plugs or crushed reservoir samples for NMR measurements, which may not be representative of rock/fluid interactions in bulk shales.This study is focused on carrying out NMR tests with dead oil on reservoir core plugs at relatively different depths to determine an effective means of saturation and understand oil production due to gas HnP. Gas HnP experiments were performed at reservoir conditions (3,500 psi and 125°C) on representative rock types from the Lower Eagle Ford (LEF) interval. Low field NMR measurements were subsequently carried out on the LEF core plugs at different states: as-received, saturated, and after gas HnP. The results show that oil recovery due to gas HnP occurred mainly in the organic pores (OPs) and inorganic pores (IPs) and ranged from 48 to 56% of the oil-in-place with indications of adsorbed/trapped methane (CH4) and remaining heavier components. This plays a vital role in evaluating the HnP process to know the extent of invasion and remaining oil components.In saturating the core plugs, the optimum saturation period was found to be 2 weeks for the LEF shale at current conditions. This presents an idea of how long to saturate a shale oil core effectively before it is tested for gas HnP. On the basis of the impact of varying mineral composition on the recovery mechanism, we observed the LEF core plug with the highest clay content to have the least recovery. This is in line with a high T1/T2 ratio alluding to reduced mobility of fluids in the presence of clay minerals with relatively small sizes of clay porosity and adsorptive surfaces.
Bacterial expression and protein purification of mini-fluorescence-activating proteins
Authors: Klima Jason C. , Chow Cameron M. , Dou Jiayi , Vorobieva Anastassia A. , Carter Lauren , Baker David 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Bacterial expression and purification of de novo designed mini-fluorescence-activating proteins (mFAPs) are accomplished by genetically fusing mFAP variants to an N-terminal 6xHis tag and optionally to a Tobacco Etch Virus (TEV) protease epitope. The protocol can take less than 24 hours to complete, and allows for downstream in vitro characterization of photophysical properties of mFAPs by equilibration with exogenous fluorogenic compounds.
Intratracheal Keratinocyte Growth Factor Enhances Surfactant Protein B Expression in Mechanically Ventilated Preterm Pigs
Authors: Krishnan Ramesh , Arrindell Esmond , Caminita Frank , Zhang Jie , Buddington Randal 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a devastating disease of the premature newborn with high morbidity and mortality. Surfactant deficient preterm lungs are susceptible to ventilator induced lung injury, thereby developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Despite surfactant therapy and newer ventilation strategies, associated morbidity and mortality remains unchanged. Enhancing surfactant production and reducing ventilator induced lung injury in premature infants are critical. Recombinant keratinocyte growth factor previously been studied to treat adult respiratory distress syndrome. We hypothesized that administering recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor when initiating mechanical ventilation would help stimulate type II cell proliferation and surfactant production. Recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor may also help mitigate ventilator induced lung injury hereby reducing epithelial to mesenchymal transition, a possible precursor to later development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Methods: To test our hypothesis, we delivered preterm pigs via cesarean section on day 102. We performed intubation and ventilation for 24 hr. using intermittent positive pressure ventilation. After ventilation began, pigs randomly received intratracheal recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor (20 µg/kg; n=6) or sham treatment (0.5 ml 0.9% saline; n= 6). We recorded physiology data and arterial blood gases during ventilation. After 24 hr. pigs were extubated and received oxygen via nasal cannulation 12 hr. before euthanasia to collect lungs for histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemistry staining was graded and analyzed for surfactant protein B and epithelial to mesenchymal transition markers. Data were analyzed using t-test and Fisher’s exact test. Continuous variables analyzed using ANOVA.Results: Compared with control pigs, recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor pretreated pigs had improved ventilation with higher tidal volumes and required less oxygen (FiO2) during mechanical ventilation for similar peak pressures demonstrating improved lung compliance. Recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor pretreated pig lungs showed increased surfactant protein B expression (p< 0.05) and significantly reduced TGF-β (p< 0.05), a prominent marker for epithelial to mesenchymal transition.Conclusions: Intratracheal recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor administered at initiation of mechanical ventilation enhances surfactant production, reduce lung injury by mitigation of the changes by epithelial mesenchymal transition, thereby improving outcomes. Thus, recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor may represent a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Influence of Low FODMAP and Gluten-Free Diets on Gut Microbiota Alternations and Symptom Severity in Iranian Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome; A Clinical Trial Study
Authors: Naseri Kaveh , Dabiri Hossein , Nejad Mohammad Rostami , Yadegar Abbas , Houri Hamidreza , Olfatifar Meysam , Sadeghi Amir , Saadati Saeede , Ciacci Carolina , Iovino Paola , Zali Mohammad Reza 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background & objective: Recently, dietary restriction of fermentable carbohydrates (a low-FODMAP diet) in combination with a gluten-free diet (GFD) has been proposed to reduce the symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. Different studies reported that IBS has been associated with dysbiosis in the gut microbiota. Additionally, a few studies have reported inflammation in gastrointestinal (GI) system of adults with IBS. In this study we aim to investigate the effects of GFD and low-FODMAP diet on clinical symptoms, intestinal microbiota diversity, and fecal calprotectin (FC) level in Iranian patients with IBS.Design: In this clinical trial study, 42 patients with IBS (Rome IV criteria) underwent GFD + low-FODMAP dietary intervention for 6 weeks. Symptoms were assessed using the IBS symptom severity scoring (IBS-SSS), and fecal samples were collected at baseline and after intervention and analyzed by quantitative 16S rRNA PCR assay. The diversity of gut microbiota compared before and after 6 weeks of dietary intervention. FC was also analyzed by ELISA method.Results: Thirty patients (mean age 37.8 ± 10.7 years) completed the 6-week diet. The IBS-SSS was significantly (P = 0.038) reduced after GFD + low-FODMAP dietary intervention compared to the baseline. Significant microbial differences before and after intervention were noticed in fecal samples. A significant increase was found in Bacteroidetes, and the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio was significantly ( P = 0.001) decreased after the dietary intervention. The value of FC was significantly decreased after 6 weeks dietary intervention (P = 0.001).Conclusions: Our study suggests that patients with IBS under a GFD + low-FODMAP diet had a significant improvement in IBS symptoms severity, with reduced FC level following normalization of their gut microbiota composition. Further rigorous trials are needed to establish long-term efficacy and safety of this dietary intervention for personalized nutrition in IBS.
Malament Stitch and Increased Risk of Bladder Neck Stenosis: Any Association Following Open Prostatectomy in Enugu Southeast Nigeria.
Authors: Amu okwudili , Affusim Emmanuel , Nnadozie Ugochukwu , Mbadiwe Okezie 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Malament stitch is one of the effective techniques employed to minimize bleeding in simple open prostatectomy but concerns about possibility of increased risk of bladder neck stenosis has limited its routine use. Aim: We studied patients who had open prostatectomy with malament stitch to determine the incidence of bladder neck stenosis amongst them.Material and methods: this was a prospective study of 72patients who had simple open prostatectomy in which malament stitch was applied from 2010 to 2020. A proforma was designed to collect data. Pretreatment variables were transrectal ultrasound ( TRUS) volume of prostate, pretreatment IPSS value, postvoidal residual urine volume before surgery, weight of enucleated prostate adenoma, time to removal of Malament stitch. Outcome measures were done with post treatment IPSS and PVR at 6weeks, 3months and 6months. Cystoscopy was done at 3months or 6months for patients with rising outcome measures to determine presence of bladder neck stenosis. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in this study was 68.3 years (SD=7.1, range = 52-82). The mean of the pretreatment score for IPSS was 30.7 (SD= 3.9, range= 18- 34) and 5.9 (SD= 0.2) for QOLS. The mean weight of prostate estimated with ultrasound was 169.5g and mean weight of enucleated adenoma of the prostate was 132.5g. The mean time of removal of Malament stitch was 23.1hrsOnly 3 (4.2%)patients required cystoscopy because of increasing IPSS and PVR at three months postprostatectomy . 2 (2.8%)patients out of 72patients were confirmed to have bladder neck stenosis at cystoscopy.Conclusion: Malament stitch did not lead to significant incidence of bladder neck stenosis in this study.
DEM Resolutions for Landslide Susceptibility Modeling
Authors: Wubalem Azemeraw 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In landslide susceptibility mapping, the digital elevation model (DEM) is one of the most essential data sets, which is frequently used. Therefore, evaluate the effects of the spatial resolution of DEM on the landslide susceptibility model is very important. Hence, this paper is analyzed only the effects of the spatial resolution of DEM, Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission, and Reflection (ASTER) was used for DEM data source. The ASTER DEM was resampled to 45, 60, 75, and 90 m spatial resolutions. A set of geodatabases were built using Geographic Information System (GIS), which contains landslide governing factors and landslide inventory. Frequency ratio (FR) and certainty factor (CF) statistical methods were employed to generate a landslide susceptibility map. Landslide density and area under the curve (AUC) were applied to evaluate the model's performance for each DEM resolution. The results of the predictive rate curve value of AUC showed a coarser DEM resolution (90 m) produced the best performance and prediction accuracy. This indicated that a coarser DEM resolution produced higher predictive accuracy than fine resolution. Concerning the statistical models, the frequency ratio model produced very good accuracy at the coarser DEM resolutions (75 and 90 m). The predictive rate curve value of AUC ranges from 86-92% for the FR model and 81-89% for the CF model which indicating very good accuracy of the models to predict future landslide incidence in the study area. Therefore, it is possible to endorse statistical methods (frequency ratio, and certainty factor) respect with to DEM resolution, which is satisfactory to landslide susceptibility mapping.
Changes in The Use of After-Hour House-Call Medical Services For Fever or Common Cold Symptoms During The COVID-19 Pandemic in Tokyo, Japan: A Descriptive Study
Authors: INOKUCHI Ryota , MORITA Kojiro , IWAGAMI Masao , WATANABE Taeko , ISHIKAWA Masatoshi , TAMIYA Nanako 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe trend in the characteristics of patients using an after-hour house-call (AHHC) medical service changed the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, but there has been no report on this issue since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to investigate patients’ tendencies to seek an AHHC medical service for fever or common cold symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis cohort study compared the characteristics of patients with fever or symptoms of the common cold utilizing an AHHC medical service offered by a single large company between the control period (December 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019) and the COVID-19 pandemic exposure period (December 1, 2019 to April 30, 2020). It also assessed the proportion of these patients in relation to all patients calling for the service for any reason. ResultsDuring the control and COVID-19 pandemic exposure periods, 6,462 (median age: 8 [interquartile range {IQR}: 3, 11], males: 48.2%) and 10,003 (median age: 10 [IQR: 4, 33], males: 48.3%) patients, respectively, called for the AHHC medical service. Of these, 5,335 (82.6%) and 7,423 (74.2%) patients had fever or common cold symptoms, respectively. The disease severity was differently distributed between the groups: the proportions of people with severe, moderate, and mild illness were 0.3%, 28.7%, and 71.0% in the control period and 1.1%, 54.8%, and 44.1% in the COVID-19 pandemic exposure period (p < 0.001), respectively. The AHHC medical service identified six individuals with COVID-19.ConclusionsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of patients with fever or symptoms of the common cold was lower than that in the control period, but the illness severity was substantially higher.
Differentiation of Small (≤3 Cm) Hepatocellular Carcinomas From Benign Nodules in Cirrhotic Liver: Additive Value of&nbsp;MRI-Based Radiomics Analysis to LI-RADS Version 2018 Algorithm
Authors: Zhong Xi , Guan Tianpei , Tang Danrui , Li Jiansheng , Lu Bingui , Cui Shuzhong , Tang Hongsheng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Accurate characterization of small nodules in a cirrhotic liver is challenging. We aimed to determine the additive value of MRI-based radiomics analysis to Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2018 (LI-RADS v 2018) algorithm in differentiating small (≤ 3 cm) hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) from benign nodules in cirrhotic liver.
Methods
Cirrhosis patients (150) with histopathologically confirmed small liver nodules (HCC, 112; benign nodules, 44) were included. Based on the LI-RADS algorithm, a LI-RADS category was assigned for each lesion. A radiomics signature was generated based on texture features extracted from T1-weighted, T2W, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) images by using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model. A nomogram model was developed for the combined diagnosis. Diagnostic performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis.
Results
A radiomics signature consisting of eight features were significantly associated with the differentiation of HCCs from benign nodules. Both LI-RADS algorithm (area under ROC [Az] = 0.898) and the MRI-Based radiomics signature (Az = 0.917) demonstrated good discrimination; and the nomogram model showed a superior classification performance (Az = 0.975). Compared with LI-RADS alone, the combined approach significantly improved the specificity (97.7% vs 81.8%, p = 0.030) and positive predictive value (99.1% vs 92.9%, p = 0.031) and afforded comparable sensitivity (97.3% vs 93.8%, p = 0.215) and negative predictive value (93.5% vs 83.7%, p = 0.188).
Conclusions
MRI-based radiomics analysis showed additive value to the LI-RADS v 2018 algorithm for differentiating small HCCs from benign nodules in cirrhotic liver.
Experimental Study on Shear Strength of Saturated Remolded Loess
Authors: Lai Jie , Liu Yun , Xiang Yuzhou , Wang Wei , Xu Jiangbo , Cao Baohua , Zhao Danni , Wei Wei , Bao Han , Yan Changgen , Lan Hengxing 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Loess has the characteristic of macropore, loose structure, homogeneous composition and collapsibility. It is easy to saturate when it encounters heavy rainfall and irrigation, resulting in landslides, roadbed subsidence and dam instability in the loess area. To study the influence of dry density and shear rate on shear strength of saturated remolded loess, an SLB-6A stress-strain controlled triaxial shear penetration tester was used to conduct Consolidated Undrained(CU) test in the Yan'an area. During the test, three variables of shear rate, confining pressure and dry density were controlled. The dry densities of the samples were 1.5g/cm3, 1.6g/cm3 and 1.7g/cm3 respectively. The CU test of the saturated remolded loess at a confining pressure of 100kPa, 150kPa, and 200kPa was performed at a shear rate of 0.04mm/min, 0.08mm/min, 0.16 mm/min, and 0.4mm/min respectively. It is found that the stress-strain curve of saturated remolded loess gradually moves up with the increase of dry density. When the dry density is equal to ρd=1.5g/cm3, the deviatoric stress under different confining pressures there is a tendency to increase first and then decrease with increases of shear rate. When the dry density is equal to ρd=1.6g/cm3 and ρd=1.7g/cm3, the deviational stress under different confining pressures shows the trend of increasing first, decreasing and then increasing with the increase of shear rate, which is different from that at the dry density ρd =1.5g/cm3 at a shear rate v=0.4mm/min. When the dry density ρd=1.5g/cm3, the cohesive force decreases first and then increases with the increase of shear rate. When the dry density ρd=1.6g/cm3 and ρd=1.7g/cm3, the cohesive force first increases at 0.08 mm/min, and then decreases with the increase of shear rate. The cohesion and internal friction angles tend to increase as the dry density increases.
Fabrication of Different SnO2 Nanorods for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Gnanamoorthy Govindhan , Yadav Virendra Kumar , Yadav Krishna , Ramar Kandasamy , Alam Javed , Shukla Arun Kumar , Ali Fekri Abdulraqeb Ahmed , Alhoshan Mansour 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The acid-mediated (Oxalic acid [OXA], Cinnamic acid [CA], and itaconic acid [IA]) SnO2 nanorods were synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The synthesized SnO2 nanorods, in turn, were analyzed with various physic-chemical techniques such as the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of the different SnO2 nanorods was investigated with the malachite green (MG) dye under visible light illumination. The OXA-SnO2 nanorods displayed an excellent degradation performance with observed values of 91% compared to other nanomaterials’ (CA and IA-SnO2) photocatalytic activity. The different synthesized SnO2 materials were tested for antibacterial and antifungal studies; this result may be used or developed in future research activities.
Clinical profile and short-term outcomes of RT-PCR positive COVID-19 patients in a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Md Zabir , Biswas Nirmol Kumar , Aziz Ahmad Monjurul , Chowdhury Juli , Haider Shams Shabab , Sarker Malabika 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: After one year since emerging from Wuhan, China, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is still raging worldwide. Still, there is a dearth of original research exploring the attributes of COVID-19 patients from lower-and middle-income countries, such as Bangladesh. Based on a case series from a tertiary healthcare center, this observational study has explored the epidemiological and clinical profile of COVID-19 patients in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 422 COVID-19 confirmed patients (via Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test) were enrolled in this study. We have compiled patients' medical records and reported their demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical features, treatment history, health outcome, and post-discharge complications descriptively.Result: Patients were predominantly male (64%), between 35 to 49 years (28%), with at least one comorbidity (52%), and had COVID-19 symptoms for one week before hospitalization (66%). A significantly higher proportion (P<0.05) of male patients had diabetes, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease, while females had a significantly higher proportion (P<0.05) of asthma. The most common symptoms were fever (80%), cough (60%), dyspnea (41%), and sore throat (21%). Most patients received antibiotics (77%) and anticoagulant therapy (56%) and stayed in the hospital for an average of 12 days. Over 90% of patients were successfully weaned, while 3% died from COVID-19, and 41% reported complications after discharge.Conclusion: The diversity of clinical and epidemiological characteristics and health outcomes of COVID-19 patients across age groups and gender is noteworthy. Our result will inform the clinicians and epidemiologists of Bangladesh of their COVID-19 mitigation effort.
Comparing Astrocytic Gap Junction of Genetic Absence Epileptic Rats with Control Rats: An Experimental Study
Authors: Cavdar Safiye , Köse Büşra , Sur İlknur , Özkan Mazhar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The synchronization of astrocytes via gap junctions (GJ) is a crucial mechanism in epileptic conditions, contributing to the synchronization of the neuronal networks. Little is known about the endogenous response of GJ in genetic absence epileptic animal models. We evaluated and quantified astrocyte GJ protein connexin 30 (Cx30) and 43 (Cx43) in the somatosensory cortex (SSCx), ventrobasal (VB), centromedian (CM), lateral geniculate (LGN) and thalamic reticular (TRN) nuclei of thalamus of genetic absence epilepsy rats from Strasbourg (GAERS), Wistar albino glaxo rats from Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) and control Wistar animals using immunohistochemistry and Western Blot. The Cx30 and Cx43 immunopositive astrocytes in per unite area were quantified for each region of the three animal strains. Further, Cx30 and Cx43 Western Blot was applied to the tissue samples from the same regions of the three strain. The number of Cx30 immunopositive astrocytes showed significant increase in both GAERS and WAG/Rij compared to control Wistar in all brain regions studied except LGN of WAG/Rij animals. Furthermore, Cx43 in both GAERS and WAG/Rij showed significant increase in SSCx, VB and TRN. The percentage of dual expression of Cx30 and Cx43 in the same astrocyte ranged between 17-100% for the 5 brain regions of the 3 animal strains studied. The protein expression of both Cx30 and Cx43 in the two epileptic strain showed an increase compared to Wistar control animals. The significant increase in the astrocytic GJ proteins Cx30 and Cx43 and the differences in the dual expression of Cx30 and Cx43 in the genetically absence epileptic strains compared to control animals may suggest that astrocytic Cx’s may be involved in the mechanism of absence epilepsy. Increased number of astrocytic Cx’s in GAERS and WAG/Rij may represent a compensatory response of the thalamocortical circuitry to the absence seizures or may be related to the production of absence seizures.