bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiphase Flowback Rate Transient Analysis of Multi-Fractured Horizontal Wells in Gas Condensate Shales
Authors: Yang Chia-Hsin , Emami-Meybodi Hamid , Kordestany Amin , Zhang Fengyuan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Flowback rate transient analysis (RTA) of multi-fractured horizontal wells (MFHWs) in shale gas has historically focused on single-phase or two-phase water and gas flow, ignoring the presence of condensate. We introduce a multiphase flowback RTA for MFHWs in gas condensate shales, accounting for condensate dropout when the pressure in hydraulic fractures (HFs) falls below the dewpoint. We develop a semi-analytical multiphase flowback model to analyze flowback data during HF depletion. Three flow regimes are considered: a two-phase water and gas infinite-acting linear flow (IALF), a two-phase boundary-dominated flow (BDF), and a three-phase water, gas, and oil BDF. We derive pressure diffusivity equations for water-, gas-, and oil-phase flows and employ the material balance approach to determine the average HF pressure. Defined pseudo-variables facilitate the construction of diagnostic plots for flow regime identification and specialty plots for characterizing HF properties. We obtain diagnostic plots for each phase using the developed semi-analytical solution. During the early flowback period, the water- and gas-phase diagnostic plots display a half-slope straight line, indicating the IALF regime. This is followed by a unit-slope line, signaling the transition to the BDF regime. For the oil phase, a unit-slope line denoting BDF is observed once the HF pressure drops below the dewpoint. Additionally, we validate the developed models against numerical simulations. The results show that the estimated HF permeability and fracture half-length from the models closely match the set values in the numerical model, with relative errors below 10%. Finally, we examine the applicability of the developed multiphase flowback model on an MFHW drilled in the Horn River Shale. The proposed multiphase flowback model significantly improves our understanding of the HF stimulation jobs and HF dynamics and characteristics.
Comparative Evaluation of Biomechanical Testing Methods for Murine Lumbar Vertebral Bodies: Identifying Optimal Techniques for Assessing Bone Structure and Stability
Authors: Kronenberg Daniel , Wieskoetter Britta , Soeger Sarah , Hidding Heriburg , Timmen Melanie , Raschke Michael J. , Stange Richard 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Numerous genetically modified mouse models are available to evaluate gene functions related to bone metabolism regulation. This study aims to evaluate four prevalent biomechanical testing methods for assessing the structure and stability of murine lumbar vertebral bodies, identifying the most reliable, valid, and reproducible technique. The fourth lumbar vertebrae of 20 female C57BL/6 mice (wild type, 12 weeks) were tested, randomized into four testing groups: Method 1 - compression of the complete lumbar vertebral body (LVB) including the dorsal spinal processi; Method 2 - compression at the vertebra body surface; Method 3 - isolated resection of the vertebral arch; Method 4 - resection of the vertebral arch and straightening of the intervertebral joint surface. Compression was applied using a mono-axial static testing machine. Maximum load, stiffness, yield load, and the elasticity modulus were evaluated. Load-to-failure and yield-to-failure were significantly higher in Method 1. Method 3 showed increased stiffness and significantly increased Young's modulus. The least variation in relative load-to-failure and yield-to-failure was observed with Method 1. Method 4 exhibited the greatest overall variation in specimen values. Method 3 yielded divergent results and is not recommended. Method 1 led to the most consistent and reproducible data and is recommended.
Influence of fly ash content on macroscopic properties and microstructure of high-performance concrete
Authors: kang Mengxin , Jia Yabo , Guo Peng , Ju Yanzhong , Zhang Hongji 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

To study the influence of fly ash content on the performance of high-performance concrete (HPC), Seven groups of tests were conducted to evaluate macroscopic properties (workability and compressive strength) and microscopic pore structure. Low field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology and SEM images were used to analyze the changes in the internal pore structure of the concrete. The results show that the workability of HPC initially increases and then decreases with the increase in fly ash content. When the content is 15%, the slump of HPC reaches a maximum of 264 mm, and the 28-day compressive strength increases by 23.2% compared to the 7-day compressive strength. The pore size distribution of the concrete varies with different fly ash contents, with over 95% of the pores in each group measuring less than 0.1 µm. At 15% fly ash content, secondary hydration of the fly ash is sufficient, refining the pores between 0 and 0.1 µm.
Effects of visual terminal feedback on hand dexterity in relation to visuospatial ability in subacute stroke: A preliminary study
Authors: Yabuki Jun , Kaneno Tatsuya , Yamamoto Ryohei , Yamaguchi Kazuto , Nakano Wataru , Akizuki Kazunori 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Hand dexterity impairments in patients with stroke reduce activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life. Visuospatial ability is associated with motor learning, but this has not previously been reported in patients with subacute stroke. We aimed to investigate whether visual terminal feedback (FB) affected motor learning of hand dexterity and the relationship among visuospatial ability. Overall, 17 subacute stroke patients (age: 66.1 ± 13.8 years) with mild upper limb motor impairment were included. The experimental task was the grasping force control task. The visuospatial task was the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT). The experimental protocol was conducted in 2 consecutive days: day 1 consisted of a pre-test (PRE), practice, and short-term retention test (SRT), and day 2 consisted of a long-term retention test (LRT) and the ROCFT. Grasping errors were significantly decreased in the SRT and LRT than in the PRE. Furthermore, ROCFT scores (copy and recall) and LRT grasping errors were moderately negatively correlated (ρ = -0.51 and − 0.53). In conclusion, visuospatial ability is an important factor associated with motor learning in subacute stroke patients. Future studies should use visual terminal FB, and training programs for visuospatial ability should be considered in stroke rehabilitation.
Modeling immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Romeo Margherita , Barzago Maria Monica , Corbelli Alessandro , Maglioni Silvia , Ventura Natascia , Natale Carmina , Conz Andrea , Salmona Mario , Palladini Giovanni , Nuvolone Mario , Fiordaliso Fabio , Merlini Giampaolo , Diomede Luisa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Cardiomyopathy determines the prognosis of patients with immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis, a rare systemic disease caused by the misfolding and deposition of monoclonal light chains (LCs). The reasons underlining their cardiac tropism remain unknown, and an animal model recapitulating the main pathological features of AL amyloidosis is instrumental. Taking advantage of the similarities between the vertebrate heart and C. elegans' pharynx, we developed a new transgenic nematode expressing a human amyloidogenic λ LC whose sequence was deduced from a patient suffering from AL amyloidosis with cardiac involvement (MNH). Strains expressing a non-amyloidogenic LC (MNM) or the empty vector only (MNV) were generated as controls. At variance with controls, LCs expressed in the body-wall muscle of MNH worms formed native soluble dimeric assemblies, which were secreted and reached different organs, including the pharynx. Noteworthy, MNH worms exerted a pharyngeal impairment resembling cardiac functional impairment occurring in patients with AL, accompanied by increased radical oxygen species production and tissue ultrastructural damage. This new animal model can allow the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the cardiac-specific tropism occurring in AL amyloidosis, providing innovative insights into the pathophysiology.
SVTSR: Image Super-Resolution Using Scattering Vision Transformer
Authors: Liang Jiabao , Jin Yutao , Chen Xiaoyan , Huang Haotian , Deng Yue 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Vision transformers have garnered substantial attention and attained impressive performance in image super-resolution tasks. Nevertheless, these networks face challenges associated with attention complexity and the effective capture of intricate, fine-grained details within images. These hurdles impede the efficient and scalable deployment of transformer models for image super-resolution tasks in real-world applications. In this paper, we present a novel vision transformer called Scattering Vision Transformer for Super-Resolution (SVTSR) to tackle these challenges. SVTSR integrates a spectrally scattering network to efficiently capture intricate image details. It addresses the invertibility problem commonly encountered in down-sampling operations by separating low-frequency and high-frequency components. Additionally, SVTSR introduces a novel spectral gating network that utilizes Einstein multiplication for token and channel mixing, effectively reducing complexity. Extensive experiments show the effectiveness of the proposed vision transformer for image super-resolution tasks. Our comprehensive methodology not only outperforms state-of-the-art methods in terms of the PSNR and SSIM metrics but, more significantly, entails a reduction in model parameters exceeding tenfold when compared to the baseline model. As shown in Fig. 1, the substantial decrease of parameter amount proves highly advantageous for the deployment and practical application of super-resolution models. Code is available at https://github.com/LiangJiabaoY/SVTSR.git.
Factors associated with physical activity among Thai women with breast cancer postmastectomy at a University Hospital, Thailand
Authors: Khobkhun Fuengfa , Wichaidit Piyaporn , Sa-nguanraksa Doonyapat , Phumphuang Surat , Puranasamriddhi Saowaluck , Lohsiriwat Visnu , Kaewkhuntee Watesinee 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The primary treatment for breast cancer patients is surgery and it often impacts physical activity (PA). This study aimed to investigate factors associated with the PA level of Thai women with breast cancer after surgical mastectomy at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand. Ninety-three participants were completed the questionnaires included personal information, the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived self-efficacy, interpersonal influence and situational influence, the Thai Body Image Index score, and the Thai Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square statistics (Odds-Ratio and 95% Confidence Interval). The study found that after post-mastectomy Thai women had sufficient PA (2.8 metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs)). It was also found that PA at work was associated with occupation, higher incomes, moderate satisfaction as assessed by the Thai Body Image Index score, and higher levels of anxiety and depression. Additionally, participation in recreational activities was associated with older age, higher perceived self-efficacy, and greater interpersonal influence. By exploring these association, we can tailor supportive care strategies that address the PA needs of individuals affected by breast cancer and it is essential for developing comprehensive interventions that optimize patient health and well-being throughout the cancer journey.
Evaluation of Indocyanine Green Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging for Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Canine Mammary Tumors: a randomized clinical study
Authors: Kim Seungwook , Lee Sungin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Accurate staging by sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is essential for improving prognostic outcomes of canine mammary tumors (CMT). Indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence (ICG-NIRF) imaging offers a novel real-time approach for SLN mapping, potentially enhancing the precision of surgical SLN biopsies. This study evaluated the effectiveness of ICG-NIRF in identifying lymphatic drainage pathways and SLNs in CMT and determined the optimal ICG concentration for visualizing lymphatic channels and SLNs. We hypothesized that ICG-NIRF effectively highlights both lymphatic channels and SLNs, facilitating accurate SLN biopsies. We included 24 female dogs with cytologically diagnosed malignant CMT, from September 2023 to April 2024. ICG was injected peritumorally (concentrations: 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 mg/mL). NIRF imaging was conducted intraoperatively to visualize lymphatic drainage and identify SLNs. Data on fluorescence intensity and operation time were collected and analyzed using ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests. The detection rate of SLNs using ICG-NIRF was 94.4% (34/36). Highest LN fluorescence (p = 0.030) and shortest operation time (p = 0.002) were yielded by 1.0 mg/mL ICG, with minimal false-negative rates. ICG-NIRF imaging was successfully utilized for SLN mapping of CMT, demonstrating a high detection rate. This method enhances the precision of SLN biopsies, improving surgical outcomes in both veterinary and human oncology.
Development of the Uskudar Self-Consciousness Scale and Examination of its Psychometric Properties in the Context of Skepticism and Narcissism
Authors: Tarhan Nevzat , Tutgun-Ünal Aylin , Arıkan Muhammed 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Self-consciousness means focusing on one’s own actions, knowing oneself, and is also a sign of increasing psychological problems in our age. Because a person’s lack of consciousness of their inner world, inconsistencies in their behaviors in the face of events, and the accompanying decrease in emotional literacy can disrupt the person’s integrity within themselves and within society. Skepticism and increasing narcissism can cause these situations, as well as being the root causes of lack of self-consciousness.
Methods
This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable dimensional Uskudar Self-Consciousness Scale (USSCS) that includes two perspectives by focusing on skepticism and narcissism, and to examine its psychometric properties. Data were collected from 1119 participants across Turkey.
Results
As a result of the study, the Uskudar Self-Consciousness Scale consisted of two independent scales: Uskudar Skepticism Scale (USSES) and Uskudar Narcissism Scale (USNAS). The first scale, USSES, consisted of 20 items and 4 dimensions, and the structure explained 52.92% of the total variance. Cronbach Alpha internal consistency reliability coefficient was found to be .89 in the total scale. The second scale, USNAS, consisted of 25 items and 5 factors. The total variance explained was 52.75%. Cronbach Alpha internal consistency was found to be .90. As a result of the modeling studies of both scales, the scale structures were confirmed, and the goodness of fit values ​​were within the acceptable range.
Conclusions
According to the first results obtained in the study; (a) Young generations are more skeptical and their narcissism is high, (b) Skepticism and narcissism increase as the level of education increases, (c) In the 1119-person Turkey sample, skeptical affect and narcissism were found to be at a low level. As a result, the emergence of a valid, reliable and dimensional self-consciousness self-assessment scale that includes skepticism and narcissism and its introduction to the literature has emerged as the original aspect of this study.
Efficacy of galactose-deficient IgA1 as a biomarker for predicting IgA nephropathy recurrence after kidney transplantation: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Deng Ronghai , Chen Wengen , Chang Xinhua , Chen Zehuan , Ye Qianyu , Xu Bowen , Gao Yifang , Deng Suxiong , Yu Xiaolin , Wang Changxi , Liu Xiangjun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Allogeneic kidney transplantation (KT) is an effective treatment for end-stage renal disease caused by progressing immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). However, the post-KT IgAN recurrence rate is high and can shorten long-term graft survival. Therefore, early prediction of IgAN recurrence risk is crucial for improving transplantation outcomes. We hypothesized that serum galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1), APRIL, B-cell activating factor (BAFF), and sCD89 levels could help predict IgAN recurrence post-KT. Thus, this study aimed to validate our hypothesis in Chinese patients with IgAN.
Methods
In this retrospective case-control study, we examined patients with primary IgAN who underwent KT at the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University from September 2014 to December 2019. Patients were divided into post-transplantation IgAN recurrence (n = 12) and non-recurrence (n = 13) groups. Serum levels of Gd-IgA1, APRIL, BAFF, and sCD89 were measured at pre-transplantation and at 1–6, 6–12, 12–24, and > 24 months post-transplantation.
Results
The area under the curve for predicting IgAN recurrence at 1–6 months post-transplantation was 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78–1; cutoff, 4.2 µg/mL), 0.79 (95% CI, 0.58–1; cutoff, 933 pg/mL), and 0.8 (95% CI, 0.6–1; cutoff, 1791 pg/mL) for Gd-IgA1, BAFF, and APRIL, respectively. At 6–12 months post-transplantation, it was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.6–1; cutoff, 2.37 µg/mL) and 0.9 (95% CI, 0.74–1; cutoff, 992 pg/mL) for Gd-IgA1 and BAFF, respectively. Finally, at 12–24 months post-transplantation, it was 0.91 (95% CI, 0.76–1; cutoff, 3.83 µg/mL) for Gd-IgA1. Compared to patients with post-transplantation Gd-IgA1 levels < 4.2 µg/mL, patients with Gd-IgA1 levels ≥ 4.2 µg/mL at 1–6 months post-transplantation had a hazard ratio (HR) of 25.38 (95% CI, 2.5–257.88, p = 0.006) for IgAN recurrence. BAFF levels at 1–6 months post-transplantation were protective against IgAN recurrence (HR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0–0.48; p = 0.013).
Conclusions
Serum Gd-IgA1 levels could effectively predict IgAN recurrence risk in patients post-KT.
Down-regulation of Long Non-coding RNA H19 and ADCK4 gene in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Asar Mohamed , Elmalawany Alshimaa , Zaid Ahmed , Atlam Sarah , El-Torgoman Abdel Moneim , Mohamed Sanaa , El-niadany Sherin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

AIM OF THE WORK: The objective of this study is to examine the correlation between the long non-coding RNA H19 and ADCK4 genes and the susceptibility to nephrotic syndrome in children from Egypt.
METHODS: A cross-sectional research was conducted on 50 cases with nephrotic syndrome and 50 controls of apparently healthy children with no past or family history of renal or chronic diseases. Each participant signed their informed consent form. The study excluded malignancy, chronic infectious disorders, drug-induced membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) or lupus nephritis.
RESULTS: There was a significant divergence among cases and control regarding RQ (ADCK4) (p-value < 0.001) and RQ (H-19) (p-value < 0.001). Nevertheless, no notable distinction was observed between the two forms of nephrotic syndrome in terms of RQ (ADCK4) (p-value =0.935) and RQ (H-19) (p-value 0.525).
CONCLUSION:In nephrotic syndrome, the RNA H19 and ADCK4 genes are downregulated, with no notable distinction observed between the steroid-sensitive and steroid-resistant patient groups.
Patient delays and medical care delays among elderly tuberculosis patients in Chongqing, China
Authors: Xiangliu Wang , Wenjun Luo , Hui Luo , Chengguo Wu , Lihong Mu , Chuan PU 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
China is one of the countries with a high global burden of tuberculosis (TB). Chongqing is the most populous city in southwestern China and one of the provinces with a high degree of aging. This study aimed to analyse the delays in consultation and diagnosis of elderly patients with tuberculosis in Chongqing, to explore the reasons behind these delays, and to propose strategies to address these problems.
Methods
Based on the TB data extracted from the China Tuberculosis Management Information System from 2016 to 2022, TB patients aged ≥ 65 years with complete registration information who were currently residing in Chongqing Municipality during the 7-year period from 2016 to 2022 were selected. One-way c2 test and multifactorial logistic regression were used to analyse the factors affecting delay in consultation and delay in the healthcare system among elderly TB patients.
Results.
A total of 29,337 patients were included in this study. Between 2016 and 2020, there was a decreasing trend in both consultation delays and healthcare system delays in Chongqing. The median time of visit delay was 36 (15, 91) visit delay rate was 76.1%; the median time of healthcare system delay was 1 (1, 6) and healthcare system delay rate was 12.4%. Women (OR = 1.15,95%Cl:1.077,1.227), elderly TB patients who belonged to a mobile population (OR = 1.157,95%Cl:1.031,1.297) with comorbidities (OR = 1.084,95%Cl:1.026,1.145) were at higher risk of visit delay. Unemployed (OR = 1.349,95%Cl:1.198,1.520) and retired (OR = 1.820,95%Cl:1.641,2.019), mobile (OR = 1.445,95%Cl:1.272,1.642), with comorbidities (OR = 1.113,95%Cl:1.04,1.20), and Older TB patients who were first seen in the main urban area (OR = 1.721,95%Cl:1.566,1.891) were more likely to experience delays in the healthcare system.
Conclusions
Both TB visit delays and healthcare system delays have improved in Chongqing, but TB visit delays are still more prominent in the elderly population. To effectively address this problem, it is particularly important to strengthen health education efforts for the elderly population and key TB target groups, to enhance the professional capacity of primary health care institutions in TB screening, and to promote the in-depth application of Internet technology in TB prevention and control. The implementation of these measures will be of inestimable value in reducing delays in patient consultation and optimising the response efficiency of the healthcare system.