bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Empirical Random Kick Model and Casing Reliability
Authors: Beck Andre T. , Cecílio Diogo L. , Gomes Wellison J. S. , Tessari Rodolfo , Jacinto Carlos M. C. 
Published: May 2020

Summary
The development of exploratory wells is based on the interpretation of seismic readings by geotechnical field experts. Correlation wells, when they exist, are located very far, leading to large uncertainties and to different interpretations by different experts. Exploratory wells are expensive and risky endeavors, in particular deep wells with high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. Reaching reservoirs at record depths often requires challenging usual safety margins, which should be based on reliability analyses. In this paper, we present an empirical random kick model to combine the opinions of different specialists and the reliability analysis of casing subject to kick loads. The empirical kick model has a random kick volume and intensity, gas gravity, and influx depth. Three tubular strength models are considered: Barlow formula, von Mises stress, and Klever-Stewart model (Klever and Stewart 1998; Stewart and Klever 1998), with random yield stress and tube thickness. A typical 19,000 ft well is considered as a case study example, and the First-Order Reliability Method (FORM) is used as a probabilistic solver. Results show the differences between safety factors and reliability indices obtained for the three strength models. Sensitivity factors show that yield stress and model error are the most relevant random variable at shallow depths. Kick volume and influx depth are found to be the most relevant random variables of the kick model, especially at greater depths. The proposed empirical kick model is shown to have a significant impact on casing reliability, in comparison with a kick in which uncertain kick variables are assumed with uniform distribution.
Spheroid transplantable and functional retinal pigment epithelium derived from non-colony dissociated human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Guo Xiaoling , Zhu Deliang , Lian Ruiling , Zeng Qiaolang , Mathew Sanjana , Tang Shibo , Chen Jiansu 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) exhibit great promise in treating retinal degenerative diseases. Here, we would explore the feasibility of non-colony dissociated hiPSCs to differentiate into functional RPE cells (hiPSC-RPE), and offer an alternative transplantation method based on cell spheroids.Methods: hiPSC-RPE cells were identified using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunofluorescence assay, Western blotting, and flow cytometry assay. The functions of hiPSC-RPE cells in vitro and in vivo were assessed by fluorescein leakage test, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) assay, atomic force microscopy observation, POS phagocytosis assay, frozen tissue sections, live/dead assay, SA-β-Gal staining, and immunocytochemistry.Results: hiPSC-RPE cells positively expressed biomarkers of RPE cells but not iPSCs, such as CRALBP (97.4%), EMMPRIN (93.8%), Oct4 (2.1%), and Sox2 (2.0%). hiPSC-RPE cells displayed RPE-like characteristics including barrier function, phagocytic activity, and polarized membrane. The cells derived from hiPSC-RPE spheroids positively expressed Nestin and exhibited reduced SA-β-Gal staining. hiPSC-RPE cell spheroids could form monolayer on decellularized corneal matrixes (DCM). After one month of subretinal transplantation, hiPSC-RPE cell spheroids could survive and maintain segmental sheet growth in sodium iodate (NaIO3) induced RPE-degenerated chinchilla rabbits. Conclusion: This study suggested that non-colony dissociated hiPSCs were effectively differentiated into functional RPE cells, and hiPSC-RPE cell spheroids maintained segmental sheet growth in the subretinal of RPE degenerate chinchilla rabbits in vivo, which may lay the foundation for cell spheroid transplantation as an alternative method for RPE degenerative disease therapy in the future.
Validity of the Food Insecurity Experience Scale and Prevalence of Food Insecurity in the Bahamas
Authors: Karpyn Allison , Headley M. Gail , Knowles Zeleka , Hepburn Erecia , Kennedy Nicole , Wolgast Henry Kurtis , Riser Danielle , Sarfo Akisha R. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite United Nations’ recommendations to monitor food insecurity using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), to date there are no published reports of its validity for the Bahamas, nor have prevalence rates of moderate or severe food insecurity been reported for the nation. At the same time, food security is a deep concern, with increasing incidence of natural disasters and health concerns related to diet-related disease and dietary quality plaguing the nation.Objectives: This paper aims to examine 1) the validity of the FIES for use in the Bahamas, 2) moderate and severe food insecurity prevalence, and 3) the socio-demographic factors which contribute to increased food insecurity.Methods: The FIES was administered via randomized and weighted landline telephone survey in Nassau, Bahamas to 1,000 participants in June and July of 2017. The Rasch modelling procedure was applied to examine tool validity, and outcomes used to report prevalence. A regression analysis informed the relationship between household variables and food security.Results: The FIES met acceptable ranges for fit statistics for all eight items and the overall Rasch reliability is 0.7. The prevalence of moderate and severe food insecurity is 21%, and the prevalence of severe food insecurity is 10%. Statistically significant variables that contribute to food insecurity include education, age, gender, and presence of diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.Conclusions: This study, which is among the first to comprehensively measure food security in The Bahamas, provides a baseline for further research and evaluation of practices aimed at mitigating food insecurity in SIDS. Further, this study provides a baseline for future research which may seek to understand the impacts of Hurricane Dorian. Post-disaster food security data is needed to further understand the extent to which food security is impacted by natural disasters and identify which sectors and stakeholders are most vital in restructuring the agricultural sector and improving food availability following such catastrophic events.
Effect of rs67085638 in long non-coding RNA (CCAT1) on colon cancer chemoresistance to paclitaxel through modulating the microRNA-24-3p and FSCN1 signaling
Authors: Zhang Caihong , Wang Yonglin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIt has been reported that rs67085638 in lncRNA-CCAT1 was associated with the risk of tumorigenesis. Also, CCAT1 could affect chemoresistance of cancer cells to PTX via regulating miR-24-3p and FSCN1 expression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of rs67085638 on the expression of CCAT1/miR-24-3p/FSCN1 and the response of colon cancer to the treatment of PTX.Method48 colon cancer patients were recruited and grouped by their genotypes of rs67085638 polymorphism as a CC group (N=28) and a CT group (N=20). Colon cancer cells were collected from the patients and cancer cell xenografts were transplanted into mice. PCR analysis, IHC assay and Western blot were performed to observe the expression of lncRNA-CCAT1, miR-24-3p and FSCN1 in vivo and in vitro, and the relationships among the expression of lncRNA-CCAT1, miR-24-3p and FSCN1 were validated by computational analysis and luciferase assay. TUNEL assay and flow cytometry were conducted to observe tumor cell apoptosis and survival.ResultLncRNA-CCAT1 and FSCN1 mRNA/protein were over-expressed while miR-24-3p was down-regulated in the CT-genotyped patients and cells compared with those in the CC-genotyped patients and cells. The survival of colon cancer cells was decreased while the apoptosis of colon cancer cells was increased by PTX treatment in a dose-dependent manner. However, the survival rate of CT-genotyped cells was higher while the apoptosis rate of CT-genotyped cells was lower than that of the CC-genotyped cells, and the difference was partly eliminated by the knockdown of lncRNA-CCAT1. MiR-24-3p was validated to target lncRNA-CCAT1 and FSCN1 mRNA, and the over-expression of CCAT1 could reduce the expression of miR-24-3p while elevating the expression of FSCN1. The growth of CT-genotyped tumors in mice was more suppressed in compared with the growth of CC-genotyped tumors, while the knockdown of lncRNA-CCAT1 partly reversed the effect of the CT genotype. Furthermore, compared with the rs67085638-CC mice, the lncRNA-CCAT1 and FSCN1 mRNA/protein levels in the rs67085638-CT+NC shRNA mice were increased while their miR-24-3p level was decreased, and the knockdown of lncRNA-CCAT1 partly reversed the dysregulation of these genes.ConclusionThe findings of this study demonstrated that the presence of the minor allele of rs67085638 increased the expression of CCAT1 and accordingly enhanced the resistance to PTX. Downregulation of CCAT1 partially, but significantly, re-stored the sensitivity to PTX of colon cancer cells.
COVID-19: Impact of early decision and type of lockdown over the spread of the virus
Authors: Humaid Jehan Al , Khan Soban Qadir , Farooqi Faraz Ahmed , Alhareky Muhanad , Alonaizan Faisal , Harbi Fahad Al 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objectives: Aim of the present study was to analyze the (1) partial vs complete lock down effects over the spread of COVID-19, (2) time taken for complete lock down decision in relation with the spread of disease. Method: COVID-19 data for the current observational study was taken up to 14th April since the outbreak of the virus. There were 28 countries which passed through the inclusion criteria and included for analysis.Results: Average number of reported cases during 1st, 2nd and 3rd week of lockdown (complete vs partial) were 6872.9 vs 8990, 13431 vs 20032 and 19005 vs 26859.5 respectively. However, differences were not statistically significant. Days taken to announce complete lockdown was found significantly correlated with number of cases reported during 1st and 2nd after lockdown announced. Similarly, number of reported cases when lockdown announced had direct and strong correlation with number of weekly reported cases after lockdown.Conclusion: Number of weekly reported cases among partially lockdown countries was found higher compare to complete lockdown countries. Furthermore, early decision of lockdown was extremely important as it had grave impact over the spread of disease.
Real-time monitoring of traffic parameters
Authors: Hazukov Kirill , Shepelev Vladimir , Carpeta Tatiana , Shabiev Salavat , Slobodin Ivan , Charbadze Irakli 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This study deals with the problem of rea-time obtaining quality data on the road traffic parameters based on the surveillance camera data. The purpose of the paper is to develop a system to collect data on the traffic flow structure and to determine the traffic flow speed and direction in real-time. Our solution is based on the use of the YOLOv3 neural network architecture and open-source tracker SORT. To increase the accuracy of detection and classification, we used multi-scale prediction with an increased number of anchors. To determine the speed, we used a matrix of the perspective transformation of the source image to geographical coordinates. To train the neural network, we marked over 6,000 images and performed augmentation, which allowed us to increase the dataset to 60,000 images. Checking the system at night and in the day showed an absolute percentage accuracy of counting vehicles of no less than 92%. The error in determining the vehicle speed by the projection method, taking into account the camera calibration, did not exceed 2.74 m/s. The presented study allows us to generate big data for the intelligent transport systems decision-making system in real-time and to lower the requirements for peripheral equipment.
A prospective study of selective pleural blood patching for pneumothorax due to computed tomography-guided percutaneous lung biopsy
Authors: Uruga Hironori , Takaya Hisashi , Moriguchi Shuhei , Takahashi Yui , Ogawa Kazumasa , Murase Kyoko , Hanada Shigeo , Miyamoto Atsushi , Morokawa Nasa , Kishi Kazuma 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: We conducted a prospective study to investigate the efficacy of pleural blood patching to reduce the need for chest tube placement in pneumothorax of CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy. Methods: We enrolled each 77 patients in study and control groups. If the patient of study group developed pneumothorax ≥1 cm on post-biopsy CT, we drew 15 mL blood, then performed simple aspiration followed by pleural blood patching. In control group, we performed only simple aspiration or no interventions. Results: Of the 77 patients of study group, 41 developed pneumothorax, 9 of which were ≥ 1 cm, and 8 patients underwent pleural blood patching. None of these 8 patients (0%) required chest tube placement. In comparison between study group and control group, pleural blood patching reduced the chest tube insertion rate from 23.1% to 11.1% in patients pneumothorax ≥ 1 cm, but not statistically significant (p=0.26) Conclusion: Selective pleural blood patching reduced chest tube insertion rate in patients pneumothorax ≥ 1 cm, large-scale studies are warranted to confirm the result. Trial registration: This study was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (trial number: 000007586).
Collaborative Online Learning in Undergraduate Medical Education: A Scoping Review
Authors: Luk Pauline , Tsang Joyce , Tsoi Hang-Sang , Chan Karina , Chen Julie 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Collaborative online learning is an active learning method that stimulates interaction between learners and teachers and fosters interest and motivation in learning in a virtual learning environment.Aim: The primary aim of this scoping review is to examine the extent and nature of academic publications on collaborative online learning in undergraduate medical education.Methods: We used a standardized framework for conducting scoping reviews to identify suitable publications and to analyze the content.Results: Thirty-six published articles from January 1990-March 2019 met the inclusion criteria. There were 16 interventional studies, 8 reviews, 7 commentaries and 5 survey studies. Most work originated in the UK or the US. These studies found that collaborative online learning demonstrated educational value by personalizing learning to fit individual needs, promoting social interaction and active learning, and helping to build professional networks Connectivity, ease of use, and accessibility were enablers of collaborative online learning while technical challenges were the main barrier.Conclusion: There is a relatively small but promising body of work currently published on collaborative online learning in undergraduate medical education. Further work and innovation in this area may be forthcoming in response to the need for alternatives to traditional learning in times of crisis.
High Glucose Diet Attenuates Dopaminergic Neuronal Function in C. elegans Leading to Acceleration of Aging Process
Authors: GUZMAN ARVIE CAMILLE DE , Kim Eun Ji , Cho Joong Hee , Kim Jin Ho , Choi Shin Sik 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Environmental or exogenous factors that cause Parkinson’s disease have not been sufficiently elucidated. Here, we investigate a causative effect of high glucose diet on Parkinson’s disease-relevant dopaminergic neuronal system in C. elegans . Methods: Aging parameters were first observed by measuring the lifespan, body movement, and body sizes with and without background of high glucose. Toxic effect of high glucose diet was further explored by observing the dopaminergic neurons using transgenic dat-1 ::GFP strains, BZ555 under Zeiss microscope. And extended the experiments by assessing dopamine-related behavioral analysis including basal slowing response and alcohol avoidance. Aggregation on the α -synucleins were also assessed by observing the NL5901 worms. Results: . Worms fed with 250 mM glucose showed daf-2 -independent regulation of aging displaying short lifespan (≤15 days), long body size (max. 140%) and slow movement (min. 30%, 10 bends/min). Anterior dopaminergic neurons were rapidly inactivated (70%) by glucose-rich diet from 12 h of exposure suggesting specific degeneration in ADE neurons. The dysregulation of neurons led to deteriorations in dopaminergic behaviors including basal slowing response (BSR). High glucose diet decreased dopamine synthesis (40 vs. 15 pg/mg protein) and induced α-synuclein aggregation in the muscles. Conclusion: Results demonstrate a potential of high glucose diet as a trigger of dopaminergic neuronal dysregulation conjugating aging acceleration.
Survey of the Patients' Satisfaction with Services provided in an Iranian Naval Hospital in 2019: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Farajzadeh Mohsen Abbasi , Karimi Leila , Mirjavadi Seyyed Ahmad , Azimi Amir Vahedian , Chaharshahi Saeed Gholami , Farjam Seyyedeh Nazila Jafari , Ghaleh Hadi Esmaeili Gouvarchin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
All hospital services are carried out to serve the patient, which is the main axis in the hospital. Patient satisfaction can be indicative of the right performance service delivery and is considered as a reliable source for evaluating the quality of health care. the present study was conducted to evaluate the satisfaction rate of discharged patients in a Navy hospital.
Methods
The descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 220 discharged patients who selected by convenience sampling in a Navy hospital during 2019. The data gathering tool was the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire designed by Amerioon in 2009 and its validity and reliability was confirmed in 2016. The questionnaire assessed patient satisfaction in two health-care sections with 21 questions and three dimensions of hygiene, nursing and physician services, and non-health care with 27 questions and six dimensions of acceptance, staff attitudes, nutrition, welfare, facilities, religious issues and refines evaluation. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 18.
Results
The patient satisfaction in the medical and non-medical wards was 88.1% and 86.57% respectively. Satisfaction in the medical and non-medical wards was excellent at all dimensions. There was a significant relationship between satisfaction with the cause of referral, and level of education (P < 0.05). Other demographic variables such as age, marital status, patient gender, frequency of hospitalization, type of ward, and type of insurance were not significantly correlated with satisfaction(P > 0.05).
Conclusion
Considering the high level of patients 'satisfaction in medical and non-medical services, patient satisfaction in medical services was slightly higher than that of non-medical services, this highlights the need for independent research in this area and the actions taken by hospital managers to improve satisfaction in these sectors. It is also suggested to consider patient satisfaction as part of the discharge process in all hospitals.
Deficiency in Aim2 affects viability and calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells from murine aortas and Angiotensin-II induced aortic aneurysms
Authors: Wortmann Markus , Arshad Muhammad , Hakimi Maani , Böckler Dittmar , Dihlmann Susanne 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Backgound

Phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells is a key element in vascular remodeling and aortic aneurysm growth. Previously, deletion of several inflammasome components decreased formation of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in the Angiotensin II (AngII) -induced mouse model. We hypothesized that the inflammasome sensor Absent in melanoma 2 (Aim2) might affect the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), thereby reducing AAA formation.

Methods

Aim2-/- mice and wild-type (WT) C57Bl/6J mice were used as an animal model. VSMC were isolated at the age of 6 months and grown for different numbers of passages. Young (passage 3-5) and senescent (passage 7-12) cells were analyzed in vitro for calcification in mineralization medium by Alizarin Red S staining. Expression of calcification and inflammatory markers were studied by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting, release of cytokines was determined by ELISA. To induce AAA, osmotic mini-pumps loaded with AngII (1500 ng/kg bodyweight/min) were implanted for 28 days in male mice at 6 months of age.

Results

Compared with VSMC from WT mice, VSMC isolated from Aim2-/- mice were larger, less viable, and underwent stronger calcification in mineralization medium, along with induction of BMP4 and repression of Tnfsf11/Rankl gene expression. In addition, Aim2 deficiency was associated with reduced inflammasome gene expression and release of Interleukin-6. Using the mouse model of AngII induced AAA, Aim2 deficiency reduced AAA incidence to 48.4% (15/31) in Aim2-/- mice versus 76.5% (13/17) in WT mice. In contrast to Aim2-/- mice, AAA from WT mice expressed significantly increased levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin/ Acta2 , indicating tissue remodeling. Reduced cell proliferation in Aim2-/- mice was indicated by significantly increased p16ink4a/ Cdkn2a expression in untreated and AngII-infused aortas, and by significantly lower amounts of proliferating (Ki67 positive) VSMC in AngII-infused Aim2-/- mice.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a role for Aim2 in regulating VSMC proliferation and transition to an osteoblast-like or osteoclast-like phenotype, thereby modulating the response of VSMC in aortic remodeling and AAA formation.
Assessing Mobile Phone Access, Usage and Willingness Among Women to Receive Voice Message-Based Mobile Health Intervention to Improve Antenatal Care Attendance in District Thatta
Authors: Feroz Anam , Akberali Naureen , Saleem Sarah 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Pakistan has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios worldwide at 276/100,000 live births and only 51% percent of women receive four or more ANC visits. This means that there are missed opportunities for almost half of the women who were not able to seek the recommended antenatal visits. In Thatta district, the maternal mortality ratio is estimated at 313/100,000 live births. Various studies reported that mHealth interventions have proven to be effective to improve antenatal care and postnatal care services. However, the feasibility and effectiveness of mobile health interventions to increase uptake of preventive maternal healthcare services among pregnant women in different settings may be different due to differing patient demographics, cultural diversity, environmental and behavioral factors, availability and accessibility to mobile phones, and budgetary constraints. Prior to implementing a similar intervention in Thatta District, it is crucially important to assess the mobile phone access, usage and willingness among women to receive voice-message based mHealth intervention to improve antenatal care attendance. Methods A cross-sectional quantitative study will be used to assess mobile phone access, usage and willingness among women to receive voice-message based mHealth intervention to improve antenatal care attendance in District Thatta. The study will be conducted in Thatta district of Sindh province. Married women of reproductive age (MWRA), who are residing in selected villages of Mirpur Sakro and willing to participate will be included in the study. Multistage sampling technique will be used to recruit the 415 study participants. A structured questionnaire has been designed on Epicollect to collect data from 415 women. Data will be analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 23, with a level of significance as <0.05. Discussion This research project will provide invaluable information on the current access, usage of mobile phones among women of district Thatta and their willingness to receive voice messages to improve the antenatal care services. The study will also highlight demographic, sociocultural and economic factors associated with women willingness and readiness to receive voice messages regarding antenatal care.