bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting Tunnel Squeezing Using the SVM-BP Combination Model
Authors: HUANG Zhen , Liao Minxing , Zhang Haoliang , Zhang Jiabing , Ma Shaokun , Zhu Qixuan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Rock squeezing has a large influence on tunnel construction safety; thus, when designing and constructing tunnels it is highly important to use a reliable method for predicting tunnel squeezing from incomplete data. In this study, a combination SVM-BP (support vector machine-back-propagation) model is proposed to classify the deformation caused by surrounding rock squeezing. We designed different characteristic parameters and three types of classifiers (an SVM model, a BP model, and the proposed SVM-BP model) for the tunnel-squeezing prediction experiments and analysed the accuracy of predictions by different models and the influences of characteristic parameters on the prediction results. In contrast to other prediction methods, the proposed SVM-BP model is verified to be reliable. The results show that four characteristics: tunnel diameter (D), tunnel buried depth (H), rock quality index (Q) and support stiffness (K) reflect the effect of rock squeezing sufficiently for classification. The SVM-BP model combines the advantages of both an SVM and a BP neural network. It possesses flexible nonlinear modelling ability and the ability to perform parallel processing of large-scale information. Therefore, the SVM-BP model achieves better classification performance than do the SVM or BP models separately. Moreover, coupling D, H, and K has a significant impact on the predicted results of tunnel squeezing.
The Learning Effect of Online Discussions: New Active Form of Learning under COVID-19
Authors: Lim Jaeseo , Ko Hyunwoong , Park Jooyong , Ihm Jungjoon 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 created confusion in all areas of society and is no exception in education. In line with the demands of the times, we investigated the applicability of active learning online for the health professional.Methods: This study was conducted in the school of dentistry, a selective university. Eighty-two dentistry students participated in this study in the second semester of 2020. The students were randomly assigned to four different groups and learned according to given experimental procedures. Their performance in the final test scores was analyzed using ANOVAs. Subsequently, we systematically analyzed past offline active learning and online experiments.Results: As with past offline experiments, self-study before discussion groups have achieved high learning outcomes in verbatim type and transfer type items. Online self-study groups scored slightly lower than offline self-study groups, but online self-study groups scored higher than offline and online lecture groups.Conclusions: Our findings denote that active learning for health professionals was applicable online. When self-study precedes the discussion, it becomes richer, thereby increasing students' learning outcomes.
What Intensity of Exercise Is Most Suitable for the Elderly in China? A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Chen Xinlin , Su Dai , Chen Xinlan , Chen Yingchun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The strategy of successful ageing is an important means to deal with the challenges of the current ageing society. This paper aims to explore the effects of different intensities of physical activity on the successful ageing of the elderly.
Methods
Our data were from wave 4 of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS), involving 9,026 residents aged 60 years and older. The intensity of physical activity was divided into three levels: vigorous, moderate and mild. The concept of successful ageing adopted a four-dimensional model of life satisfaction added to the theoretical model of Rowe and Kahn's. Propensity score matching (PSM) with controlling nine confounding factors were used to analyse the effects of different intensities of physical activity.
Results
The percentage of successful ageing was 1.88% among all subjects. Among them, 30.26%, 29.57% and 29.40% of the elderly often participated in vigorous, moderate and mild physical activity, respectively. The results of PSM showed that participation in moderate activity increased the probability of successful ageing of the elderly by 0.76–0.78% (P < 0.001), while participation in vigorous and mild physical activity had no significant effect on successful ageing (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
Moderate-intensity physical activity was most beneficial to the successful ageing of the elderly and should be promoted in the elderly population.
Evaluation of Uncertainty Propagation Predictions in River Water Quality Modeling
Authors: Fonseca André , Botelho Cidália , Boaventura Rui , Vilar Vitor 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The uncertainty on model predictions to evaluate river water quality is often high to delineate appropriate conclusions. This study presents the statistical evaluation of the water quality modeling system Hydrologic Simulation Program FORTRAN as a tool to improve monitoring planning and mitigate uncertainty in water quality predictions. It also presents findings in determining HSPF model’s sensitivity analysis concerning water quality predictions. The computer model was applied to Ave River watershed, Portugal. The hydrology was calibrated at two stations from January 1990 to December 1994 and validated from January 1995 to December 1999. A two-step statistical evaluation framework is presented based on the most common hydrology criteria for model calibration and validation and, a Monte Carlo methodology uncertainty evaluation approach coupled with multi parametric sensitivity analyses to assess model uncertainty and parameter sensitivity. Fourteen HSPF water quality parameters probability distributions are used as input factors for the Monte Carlo simulation. The simulation results for in stream fecal coliform concentrations was found to be most sensitive to parameters that represent first order decay rate and surface runoff that removes 90 percent of fecal coliform from pervious land surface rather than accumulation and maximum storage rates. Regarding oxygen governing process (DO, BOD, NO3, PO4), benthal oxygen demand and nitrification/denitrification rates were the most sensitive parameters.
Energetic return on investment determines overall soil microbial activity.
Authors: Dufour Louis , Herrmann Anke , Leloup Julie , Przybylski Cédric , Foti Ludovic , Abbadie Luc , Nunan Naoise 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Microbial communities are a critical component of the soil carbon (C) cycle, as they are responsible for the decomposition of both organic inputs from plants and of soil organic C. However, there is still no consensus about how to explicitly represent their role in terrestrial C cycling. We suggest that a full understanding of microbial communities’ involvement in soil C dynamics can only be attained when the interaction between the properties of both available organic C and microbial communities are accounted for. Here, we show that the potential energetic return on investment, derived from an energetic analysis of available organic C, is strongly related to the overall metabolic response of microbial decomposers. We further show that microbial communities do not all obtain the same energetic return on investment when metabolising the same organic C, suggesting that the response also depends on the intrinsic properties of the microbial communities.
The Design and Manufacture of Custom Ocular Prostheses (COPs) Based on Computer-Aided Semi-automation Workflow
Authors: Ye Xin , Wang Jun , Fang Wei , Qian Zhenbin , Shen Lijun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
It is important to correct the ocular disfigurement by wearing prostheses as soon as possible after healing from the eye enucleation surgery. This study aimed to develop a new computer-aided approach to fabricate custom ocular prostheses (COPs) with higher accuracy and efficiency and to fit different anophthalmia sockets.
Results
Five patients underwent enucleation surgery from November 2018 to October 2020 were enrolled in the study. The semi-automatic design and fabrication workflow of COPs was based on the conjunctival sac impression, combined with Computer-aided design/Computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) workflow, which involves computer image analysis, reverse engineering (RE), and 3-dimensional (3D) printing technologies. The height of palpebral fissure in the artificial eye group was 0.8000 ± 0.09529, N = 5.The height of palpebral fissure in the healthy eye group was 0.7660 ± 0.1147, N = 5, and there was no statistical difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). The artificial eye in the conjunctival sac had a good effect on the reconstruction of orbital fullness. Both of the vertical activity and horizontal activity of COPs is smaller than that of healthy eyes (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
COPs made by RE and 3D printing technologies can effectively make the COPs suitable for patients' conjunctival sac. This workflow improved the accuracy of the COPs, and also reduced patients’ waiting time, which is worthy to be popularized and applied.
The importance of sustained compliance with physical distancing during COVID-19 vaccination rollout
Authors: Teslya Alexandra , Rozhnova Ganna , Pham Thi Mui , Wees Daphne van , Nunner Hendrik , Godijk Noortje , Bootsma Martin , Kretzschmar Mirjam 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Mass vaccination campaigns against SARS-CoV-2 are under way in many countries with the hope that increasing vaccination coverage will enable reducing current physical distancing measures. Compliance with these measures is waning, while more transmissible virus variants such as B.1.1.7 have emerged. Using SARS-CoV-2 transmission model we investigated the impact of the feedback between compliance, the incidence of infection, and vaccination coverage on the success of a vaccination programme in the population where waning of compliance depends on vaccine coverage. Our results suggest that the combination of fast waning compliance, slow vaccination rates, and more transmissible variants may result in a higher cumulative number of infections than in a situation without vaccination. These adverse effects can be alleviated if vaccinated individuals do not revert to pre-pandemic contact rates, and if non-vaccinated individuals remain compliant with physical distancing measures. Both require convincing, clear and appropriately targeted communication strategies by public health authorities.
Design and Antiproliferative and Antioxidant Activities of Furan-Based Thiosemicarbazides and 1,2,4-Triazoles: Their Structure-Activity Relationship and SwissADME Predictions
Authors: SICAK Yusuf 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Due to the limited number of drugs in current clinical use, the diverse biological applications of furan have encouraged the preparation of a wide variety of thiosemicarbazide and triazole derivatives for the purpose of developing new drug agents. In this study aimed to investigate the antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of some thiosemicarbazides (1-12) and 1,2,4-triazoles (13-24). Compound 15 (IC50: 8.81±0.28 µM) showed the highest antiproliferative activity against the cervical (HeLa) cancer cell line among the compounds. Compounds 15, 20, 21, and 22 of the 1,2,4-triazole derivatives (13-24) exhibited excellent antioxidant activity. Moreover, the physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetic properties, drug similarity, and medicinal chemistry properties of all synthesized products were calculated using SwissADME. In addition, the effect of the structure–activity relationships of the 1,2,4-triazole derivatives (13-24) on the results of antiproliferative and antioxidant activity assays was evaluated.
Novel Masonry Grout Incorporating High Volumes of Industrial By-Products: Microstructure Characteristics and Pursuance of Durability Properties
Authors: Nayaka R. Ramesh , Alengaram U. Johnson , Jumaat Mohd Zamin , P Rathish Kumar , Fonseca Fernando S , M Sumesh 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
One solution to the high cost and scarcity of building materials is to use alternative and sustainable materials. The study presented herein developed an eco-friendly masonry grout using high volumes of palm oil clinker powder to replace cement and palm oil clinker to replace coarse aggregate. Several batches of grouts with different amounts of these materials were made to determine the technical viability of the grout. SEM and XRD analyses were conducted to investigate the microstructure characteristics of the grout, and water absorption, initial rate of absorption, sulphate attack and electrical resistivity tests were conducted to determine its durability. Compressive strength tests were conducted at different curing ages and the drying shrinkage of the grout was monitored for 180 days. The results indicate that the new grout is as good as a conventional grout but with added sustainable and economical benefits. The new grout can be used in masonry construction and can be used to alleviate the inadequate supply of affordable housing.
Effect of Environmental Regulations on Foreign Direct Investment: Empirical Evidence From China
Authors: Bai Dongbei , Liu Ling Cai , Fahad Shah , Baloch Zulfiqar Ali 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The industry selection effect arising from the impact of environmental regulation on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in China is heterogeneous. Based on an extension of the principal-agent Game Theory, this paper constructs a system of simultaneous equations to study the dynamic effect of environmental regulation on Chinese FDI in terms of industry selection decisions, by utilizing panel data from 2005 to 2014 in China. Results of this study show that environmental regulation promotes the technological innovation within the Chinese industry and attract greater foreign capital investment. While the influx of capital will furthermore boost technological progress, a benign interaction effect may be observed between technological innovation and foreign capital. The implementation of the new environmental policy will intensify game strategies between managers and enterprises. Enhanced co-ordination activity within industrial organizations will generate more effective organizational and technological innovation, thereby attracting a large flow of FDI, Phase analysis suggests that the policy of market borrowing technologies is more effective. In addition, industry sample results highlight a compensation effect of technological innovation in the raw materials and manufacturing industry, though environmental regulation of high-tech industries will generate an offset effect with respect to technological innovation. Industries that show the strongest technological and innovative prospects will prove the most attractive for foreign capital investment.
Epidural Electrical Stimulation Of The Cervical Dorsal Roots Restores Voluntary Arm Control In Paralyzed Monkeys
Authors: Capogrosso Marco , Barra Beatrice , Conti Sara , Perich Matthew , Zhuang Katie , Schiavone Giuseppe , Fallegger Florian , Galan Katia , James Nicholas , Barraud Quentin , Delacombaz Maude , Kaeser Mélanie , Rouiller Eric , Milekovic Tomislav , Lacour Stephanie , Bloch Jocelyne , Courtine Gregoire 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Recovering arm control is a top priority for people with paralysis. Unfortunately, the complexity of the neural mechanisms underlying arm control practically limited the effectiveness of neurotechnology approaches. Here, we exploited the neural function of surviving spinal circuits to restore voluntary arm and hand control in three monkeys with spinal cord injury using spinal cord stimulation. Our neural interface leverages the functional organization of the dorsal roots to convey artificial excitation via electrical stimulation to relevant spinal segments at appropriate movement phases. Stimulation bursts, triggered by intracortical signals produced sustained arm movements enabling monkeys with arm paralysis to perform an unconstrained, three-dimensional reach-and-grasp task. Stimulation specifically improved strength, task performances and movement quality. Electrophysiology suggested that artificial recruitment of the sensory afferents was synergistically integrated with spared descending inputs and spinal reflexes to produce coordinated movements. The efficacy and reliability of our approach hold realistic promises of clinical translation.
Immunomodulatory, Trypanocide, and Antioxidant Properties of Essential Oil Fractions of Lippia Alba (Verbenaceae)
Authors: Quintero Wendy Lorena , Moreno Erika Marcela , Pinto Sandra Milena Leal , Sanabria Sandra Milena , Stashenko Elena , García Liliana Torcoroma 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Parasite persistence, exacerbated and sustained immune response, and continuous oxidative stress have been described to contribute to the development of the cardiac manifestations in chronic Chagas disease. Nevertheless, there are no efficient therapies to resolve the Trypanosoma cruzi infection and prevent the disease progression. Interestingly, trypanocide, antioxidant, and immunodulatory properties have been reported separately for some major terpenes (citral, limonene, and caryophyllene oxide) presents in essential oils extracted from two chemotypes (Citral and Carvone) of Lippia alba. The aim of this study was to obtain L. alba essential oil fractions enriched with the aforementioned bioactive terpenes and to evaluate the impact of these therapies on trypanocide, oxidative stress, mitochondrial bioenergetics, genotoxicity, and inflammatory markers on T. cruzi-infected macrophages.Methods: T. cruzi-infected J774A.1 macrophage were treated with limonene-enriched (ACT1) and citral/caryophyllene oxide-enriched (ACT2) essential oil fractions derived from Carvone and Citral-L. alba chemotypes, respectively.Results: ACT1 and ACT2 exhibit similar trypanocidal effects to Benznidazole (BZN), against amastigotes. Synergistic antiparasitic activity was observed when ACT1 was combined with BZN or ACT2. This compound also decreased the oxidative stress, mitochondrial metabolism, and genotoxicity of the therapies. The experimental treatments (ACT1+ACT2 and ACT1+BZN) reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α), while increased the anti-inflammatories (IL-4 and IL-10).Conclusion: Due to its highly trypanocidal and immunomodulatory properties, ACT1 (whether alone or in combination with BZN or ACT2) represents a promising compound for further studies in drug development towards the Chagas disease control.
A multi-analytical diagnostic approach to study patinas, trace of colours and degradation process on the stone surface of a Renaissance Piety from the Museum of Ancient Art (Castello Sforzesco, Milan)
Authors: Fermo Paola , Colella Mario , Malagodi Marco , Fiocco Giacomo , Albano Michela , Marchioron Silvia , Guglielmi Vittoria , Comite Valeria 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Alteration dark patinas and traces of colours present on the surface of a marble Piety dating to the Renaissance period and stored at the Castello Sforzesco-Museum of Ancient Art (Milan, Italy) were studied and chemically characterized. For this purpose, a multi-analytical approach based on both portable non-invasive (XRF and colorimetric measurements) and micro-invasive techniques (FTIR/ATR and SEM-EDS), has been applied. The statue has been recently submitted to a restoration before an exhibition at the Louvre Museum and the original appearance of the marble surface recovered thanks to the patina removal. Through the analytical characterization carried out before and after the marble cleaning, the presence of a degradation layer composed by gypsum was evidenced on the stone surface. The origin of this layer is probably ascribable to the exposure of the statue to outdoor environment and interaction with atmospheric pollution. The chemical nature of the coating applied at the end of 19th century and responsible for the patina formation was hypothesized. Finally, the use of pigments originally applied by means of an organic binder was also highlighted.
UBE2S Activates NF-κB Signaling By Binding With IκBα and Promotes Metastasis of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell
Authors: Ho Jhih-Yun , Cheng Hsing-Hsien , Kuo Yu-Chieh , Lee Yu-Lin A. , Cheng Chia-Hsiung 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundNuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling in cancer cells was reported to be involved in tumorigenesis. Phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitor of NF-κBα (IκBα) is a canonical pathway of NF-κB signaling. Herein, we report non-canonical activation of NF-κB signaling without phosphorylation of IκB but by directly binding by ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2S (UBE2S) for degradation in adenocarcinoma cells.MethodsTCGA and the Human Atlas Protein Database were used to analyze the survival rate and expression of UBE2S. PC9, H460, H441 and A549 cells were used in this study. PC9 and H460 cells were used for further analysis because of different protein levels of UBE2S. Specific IKK inhibitors, PS1145 and SC514, were used to analyze the phosphorylation of IκBα. Western blotting experiment was used to analyze the protein levels PC9 and H460 cells. Wound-healing experiment was used to analyze the migrative ability of PC9 and H460 cells. Overexpression and knockdown of UBE2S in H460 and PC9 cells were used to analyze the downstream proteins levels. Immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescent staining, a glutathione S transferase (GST) pull-down assay, and an in vitro binding assay were used to analyze the interaction of UBE2S and IκBα. Luciferase assay was used to analyze the activation of NF-κB signaling regulated by UBE2S. Zebrafish xenograft model was used analyzed the metastasis of PC9 cells regulated by UBE2S.Results UBE2S in lung adenocarcinoma patients was negatively related to the survival rate. The protein levels of UBE2S and IκBα were shown opposite change in PC9 and H460 cells. PC9 cells showed higher UBE2S expression and migrative ability than H460 cells. Phosphorylation of IκBα was not changed by treatment with IKK specific inhibitors, PS1145 and SC514, in PC9 and H460 cells. Overexpression and knockdown of UBE2S in H460 and PC9 cells showed the protein levels of IκBα were regulated. Immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescent staining, a glutathione S transferase (GST) pull-down assay, and an in vitro binding assay showed the direct binding of UBE2S with IκBα. Protein levels of nuclear p65 and luciferase assay showed the NF-κB signaling was regulated UBE2S. EMT markers and migrative ability of cancer cells were also regulated by UBE2S. Zebrafish xenograft tumor model showed the reduction of migrative PC9 cells by knockdown of UBE2S.ConclusionHigher UBE2S expressed in lung adenocarcinomas could bind with IκBα for activation of NF-κB signaling to promote metastasis of cancer cells. UBE2S might be a potential therapeutic target for lung adenocarcinomas.
On predicting the deformation and fracture properties of ABS / PMMA / Nano-SiO2 composites
Authors: Ding Jin , Huang Yahui , Fu Zhenshan , Cui Wenchao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The damage mechanism of ABS/PMMA/nano-SiO2 composites was studied by both experiments and finite element analysis in this paper. A microstructure-based the Homogenization theory and the surface-based cohesive method was developed to predict the deformation and fracture behavior of ABS/PMMA/nano-SiO2 composite. The constitutive behavior of the elastoplastic-damage in the matrix, the fracture for the nano-SiO2 reinforement, and the traction-separation for interfaces, were simulated in this model. The validity of the modeling results were validated by the agreement of the experiment and the morphology of fracture section with those predicted by the simulation. The numerical results were used to provide insight into the damage mechamisms of ABS/PMMA/nano-SiO2 composites, and the effects of nano-SiO2 strength on ABS/PMMA blends mechanical properties were also discussed in detail.