bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability Analysis of Rock Supports in Underground Mine Drifts: A Case Study
Authors: Adoko Amoussou Coffi , Yakubov Khamit , Kaunda Rennie 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Support failures in mine drifts represent potential hazards threatening underground mine safety and productivity. The aim of this study is to determine the reliability index associated with the rock supporting elements used in Ridder-Sokolny mine, an underground mine located in East Kazakhstan. Numerical simulations of the drift support and the first order reliability method (FORM) were employed to carry out the analysis. Several support cases were considered including; shotcrete, bolting, concrete, and combined bolting and concrete as well as unsupported drift case. For each support case, the factors of safety (FS), the reliability index (β) and the probability of failure (PF) were determined in accordance with the corresponding rock mass quality and excavation geometry. The results indicated the average FSs varied little for the different support cases (except for shotcrete); while β and PF vary more significantly between 0.62–3.25 and 0.05–27 (×103 %) factor depending on the rock conditions and support installed. The probability of failure of the rock support increases with a decrease in the rock mass quality. Similar trends were observed with an increase of the width/height ratio of the excavations for the same rock domain. These results illustrated that a single FS value obtained from a deterministic method may not always provide a sufficient indication of safety. This is in agreement with the field observations (many of the supports failed). Hence, on the basis of the reliability index of the supports, the requirement in terms of coefficient of variability of the rock mass quality to meet the target performance level was proposed. It is concluded that the results of this study could help improving the drift support design in Ridder-Sokolny mine.
Sex disparate gut microbiome and metabolome perturbations precede disease progression in a mouse model of Rett syndrome
Authors: Neier Kari , Grant Tianna , Palmer Rebecca , Chappell Demario , Hakam Sophia , Yasui Kendra , Rolston Matt , Settles Matthew , Hunter Samuel , Durbin-Johnson Blythe , LaSalle Janine , Yasui Dag 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe regressive neurodevelopmental disorder in girls, characterized by multisystem complications including gut dysbiosis and altered metabolism. While RTT is known to be caused by mutations in the X-linked gene MECP2, the intermediate molecular pathways of progressive disease phenotypes are unknown. Mecp2 knockout rodents used to model RTT pathophysiology in most prior studies have been male. Thus, we utilized a patient-relevant mouse model of RTT to longitudinally profile the gut microbiome and metabolome across disease progression in both sexes. Fecal metabolite alterations in Mecp2e1 mutant females occurred prior to onset of neuromotor phenotypes and correlated with lipid deficiencies in brain, results not observed in males. Females also displayed altered gut microbial communities, including those belonging to Clostridia, that were more consistent with RTT patients than males. These findings suggest new potential therapeutic targets for RTT and demonstrate the importance of further study in female animal models.
Identification of MYCN non-amplified neuroblastoma subgroups points towards molecular signatures for precision prognosis and therapy stratification
Authors: Hu Xiaoxiao , Zhou Yilu , Hill Charlotte , Chen Kai , Wu Yeming , Li Zhongrong , Cheng Cheng , Liu Xiaowei , Duan Peiwen , Ewing Rob , Gu Yaoyao , Wu Zhixiang , Wang Yihua 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Despite the extensive study of MYCN-amplified neuroblastomas, there is a significant unmet clinical need in MYCN non-amplified neuroblastomas. In particular, the extent of heterogeneity within the MYCN non-amplified population is unknown. Here, we investigate whether transcriptional subtyping of MYCN non-amplified neuroblastomas can identify molecular subtypes with discrete prognosis and therapeutic vulnerabilities. Using tumour expression data and ConsensusClusterPlus, we demonstrate that MYCN non-amplified neuroblastomas are heterogeneous and can be classified into 3 subgroups based on their transcriptional signatures. Within these groups, subgroup 2 has the worst prognosis and this group shows a "MYCN" signature that is potentially induced by the overexpression of Aurora Kinase A (AURKA); whilst subgroup 3 is characterised by an "inflamed" gene signature. The clinical implications of this subtype classification are significant, as each subtype demonstrates unique prognosis and vulnerability to investigational therapies. We propose that matching baseline tumour subtype to therapy may enhance precision prognosis and therapy stratification for patients with MYCN non-amplified neuroblastomas.Xiaoxiao Hu and Yilu Zhou contributed equally to this work. Correspondence should be addressed to YW (e-mail: yihua.wang@soton.ac.uk) or ZW (e-mail: wuzhixiang@xinhuamed.com.cn)
Emerging hot Spot Analysis and the Spatial-temporal Trends of NDVI in the Jing River Basin of China
Authors: Xu Bin , Qi Bin , Ji Kai , Liu Zhao , Deng Lin , Jiang Ling 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
As an important indicator of vegetation coverage, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) reflects the changing pattern and evolving trend of the environment. In the Loess Plateau, vegetation plays a critical role in soil and water conservation, which strongly affects the achievement of sustainable development goals. The study of the spatial distribution and temporal trends of NDVI is of great practical importance for the planning of soil and water conservation measures, the evaluation of environmental situation. In this study, the NDVI, precipitation and land cover data of the Jing River Basin were collected, the emerging hot spot and cold spot patterns of NDVI were examined, the characteristics of spatial distribution and temporal variation of the NDVI in the basin were analyzed, the impacts on NDVI changes from climate, land cover change have been discussed. The results show that the NDVI in Jing River Basin shows a spatial trend of decreasing from northwest to southeast. The emerging hot spot analysis results show that diminishing cold spot, oscillating hot spot, intensifying hot spot are predominant patterns in the basin. The whole basin shows the statistically significant upward trend of high-value aggregation of NDVI. The temporal trend of NDVI in the basin varies from-0.0171 to 0.0185 per year. The increasing trend of vegetation coverage in the basin is statistically significant. The positive correlation between the NDVI and the precipitation mainly observed upstream of the basin, revealing that the growth of vegetation in the Loess Plateau is more dependent on the water supply from the precipitation. Land cover transition patterns and the land use patterns also impact the spatial-temporal trends of the vegetation coverage in the basin. The study results may helpful for the vegetation restoration, soil and water conservation and sustainable development of the Jing River Basin.
Research on Reasonable Width of Coal Pillars of Non-equal Width Isolated Working Face Heading Goaf in Deep Mine
Authors: yang weili , wei Quande , Wang Zhonghui , Zhang Zhizeng , Qu Xiaocheng , Wen Jinglin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Setting reasonable coal pillar is a key to ensure safe mining of island coal face heading goaf in deep mine. With determination of reasonable width of coal pillars of non-equal width isolated working face 3201 in worked-out area in one mine in Shandong as the engineering background, a research was conducted on the mechanism of rock burst induced by and the reasonable width of coal pillars of isolated working face in worked-out area and the main conclusions are as follows: (1) the coal pillars of isolated working face 3201 in worked-out area changed from pillars with goaf on two sides→pillars with goaf on three sides→pillars with goaf on four sides, resulting in evolution of overlying strata from pre-mining static “┒-shaped” structure→“C-shaped” structure→“O-shaped” structure and corresponding spatial stress from “saddle-shaped” profile→“platform-shaped” profile→“arch-shaped” profile; (2) the rock burst was induced by coal pillars, because the high stress on coal pillars at critical state of a rock burst was greater than their comprehensive strength and induced a rock burst due to sudden instability; (3) by establishing a bearing and load model of coal pillars at critical state of a rock burst and based on the equilibrium relation, an method for estimating reasonable width of coal pillars of isolated working face in worked-out area in deep mine was derived and applied to the isolated working face 3201 in worked-out area, thus comprehensively determining that the width of coal pillars should be 130m. The field stress monitoring verified the reasonability. The research result is of great significance to prevention of rock burst induced by coal pillars of isolated working face in worked-out area in deep mine.
Influence of C14 Alkane Stress on Antioxidant Defense Capacity, Mineral Nutrient Elements Accumulation and Cadmium Uptake of Ryegrass
Authors: Yuan Lizhu , Guo Penghong , Guo Shuhai , Wang Jianing , Huang Yujie 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In order to explore the influence of C14 alkane on physiological stress responses, mineral nutrient elements uptake, cadmium (Cd) transfer and uptake characteristics of Lolium perenne L. (ryegrass), a series of pot trials were conducted which included a moderate level of Cd (2.182 mg·kg− 1) without (control) and with five levels of C14 alkane (V/m, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%). Biomass and Cd content in the root and shoot, chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzymes activity, mineral nutrient elements in the shoot of ryegrass were determined at the end of the experiment. The results indicated that Cd uptake significantly elevated at 0.1% C14 alkane treatment, then gradually decreased with the increase of C14 alkane concentration. Compared with the control, chlorophyll content was significantly suppressed and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration obviously increased. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and catalase (CAT) activity significantly increased to prevent the C14 alkane stress. With the increased of C14 alkane, the Mn concentration gradually increased, Mg and Fe significantly decreased. Correlation analysis showed that Mn was positively correlated with SOD (with the exception of 2% treatment) and CAT (p < 0.01), and negatively correlated with Cd uptake (p < 0.01). It implied that the increase of Mn induced by C14 alkane stress was an important reason for the decrease of Cd uptake.
Risk Decision-making Technology in Gas Reservoir Development at Sichuan Basin
Authors: Yu Guo , Li Haitao , Chen Yanru , Liu Linqing , Dongming Zhang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
During the development of complex gas reservoirs, the risk decision-making problem often emerges. Thus, the study on risk assessment is an important tool used to identify potential hazards and create appropriate avoidance measures accordingly. Based on the analysis of seven types of risk factors in gas reservoir development planning, this paper aims to clarify the logical relationship between the risk factors in the strategic planning of natural gas development. The comprehensive research on target risks in the gas reservoir development planning based on stochastic simulation was carried out. The “probability curve scanning method” was used to evaluate objective risk factors, while the decision-making risk factors were evaluated using the “probability curve displacement method”. According to the realization probability and dispersion degree of the planned target combined with the risk grade evaluation matrix, the planning target evaluation risk grade was implemented. Moreover, the planning unit risk grade evaluation was obtained at different stages. Regarding the specific production capacity conditions in gas wells (horizontal and vertical wells) and gas reservoir water invasion – the probability method with Monte Carlo stochastic simulation was used to calculate the production and water invasion volumes. The established decision-making risk technology for gas reservoir development, along with the associated supporting procedures can be used to evaluate the risks of reservoir development planning, production, and water invasion.
Distribution Characteristics of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in Human Urines of Acrylic Fiber Plant and Chemical Plant
Authors: Peng Lin , Xu Wang , Zeng Qinghuai , Cheng Yao , Zhang Yingjie , Guo Ying , Chen Da , Jiang Chao , Wang Fei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent and bio-accumulative substances that have many adverse effects on human bodies. This study investigated the PFASs distribution characteristics in urine samples of workers from an acrylic fiber plant and a chemical plant. It was found that perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) was the predominant PFASs both in urine samples from the chemical plant (detection frequency: 86.52%; median value: 39.01 ng/mL) and the acrylic fiber plant (detection frequency: 88.16%; median value: 44.36 ng/mL). Meanwhile, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) were detected with very low frequencies and low concentrations. Furthermore, the results showed that PFASs levels in urine samples of workers from different units of the plants were quite different. PFASs concentrations of urine samples in males were higher than those in females, especially for PFBA, PFHxA, and PFDoA. The age had limited effects on the PFASs distribution in urine samples in this study, as short-chain PFASs were the dominant compounds. The correlations between PFASs concentrations in urine and gender/ages of workers were finally analyzed by Person correlation. The overall results may indicate that short-chain PFASs (such as: PFBA and PFBS) were becoming dominant for human exposure, especially occupational workers.
Pcyt2 Deficiency Causes Age-Dependant Development of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Insulin Resistance that Could be Attenuated with Phospho-Ethanolamine
Authors: Grapentine Sophie , Singh Rathnesh K. , Basu Poulami , Sivanesan Sugashan , Mattos Gabriela , Oresajo Oreoluwa , Cheema Jasmine , Demeke Wendwesen , Dolinsky Vernon W. , Bakovic Marica 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The mechanisms of NASH development in the context of age and genetics are not fully elucidated. This study investigates the age-dependent liver defects during NASH development in mice with heterozygous deletion of Pcyt2 (ETKO), the rate limiting enzyme in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) synthesis. Further, the therapeutic potential of Pcyt2 substrate, phosphoethanolamine (PEtn), is examined. ETKO were investigated at 2, 6 and 8 months of age and in addition, 6-mo old ETKO with developed NASH were supplemented with PEtn for 8 weeks and glucose and fatty acid metabolism, insulin signaling, and inflammation were examined. Heterozygous ablation of Pcyt2 causes specific transcriptional and signaling adaptations in lipid/fatty acids and energy metabolism regulators from young age, prior to the development of liver disease which does not occur until adulthood. Only older ETKO liver experiences perturbed protein, glucose, and fatty acid metabolism. Older ETKO liver develops NASH characterized by increased glucose production, accumulation of TAG and glycogen, and increased insulin resistance and inflammation. Supplementation with PEtn reverses ETKO steatosis, inflammation, and other aspects of NASH, showing that was directly caused by Pcyt2 deficiency. Pcyt2 deficiency is a novel mechanism of metabolic dysregulation due to reduced membrane ethanolamine phospholipid synthesis, and the metabolite PEtn offers therapeutic potential for NASH reversion.
Effective Fluoride Gel Application on Deciduous Tooth Enamel by Low Temperature Atmospheric Plasma
Authors: Kim Young-Min , Nam Seoul-Hee , Lee Hyun-Young , Kim Gyoo-Cheon 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Low temperature atmospheric plasma has been studied in biomedical fields but the fluoride application effect of plasma on deciduous teeth has not been studied. This study examined the fluoride application effect of plasma devices (low frequency helium and microwave argon plasma) on the enamel surface of deciduous teeth.Methods: In the tooth specimens of the control group, only 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel was applied, whereas APF gel and plasma were applied to the specimens of the experiment group. The fluoride on the enamel surface was measured at different treatment times, and its retentivity was also observed over a 4 week period using an electron probe micro analyzer, which is a strong detector of fluoride. The study protocol was reviewed by the Institutional Review Board (IRB; PNUDH-2014-026) of Pusan National University Hospital.Results: More fluoride was measured and maintained in the experiment group than the control group, and the amount of coated fluoride increased with increasing applied frequency. A comparison of two types of plasma revealed the microwave argon plasma to have a higher application effect of fluoride than the low frequency helium plasma. This study suggests that fluoride application using plasma could be an effective and lasts longer than the method of applying only fluoride. Conclusion: The fluoride application with low temperature atmospheric plasma which is safe device is an innovative method to prevent dental caries and decrease number of visiting to dental clinic in children.
Fall of Ground Management Through Underground Joint Mapping: Shallow Chrome Mining Case Study
Authors: Netshilaphala Vhutali , Zvarivadza Tawanda 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Joint properties and useful mapping techniques are key to the fall of ground management in underground mining. The study analysed the fall of ground management techniques at the mine with a view to identify the causal factors of the falls of ground. This paper practically demonstrates how two mapping techniques were used to obtain joint data. A brief description of geological discontinuities at the study area is given in the paper. Joint mapping was carried out in both the North and South sections of the mine. Procedures followed when collecting joint data are also provided. The collected joint data was used to evaluate rock fall probability. Rockfall probabilistic analysis carried out in the study indicates that about 80% of all key blocks formed are 1m3 in size. Results show that larger blocks are more likely to fail through the rotation. Furthermore, to prevent small blocks from falling between support units, areal coverage is suggested in heavily jointed rock masses. Probabilistic analysis can be used to evaluate the probability of rock falls, and support design for stability enhancement. The research noted that at the centre of effective falls of ground management are accurate and precise structural/joint mapping. This research is part of an MSc Engineering study.
The Abnormal Expression of HSP70 Is Related to Treg / Th17 Imbalance in PCOS Patients
Authors: Yang Yiqing , Xia Jing , Yang Zhe , Wu Gengxiang , Yang Jing 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disease with chronic nonspecific low-grade inflammation. The imbalance of immune cells exists in PCOS. Several studies have found that heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) may be involved in the immunological pathogenesis of PCOS, but the relationship between HSP70 and Regulatory T cell (Treg)/ T helper cell 17(Th17) ratio remains unclear. This study aims to explore the correlation between HSP70 and Treg/Th17 ratio, and to find out the role of HSP70 in the immunological etiology of PCOS.Results: There was no significant difference in age and body mass index (BMI) between two groups. The concentrations of basal estradiol (E2), basal follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) didn’t show significant difference between two groups. The concentrations of basal luteinizing hormone (LH) (P < 0.05), testosterone (T) (P < 0.01), glucose (P < 0.001) and insulin (P < 0.001) in PCOS patients were significantly higher than those in control group. The expressions of HSP70 were significantly higher in serum in the PCOS group (P < 0.001). The percentage of Treg cells was significantly lower (P < 0.05), while the percentage of the Th17 cells of the PCOS group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The ratio of Treg/Th17 in PCOS group was significantly lower (P < 0.001). The concentrations of Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17 and IL-23 were significantly higher, while the levels of IL-10 and Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were significantly lower in PCOS group (P < 0.001). Spearman rank correlation analysis showed strong negative correlation of serum HSP70 levels with Treg/Th17 ratio, IL-10 and TGF-β levels. In contrast, HSP70 levels were significantly positively correlated with IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, LH, T, insulin, and glucose levels.Conclusion: The abnormal expression of HSP70 is correlated with Treg/Th17 imbalance and corresponding cytokines, which indicates that HSP70 may play an important role in PCOS immunologic pathogenesis.
Facilitators and barriers to detection and treatment of depression, anxiety and experiences of domestic violence in pregnant women attending Midwife Obstetric Units (MOUs) in Cape Town, South Africa: A qualitative study
Authors: Abrahams Zulfa , Boisits Sonet , Schneider Marguerite , Honikman Simone , Lund Crick 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: In South Africa, symptoms of common mental disorders (CMDs) such as depression and anxiety are highly prevalent during the perinatal period and linked to experiences of domestic violence. However, limited routine detection and treatment is available to pregnant women with these problems, even though evidence suggests that screening and treating CMDs during pregnancy improves the health and economic outcomes of mothers and their children, and has been suggested as a key approach to improving the health of perinatal women and children. We investigated facilitators and barriers of service-providers and service-users in detecting and treating pregnant women with symptoms of CMDs and experiences of domestic violence. Methods: This study was conducted in four midwife obstetric units (MOUs) in Cape Town, South Africa, and in the NPOs providing community-based support in the communities surrounding the MOUs. Service-provider perspectives were informed by qualitative interviews with 37 healthcare workers providing care to pregnant women. Qualitative interviews with 38 pregnant women attending the same MOUs for their first antenatal care visit provided service-user perspectives. Results: Facilitators identified included the availability of a mental health screening questionnaire and the perceived importance of detection and treatment by both service-providers and -users. Barriers contributing to the low detection rates included service-users concerns about the lack of confidentiality and feelings of shame related to experiences of domestic violence as well as service providers discomfort in dealing with mental health issues, their limited time available and heavy patient load. In addition, service-providers highlighted the lack of standardised referral pathways and the poor uptake of referrals by women with symptoms of depression and anxiety, or experiences of domestic violenceConclusions: While the system-level barriers need to be addressed at a policy level, the patient- and provider-level barriers identified indicate the need to strengthen health systems by training antenatal care nurses to detect symptoms of CMDs and experiences of domestic violence in pregnant women, developing standardised referral pathways and training lay healthcare workers to provide treatment for mild symptoms of depression and anxiety.