bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved Unascertained Measure Model for Risk Evaluation of Collapse in Highway Tunnels
Authors: Ou Xiaoduo , Wu Yufang , Wu Bo , Jiang Jie , Chen Jingyi , Zhang Lu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In order to make early decisions on the risks of highway tunnel construction, the combined weight method and unascertained measure model were applied to evaluate the tunnel collapse risk. Firstly, a risk evaluation index system was established using major indexes, including geological conditions, design factors and construction factors. Secondly, a combination of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and anti-entropy weight (AEW) method based on the concept of maximum deviation (MD) was proposed. The subjective and objective weights were linearly optimized to assign the weight values to each evaluation index. Finally, the conventional linear unascertained measure function was improved by normalizing, and the values of the evaluation indexes were regarded as intervals for calculating the measure values. The confidence criterion was used for identification analysis to determine the risk evaluation level of tunnel collapse. The results show that the evaluation results agree well with the actual construction conditions. The proposed unascertained model is scientific and reasonable for systematically evaluating the tunnel collapse risk level. The improved unascertained measure model effectively references the tunnel collapse risk evaluation.
Medical Occupation Preference under the Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of social and risk preference
Authors: Cartwright Edward , Guo Yiting , Wei Lijia , Xue Lian 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented demands on health care workers. This will likely have fundamental and lasting impacts on preferences to work in the medical profession. We examine the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical occupation preferences, focusing on Wuhan. The outbreak of COVID-19 began in Wuhan and served as an exogenous shock on many people’s lives, especially those with a career in the medical industry.Methods: We conducted a survey of 5 686 respondents in China regarding the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical occupation preference. The survey was conducted during March 2020 at a time when the pandemic in Wuhan has just passed its peak. This allows us to capture the most immediate effect from the pandemic. To test the robustness of our results we conducted a complimentary survey in the UK in May 2020 with 1 198 respondents. We also, in December 2020, conducted a field experiment with 428 first and second-year medical students in Wuhan. This allows us to compare students who enrolled before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan. Results: We find that a significant negative impact of the pandemic has on the willingness to let a loved one choose a medical occupation. Individuals who were heavily influenced by the pandemic, i.e. Wuhan residents especially medical workers, express significantly lower medical occupation preferences. Further analysis from Sobel-Goodman mediation tests reveal that around half of the total negative effect can be mediated by enhanced risk aversion and reduced pro-sociality. The UK survey and the field experiment among university medical school students in Wuhan reinforce these findings. Conclusions: Our results suggest a fundamental change in medical occupation preferences. Medical workers' shift in risk- and social-preferences has caused a reduced medical occupation preference. Non-medical workers and students who are more pro-social and risk-seeking are more likely to choose a medical occupation. This change is already influencing the intake of students into medical school and so will have long term consequences.
Enhanced Data Privacy in Cyber-physical System Using Improved Chacha20 Algorithm
Authors: Jain Deepak Kumar , Mohan Prakash , Lakshmanna Kuruva , Nanda Ashok Kumar 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Physical objects and infrastructure are connected with every single other and to the internet by incorporating sensing, control, computation, along with networking into them by the Cyber-Physical System (CPS). The CPS’s security along with privacy is a significant issue in recent days. To trounce the limits of current centralized solutions, in addition, to address the aforementioned issues, there is a requirement to build up a new mechanism for access control, which retains data integrity; thus, the right to access data is granted or revoked devoid of any failures. Thus, authentication, access control, and encryption mechanisms are the effectual security controls proposed here. Firstly, in the authentication phase, data user and data owner generate their identity. By utilizing the user information, random points are created at the time of registration for secure authentication. The data are collected along with amassed in the cyber system after authentication. Prior to storing, by utilizing the Cosine Similarity-centered Farthest First Clustering (CSFFC) methodology, the data are clustered; then, by employing Improved Chacha20 Algorithm (ICC), the clustered data are encrypted; after that, by deploying the Modified Secure Hashing Algorithm (SHA-256), the data's location from where it has been gathered is hashed. Lastly, to the server, the encrypted data along with the hash value is transferred and are amassed in the CPS. Next, the data user forwards the request to the CPS for accessing the data; this system, by utilizing several security control techniques, offers the requested data to the authenticated user. To exemplify the proposed model's efficacy, experiential outcomes are provided.
A new reliable and sensitive PCR assay as an early diagnosis for Sex-determination in Jojoba plants based on the human SRY gene
Authors: Solliman Mohei EL-Din , Mohasseb HEBA , Abdullah Mohammed Ba , ELBARBRY HANY 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
BackgroundJojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis L.) is a dioecious perennial evergreen shrub native to the south-western desert of North America and has now been introduced to Middles East. Currently, there is low production of jojoba globally, mainly due to the high male to female ratio in the plantations since they are mainly established from seed. Hence, a proper population stand in terms of the male: female ratio is almost impossible to maintain in the field, leading to reduced production. We report a breakthrough in the methodology for determining the sex of jojoba plants. Our research revealed that the jojoba genome contains the sequence of SRY gene, which encodes a protein similar to that found in the human Sex-Determining Region (SRY) gene. This region was amplified and matched with sequences found in papaya and human. ResultsThe jojoba-SRY regions (SRY gene) was amplified, and we closely matched with sequences of SRY in the papaya and human. The complete sequence of the DNA was deposited in GenBank (BankIt MK991776,3 60pb). Our newly-developed method is rapid and straightforward, representing a breakthrough for sex determination strategies of jojoba plants to identify sex at early developmental stages. ConclusionThe uniqueness of this approach is that it targets specific sequences in SRY, a region extensively studied in human genetics but also apparently recognizable in plants. This useful molecular diagnostic tool is vital in agronomical breeding programs for sex determination in long-lived jojoba crops.
Oxytocin modulates steroidogenesis-associated genes and estradiol levels in the placenta
Authors: An Sung-Min , Kim Min Jae , Jeong Jea Sic , Kim So Young , Kim Da Som , An Beum-Soo , Kim Seung Chul 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Oxytocin (OXT) plays a significant role during pregnancy, especially toward the end of pregnancy. Some studies have reported that OXT is involved in the stimulation of steroidogenesis in several organs. However, the effects of OXT on placental steroidogenesis have not yet been established.
Methods
In this study, we investigated the regulation of steroid hormones and steroidogenic enzymes by OXT-associated signaling in vitro and in vivo by western blotting analysis, ELISA and immunocytochemical analysis.
Results
OXT increased the gene expression of steroidogenic enzymes, which convert pregnenolone to progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in vitro. In OXT-administered pregnant rats, pregnenolone and DHEA levels were significantly enhanced in the plasma by 2.73-fold and 1.53-fold, respectively and the expression of the enzymes synthesizing DHEA, testosterone, and estradiol (E2) was increased in placental tissues. Furthermore, OXT was found to affect placental cell differentiation, which is closely related to steroid hormone synthesis. After treatment of the pregnant rats with atosiban, an antagonist of the OXT receptor, the concentration of E2 in the plasma and the expression of E2-synthesizing enzyme were reduced 1.71-fold and 2.38-3.16-fold, respectively. This regulation may be due to OXT-mediated differentiation, because OXT increases the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone, which is a biomarker of placental cell differentiation.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that OXT regulates the differentiation of placental cells, expression of steroidogenic enzymes in the placenta, and production of critical steroid hormones during pregnancy, and it contributes to the maintenance of pregnancy.
Aqueous column changes in the episcleral veins after the instillation of ripasudil versus latanoprost: A randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial
Authors: Suzuki Marie , Suzuki Yohei , Komori Ryohei , Orii Yusuke , Arimura Shogo , Iwasaki Kentaro , Takamura Yoshihiro , Inatani Masaru 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate whether the topical administration of ripasudil ophthalmic solution enhances aqueous outflow in the episcleral vein of the human eye.Design: Two-sequence, prospective, randomized, double-blind, crossover trial.Participants: Sixteen eyes of 16 healthy participants were recruited in this study.Methods: Participants were randomized into one of the two crossover sequences to the instillation of ripasudil or the control drug, latanoprost, followed by a washout period of more than 2 days, and crossed over to the alternative instillation. The aqueous columns in the episcleral veins were recorded using a video capture system connected to a slit-light microscope (hemoglobin video imaging) before and 2 and 8 h after the instillation.Primary Outcome Measure: Comparisons between ripasudil and latanoprost for the changes of the aqueous column width after the instillation.Results: Two hours after the instillation, the ripasudil group had significantly greater dilation of the aqueous column width than the latanoprost group. Eight hours after the instillation, the ripasudil group had significantly greater dilation of the aqueous column width than the latanoprost group.Conclusions: Hemoglobin video imaging revealed the dilation of the aqueous column width in the episcleral veins of the human eye after the instillation of ripasudil ophthalmic solution.
A study of Convection of a Fluid Contained in an Sparsely packed Anisotropic Porous Medium Using LTNE model
Authors: Kulkarni Sridhar 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The study of LTNE brinkman anisotropic porous convection in an anisotropic fluid saturated porous layer using a thermal non-equilibrium model is carried out to assess the influence of anisotropy and LTNE on convection. The fluid is confined within a permeable horizontal porous framework. The porous medium is confined between to free-free boundaries. The porous particles are placed in a haphazard manner. It is believed that the temperatures of fluid and solid particles are the same at their exterior surfaces, whereas the temperature of both solid and fluid particles differs in the region other than the outer surfaces. Because the temperatures of fluid and solid particles differ, two energy equations are utilized. The Brinkman term in the momentum equation represents the loosely packed porous particles. The equations are solved by using the perturbation approach and normal mode analysis. The anisotropy and non-equilibrium influence on convection are interpreted. The influence of conductivity ratio, diffusivity ratio, and anisotropy is also calculated and graphically shown.
The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on stress and anxiety in dentistry students
Authors: Zenthöfer Andreas , Graf Andreas , Rammelsberg Peter , Klotz Anna-Luisa 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on stress and anxiety in preclinical and clinical dentistry students.Materials and Methods: Dentistry students in clinical course(CC; n=64) or preclinical course(PCC; n=53) were included. The subjective perceived levels of stress and anxiety were evaluated using the Dental Environment Stress(DES) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales(DASS) questionnaire. Cortisol levels were measured in saliva samples. Knowledge of the pandemic was evaluated. All data were collected twice: during the university holidays and during term time. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used to compare data between baseline and follow-up. Multivariate linear regression models were computed to analyze possible influencing factors.Results: Participants showed medium levels of stress and anxiety at baseline and follow-up. The DASS score in the ‘anxiety’ subdomain was significantly higher in the PCC group than in the CC group at baseline(p<0.001) and increased during term time. Mean saliva cortisol levels were higher in the CC group(9.2±5.2) than in the PCC group(4.9±2.2) at baseline(p<0.001) but converged by follow-up. Intra-individual perception of stress at baseline was consistently the most important aspect for changes in stress and anxiety levels during term time. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affected stress and anxiety levels in some participants, but this was not ubiquitous. Conclusion: Intra-individual differences in stress perception seem to be more relevant than course affiliation (preclinical or clinical) or the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to stress and anxiety levels in dentistry students. A follow-up study when the pandemic is over would be useful to control for stress under normal circumstances. Clinical Relevance: These results highlight the importance of individual stress management in dentistry students.
An outside view of clean energy technology adoption inequity
Authors: O'Shaughnessy Eric , Kim James Hyungkwan , Darghouth Naïm 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Equity has become central in the academic and regulatory discourse shaping the future of residential-scale clean energy technologies in the United States, particularly rooftop solar and electric vehicles. Here, we develop a holistic perspective on these issues by analyzing adoption trends in a broader context, what is known by forecasters as taking an outside view. We show how other emerging consumer technologies have become more equitably adopted over time. Using rooftop solar data as a case study, we show that solar adoption patterns are largely consistent with those of other technologies. An outside view suggests that clean energy technologies should be expected to become more equitably adopted over time. Targeted policies can accelerate this process.
“COVID actually rendered these school-going girls hopeless”: The impact of COVID-19 on girls from low income urban and rural areas in Kenya
Authors: Munala Leso , Yewhalawork Bethlehem , Ibrahim Habiba , Ajema Caroline 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified violence and disparities among vulnerable populations, with women and girls, affected the most. Reports of violence against school-aged girls in the country did increase as a result of COVID-19. The increased vulnerability to various forms of gender-based violence (GBV) among school-going girls can be attributed to several factors, not limited to lockdowns, curfews, restricted movements, and school closures. When the pandemic forced students out of school, it risked not only reversing progress made in increasing girls’ equitable access to education, but may have also led to increased incidents of coercion, labour exploitation, sexual abuse, pregnancy, and early/forced marriage. The impact of COVID-19 was further heightened due to the lack of prioritization of GBV response at the onset of the pandemic. Methods: This qualitative study explores gender-specific experiences of GBV, education, social services, and sexual and reproductive health actors, including school-going girls, to the contribution of COVID-19 to the proliferation of GBV against school-aged girls in rural and low-income urban areas of Kenya. Using purposive sampling, 43 qualitative interviews were conducted with various key stakeholders from 10 counties across the country. Results: Researchers identified a number of health, social and economic consequences faced by school-aged girls as a result of COVID-19-related school closures. These negative impacts come with long-term consequences such as higher school dropout rates, an increase in teenage pregnancies, long-term health issues such as a rise in HIV and STDs among this group, and the accompanying mental, emotional and psychological trauma that often goes untreated.Conclusions: The lack of effective responses during the pandemic has led to poor sexual health outcomes and largely ineffective stay-in-school programming that failed to meet the goals of protecting girls from violence and keeping them in school. It is imperative to better understand rural and low-income urban girls’ experiences of COVID-19 in order to develop policies and support services and messaging tailored to the lived experiences of the girls during and after the pandemic that mitigates and does not exacerbate violence against them.
The Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) Score Is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Patients with Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Park Sungwoo , Go Se-Il , Lee Gyeong-Won 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: The endothelial activation and stress index (EASIX) score has been reported to predict overall survival (OS) in hematological cancers. However, it has not been validated as a prognostic marker for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) to date.Methods: The records of 265 patients who presented with DLBCL in the Republic of Korea between January 07, 2004, and March 05, 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. For all included patients, EASIX scores were calculated using serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatinine levels and the platelet count measured at diagnosis as follows: LDH (U/L) × creatinine (mg/dL)/platelet count (109/L).Results: The median age of the patients was 64 years. The optimal EASIX score according to the receiver operating characteristic analysis of OS was 1.33. All the patients were treated with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone combined with rituximab. The 1-year OS and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were lower in the high-EASIX group than in the low EASIX group (63.8% vs. 84.4%, p < 0.001 and 54.0% vs. 79.6%, p < 0.001, respectively). A high EASIX was an independent poor prognostic factor for OS and PFS (hazard ratio, 1.606; 95% CI, 1.077–2.395; p = 0.020 and hazard ratio, 1.621; 95% CI, 1.066–2.464; p = 0.024, respectively).Conclusion: EASIX is a readily available and cheaply obtainable parameter in clinical studies and shows considerable potential as a new prognostic marker for patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL.
The predictive value of fibrinogen in the occurrence of mild cognitive impairment events in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Zhuang Yong , Huang Huibin , Fu Zhenfei , Zhang Jinying , Cai Qingyan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Research suggests that fibrinogen (Fib) is related to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and the risk of MCI in patients with DPN is greatly increased, although no studies have evaluated the predictive value of Fib for the risk of MCI in patients with DPN.Methods: This prospective observational clinical study enrolled 207 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, who were divided into diabetes with no neuropathy (102 cases) and diabetes with neuropathy (105 cases) groups. Meanwhile, 90 healthy unrelated subjects were recruited as controls. The incidence of MCI in the DPN patients was followed up for 2 years. Divide patients in the DPN group into subgroups according to whether MCI occur, use multivariate logistic regression to analyze independent factors of MCIs in DPN patients within 2 years, and use ROC curve to analyze the predictive value of Fib for MCI in DPN patients.Results: Fib levels increased greatly in diabetic subjects with neuropathy compared with those without (P< 0.001). In further subgroup analysis of DPN patients who were divided according to the occurrence of MCI, baseline data of the MCI subgroup showed Fib levels was higher than that in the non-MCI group while education levels declined (P< 0.001). The education level and increased Fib levels were independent factors for the occurrence of MCI within 2 years after the onset of DPN (OR= 0.769, 95% CI: 0.605～0.968, P= 0.037; OR= 2.674, 95% CI: 1.094～3.168, P= 0.002). The ROC curve indicated that the predictive value of Fib was (AUC= 0.764, 95% CI: 0.671～0.842, P< 0.001).Conclusions: Fib may function as a predictor for assessing the risk of MCI in DPN patients.
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibition enhances mineral nodule formation by cementoblasts in vitro
Authors: Abdalla Henrique , Monteiro Rafael , Almeida Amanda , Teixeira Lucas , Millás Ana , Lisboa-Filho Paulo , Kantovitz Kamila , Nociti Francisco 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate whether GSK-3 inhibition (CHIR99021) effectively promoted mineralization by cementoblasts (OCCM-30).Materials and MethodsOCCM-30 cells were used and treated with different concentrations of CHIR99021 (2.5, 5 and 10 µM). Experiments included proliferation and viability, cellular metabolic activity, gene expression and mineral nodule formation by Xylene Orange at the experimental time points.ResultsIn general, CHIR99021 did not significantly affect OCCM-30 viability and cell metabolism (MTT assay) (p > 0.05), but increased OCCM-30 proliferation at 2.5 µM on days 2 and 4 (p < 0.05). Data analysis further showed that inhibition of GSK-3 resulted in increased transcript levels of Axin2 in OCCM-30 cells starting as early as 4 h, and regulated the expression of key bone markers including alkaline phosphatase (Alp), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx-2), osteocalcin (Ocn) and osterix (Osx). In addition, CHIR99021 led to an enhanced mineral nodule formation in vitro both, under osteogenic and non-osteogenic conditions as early as 5 days after treatment.ConclusionAltogether, the results of the current study suggest that activation of the Wnt signaling by inhibiting GSK-3 has the potential to promote cementoblast differentiation leading to increased mineral deposition in vitro.Clinical relevanceAs cementum regeneration is currently unpredictable due to limited understanding of cementum development, the findings of the present study may lead to new insights into developing more predictable approaches to promote new cementum formation.