bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Formation Porosity in Carbonates Using Mechanical Specific Energy Calculated from Drilling Parameters
Authors: Kirkham Peter 
Published: April 2022

Summary
A novel technique to predict porosity from mechanical specific energy (MSE), as measured using a downhole drilling dynamics tool, is proposed. The method is based on the fundamental conservation of energy principle and uses rock physics to establish a relationship between the drillability of a rock, its lithological properties, and its porosity. This new technique is particularly useful for formation evaluation of carbonate reef reservoirs drilled using the pressurized mud cap drilling (PMCD) technique. Under these conditions, the near-wellbore formation is often deeply invaded by drilling fluids and cuttings, which make interpretation of conventional logs unreliable and difficult. Since drilling measurements are relatively unaffected by this invasion, porosity determinations from MSE can provide a valuable supplement to conventional logging suites.
RAC1B function is essential for breast cancer stem cell maintenance and chemoresistance of breast tumor cells
Authors: Ucar Ahmet , Chen Fuhui , Novo David , Alferez Denis , Pavlou Kyriaki , Zhang Jingwei , Eroglu Secil , Humphreys Neil , Adamson Antony , Campbell Andrew , Tournier Cathy , Clarke Robert (B.) , Brennan Keith , Streuli Charles 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) are presumed to be responsible for treatment resistance, tumor recurrence and metastasis of breast tumors. However, development of BCSC-targeting therapies has been held back by their heterogeneity and the lack of BCSC-selective molecular targets. Here, we demonstrate that Rac1b, the only known alternatively spliced variant of the small GTPase Rac1, is expressed in a subset of BCSCs in vivo and its function is required for the BCSC maintenance and the chemoresistance of breast tumor cells. In human breast cancer cell line MCF7, RAC1B is required for BCSC plasticity and chemoresistance in vitro and for tumor-initiating abilities in vivo. Unlike Rac1, Rac1b function is dispensable for normal mammary gland development and mammary epithelial stem cell (MaSC) activity. In contrast, loss of Rac1b function in a mouse model of breast cancer hampers BCSC activity in vivo and increases the chemosensitivity of primary tumor cells to doxorubicin. Collectively, our data suggest that RAC1B is a clinically relevant molecular target for the development of BCSC-targeting therapies that will improve the effectiveness of currently available chemotherapy modalities.
Anisodamine hydrobromide ameliorated cardiac damage after resuscitation
Authors: Dong Guijuan , Guo Shubin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: The microcirculation is correlated with the prognosis of patients with cardiac arrest and changes after resuscitation. Methods: This study was to study effects of anisodamine hydrobromide (AH) on microcirculation and explore its potential mechanisms. Twenty-four pigs were randomly grouped into three groups (n = 8): Sham, Saline and AH group. After pigs were anesthetized, intubated and mechanically ventilated, ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced by electrical stimulation. After 8 mins, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was given to the restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Arteriovenous blood was collected at baseline and 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 hrs after ROSC to measure blood gas and cytokines. Perfused vessel density (PVD) and microvascular flow index (MFI) were measured to reflect the microcirculation. Continuous cardiac output (CO) and global ejection fraction (GEF) were measured to indicate hemodynamics. Results: Compared with Sham group, PVD and MFI in the intestines and the sublingual regions decreased significantly after resuscitation. The microcirculation recovered faster in the AH group than the SA group. The decrease of intestinal microcirculatory blood flow was closely related to the decrease of sublingual microcirculatory blood flow. The cardiac function was impaired after resuscitation, and a decrease in the ratio of cytokine IFN-γ/IL-4 suggested the immune imbalance. The microcirculation changes in sublingual regions were closely related to the changes in intestines. Conclusion: AH could improve the immune imbalance after resuscitation and was beneficial to the recovery of cardiac function.
Assessing microplastic dispersion from Saigon urban canals via Can Gio Mangrove Reserve to East Sea in Vietnam by Raman scattering microscopy
Authors: KHUYEN VO THI KIM , Le Dinh Vu , Anh Le Hung , Fischer Axel René , Dornack Christina 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Plastic pollution is one of the significant environmental concerns due to the threefold increase in global plastic waste. Marine microplastics, including petroleum-based plastic pieces, synthetic and artificial fibers smaller than 5 mm, are ubiquitous in natural water environments due to the degradation of plastic products and wastes. This research aims to investigate the microplastic presence in urban and coastal environments in the Southeast regions of Vietnam by using Raman microscopy. As a result, most common plastics (PE, PET, PA, PP, PVC, PS and PMMA) were detected, and most of them were fibrous smaller than 500 μm. The total microplastics decreased gradually from the urban waterborne (up to 220 MPs/L) via Can Gio UNESCO Mangrove Biosphere Reserve (10 MPs/L) and to the East Sea (3 MPs/L), which reveals the potential role of the mangrove in reducing marine contaminants including microplastics. This study provides important insights about microplastic pollution in the Western Pacific Region, especially Saigon-Dong Nai river systems, supporting the useful data for natural water resources management.
Antibiotic therapy in the emergency room: just adapted or optimal?
Authors: MORETTO Florian , CATHERINE François-Xavier , MARTHA Benoit , SIXT Thibault , CHAVANET Pascal , BLOT Mathieu , RAY Patrick , PIROTH Lionel 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Introduction: An inadequate antibiotics’ prescription was found to be associated with worse prognosis in some infections. Emergency departments (ED) are pivotal for the initial prescription of antibiotics. However, its appropriateness and consequences have been rarely assessed. Methods: A retrospective, monocentric study included patients who consulted to the ED of our center and who were hospitalized with an advocated diagnosis of infection. Initial antibiotic therapy was graded as optimal, adapted, or inadequate. If reevaluation of this therapy was performed at day 2 (D2), the appropriateness of antibiotic therapy was again graded. The primary endpoint was the onset of an unfavorable event (i.e., death, transfer to intensive care unit, or re-hospitalization). Prognosis factors associated with survival without unfavorable event were assessed by multivariate analysis. Results: We included 484 patients. Respiratory (153, 40.4%), urinary-tract (83, 21.9%), and abdominal (76, 20.1%) infections were mostly diagnosed after reevaluation. Optimal, adapted, and inadequate initial prescriptions concerned respectively 328 (67.8%), 110 (22.7%) and 46 (9.5%) patients. Compared to an optimal prescription, an initial adapted prescription was associated with a poorer prognosis (HR = 1.95, CI95% [1.18-3.22]; p = 0.01). The reevaluation was performed in 436 (90.1%) patients. After reevaluation, optimal, adapted, and inadequate prescriptions concerned 326 (74.8%), 64 (14.7%), and 46 (10.5%) patients. After reevaluation, compared with optimal prescriptions, an inadequate prescription was associated with unfavorable events (HR = 3.52, CI95% [1.42-8.72]; p = 0.003). Conclusion: The appropriateness of both initial and D2 antibiotic therapies are associated with a better prognosis.
Yield Displacement Charts for performance-based seismic design
Authors: Montes Enrique Hernandez , Jalón María L , Chiachio Juan , Gil-Martín Luisa María 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
A new methodological concept is presented for seismic design, called Yield Displacement Charts (YDC). As with its predecessors, the Yield Point Spectra (YPS) and the Yield Frequency Spectra (YFS), the YDC takes advantage of the simple features of yield displacement (uy), to use uy in a performance-based design versus a force-based period-dependent approach. A self-contained and comprehensive approach to YPS and YFS is presented, enabling the novel aspect of the YDC to be introduced: a tool for a multi-performance objective design that only depends on the location of the structure. Once the YDC has been calculated for a particular place, it can be used for the preliminary design of any structure. For a given value of the yield displacement, the YFS is obtained from the YDC. The suitability of the methodology proposed is illustrated by using a simple case study for a concrete bridge column.
Clinical efficacy of ethanol ablation and microwave ablation on cystic or predominantly cystic thyroid nodules: A retrospective comparative study
Authors: Zhang Ya , Chu Xiaoqiu , Liu Yuling , Zhao Yueting , Han Xue , Hu Xin , Xiang Pingping , Chen Guofang , Liu Chao , Xu Shuhang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of ethanol ablation (EA) and microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of cystic or predominantly cystic thyroid nodules. Methods: Clinical data of patients with cystic or predominantly cystic thyroid nodules intervened with EA or MWA in the Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from January 2013 to November 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into EA group (n=30) and MWA group (n=26). The volume and volume reduction rate of thyroid nodules before ablation, and at 3 months and 12 months after ablation were compared between the two groups. The effective rate and incidence of adverse events in both groups were recorded. Results: The median volume reduction rate at 3 months after ablation was significantly higher in EA group than MWA group (81.30% vs. 75.76%, P=0.010), while no significant difference was detected at 12 months (93.39% vs. 89.34%, P=0.141). There was no significant difference in effective rate between the two groups during the follow-up (P>0.05). The maximum diameter of the thyroid nodule (2.96 ± 0.78 cm vs. 3.78 ± 1.02 cm, P<0.05), mean volume of thyroid nodule (4.92 [2.93-10.19] ml vs. 8.33 [4.92-15.02] ml, P<0.05) and medical cost (111.73 ± 55.22 USD vs. 2443.79 ± 285.46 USD, P<0.001) were significantly lower in EA group than MWA group, while EA group required more treatment cycles 2.5 [1.0-3.3] times vs. 1 [1.0-1.0] time, P<0.001). Serious adverse events were not reported in both groups. Conclusion: EA and MWA are both effective and safe in the treatment of cystic or predominantly cystic thyroid nodules. Although EA is more cost-effective, it requires more times of treatment and may poses a higher risk of postoperative pain compared with MWA.
Utilisation of services along the continuum of maternal healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lubumbashi, DRC: findings from a cross-sectional household survey of women
Authors: Galle Anna , Kavira Gladys , Semaan Aline , Françoise Malonga Kaj , Benova Lenka , Ntambue Abel 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Introduction:The continuum of maternal care along antenatal (ANC), intrapartum, and postnatal care (PNC) is fundamental for protecting women’s and newborns’ health. The COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying mitigation measures interrupted the provision and use of these essential services globally. This study examines maternal healthcare utilisation along the continuum during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and explores factors associated with use of the full continuum.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study using data collected on a survey of 599 households in Lubumbashi using stratified random sampling. We included 604 women (15-49 years) who were pregnant between March 2020-May 2021. A structured interview involved questions on sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes regarding COVID-19, and maternal service use and cost. Complete continuum of care was defined as receiving ANC 4+ consultations, skilled birth attendance, and at least one PNC check for both mother and newborn. Data were analysed in SPSS using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression.Results:Of the women who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic, 61% had ANC 4+ consultations, most had a skilled birth attendant (97%), and more than half (55%) had a PNC check for themselves and the newborn. One-third (36%) of women completed the continuum of maternal healthcare. Factors significantly associated with completing the continuum included higher education (aOR=2.6; p-value<0.001) and positive attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccination (aOR=1.9; p-value=0.04). Reasons for not seeking maternal care included lack of money and avoiding COVID-19 vaccination.Conclusion:During the COVID-19 pandemic, maternal healthcare seeking behaviours were shaped by vaccine hesitancy and care unaffordability in Lubumbashi. By disproportionately affecting women and vulnerable populations, the pandemic could exacerbate pre-existing structural barriers to maternal healthcare utilisation. Addressing the high cost of maternal healthcare and vaccine hesitancy appear essential to avoid deepening pre-existing socio-economic inequalities.
Improved scheme and evaluation method for progressive Visual Cryptography
Authors: Le Binh Thanh Thai , Tanaka Hidema , Watanabe Kohtaro 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Visual cryptography (VC) is a powerful technique with perfect security and requires no PC or device to reconstruct the secret information. Progressive visual cryptography (PVC) is a variation of the VC scheme in which the quality of the reconstructed image is improved by increasing the number of shared images. Previous study focused directly on maximizing the value of the quality in the completely reconstructed image; thus, there is a difference in the quality of the shared images. In this paper, we focus on the aforementioned issue and propose a new approach based on inductive reasoning. Our basic idea is to maximize the quality of the reconstructed images each time the number of shared images increases. We call this method the Bottom-up approach . Moreover, hitherto, PVC has been evaluated based on the value of relative difference or by sight. Such evaluation methods are only subjective or difficult to execute without the knowledge of basis matrices. In addition, PVC users cannot easily confirm the effectiveness of their shared images. In this paper, we propose a new information-theoretic evaluation method for PVC, which only uses shared images, to solve the aforementioned problems. Our proposed method can objectively and quantitatively evaluate PVC based on the numerical value, and PVC users can easily confirm the effectiveness of their shared images.
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes interact with light intensity to affect morpho-biochemical, nutrient uptake, DNA damage, and secondary metabolism of Stevia rebaudiana
Authors: Ramezan Dariush , Farrokhzad Yusuf , Mokhtassi-Bidgoli Ali , Rasouli-Alamuti Mojtaba 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In this study, the interaction between nanoparticles (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg L− 1) and light intensity (100, 200, and 400 µmol.m− 2.s− 1) was evaluated for effectiveness in improving stevia shoot induction by measuring shoot and leaf number, shoot length, fresh and dry weight, nutrient uptake, steviol glycosides, total carbohydrates and DNA damage in both DNA sequence region (promoter and sequence of UGT76G1 gene). The data revealed the highest shoot number in the combination of 150 mg MWCNTs L− 1 and 400 µmol.m− 2.s− 1 and highest leaf number and biomass accumulation (fresh and dry weight) in 50 mg MWCNTs L− 1× 200 µmol.m− 2.s− 1. Shoot length was observed higher in 0 and 100 mg MWCNTs L− 1× 100 µmol.m− 2.s− 1. The highest contents of N, P, K, Ca, Fe, and Mn were recorded under 50 mg MWCNTs L− 1× 200 µmol.m− 2.s− 1 and 50 mg MWCNTs L− 1× 400 µmol.m− 2.s− 1. In contrast, the amount of Zn and Cu was not affected by the two-way interaction. The combination of 50 mg MWCNTs L− 1× 200 µmol.m− 2.s− 1 and 50 mg MWCNTs L− 1× 400 µmol.m− 2.s− 1 increased the total carbohydrate and rebaudioside A. Stevioside was also increased under the combination of 50 mg MWCNTs L− 1 and 200 µmol.m− 2.s− 1. DNA damage in both regions of the DNA sequence under light intensity at low concentrations of MWCNTs (0 and 50 mg L− 1) did not show a significant change but increased with increasing concentration at high light intensities (200 and 400 µmol.m− 2.s− 1). Thus, Cross-talk 50 mg MWCNTs L− 1 and 200 µmol.m− 2.s− 1 might be an optimal condition for stevia growth and metabolism.
Mobile Health Applications: A Cross-sectional Study of Awareness, Attitudes, and Practices among Medical Students in Malaysia
Authors: Jembai Julian Valerie John , Lin Charlene Wong Yi , Bakhtiar Nur Alia Muhammad Amir , La Siti Nursuraya Md , Ling Hwei Sung , Kuan Pei Xuan , Chua Pin Fen 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: The popularity of mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) in health and medical education is rapidly growing, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, we aimed to assess awareness, attitudes, practices, and factors associated with mHealth app usage among medical students.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among medical students at a government university in Sarawak, Malaysia, from February to April 2021. Validated questionnaires were administered to all consenting students. In addition to basic demographic information, these questionnaires included questions on awareness of, attitudes toward, and practices with mHealth apps concerned with medical education, health and fitness, and COVID-19 management. Results: Study respondents had favorable attitudes toward mHealth apps [medical education (61.8%), health and fitness (76.3%), and COVID-19 management (82.7%)]. Overall, respondents’ mean attitude scores were four out of five for all three app categories. However, respondents showed higher usage of COVID-19 management apps (73.5%) than medical education (35.7%) and fitness (39.0%) apps. Usage of all three app categories was significantly associated with the respondent’s awareness and attitude. Respondents who were in the top 20% for household income and duration of study were more likely to use medical education apps. A higher percentage of respondents in the top 20% household income group used COVID-19 apps compared to those in the other income groups. The most common barrier to the use of apps was uncertainty regarding the most suitable apps to choose.Conclusion: Our study highlighted a discrepancy between awareness of mHealth apps and positive attitudes toward them and their use. Recognition of barriers to the use of mHealth apps by relevant authorities may be necessary to increase the usage of these apps.
Long non-coding RNA actin filament-associated protein 1- antisense RNA 1 mediates breast cancer cell proliferation and migration through the miR-21/PTEN axis
Authors: Quan Dongling , Wu Huanxian , Yang Yuqin , Lian Huining , Guan Yiqing , Yang Danni , Zhang Guohua , Liu Minfeng , Wu Shaoyu , Lv Lin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
LncRNAs take various effects mostly through sponging with miRNAs. Based on public databases and integrating bioinformatics analyses and further validated in BC tissue and cell lines, the effect of lncRNA AFAP1-AS1 on breast cancer cells proliferation and migration was verified and might work via miR-21/PTEN axis.
Methods
The expression of AFAP1-AS1, miR-21, PTEN in BC tissues and cell lines were analyzed by qRT-PCR. BC cell proliferation and migration were examined using EdU, colony formation assays and wound healing, transwell assays, respectively. The cellular localization of AFAP1-AS1 was analyzed using FISH. RNA pull down assay was performed to analyze the binding of AFAP1-AS1 to miR-21. The interaction between miR-21 and PTEN was examined using a dual luciferase reporter assay. The effect of AFAP1-AS1 on BC tumor growth in vivo was analyzed using a tumor xenograft mouse model.
Results
The expression of AFAP1-AS1, which was significantly upregulated in BC tissues and cell lines. The higher expression of AFAP1-AS1 was correlated with old age and lymph node metastasis of patients with BC. AFAP1-AS1 knockdown BC cells exhibited decreased proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, AFAP1-AS1 knockdown downregulated miR-21 expression and upregulated PTEN expression. Mechanistically, the interaction between AFAP1-AS1 and miR-21 promotes BC cell proliferation and migration. AFAP1-AS1 knockdown decreased BC cell proliferation and migration, which are regulated by PTEN, through miR-21 regulation.
Conclusions
The knockdown of lncRNA AFAP1-AS1 upregulated PTEN expression and consequently attenuated miR-21-mediated enhanced BC cell proliferation and migration. LncRNA AFAP1-AS1 is a potential prognostic biomarker for BC patients.
A Deep and Efficient Analysis of DDOS Attack in Software Defined Network
Authors: Dandotiya Monika , Singh Rajni Ranjan , Dandotiya Abhinandan Singh , Dandotiya Nidhi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
DDoS assaults are one of the most serious issues that the Internet has to deal with. Various defense strategies have been offered to remove this form of assault, the number of which has risen over the research period. However, no detection method capable of entirely thwarting the assaults has yet been discovered. As a result, computer security experts must be vigilant in detecting and defending against DDoS assaults. This study gives a comprehensive assessment of the scholarly literature on DDoS attack detection strategies. The key components of detection have been defined based on the literature. Methods, variables, tools-kits, positioning site, point in time, and detection precision were recognized as four factors for examination in this inquiry. It was discovered that each strategy for detecting assaults takes use of certain aspects of network load, user requirements, and specialized kits. Finally, it was able to pinpoint the mechanisms with the greatest impact. The datasets they utilize, for example, can affect detection accuracy. It's been determined that a thorough examination of the aforementioned components of DDoS attack detection underwrite the development of an adequate approach for Defending against the attacks. These approaches bank on better router functionality or fluctuations to present protocols. The pros and cons of current research approaches in this issue are also describe.