bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adsorption Performance of Human-like Collagen by Alkali-modified Kapok Fiber: A Kinetic, Equilibrium, and Mechanistic Investigation
Authors: Cao Liyao , Wang Hongchang , Shen Hua , Wang ruiliu , Wang Fumei , Xu Guangbiao 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Collagen-based dressings achieve excellent repair of the skin during metical cosmetology, which has received a lot of attention recently. Although great progress has been made on using biomass fiber as dressing carrier, more research is required on developing novel biomass fibers because of the limitations of (i.e., high cost and complex processing) of existing materials. In this study, the adsorption behaviors of two human-like collagen were studied by examining the Kapok fiber that was modified using alkali consisting of various amounts of the mass fraction. Results show that the alkali-modified Kapok fiber surface becomes rough with vertically arranged grooves, and the cross-section depicts the hollow cavity structure. The composition analysis of alkali modified Kapok shows that alkali dissolves part of the hemicellulose and lignin. Additionally, the surface energy rises sharply and the water contact angle changed from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. The adsorption amount of raw Kapok fiber is around 0.6g/g, which accounts for only one twenty-first of the adsorption amount of alkali-treated Kapok (around 12.6g/g), while the equilibrium adsorption amount was not sensitive to alkali concentration. The kinetics of human-like collagen followed both Quasi first and Quasi second order kinetic model, implying that the adsorption process where characterized by both physisorption and chemisorption. Finally, characterization of the AKF-2 coupled with the studies based on the inter-particle diffusion model showed a three-step of human-like collagen diffusion consisting of surface diffusion, inter-fiber diffusion and fiber' hollow cavity diffusion. Our results demonstrate a perfect high absorption performance of Kapok fiber providing a potential for application of collagen-base dressings.
Deep Learning-Based Beamforming for Millimeter-Wave Systems Using Parametric ReLU Activation Function
Authors: Hamdy Alshimaa , Soliman Tarek Abed , Rihan Mohamed , Dessouky Moawad I. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Beamforming design is a crucial stage in millimeter-wave systems with massive antenna arrays. We propose a deep learning network for the design of the precoder and combiner in hybrid architectures. The proposed network employs a parametric rectified linear unit (PReLU) activation function which improves model accuracy with almost no complexity cost compared to other functions. The proposed network accepts practical channel estimation input and can be trained to enhance spectral efficiency considering the hardware limitation of the hybrid design. Simulation shows that the proposed network achieves small performance improvement when compared to the same network with the ReLU activation function.
Development and Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Web-Based Education Program Among Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment of Systemic Chemotherapy: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Bektas Hicran , Coskun Hasan Senol , Arikan Fatma , Ozcan Keziban , Tekeli Aysel , Kondak Yasemin , Sezgin Merve Gozde , Yangec Elcin , Kalav Simge 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop a web-based education program among cancer patients undergoing treatment of systemic chemotherapy and to evaluate the effect of the program on symptom control, quality of life, self-efficacy, and depression.
Methods
A web-based education program was prepared in line with patient needs, evidence-based guidelines, and expert opinions and tested with 10 cancer patients. A single-blind, randomised controlled study design was applied at a medical oncology unit of a university hospital. Pretests were applied to 60 cancer patients undergoing systemic chemotherapy, and the patients (intervention:30, control: 30) were randomized. The intervention group used the web-based education program for three months, and they were allowed to communicate with researchers 24/7 via the website. The effectiveness of the web-based education program at baseline and after 12 weeks was evaluated. The CONSORT 2010 guideline was performed.
Results
Expert opinions were found to be compatible with each other (Kendall's Wa = 0.233, p=0.008). The difference between symptom control (p=0.026) and quality of life (p=0.001) during the three-month follow-up of the groups were statistically significant, and there was no difference between the groups in terms of self-efficacy and depression levels (p˃0.05).
Conclusion
The web-based education program was found to be effective in remote symptom management and improving the quality of life of cancer patients.
Trial registration
www.clinicaltrials.gov , NCT05076916 (12 October 2021, retrospectively registered)
Infrastructures Development, Environmental Quality And Economic Growth In Nigeria
Authors: Ojo Ademola , Amassoma Ditimi J. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The earth as a planet supports human life, living and activities that attract extensive and intensive socioeconomic influences on the environment and the economy. Such activities like Infrastructures development exert increasing and divers environmental quality concerns and hence on economic growth. While these variables appear interrelated due to many factors including population growth, urbanization, industrialization etc., however, the nature of the interrelationship is not largely known especially in Nigeria. This study therefore investigated and examine their relationship using time series data between 1990-2019 by adopting Co-Integration estimation technique through the Bound Test approach of Auto Regressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) method, using percentage share of Building and Construction Sector (BCS) of GDP, Carbon dioxide percentage of fuel combustion (CTE), annual growth rate of Agriculture (AFF), population growth, GDP growth rate etc. as variables. The study revealed that infrastructures development, environmental quality explains economic growth and they all have both short and long run relationship while specifically population growth and AFF variables are positively significant to economic growth. The finding evidences the significance of the relationship and consequently recommended new roles for infrastructure sets and production processes that consider environmental quality mindsets to achieve positive green economic growth outcomes in Nigeria.JEL Classification: Q5, O18, O44
CircCASC15-miR-100-mTOR may Influence the Cervical Cancer Radioresistance
Authors: Yao Tingting , Chen Zhiliao , Peng Yongpai , Zhong Guanglei , Huang Chunxian , Li Jing(F) , Li Ruixin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background

Cervical cancer has ranked the top one in gynecological malignancies for incidence. Radioresistance is now becoming a leading reason of recurrence.
Methods

Our microRNA array data indicated that the miRNA-100 level decreased significantly during radioresistance. In this study, we up-regulated miR-100 in Hela and Siha cells by using miR-100 mimics and observed apoptosis, proliferation, cell cycle and invasion.
Results

It turned out that with overexpression of miR-100, the cells had more apoptosis and less invasiveness as well as proliferation. It may also influence cell cycle via target gene mTOR, and it deed reduced EMT. To examine the role of miR-100 in radioresistance, there was no significant result showed by BSP.While the circCASC15 has been identified with sponge function according to RNA pull down and ISH.
Conclusion

The conclusions indicate miR-100 is a tumor suppressor gene and could be a therapeutic target in radio-resistant cervical cancers.
Risk Factors for Opioid-induced Constipation in Cancer Patients: a Single-institution, Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Kanbayashi Yuko , Ishizuka Yuichi , Shimizu Mayumi , Sawa Shohei , Yabe Katsushige , Uchida Mayako 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To identify risk factors for opioid-induced constipation (OIC).Methods: This study retrospectively analysed 175 advanced cancer patients who were receiving pain treatment with opioids and were newly prescribed laxatives for OIC at Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital between November 2016 and June 2021. For the regression analysis of factors associated with OIC, variables were extracted manually from medical charts. The effect of laxatives was evaluated 3 days after administration. The effect of laxatives was evaluated based on whether the OIC was improved. The OIC was defined based on Rome IV diagnostic criteria. Multivariate ordered logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for OIC. Optimal cut-off thresholds were determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Values of P < 0.05 (two-tailed) were considered significant. Results: Significant factors identified included body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio [OR] = 0.141, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.027–0.733; P = 0.020), chemotherapy with taxane within 1 month of evaluation of laxative effect (OR = 0.255, 95%CI = 0.068–0.958; P = 0.043), use of naldemedine (OR = 2.791, 95%CI = 1.220–6.385; P = 0.015) and addition or switching due to insufficient prior laxatives (OR = 0.339, 95%CI = 0.143–0.800; P = 0.014).Conclusion: High BMI, chemotherapy including a taxane within 1 month of evaluation of laxative effect, no use of naldemedine and addition or switching due to insufficient prior laxatives were identified as risk factors for OIC in advanced cancer patients with cancer pain.
Assessing the Influence of Inter Tropical Discontinuity on Total Column Ozone Variation Over West Africa
Authors: Arowolo Ayomide Victor , Oluleye Ayodeji 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The focus of this study is to evaluate the influence of Intertropical Discontinuity (ITD) on the variation of Total column ozone (TCO). Relevant information is supplied on the temporal and spatial variability of TCO along the ITD zone, which is an important factor influencing the earth's atmosphere. Several studies over the years have established the relationship and influence several atmospheric processes have on TCO. However, the relationship between Intertropical discontinuity and TCO over West Africa has a gap. This study tends to examine the influence ITD has on TCO variation using the West Africa region as a case study. The study used Wind, ozone and dewpoint temperature data for the period between 1980-2019. To assess the variability and trend over the study region, several statistical methods were used, including Pearson correlation, Mann-Kendall, and linear regression model. The Mann-Kendall test shows an increasing trend throughout the months over the study region. Spatial analysis also revealed that regions North of the ITD has a higher concentration of TCO that the southern region of the ITD. however, ITD influence was more visible during the wet month of June to August (JJA) as the highest concentration of TCO was observed during this period across all latitude but more deviation was observed between latitude 100N to 180N, while the least occurrence is observed when ITD is at its minimum position in the month of December to February (DJF). The ACRV shows that 140N exhibit the highest variation with a value of 4.84, while the deviation is also at its highest with value of 13.65. The monthly position of ITD for Forty years was also analysed to observe the monthly deviation along the ITD region forty years and the spatial distribution of TCO was analysed from January to December. It’s of note that during the cause of this study, ozone hole which is designated by concentration less than or equal to 220DU was not recorded. The highest and the lowest value of TCO is 295DU and 227DU respectively with an average range of 68DU.
Repeatability and Learning Effect in the 6MWT in Preoperative Cancer Patients Undergoing a Prehabilitation Program
Authors: Sebio-García Raquel , Dana Fernando , Gimeno-Santos Elena , López-Baamonde Manuel , Ubré Marta , Montané-Muntané Mar , Risco Raquel , Messagi-Sartor Monique , Roca Josep , Martínez-Pallí Graciela 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objective
the main objective was to assess repeatability and learning effect of the six-minute walk test (6MWT) in a cohort of preoperative cancer patients referred to a prehabilitation program. As a secondary objective we aimed to identify determinants of improvement in the second test.
Materials and Methods
secondary analysis from a large prospective study on the implementation of a multimodal prehabilitation program in a real-life scenario. Eligible patients were assessed at baseline before starting the prehabilitation program. The 6MWT was conducted according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS)/ European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines with two tests being performed under identical conditions separated by 30 minutes. The distance covered (in meters) and the physiological responses (heart rate, oxygen saturation, fatigue and dyspnea) to each test were recorded and compared.
Results
170 patients (60.9%) were analyzed. Repeatability of the distance covered with the 6MWT was excellent (ICC = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.92 – 0.99), but a mean increase of +19.5 meters (95% CI: 15.6 - 23.5m; p=<.001) in the second test was found, showing a learning effect with limits of agreement between -31.3 and 70.4m. Coefficient of variation was 4%. No clinical factor was found to be associated with an improvement in the second test.
Conclusions
the 6MWT showed excellent repeatability in preoperative cancer patients, but a significant learning effect is present. No associated factors with a clinically meaningful improvement in the second test were identified. In light of these findings, two attempts of the 6MWT should be encouraged in this population.
Applications of Spectroscopic Techniques for Polymer Nanocomposite Characterization
Authors: BATOOL MARYAM , Haider Muhammad Nouman , Javed Tariq 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
During past decades, spectroscopic techniques find wide range of applications ranging from biological applications to the measurement of chemical composition and characterization of variety of substances i.e., polymers, nanocomposites etc. Nanocomposites are emerging and growing materials having wide variety of uses. To study the characteristic properties, characterize, and development of new materials using polymer nanocomposites, several molecular characterization techniques are available and are in use today. Principle objective of this review is to summarize the knowledge in current characterization techniques and to study the applications of fluorescence, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared, besides Raman molecular characterization techniques for characterization of polymers, filler, and composites. Fluorescence technique did not provide detailed analysis of materials while solid-state NMR spectroscopy determine silanol hydroxyl groups at the silica exterior in addition to their interactions with polymer and polymer-filler interfacial interactions (via relaxation time). For characterization of various kinds of functional groups in polymer/ fillers, infrared spectroscopy employed. While Raman spectroscopy finds extensive applications for analysis of carbon-based materials. Novelty of this review is that till yet very few review papers have been published which briefly describe all these mentioned techniques along their applications in a very simple and an effective way.
Solanesol Mediated SIRT-1 Activation Prevents Neurobehavioral and Neurochemical Defects in Ouabain-Induced Experimental Model of Bipolar Disorder in Rats
Authors: Rajkhowa Bidisha , Mehan Sidharth , Sethi Pranshul , Bhalla Sonalika , Prajapati Aradhana , Kumar Sumit , Alshammari Abdulrahman , Alharbi Metab , AlSuhaymi Naif , Alghamdi Abdullah , Alqahtani Abdulsalam A. , Almoshari Yosif 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic mental illness characterized by mood fluctuations that range from depressive lows to manic highs. Several studies have linked the downregulation of SIRT-1 (silent mating type information regulation-2 homologs) signaling to the onset of BD and other neurological dysfunctions. The purpose of this research was to look into the neuroprotective potential of Solanesol (SNL) in rats given ICV-Ouabain injections, with a focus on its effect on SIRT-1 signaling activation in the brain. Ouabain, which is found in hypothalamic and medullary neurons, is an endogenous inhibitor of brain Na+/K+ ATPase. The inhibition of brain Na+/K+ ATPase by Ouabain may also result in changes in neurotransmission within the central nervous system. SNL is a Solanaceae family active phytoconstituent produced from the plant Nicotiana tabacum. SNL is used as a precursor for the production of CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10), a powerful antioxidant and neuroprotective compound. In the current study, lithium (Li), an important mood stabilizer drug, was used as a control.
Methods
This study looked at the neuroprotective potential of SNL at dosages of 40 and 80 mg/kg in ICV-OUA injections that caused BD-like neurobehavioral and neurochemical defects in Wistar rats. Wistar rats were placed into eight groups (n=6) and administered 1 mM/0.5µl ICV-OUA injections for three days. Neurochemical assessments were done in rat brain homogenates, CSF, and blood plasma samples at the end of the experiment protocol schedule.
Results
Long-term SNL and lithium administration have been shown to decrease the number of rearing and crossings, as well as reduce time spent in the center, locomotor activities, and immobility time. Solansesol treatment gradually raises the amount of Na+/K+ ATPase, limiting the severity of behavioural symptoms. These findings also revealed that SNL increases the levels of SIRT-1 in CSF, blood plasma, and brain homogenate samples. Furthermore, in rat brain homogenates and blood plasma samples, SNL modulates apoptotic markers such as Caspase-3, Bax (pro-apoptotic), and Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic). Mitochondrial-ETC complex enzymes, including complex-I, II, IV, V, and CoQ10, were also restored following long-term SNL treatment. Furthermore, SNL lowered inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) levels while restoring neurotransmitter levels (serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, and acetylcholine) and decreasing oxidative stress markers.
Conclusion
As a result, our findings suggest that SNL, as a SIRT-1 signalling activator, may be a promising therapeutic approach for BD-like neurological dysfunctions.
WITHDRAWN: Optimal Licensing Strategy of Green Technology With Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Authors: Li Dongdong , Shang Chenxuan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This paper develops a duopoly model to investigate a firm’s green technology licensing strategy with corporate social responsibility (CSR). In our model, licensing is conducted by an inside innovator and the patent holder may take CSR activities under a time-consistent emission tax. The result shows that fixed-fee licensing is always the optimal strategy of the patent holder when there is no CSR. In the CSR case, when the reduction degree of abatement cost coefficient is large, the optimal licensing strategy of the patent holder changes from pure royalty licensing to fixed-fee licensing as the degree of CSR decreases. Furthermore, we find that neither conflict nor consistency always exists between social welfare and firm payoff goals. When the degree of CSR is relatively low, fixed-fee licensing is preferred both by the patent holder and the government. Otherwise, when the degree of CSR is relatively high, the government prefers fixed-fee licensing, while the patent holder prefers royalty licensing. Finally, we analyze the effects of CSR behaviors on environment and social welfare. We show that CSR is beneficial for environment, while it is not always beneficial for social welfare.JEL Classifications: D42; M14; I13
Assessment of The Dioxins Leaching Potentials In Selected Soils Through Breakthrough Curves (BTCs) Model
Authors: Gul Nida , Khan Bushra , Kakakhel Ishaq Ahmad Mian , Shah Syed Muhammad Mukarram , Saeed Muhammad , Ali Fayaz 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The current study was to investigate the leaching and groundwater contamination potential of selected Dioxins, in local soil series. Solute transport was modelled through Breakthrough curve (BTC) plots, based on distribution coefficient (Kd), Retardation factor and Dispersivity, under normal velocity (20 cm day -1) and preferential or steady flow (50 cm day -1). In case of Dibenzo -p- Dioxin (DD), distribution coefficient values were found in order of Charsadda > Peshawar > Sultanpur series, while for 2 Chloro- p- Dioxin (2Cl-DD), the order was Charsadda > Sultanpur > Peshawar. However, the overall sorption was low. Under the normal velocity both of selected Dioxins (DD & 2Cl-DD), BTC plots relatively took longer time to reach the point of saturation as compared to high seepage velocity. However, the overall solute transport was found to be rapid. This behaviour showed that sorption of the Dioxins selected soil series is low and there is potential for leaching and groundwater contamination.
High-Resolution Computed Tomography Based Comparative Analysis of Asbestosis vs. Fibrotic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Authors: Ma Ruimin , Li Shuang , Wang Yuanying , Yang Shuqiao , Bao Na , Ye Qiao 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAsbestosis and fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (FHP) are fibrotic interstitial lung diseases that develop secondary to inhalation exposure. The differential diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation of imaging findings, particularly in developing countries. We compared the imaging features between asbestosis and FHP to gain a better understanding of the differential diagnostic value of these conditions.MethodsThis comparative study included 204 patients with asbestosis and 74 patients with FHP. We compared patients’ clinical data and chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images obtained from a predesigned chart. The International Classification of HRCT for Occupational and Environmental Respiratory Diseases was used to categorize chest imaging findings in patients. Diagnostic tests were used to compare the imaging features of asbestosis and FHP.ResultsPatients with asbestosis were older and had a longer latent period until disease manifestation than those with FHP. Asbestosis was characterized by irregular and/or linear opacities, with lower lung preponderance, accompanied by ground-glass opacities and mosaic attenuation. Notably, 98.5% of patients with asbestosis showed benign pleural abnormalities, and >33% of these patients had diffuse pleural thickening with parenchymal bands and/or rounded atelectasis. Abnormalities of the mediastinal and diaphragmatic pleura were observed only in cases of asbestosis, and this finding showed high specificity for the diagnosis for asbestosis compared with that for FHP. Subpleural dots or diaphragmatic pleural abnormalities showed moderate sensitivity and high specificity for diagnosis of asbestosis compared with that for FHP. Interobserver reliability was good for evaluation of imaging findings including honeycombing, pleural calcification, lymphadenectasis, and lymph node calcification.ConclusionsHRCT-based imaging findings can distinguish between asbestosis and FHP to a certain extent, particularly with regard to subpleural dots and diaphragmatic pleural abnormalities that characterize the former.