bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing a Region-Specific Predictive Model for Shear Wave Velocity to Evaluate Seismic Site Response and Liquefaction Potential of Silty Soils
Authors: Kennedy Charles , TrustGod John , Banje Geofrey 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The research work explored empirical relationships between shear wave velocity (Vs) and other in-situ test results, formulating a predictive model to estimate Vs from fundamental soil characteristics. Undisturbed soil samples were collected from 5 sites in Rivers State, Nigeria and tested for index properties including liquid limit, plastic limit, and specific gravity. Direct Vs measurements were made using downhole tests. An empirical correlation model was formulated relating Vs to shear modulus, bulk density, and depth, achieving an R2 of 0.963. The soils were classified as low plasticity silts and silty clays, with liquid limits of 26.9–31.1%, plasticity indexes of 8.2–9.3%, and specific gravities averaging 2.67. Undrained shear strengths varied from 10.8–16.3 kPa with effective friction angles of 25–32 degrees. The developed Vs predictive model correlated well with NEHRP site classifications, providing insight into seismic site response. Liquefaction triggering analysis using the Vs data indicated Sites S1-S3 are susceptible, while Sites S4-S5 are relatively resistant. The study addresses the challenge of accurately estimating Vs for liquefaction assessment of complex silty soils, by developing a region-specific predictive model based on fundamental soil properties. This fills a key knowledge gap for the Niger Delta region, providing a useful framework for geotechnical site characterization and hazard mitigation in similar environments vulnerable to seismic risks. The robust Vs model and comprehensive soil data offer valuable insights for understanding the dynamic behavior and liquefaction susceptibility of these soils.
Melatonin application in in vitro conditions may modulate the phyto-biochemical mechanisms of Hymenocrater longiflorus Benth. under salinity stress
Authors: Manafi Hamideh , Mozafari Ali Akbar , Ghoran Salar Hafez 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Hymenocrater longiflorus Benth. (Surahalala) is an aromatic perennial plant species rich in secondary metabolites. It exhibits pharmaceutical effects due to essential oils and terpenoid compounds. This study investigated the effects of different NaCl concentrations (0, 50, 100 mM), as salt stress, and melatonin levels (0, 5, 15, 25 µM) on the physiological and phyto-biochemical traits of H. longiflorus under in vitro cultivation. The results showed that the growth parameters, i.e. fresh weight, shoot length, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and relative water content, were maximized by applying 5 µM melatonin. High salinity (50 and 100 mM) caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels, while melatonin treatment reduced the negative effects of salinity and oxidative damage in H. longiflorus. Total phenol content, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase enzyme activity, and antioxidant activity increased upon applying NaCl and melatonin treatments. Under salt stress conditions, certain terpenes (i.e., d-limonene, α-thujene, and γ-terpinene) increased, while others, like α-pinene, copaene, and terpinen-4-ol, decreased. Notably, the application of melatonin at higher concentrations (5 to 25 µM) resulted in elevated essential oil contents, including terpinen-4-ol, eremophila ketone, and copaene. However, 15 µM melatonin and 100 mM NaCl combined achieved the highest levels of d-limonene, α-thujene, and γ-terpinene. Our findings highlighted melatonin’s potential to modulate plant growth and improve the biosynthesis of essential oils and terpenoids in H. longiflorus, subjected to salt stress under in vitro cultivation. This research suggests promising strategies to increase the active phytochemicals of H. longiflorus to enhance its pharmacological benefits and the development of natural products.
Exploratory assessment of Lead-Zinc mineralization in Bangalela area Central Benue Trough Nigeria using integrated ground geophysical data
Authors: Onum Stephen Adikwu , Ibeneme Sabinus Ikechukwu , Njoku Ikechukwu Onyema , Jika Hilary Terkula , Okenu Stella Chigozie , Okoro Eze Martins 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Integrated interpretation of ground magnetic (GM), electromagnetic very low frequency (EM-VLF), electrical resistivity (ER), and induced polarization (IP) data was carried out in this study to investigate the mineralization potentials of the Bangalela area, Central Benue Trough, Nigeria. The GM data was reduced to the equator (RTE), followed by the application of edge enhancement filtering such as first vertical derivative (FVD), to locate the contacts of linear geological features that may control mineralization in the study area, and also to isolate potential prospective exploration targets for lead-zinc deposits. Acquisition of EM-VLF and ER/IP survey were employed to further investigate the delineated zones of interest to ascertain their potentials for mineralization occurrence. The results revealed potential prospective mineralization zones, controlled by the identified conductive structures trending in directions that conforms with known tectonic orientations in the Benue Trough. These isolated mineral targets characterized by chargeability values greater than 15 msec were confirmed to be lead-zinc ore deposits on fresh core samples obtained from two drill points along the interpreted geoelectrical profiles. Probable ore reserve computation showed that the lead-zinc deposit in the Bangalela area contain mineralization volumes of high economic value.
A robust variant of cubic smoothing spline approximation
Authors: De Giosa Marcello , Falini Antonella , Iavernaro Felice , Losito Susanna , Mazzia Francesca , Rubino Giorgia 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We introduce a robust variant of smoothing spline regression which exploits an entropy-based argument to automatically detect and remove outliers during the fitting procedure. This involves considering a penalized weighted residual sum of squares, with the distribution of weights determined by maximizing the associated entropy function. An illustrative example is provided to show the potential of the new approach compared to other standard robust techniques. Additionally, we include examples on datasets derived from real-world applications.
MSC Classification: 65D10 , 94A17
Cholinergic agonist Carbachol improves N-acetylcysteine treatment on Paracetamol-induced experimental hepatotoxicity in mice
Authors: Erturk Zamir Kemal , Ozcelebi Esin , Gocmen Ayse Yesim , Doganyigit Zuleyha , Okan-Oflamaz Asli , Iskit Alper Bektas 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

A cholinomimetic agent carbachols (CCh) effect on mice model of paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity was evaluated in comparison with antidote N-acetylcysteine (NAC). In the toxicity of paracetamol (APAP), production of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), which is a toxic metabolite of paracetamol for hepatocytes, increases. The antidote effect of NAC is due to its function as a precursor of GSH, which detoxifies the NAPQI. Studies have shown that the parasympathomimetics may contribute positively to paracetamol toxicity through many mechanisms. In this study, NAC, CCh, and NAC + CCh were administered intraperitoneally to mice with APAP toxicity. Mesenteric artery and portal vein blood flow were measured. AST, ALT, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17 levels were measured and an increase was observed during APAP toxicity. The increases were mild relatively in the groups administered NAC, CCh, NAC + CCh. In this study, TAS, TOS, GSH, GSSG levels were also measured. After APAP toxicity, a decrease in antioxidant molecules, an increase in oxidant molecules, and oxidative stress index were observed. These findings were found to be less prominent in NAC, CCh, NAC + CCh administered groups. Results consistent with biochemical findings were obtained in histopathological evaluations. In conclusion, parasympathomimetic stimulation can be protective through reducing inflammation, activating antioxidant pathways in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity and may support NAC antidote therapy .
Psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale reported by parents and caregivers
Authors: Kishida Kohei , Tsuda Masami , Ishikawa Shin-ichi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale (DBDRS) is widely used in many countries as a questionnaire to measure each symptom of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and conduct disorder (CD) in children and adolescents. This study’s objectives were (1) to examine the psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the DBDRS (J-DBDRS), measuring the symptoms of ADHD, ODD, and CD in children and adolescents reported by parents/caregivers, (2) to estimate the prevalence of ADHD, ODD, and CD in Japanese children and adolescents using the J-DBDRS, and (3) to examine the relationship between its symptoms, anxiety, depression, and irritability. A total of 2442 parents and caregivers who had children and adolescents aged 6–15 participated in the study. The results confirmed the structural validity for the four-factor structure, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity of the J-DBDRS. According to the results, the psychometric properties of the J-DBDRS; the characteristics of the estimated prevalence of ADHD, ODD, and CD in Japan; and the associations between each mental symptom were discussed.
The effect of low-level laser therapy conditions on macrophages’ immunomodulatory processes as an example of regeneration process stimulation
Authors: Matuła Aleksandra , Lizak Amelia , Stodolak-Zych Ewa , Bac Aneta , Homa Joanna , Stenka Beata , Scislowska-Czarnecka Anna 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

LLLT (low-level laser therapy) covers a wide range of parameters in terms of laser properties and dosage, which is important for its effects. To obtain the desired therapeutic effect of LLLT on cells, it is important to select optimal irradiation conditions. This article focuses on the selection of biostimulating exposure conditions for LLLT, which are the method of beam application, the radiation power and dose, and then the assessment of the immunomodulatory effect of LLLT on resting macrophages of the RAW 264.7 cell line. Irradiation of cells with a pulsed laser beam with a power of 200 mW and a dose of 5 J/cm2 results in an increase in the adhesion and viability of macrophages and increase the secretion of protein, NO by macrophages and their TOS, which may suggest the polarization of macrophages towards the M1 phenotype. On the other hand, a decrease in the secretion TNF-α, MCP-1 and MMP-9 by cells may indicate the polarization of macrophages towards the M2 phenotype. It seems that for an optimal response of resting macrophages, they often share common features of the M1 and M2 phenotypes and that their phenotype should be considered as a spectrum of continuous differentiation under the influence of LLLT.
Localized and systemic effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on growth, antioxidant defense system, and nutrient uptake of alfalfa under uniform and non-uniform salt stress
Authors: Xiong Xue , Wei Yuqi , Liu Mohan , Liu Nan , Zhang Yingjun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims: Salinity causes significant environmental stress restricting plant growth and development, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can protect plants against salt stress through different mechanisms. The aim of this study was to explore the local and systemic effects of AMF in alfalfa plants under non-uniform salinity and the mechanisms underlying these effects.
Methods: Alfalfa plants were subjected to uniform and non-uniform salt stress using a split-root system, with one or both root compartments inoculated or not inoculated with AMF.
Results: We observed that AMF inoculation ameliorated the negative effects of salt stress by enhancing the dry weight, plant growth rate, photosynthesis, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes including CAT, POD, and SOD. These effects contributed to maintaining ionic and nutritive balance and resulted in lower levels of lipid peroxidation and H2O2 contents under both uniform and non-uniform salinity treatments, particularly when the whole root system was inoculated with AMF. Under non-uniform salinity, AMF alleviated oxidative stress in the high-saline root side where it was inoculated, thus playing a key role in alleviating salt-induced damage. Conversely, when AMF was inoculated on the non-saline root side, both root compartments exhibited systemic oxidative defense mechanisms, highlighting the significance of functional equilibrium within the root system in enhancing salt tolerance.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that AMF ameliorates the effects of salt stress through distinct antioxidant defense and ion regulation mechanisms under non-uniform salinity. P uptake and ion regulation were more effective in the AMF-inoculated root side, both under uniform and non-uniform salinity conditions.
Preliminary determination of early growth response of wheat to potassium iodate priming
Authors: Modi Albert Thembinkosi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of iodine priming in combination with water availability levels on the physiological attributes of wheat (Triticum aestivum) as determined at stage Z14.7/22 of plant growth. Two levels of potassium iodate halopriming (100 mg l− 1 and 200 mg l− 1 ) were compared with distilled for priming seeds before planting to grow seedlings under conditions of controlled water availability determined by field capacity (FC). Adequate water availability (100% FC) throughout seedling growth was compared with declining water availability from planting to 25% FC before harvesting plants to determine biomass in terms of root: shoot ratio (RSR). Crop physiological response was determined using membrane stability index (MSI) and leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. Results confirmed the positive role of halopriming wheat seeds to improve resistance to water stress at the early stage of crop development. The use of potassium iodate negligibly improved plant biomass accumulation, but leaf membrane stability index was significantly improved. These changes were associated with enhancement of chlorophyll (a, b) and carotenoid contents. This study provides insight into the potential effect of seed treatment on wheat response to soil water availability at the early stages of development.
Protective Effects of 17β Estradiol in the Aorta of Collagen-Induced Arthritis Rats: Modulation of TLR4/NOX4/NF-kβ and TGFβ1/Fibronectin/α-SMA Pathways and Attenuation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Fibrosis, and Apoptosis
Authors: Govindasamy Navishaa , Barman Madhumanti , Salleh Naguib , Giribabu Nelli , Shahzad Huma 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Menopause and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are both known to cause elevation of blood pressure in women. The hormonal mechanisms underlying the increase in blood pressure in menopausal women with RA are poorly understood. Thus, the aims of this study were to examine the role of estrogen in these diseases. RA was induced in ovariectomised rats using incomplete Freund's adjuvant and immune-mediated collagen type II. Rats were then randomly divided into six groups: sham, ovariectomised (Ovx), RA induced ovariectomised (Ovx + RA), and RA induced ovariectomised plus estrogen, baricitinib or losartan. Blood pressure was measured through carotid artery cannulation. H&E and Picro Sirius Red staining was performed to evaluate histological alterations and collagen deposition. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and qPCR methods were used to evaluate the oxidative, inflammatory, growth and fibrosis, and apoptosis markers in the aorta tissues. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was significantly elevated in Ovx rats and slightly raised without significant difference in the Ovx + RA rats. MAP in the ovariectomised RA rats were significantly reduced with estrogen and losartan treatment. Elevated expressions of NOS, iNOS, NOX2 and NOX4, TLR4, NF-ĸB, TNF-α, VEGF, FGF-2, αSMA and caspase3 in Ovx + RA rats were reduced with estrogen treatment. On the other hand, expressions of Smad2, TGFβ1, Bax-2, and fibronectin were found to be increased with estrogen treatment. The study suggests that estrogen modulates signaling pathways differently in the aorta of RA rats. These findings could help to develop new strategies for managing high blood pressure in postmenopausal women with RA.
Forest structure predicts plant and animal species diversity and composition changes in an Amazonian forest
Authors: Pedro Marcelle São , Smith Marielle N. , Zuquim Gabriela , Tuomisto Hanna , Stark Scott C. , Amaral Lucas , Bobrowiec Paulo Estefano  D. , Bueno Anderson S. , Capaverde Ubirajara , Castilho Carolina , Esteban Erick , Lima Albertina , Magnusson William , Menger Juliana , Pinto Maria Goretti , Rincón Lorena , Tavares Valéria da Cunha , Waldez Fabiano , Schietti Juliana 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Forest structure plays an important role in determining habitat suitability for plants and animals, but these relationships are poorly characterized for different biological communities in tropical forests. We used ground-based lidar to quantify structural metrics and determine their contribution in predicting species diversity and compositional changes between plots for nine biological groups in an Amazonian forest. For each group, we calculated Fisher's alpha index and summarized community composition using Principal Coordinates Analysis. As biological organisms may also react directly to hydro-edaphic conditions, we carried out variation partitioning analysis using linear regressions to disentangle the relative contribution of structural metrics and hydro-edaphic variables. Forest structure was related to species diversity and composition of some groups, specifically for plants, anurans, and birds. Mean canopy height, leaf area height volume, and skewness explained more than one-third of species diversity of palms and trees, with higher values relating to higher species diversity. Hydro-edaphic variables were the most important predictors of the main compositional axis for plant groups, but some structural metrics explained more than 30% of the secondary compositional axis for ferns + lycophytes, trees, birds, and anurans. Vegetation height and variability, vegetation quantity, and vertical structure, but not canopy openness, were the main structural characteristics modulating species diversity and composition. Our findings reinforce the potential to estimate species diversity and compositional changes across structural gradients using lidar-derived metrics in a hyper-diverse forest. Understanding these relationships advances our ability to make community predictions useful for conservation and provides new avenues to investigate the mechanisms impacting diversity.
Comparative study on the reduction of tritium breeding ratio caused by inventory changes of a solid-state tritium breeding blanket in a fusion demonstration reactor using MCNP and FISPACT-II
Authors: Kim Byung Chul 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The self-sufficient supply of tritium in the deuterium-tritium nuclear fusion demonstration reactor (DEMO) is a fundamental design requirement. But, it is hindered by depletion of tritium breeding materials resulting in reduction of tritium breeding ratio (TBR) less than the initial design value especially in the solid-state tritium breeding blanket (TBB) of the DEMO. Unlike the liquid tritium breeding blanket of DEMO, compensation measures of the depleted breeding material in the solid-state TBB will be its substitution depending on the reduction rate of TBR. To estimate the replacement period of the solid-state TBB, it is required to estimate the reduction rate of TBR according to the operation conditions of the DEMO and the physical configuration of a solid-state TBB. In this study, the representative simulation codes, MCNP and FISPACT-II, are used for assessment of the reduction rate of TBR with the benchmarking model which is modified from the one poloidal segment of the TBB in the Korean-DEMO. After 3 full power-year operations with the neutron irradiation on the benchmarking model, the TBR simulated by MCNP is reduced to 96.84% of the initially calculated TBR, but the TBR calculated by FISPACT-II is reduced to 90.57% from the initially calculated TBR.
AR2PS - Adaptive Opportunistic Routing With an Analytical Hierarchy Process for Reliable and Efficient Path Selection in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Immanuvel A. , Sureshkumar N. N. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Wireless ad hoc networks are decentralized networks in which mobile user equipment nodes dynamically form connections. This paper presents adaptive opportunistic routing with an analytical hierarchy process for reliable and efficient path selection in wireless ad hoc networks an optimized forwarder selection approach using adaptive opportunistic routing enhanced by the analytical hierarchy process. The adaptive opportunistic routing algorithm evaluates the signal strength, link quality indicator, and packet delivery ratio to dynamically choose the most reliable forwarder node, ensuring robust and efficient data transmission. The integration of analytical hierarchy process allows systematic decision-making based on multiple criteria to optimize network performance. The results indicate that the proposed AR2PS protocol significantly improves network performance compared to ETBR, CCAN, and HANA. Specifically, AR2PS decreases the average end-to-end delay by 38.33% and lowers the packet dropping ratio by 34.7% in network depending on packet intervals. Furthermore, AR2PS achieves up to 10.31% higher throughput and increases the packet delivery ratio by 9.15%. Overall, the AR2PS routing scheme substantially enhances the network's performance across multiple metrics.
Disaggregation of probabilistic seismic hazard for two Indian cities: Dehradun and New Delhi
Authors: Sharma Mayank 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Seismic hazard estimation is the primary step in performance-based earthquake engineering (PBEE). In addition to accurately estimating the median or mean hazard, it is essential to capture its distribution, which can be used for ground motion selection. This study performs a probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) to estimate the seismic hazard at two sites in Northern India, i.e., Dehradun and New Delhi. The median uniform hazard spectra (UHS) are used to specify the seismic hazard at eight return periods. The obtained median UHS at the maximum considered earthquake (MCE) for both locations are significantly (up to four times) different from each other. However, both cities are grouped into the same seismic zone (Zone IV) by the Indian codes. Disaggregation results for both sites are also presented. The major contribution at the Dehradun site comes from closely (less than 50 km) located seismic sources of varying magnitude (5.5–8.5). On the other hand, the contribution to hazard at the New Delhi site comes from sources belonging to one of two sets: (1) lower magnitudes (5.5–6.5) sources located within 150 km, and (2) higher magnitude (7.5–8.5) sources located farther away (200 km-350 km).