bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing Spatial Distribution and Quality of Phreatic Water for Sustainable Supply: A Study of the Tebessa Aquifer System
Authors: Chougar Rihab , Baali Fethi , Hadji Riheb , Ghrieb Lassad , Hamad Amor , Hamed Younes 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Groundwater quality plays a vital role in addressing freshwater demands, especially in semiarid regions with water scarcity. This study focuses on assessing groundwater quality in the Tebessa aquifer system, a primary water source for various needs. The investigation is prompted by challenges like hydric stress, aridity, urbanization, and population growth, which impact water demand and quality. Factors such as intensive agriculture and industrial activities contribute to declining groundwater quality. The study employs the Water Quality Index (WQI) method, which combines multiple parameters to evaluate water health comprehensively. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology aids in analysing spatial relationships, crucial for hydrogeological processes. The study incorporates a multiparameter approach to create maps of water quality, with parameters including pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and various ions. These maps reveal spatial variations and priority classes ranging from 'Excellent' to 'Very Poor' in groundwater quality. The main objective is to enhance understanding of groundwater quality dynamics in semiarid regions and identify management strategies. The Tebessa-Morsott Plain in Algeria serves as the study area, characterized by a semi-arid climate. Field and laboratory investigations were conducted to analyse hydrochemical characteristics. The results show diverse ranges of parameters, indicating alkalinity, salinity, and elevated concentrations of ions. By analysing interrelationships and spatial variability, the study contributes to both scientific understanding and informed water resource management. Geospatial mapping and the generation of a groundwater quality index map illustrate varying levels of water quality across the study area, guiding strategic decisions for sustainable water resource management.
TNFR1/p38αMAPK signaling in Nex+ supraspinal neurons regulates sex-specific chronic neuropathic pain
Authors: Swanson Kathryn A. , Nguyen Kayla L. , Gupta Shruti , Ricard Jerome , Bethea John R. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Upregulation of soluble tumor necrosis factor (sTNF) cytokine signaling through TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) and subsequent neuronal hyperexcitability are observed in both animal models and human chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) [1–4]. To test the hypothesis that supraspinal circuitry is critical to pain chronification, we studied the intersect between supraspinal TNFR1 mediated neuronal signaling and sex specificity by selectively removing TNFR1 in Nex + neurons in adult mice (NexCreERT2::TNFR1f/f). We determined that following chronic constriction injury (CCI), pain resolves in males; however, female acute pain transitions to chronic. Subsequently, we investigated two downstream pathways, p38MAPK and NF-κB, important in TNFR1 signaling and injury response. We detected p38αMAPK and NF-κB activation in male cortical tissue; however, p38αMAPK phosphorylation was reduced in NexCreERT2::TNFR1f/f males. We observed similar behavioral results following CCI in NexCreERT2::p38αMAPKf/f mice. Previously, we established estrogen’s ability to modulate sTNF/TNFR1 signaling in CNP, which may contribute to female prevalence of CNP [5–9]. To explore the intersection between estrogen and inflammation in CNP we used a combination therapy of an estrogen receptor β (ER β) inhibitor with a sTNF/TNFR1 or general p38MAPK inhibitor. We determined both combination therapies lend “male-like” therapeutic relief to females following CCI. These data suggest that TNFR1/p38αMAPK signaling in Nex + neurons in CNP is male-specific and lack of therapeutic efficacy following sTNF inhibition in females is due to ER β interference. These studies highlight sex-specific differences in pathways important to pain chronification and elucidate potential therapeutic strategies that would be effective in both sexes.
Assessing the impact of sustained and regulated deficit irrigation on field-grown olive cultivar ‘Zard’ (Olea europaea L.) in semi-arid condition
Authors: Arji Isa , Ahmadipour Samira , Ebadi Ali , Abdossi Vahid 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Research has shown that moderate regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) can enhance the fruit and oil yield of olive trees in Mediterranean conditions. However, there is limited research on the effects of deficit irrigation on olive trees in marginal regions. To address this, a study was conducted on the Zard olive cultivar over two consecutive years. Six irrigation regimes were tested, including control (C) (100% ETc) during the growing season, sustained deficit irrigation (SDI1) at 75% ETc throughout the growing season, regulated deficit irrigation (RDI1) at 75% ETc from 4 to 9 weeks after full bloom, sustained deficit irrigation (SDI2) at 50% ETc throughout the growing season, regulated deficit irrigation (RDI2) at 50% ETc from 4 to 9 weeks after full bloom, and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI3) at 50% ETc 2 weeks before harvest. The results showed that sustained and regulated deficit irrigation negatively impacted flower number and perfect flowers in inflorescence, except for RDI3. The study found that the fruit set was not significantly impacted by the irrigation treatments RDI1 and RDI3 compared to the control. However, the irrigation treatment of SDI2 resulted in the most significant reduction in both fruit weight and pulp-to-pit ratio. Fruit yield and oil content did show significant differences among all treatments. Overall, the study showed a 25% reduction in water usage during the 4 to 9 weeks after flowering or 2 weeks before harvesting did not significantly affect fruit yield compared to the control treatment. A minor reduction in applied water (RDI1 and RDI3) is recommended for semiarid regions (excluding Mediterranean regions) to achieve high fruit and oil content.
Oral administration of Manuka honey modulates gut microbiota composition and enhances anti-tumor immunity in a preclinical model of colorectal cancer
Authors: Masad Razan J. , Bashir Ghada , Al-Sbiei Ashraf , Mohamed Yassir A. , Al-Marzooq Farah , Al-Tahrawi Abeer , Fernandez-Cabezudo Maria J. , al-Ramadi Basel K. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that oral administration of MH induces specific alterations in the gut microbiota and triggers innate and adaptive mucosal immune responses through the activation of type I/II IFN signaling pathways. This culminates in rendering the tumors more immunogenically responsive. Our data highlight the immunostimulatory properties of MH and demonstrate its potential utilization in cancer prevention.
Background: There is increasing interest in exploring alternative natural products for cancer prevention and treatment. Among these, we recently highlighted the potential utilization of Manuka honey (MH) as an immunomodulatory agent. In the present study, we characterized mechanistically the immunomodulatory properties of MH in a preclinical model of colorectal cancer (CRC).
Methods: MH was administered orally over a 4 week-period. A solution containing equivalent concentrations of the main sugars in MH was used as a control (SC). Mucosal and systemic lymphoid tissues were examined for alterations in cellular composition and activation status by multi-color flow cytometry (FACS). Fecal pellets were collected before and after treatment and used for bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing. Pretreated mice were implanted with CRC cells and followed for tumor growth. Tumors, lymph nodes, and spleens were analyzed by FACS, immunohistochemistry, and qRT-PCR 3-weeks post-implantation.
Results: Pretreatment with MH, but not SC solution, induced type I/II IFN response in mucosal and systemic lymphoid tissues, resulting in enhanced expression of IFN-inducible stem cell antigen-1 (Sca-1) and MHC class II proteins. In an implantable model of CRC, tumor growth was significantly retarded in MH-pretreated mice. These tumors had increased infiltration of immune cells, ~2.0-fold increase in the percentage of intratumoral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and a 50% decrease in the percentage of Ly6G+ myeloid cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor tissues revealed an increase in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and granzyme-B-expressing cells following MH treatment. Moreover, FACS analysis showed significantly elevated expression of MHC class I on tumors of MH-treated mice. qRT-PCR analysis of purified tumor-infiltrating leucocytes highlighted changes in the expression of various chemokines and inflammatory cytokines that underlie the increased tumor immunogenicity. Finally, bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing revealed unique enrichment of >20 bacterial genera in MH-treated mice.
Research on wideband dissipative soliton generation and the dynamics process
Authors: Zhou Yong , Wang Yangyang , Wang Xian , Zhang Kai , Ma Xiaohui , Fang Wentan , Chen Xiaolin , Zhang Wei , Huang Song , Gao Weiqing 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Wideband dissipative soliton is generated in a passively mode-locked cavity by optimizing the distribution of chromatic dispersion and gain filtering in cavity. The maximal 3 dB bandwidth of 61.1 nm is obtained. The corresponding pulse width is compressed to 222 fs with chirp, which could be further compressed to 42 fs according to the Fourier transform limitation. The signal-to-noise ratio is 80.3 dB. The single pulse energy is 0.18 nJ. The dynamics process is investigated by dispersive Fourier transformation during the building-up. The simulation investigation on dissipative soliton formation is provided according to the modified nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which are relatively consistent with the experiment. The results demonstrate that a weak normal net dispersion close to zero and efficient gain bandwidth are critical to the formation of wideband dissipative soliton.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with hypertension among police officers in the Goma Garrison, DR Congo.
Authors: Lampard Omari Omari M. , Etebe Bukavu Molangi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Introduction:
The objective of this study was to measure the prevalence of hypertension and to examine its risk factors among police officers in the garrison of the city of Goma in North Kivu, D.R.Congo.
Material and methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among police officers in the garrison of the city of Goma in February 2020. The garrison had a total of 3428 police officers. We used a sample of 440 police officers drawn in clusters in proportion to their respective numbers. Blood pressure (BP) was measured after 4 minutes of relaxation in a seated position on the left arm at the level of the heart using a mercury sphygmomanometer. Hypertension was defined by a BP ≥ 140/90mm Hg (SBP and DBP) or the notion of antihypertensive treatment regardless of BP. Logistic regression was used to find the odds ratios, 95% confidence interval and p-value.
Results
The prevalence was 42.5% among police officers in Goma. Factors associated with a higher likelihood of having hypertension among police officers were age 60–79 years versus 20–39 years (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.45–2.74, p < 0.001); PNC seniority greater than 21 years (AOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.21–2.09, p < 0.001): 1.21–2.09, p = 0.002); abdominal obesity (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI:1.82–2.66, p < 0.001); alcohol intake (AOR = 1.45, 95% CI : 1.13–1.86, p = 0.002); sedentary (AOR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.69–3.18, p < 0.001); family history of hypertension (AOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.52–2.30, p = 0.001).
Conclusion
The adoption of regular sports practice among and the reduction of alcohol intake would contribute to the reduction of cases of hypertension.
An Efficient Algorithm for Optimal Route Node Sensing in Smart Tourism Urban Traffic Based on Priority Constraints
Authors: Ding Xichen , Yao Rongju , Khezri Edris 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The public transportation system is now dealing with a number of problems brought on by the sharp increase in automobile ownership in cities as well as the buildup of vehicles as a result of events and accidents. However, the city's limited road network capacity cannot keep up with the increasing traffic demand, which further worsens travel conditions and results in a waste of time and money. Given that it is challenging to enhance the capacity of the road network in practice, efficient vehicle travel and evacuation using algorithms has emerged as a recent study focus. It is crucial to learn how to manage urban traffic issues during emergencies and maintain smooth and safe traffic flow. The existing studies only considers the optimized route selection for individual vehicles, signal cycle of traffic lights and deploy historical data to disperse the vehicles on alternative routes. However, such works do not consider the conflict of routes between vehicles, the customized traffic demand of each vehicle and uncertain traffic conditions. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel approach to facilitate the user to select the optimal route with real-time traffic scenario. Furthermore, the Nash equilibrium is established by mutual information swapping and self-adaptive learning method. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has better route selection capability in real-time personalized road traffic as compared with existing algorithms.
Robust and Optimal Alignment of High-Dimensional Data Using Maximum Likelihood Estimation through a Random Sample Consensus Framework
Authors: Watts Adam Christopher , Harvey Dustin Yewell 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Correcting spatial orientations of groups of high-dimensional data sets such that they are all in a consistent coordinate system is often a time consuming and error-prone process. Automation of this process can be accomplished by using Generalized Procrustes Analysis to estimate the relative orientations among a population of high-dimensional data sets. A least squares Procrustes solution is applied through a maximum likelihood estimation and random sample consensus framework for robustness. The likelihood model is comprised of a mixture distribution where inliers are assumed to originate from a Student's t-distribution and outliers from a uniform distribution. Applications will focus on a synthetic data set that emulates tri-axial acceleration data from a population of accelerometers. Outliers represent either non-rigid body responses, data acquisition, and/or sensor issues. The intended application for the methodology is to robustly automate the rotation of populations of experimentally collected tri-axial accelerometer data sets to a single global coordinate system.
Failure to Adjust CT Scanners to Pediatric Settings is a Major Cause of Unnecessary Radiation Exposure to Children
Authors: Lin Jianna , Zhang Jeremy , Anzia Lucille , Hayes Laura L. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
CT scans are an indispensable tool for evaluating head injuries and neurological symptoms, yet they are the leading contributor to medical radiation exposure in the United States. High levels of such exposure pose significant health risks for children, whose developing bodies are less resilient to radiation injury. Here we review mean radiation dose (Total Exam DLP) and CTDlvol from head CT scans of 149 cases to assess for factors thought to be potential contributors to excess radiation exposure. Such factors included scan indication (trauma, shunts, other head complaints), number of repeat scans, and the type of facility the scan was performed (adult vs. pediatric). Analyses revealed that among scans performed to evaluate head trauma or routine indications (e.g. headache, vomiting focal neurologic deficits), the mean radiation dose a administered was significantly higher in adults hospitals when compared to pediatric hospitals. Findings highlight the importance of ensuring appropriate dose settings to increase the safety of CT scans for children. Based on our results identifying suboptimal scanner settings as a fundamental cause of excess radiation exposure, the evidence supports adjusting protocols to appropriate settings as the most effective method of reducing excess radiation exposure to children receiving head CT scans.
High dimensional predictions of suicide risk in 4.2 million US Veterans using ensemble transfer learning
Authors: Dhaubhadel Sayera , Ganguly Kumkum , Ribeiro Ruy M. , Cohn Judith , Hyman James M. , Hengartner Nicolas W. , Kolade Beauty , Singley Anna , Bhattacharya Tanmoy , Finley Patrick D. , Levin Drew , Thelen Haedi , Cho Kelly , Costa Lauren , Ho Yuk-Lam , Justice Amy C. , Pestian John , Santel Daniel , Zamora-Resendiz Rafael , Crivelli Silvia , Tamang Suzanne , Martins Susana , Trafton Jodie , Oslin David W. , Bekham Jean C. , Kimbrel Nathan A. , Group Million Vetaran Program Suicide Exemplar Work , McMahon Benjamin H. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
We present an ensemble transfer learning model to predict suicide from Veterans Affairs (VA) electronic medical records (EMR). A diverseset of base models was trained to predict a binary outcome constructed from reported suicide, suicide attempt, and overdose diagnoseswith varying choices of study design and prediction methodology. Each model used twenty cross-sectional and 190 longitudinal variablesobserved in eight time intervals covering 7.5 years prior to the time of prediction. Ensembles of seven base models were created andfine-tuned with ten additional variables, expected to change with study design and outcome definition, in order to predict suicide andcombined outcome in a prospective cohort. The ensemble models achieved c-statistics of 0.73 on 2-year suicide risk and 0.83 onthe combined outcome when predicting on a prospective cohort of ∼ 4.2M veterans. The ensembles rely heavily on nonlinear basemodels trained using a retrospective nested case-control (Rcc) study cohort and show good calibration across a diversity of subgroups,including risk strata, age, sex, race, and level of healthcare utilization. In addition, a linear Rcc base model provided a rich set of biologicalpredictors, including indicators of suicide, substance use disorder, mental health diagnoses and treatments, hypoxia and vascular damage,and demographics.
Bone scan findings of Paget's disease of bone in patients with VCP Multisystem Proteinopathy 1 (MSP1)
Authors: Columbres Rod Carlo , Din Sarosh , Gibbs Liliane , Kimonis Virginia 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
MSP1 disease is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the Valosin-Containing Protein (VCP) gene with clinical features of inclusion body myopathy (IBM), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Paget's disease of bone (PDB). We performed bone scan imaging in twelve patients (6 females, 6 males) with confirmed VCP gene mutation six (50%) of which has myopathy alone, four (33%) with both PDB and myopathy, and two (15%) were presymptomatic carriers. We aim to characterize the PDB in diagnosed individuals, and potentially identify PDB in the myopathy and presymptomatic groups. Interestingly, two patients with previously undiagnosed PDB had positive diagnostic findings from bone scan and subsequent radiograph imaging. Among the individuals with PDB, increased radiotracer uptake of the affected bones were of typical distribution as seen in conventional PDB and those reported in other MSP1 cohorts which are the thoracic spine and ribs (75%), pelvis (75%), shoulder (75%) and calvarium (15%). Overall, we show that technetium-99m bone scans done at regular intervals are a sensitive screening tool in patients with MSP1 associated VCP variants at risk for PDB, and diagnostic confirmation should be correlated with clinical history, biochemical analysis, and skeletal radiographs, to enable early treatment and prevention of complications.
The effect of increased reward sensitivity on risk decision making in adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury
Authors: Chen Qiuyu , Xie Sisi , Zhou Yi , Wang Yuebing , Geng Feng , Dong Yi , Tian Yanghua , Zhu Li , Zhang Lei , Wang Kai 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Many studies have demonstrated decision making (DM) deficits in adolescents with self-harm, but few studies have investigated the DM ability of adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) under different conditions (ambiguity and risk). The difference between the two is about implicit vs. explicit rule of reward and punishment.
Method
We recruited 39 adolescents with NSSI and 38 healthy controls (HCs) matched for age, sex, and education level. The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and the Game of Dice Task (GDT) were used to compare the performance of DM between the two groups.
Results
The total IGT net score of NSSIs was lower than HCs, and NSSIs chose more unfavorable decks with large immediate rewards. In the GDT, the total GDT net score and positive feedback utilization rate of NSSIs were higher than controls, and NSSIs chose more safe options with high reward probability.
Conclusions
Our study confirmed that NSSI adolescents tend to make decisions based on the satisfaction of immediate rewards.
Neuroprotective effect of Sterculia setigera leaves hydroethanolic extract
Authors: Kantati Yendubé T. , Kodjo Magloire K. , Lefranc Benjamin , Basille-Dugay Magali , Leprince Jérôme , Gbeassor Messanvi , Vaudry David 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Plants are a valuable source of information for pharmacological research and new drug discovery. The present study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of the leaves of the medicinal plant Sterculia setigera. In vitro, the effect of Sterculia setigera leaves dry hydroethanolic extract (SSE) was tested on cultured cerebellar granule neurons (CGN) survival when exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), using the viability probe fluorescein diacetate (FDA), a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity assay, an immunocytochemical staining against Gap 43, and quantification of the expression of genes involved in apoptosis, necrosis or oxidative stress. In vivo, the effect of intraperitoneal (ip) injection of SSE was assessed on the developing brain of 8-day-old Wistar rats exposed to ethanol neurotoxicity by measuring caspase-3 activity on cerebellum homogenates, the expression of some genes in tissue extracts, the thickness of cerebellar cortical layers and motor coordination. In vitro, SSE protected CGN against H2O2 and 6-OHDA induced cell death at a dose of 10 µg/mL, inhibited the expression of genes Casp3 and Bad, and upregulated the expression of Cat and Gpx7. In vivo, SSE significantly blocked the deleterious effect of ethanol by reducing the activity of caspase-3, inhibiting the expression of Bax and Tp53, preventing the reduction of the thickness of the internal granule cell layer of the cerebellar cortex and restoring motor functions. Sterculia setigera exerts neuroactive functions as claimed by traditional medicine and should be a good candidate for the development of a neuroprotective treatment against neurodegenerative diseases.