bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ELoran Propagation Delay Prediction Model Based on BP Neural Network for Complex Meteorological Environment
Authors: LIU Shiyao , GUO Wei , HUA Yu , KOU Wudian 
Published: April 2023

The core of eLoran ground-based timing navigation system is the accurate measurement of groundwave propagation delay. However, meteorological changes will disturb the conductive characteristic factors along the groundwave propagation path, especially for complex terrestrial propagation environment, and may even lead to microsecond-level propagation delay fluctuation, seriously affecting the timing accuracy of the system. Aiming at this problem, this paper proposes a propagation delay prediction model based on Back-Propagation neural network (BPNN) for complex meteorological environment, which realizes the function of directly mapping propaga-tion delay fluctuation through meteorological factors. Firstly, the theoretical influence of meteoro-logical factors on each component of propagation delay is analyzed based on calculation parame-ters. Then, through the correlation analysis of the measured data, the complex relationship be-tween the seven main meteorological factors and the propagation delay, as well as their regional differences are demonstrated. Finally, a BPNN prediction model considering regional changes of multiple meteorological factors is proposed, and the validity of the model is verified by long-term collected data. Experimental results show that the proposed model can effectively predict the propagation delay fluctuation in the next few days, and its overall performance is significantly improved compared with the existing linear model and simple neural network model.
eLoran; meteorological factor; propagation delay prediction model; Back-Propagation neural network;
Understanding the Seasonality in Crude Oil Returns for WTI and Brent
Authors: Khan Zafarullah , Saha Tapash Ranjan , Ekundayo Tosin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
There is a lack of research on the seasonal anomalies in the crude oil market. This study aims to fill that gap by examining the effect of days-of-the-week and month-of-the-year on crude oil price returns. To achieve this, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) daily and monthly data from January 1986 to July 2022 and Brent data from May 1987 to July 2022 were analyzed. The regression analysis utilizing dummy variables for days and months was used to determine the effect of days-of-the-week and month-of-the-year on crude oil price returns. The results reveal that Monday has the lowest average crude oil price returns for both WTI and Brent, while Thursday has the highest average returns. In addition, November and December have the lowest average returns for both WTI and Brent, while May has the highest average returns. The effect of Thursday and Friday was observed in the Brent market, while the effect of Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday was noticed in the WTI crude oil market. The results show that there is no month-of-the-year effect in Brent, but November and December have an effect on the WTI crude oil market.
Effect of Membrane Fouling with Different Backwash Mode for Ultrafiltration Process in Municipal Wastewater: Hydraulic Backwash and Backwash with Sodium Hypochlorite
Authors: Yang Lian , Qiu Haoran , Lu Zixin , Zhang Chunrui , Liu Guoliang , Chang Jiang , Wu Congcong , Dong Shuoxun , Yang Shaoxia , Xiao Feng 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Ultrafiltration process is widely used in the municipal wastewater treatment. However, membrane fouling is posing a critical obstacle limiting the further application which lead to membrane performance decline and operating costs increase. In this study, the raw water was the denitrifying biological filter from Beijing municipal wastewater treatment. The performance and membrane fouling under different backwash modes was investigated. One mode was the traditional hydraulic backwash and the other was the addition of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) into the backwash water. The results showed that the trans-membrane pressure (TMP) increased from 33.2 kPa to 48.2 kPa under the hydraulic backwash in 80 filtration cycles, but increased from 33.3 kPa to 39.3 kPa under the addition with NaClO. It also can be noticed that the hydraulic-irreversible fouling index decreased from 5.58×10− 3 m2/L to 3.58×10− 3 m2/L under the introduction of NaClO to backwash. Moreover, the membrane fouling mechanism under different backwash modes was expored. According to EEM, the response value of protein-like was increased from 11.9–15.2% under the addition of NaClO. The protein-like was identified as the main component contributed to the membranes fouling by blocking the membrane pores. The fouling layer can be stripped by the backwash with the adding of NaClO. In addition, the consumption of NaClO was decreased from 675 g to 670 g after the addition of NaClO in backwash during 2.5 chemically enhanced backwash cycle. Moreover, backwash with the addition of NaClO was an easy and better control method for membrane fouling in real application.
Teratogenicity caused by Voriconazole (anti-fungal drug) on Swiss albino mice
Authors: Gupta Hansa , Bhatnagar Pradeep , Shahani Lata 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
With the Increased cases of fungal infections which affects majority of population at different stages and situations, one such section of population is of pregnant females. Rate and susceptibility of fungal infections is particularly higher in pregnant females as the immunity of the mother is compromised. Infections like Invasive aspergillosis, esophageal candidiasis and candidemia are being treated with new age triazole antifungals- voriconazole. Prolonged and high concentrations of this drug is associated with various developmental anomalies. With this aim teratogenic studies were performed on pregnant female mice during gestation and weaning period to observe the effects of voriconazole at different concentrations (8mg/kgb.w., 10mg/kg b.w., and 20mg/kg b.w.). Pregnant dams subjected to 20mg/kg b.w. voriconazole had small litter size and high resorptions. Presence of 14 th rib, asymmetry in sternebrae and craniofacial defects were some of skeletal anomalies in foetus and pups subjected to 10mg/kg b.w. and 20 mg/kg b.w. concentration of voriconazole.
Protective role of gallic acid against fenitrothion-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity via oxidative stress, histopathological and biochemical alterations
Authors: Apaydın Fatma Gokce , Kalender Suna , Baş Hatice , Kalender Yusuf 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Fenitrothion (FNT) is a known environmental contaminant used in public health and agriculture. Gallic acid (GA) is a phenolic compound found in numerous plants. This study analyzed the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects of FNT and to evaluate the possible protective effect of gallic acid. FNT (1/25 LD50, 32 mg/kg body weight/day), and gallic acid (50 mg/kg body weight/day) were administrated to male rats by gavage for 28 days. In the present study, the renal (blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and uric acid levels) and liver (albumin, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, triglyceride, lactate dehydrogenase) function markers in the blood, acetylcholinesterase activities, antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde level as markers of oxidative stress, and histopathological changes were researched in liver and kidney tissues. Additionally, while superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase activities were decreased in the liver and kidney tissue of rats treated with fenitrothion, malondialdehyde level was significantly increased. Histopathological analyses showed many injuries occurred in the renal and hepatic tissue of fenitrothion-treated animals. Also, the supplementation of gallic acid with fenitrothion significantly improved fenitrothion-induced alterations in renal and liver function markers, antioxidant enzyme activities, acetylcholinesterase activities malondialdehyde levels, and histological features of tissues.
The Air We Breathe: An In-Depth Analysis of PM2.5 Pollution in 1312 Cities from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Zhou Qin , Nizamani Mir Muhammad , Zhang Hai-Yang , Zhang Hai-Li 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

In recent decades, the phenomenon of rapid urbanization in various parts of the world has led to a significant increase in PM2.5 concentration, which has emerged as a growing social concern. In order to achieve the objective of sustainable development, the United Nations Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have established the goal of creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human habitats (SDG 11). Goal 11.6 aims to decrease the negative environmental impact per capita in cities, with an emphasis on urban air quality and waste management. However, the global distribution of PM2.5 pollution varies due to disparities in urbanization development in different regions. The purpose of this paper is to explore the global spatial distribution and temporal variation of PM2.5 in cities with populations greater than 300,000 from 2000 to 2020, to gain insight into the issue. The findings indicate that PM2.5 concentrations are expected to continue increasing as urbanization progresses, but the rate of evolution of PM2.5 concentration varies depending on the continent, country, and city. From 2000 to 2020, PM2.5 concentration increased significantly in Asia and Africa, with the majority of the increased concentrations located in Asian countries and some African countries. On the other hand, most European and American countries had lower PM2.5 concentrations. The results of this study have the potential to inform urbanization policy formulation by providing knowledge about the spatial distribution of PM2.5 pollution during global urbanization. Addressing the issue of PM2.5 pollution is critical in achieving SDG 11.6 and promoting sustainable and coordinated development in cities worldwide.
The Role of Non-classical and Chain-Related Human Leukocyte Antigen Polymorphisms in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ormandjieva Anastasia , Yordanov Stanislav , Stoyanov Hristo , Deliverska Elitsa , Shivarov Velizar , Ivanova Milena 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background:Laryngeal cancer is one of the most common head and neck malignancies worldwide. Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the major pathological subtype of laryngeal cancer. LSCC originates from the epidermal keratinocytes and is characterized by impaired keratinization. It has been shown that alterations of the expression of non-classical human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and the chain-related MIC molecules by malignant cells can lead to escape from the immune system control and certain allele variants may participate in immune editing and therefore be associated with modulation of cancer risk. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of non-classical HLA class Ib and chain-related MIC polymorphisms, determined at the allelic level by next-generation sequencing (NGS), in patients from the Bulgarian population, diagnosed with LSCC.
Materials and methods:In the present study DNA samples from 48 patients with LSCC were used. Data was compared to 68 healthy controls analysed in previous studies. HLA genotyping was performed by using the AlloSeq Tx17 early pooling protocol and the library preparation AlloSeq Tx17 kit (CareDx). Sequencing was performed on MiniSeq sequencing platform (Illumina) and HLA genotypes were assigned with the AlloSeq Assign analysis software v1.0.3 (CareDx) and the IPD-IMGT/HLA database 3.45.1.2.
Results:The HLA disease association tests revealed a statistically significant predisposing association of HLA-F*01:01:02 (P=0.0103, OR=24.0194) with LSCC, while HLA-F*01:01:01 (P=8.21e-04, OR=0.0485) has a possible protective association. Additionally we observed several haplotypes with statistically significant protective and predisposing associations. The strongest association was observed for F*01:01:01-H*01:01:01 (P=0.0054, haplotype score=-2.7801).
Conclusion:Our preliminary study suggests the involvement of HLA class Ib in cancer development and the possible role of the shown alleles as biomarkers of development of LSCC.
Explaining persistent physical symptoms to patients in general practice: can tests to measure central sensitisation add value? A mixed-methods study.
Authors: Boer Carine den , Krak Zola , Terluin Berend , Wouden Johannes C. van der , Blankenstein Annette H. , Horst Henriette E. van der 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Introduction
GPs struggle to explain to patients with persistent physical symptoms (PPS) why their symptoms persist. Providing an explanation of the central sensitisation (CS) mechanism to patients could be helpful, yet GPs do not test for signs of CS in patients. Our aim was to explore whether applying a test for assessing CS is valuable for the explanation.
Methods
In a prospective study, 25 GPs applied three tests, selected in a Delphi study, to assess CS-related symptoms: 1. the Central Sensitisation Inventory (CSI); 2. an algometer for pressure pain thresholds (PPT); 3. a monofilament for temporal summation. After the test, GP and patient filled in a short questionnaire. Finally, GPs shared their experiences in focus groups and interviews; we interviewed a sample of patients individually. We analysed the questionnaires quantitatively and the focus groups and interviews qualitatively; two researchers analysed the data.
Results
GPs found that all tests were feasible to perform during consultations; testing took less than 5 minutes in 25% and between 5 and 10 minutes in 60% of the applied tests. In about 50%, an additional consultation was necessary to perform the test. The results of the CSI confirmed CS-related symptoms more often (74%) than the algometer (46%) and monofilament (43%), and many GPs therefore preferred the CSI. Patients had no preference for a particular test; most patients found the tests valuableand the explanation of CS clearer when a test was used.
Conclusions
In addition to explaining CS to patients with PPS, GPs applied three tests to assess CS: an algometer, a monofilament and the CSI. Testing during the consultation was feasible, although an extra consultation was needed in 50% of the cases. GPs preferred the CSI since its results confirmed symptoms were related to CS more often than the results from the algometer and monofilament.
Sr/Ca in foraminiferal calcite as a proxy for calcifying fluid composition
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Jia Qicui , Watkins James , Devriendt Laurent , Huang Yuefei , Wang Guangqian 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Foraminifera are unicellular organisms that inhabit the oceans. They play an important role in the global carbon cycle and record valuable paleoclimate information through the uptake of trace elements such as strontium (Sr) into their calcitic (CaCO3) shells. Understanding how foraminifera control their internal fluid composition to make CaCO3 is important for predicting their response to ocean acidification and for reliably interpreting the chemical and isotopic compositions of their shells. Here, we model foraminiferal calcification and strontium partitioning in the benthic foraminifera Cibicides wuellerstorfi and Cibicidoides mundulus based on insights from inorganic calcite experiments. The model reconciles inter-ocean and taxonomic differences in benthic foraminifer Sr/Ca partitioning relationships and enables us to reconstruct the composition of the calcifying fluid. We find that Sr partitioning and mineral growth rates of foraminiferal calcite are not significantly affected by changes in external seawater pH (within 7.8–8.1) and [DIC] (within 2100–2300 µmol/kg) due to a regulated calcite saturation state at the site of shell formation. Such homeostasis of the calcifying fluid could explain why foraminifera have been resilient to changes in ocean carbonate chemistry for more than 500 million years. Nevertheless, our model indicates that past foraminiferal DSr values were lower than its modern value due to overall lower ocean pH and higher seawater temperature during the early and middle Cenozoic.
Relationship between UV-Vis spectrum of dissolved organic matter and enzyme activity under the effect of the natural nitrogen and phosphorus in sediment
Authors: Zhao Zike , Shi Xintong , Wang Chao , Su Wanyin , Feng Mengqian , Zhang Jiahui , Yang Bo 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The decomposition of organic matter(OM) into dissolved organic matter(DOM) isaccomplished by a series of bacterial extracellular enzymes, which can also be affected by nitrogen and phosphorus. There have been many studies on the molecular weight, source, humification characteristics, decomposition and transformation of OM, but fewer studies on the relationship between DOM with enzyme activity under the natural total nitrogen(TN) and total phosphorus(TP). So we investigated the natural TN and TP concentration in the offshore sediments of mangrove forest and oyster farm and explored their effects on the UV-Vis spectral characteristics of DOM in combination with the enzymatic activities of neutral phosphatase (Nep), lignin peroxidase (Lip) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in the profile sediment. The results showed that the mean TN concentration ranged from 16.3 to 19.9 g/kg and the mean TP concentration ranged from 0.41 to 0.47 g/kg at different depths of sediments. Local correlation analysis showed that the natural TN in the mangrove mid-tide zone could enhance the PPO activity, while TP in the oyster farm high-tide zone inhibited the PPO activity. Elevated TP concentration led to higher aromatic condensation and humification of OM, while enzyme activity did not correlate with any UV-Vis spectral parameter of the DOM within the overall area, indicating that the OM in the study area was mainly composed of terrestrial source that were not decomposed by enzymatic reactions but inorganic chemical reactions .
Carotid Doppler findings among patients admitted with stroke in two tertiary care facilities in Uganda: A Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Walubembe Jonathan , Ssinabulya Isaac , Mubuuke Aloysius G. , Kagwa Mark Mohan , Babirye Deborah , Okot Jerom , Bongomin Felix , Nakku Miriam , Ongom Diana Okello , Ameda Faith 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

BackgroundCarotid Atherosclerotic Disease (CAD) Doppler findings including carotid artery stenosis, thickened intima media thickness, and high-risk atherosclerotic plaques are associated with increased risk of stroke and symptomatic cerebrovascular disease. However, few studies have explored these Doppler characteristics among stroke patients in Africa. This study, therefore, investigates these carotid artery Doppler characteristics among stroke patients in Uganda.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study of 95 stroke patients attending two national referral hospitals in Uganda between March and July 2022. Following the caption of their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, they underwent Doppler sonography of the extracranial carotid arteries using a standard carotid Doppler protocol. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with abnormal carotid Doppler parameters (i.e., carotid intima-media thickness, carotid stenosis).ResultsThe mean age of the study participants was 61 ± 13 years with 60% (57/95) of the participants being male. Most participants had an ischemic stroke (67%), hypertension (76.4%), and used alcohol (58.9%). The prevalence of significant carotid stenosis in participants with ischemic stroke was 12.5% (8/64) (i.e., 7.8% had severe carotid stenosis and 4.7% had moderate stenosis). The prevalence of high carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and atherosclerotic plaques were 31.6% (30/95) and 26.3% (25/95), respectively. Most atherosclerotic plaques were echogenic. Age above 60 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.2, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]:1.97-14;p < 0.010), high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (aOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.29–8.79;p = 0.013) increased the likelihood of having abnormal CIMT.ConclusionThe burden of carotid atherosclerotic disease is increasing among stroke patients in Uganda. Large-scale epidemiological studies are needed to further profile the disease in high risk populations.
Virtual Screening and Reality Verification:Elemene Injectable Emulsion acts on the key targets and pathways of Colorectal Adenoma Cancerization
Authors: Chen Tingting , Shi Yabo , Bao Jianrong , Shi Wenchuan , Liu Fang 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose Most colorectal cancer(CRC) is developed from intestinal adenomatous polyps. Therefore, it is urgent to find new therapeutic drugs to intervene intestinal adenoma development in CRC.ELEMENE INJECTABLE EMULSION(EIE) has been reported to exert antitumor activity in various digestive tumor diseases. However, the mechanism of EIE in preventing colorectal adenoma (precancerous lesions) from developing into CRC has not been systematically explored.Methods Using network pharmacology correlation analysis and molecular docking, the central target of EIE in preventing colorectal adenoma(CRA) from transforming into cancer through innate immunity was excavated and verified. The differentially enriched pathways of human CRA, CRC, and corresponding adjacent tissue samples were analyzed by reverse-phase protein array (RPPA) to verify the relevant mechanism. Colon cancer cells were intervened to observe the proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle in different concentrations of EIE. The predicted related targets were verified by RT-PCR(real-time PCR), and the pathways were confirmed by Western blot.Results The analysis results show that Retinoid X Receptor alpha (RXRa) was the key target gene, and the main pathway was PI3K/AKt. Molecular docking results show that β- Elemene,γ-Elemene, and δ- Elemene have a strong affinity for RXRa.RPPA technology was used to analyze the functional enrichment of the differentially expressed genes of the Adenoma Cancer sequence, Adenoma Paracancerous sequence, and Cancer-Paracancerous sequence. The enrichment results of the three groups of sequence differential genes showed that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was the most significant. In addition, based on HCT116 and THC8307 in vitro experiments, PI3K,p-PI3K, Akt,p-Akt, and RXRa proteins and the relative expression of RXRa mRNA in the EIE intervention group were studied, and the predicted results were verified.Conclusion This is also the first evidence that our data provide that elemene aims to target the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and RXRa, a target gene to play its role in affecting the development of CRA in cancer through innate immunity.