bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a web-based nomogram for predicting cancer-specific survival in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A SEER database analysis
Authors: Liu Yao-Ge , Jiang Shi-Tao , Zhang Jun-Wei , Zhang Lei , Zhao Hai-Tao , Sang Xin-Ting , Lu Xin , Xu Yi-Yao 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICCA) is one of the most malignant tumors of the biliary system. This study aims to develop and validate a prognostic nomogram that can estimate the probability of 1-, 3- and 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) for ICCA patients.
Methods
Clinical data of 1387 patients diagnosed with ICCA between 2010 and 2017 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were analyzed. 970 patients were set as the training cohort to construct the nomogram while the rest 417 patients were set as the validation cohort. To compare the efficacy to predict 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS of the nomogram with the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system, we evaluated the Harrell’s index of concordance (C-index), area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and decision curve analysis (DCA) in both cohorts. Meanwhile, a dynamic network-based nomogram was published.
Results
Age, sex, AJCC T stage, AJCC N stage, AJCC M stage, surgery status, and tumor grade were selected as independent prognostic risk factors to build the nomogram. The C-index in the training and validation cohorts were 0.726 and 0.711 respectively. The AUCs in the training cohort for 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS prediction were 0.787, 0.828, and 0.843. In the validation cohort, the AUCs were 0.776, 0.817, and 0.782. All of the AUCs of the nomogram for 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS prediction performed better than the AJCC staging system. Moreover, the DCA analysis demonstrated the net benefit of the nomogram was better. The survival analysis showed the survival rate of patients classified as high-risk based on the nomogram score was significantly lower compared to those categorized as low-risk (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions
An accurate and convenient nomogram was established to assist clinicians in making more personalized prognosis predictions for ICCA patients.
A theoretical study of spectral properties of pulsed chirped Generalized beams in oceanic turbulence
Authors: Benzehoua Halima , Saad Faroq , Belafhal Abdelmajid 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Generalized Hermite cosh Gaussian (GHCG) beam has been produced as generalized beams with special profiles. The analytical expression of the intensity spectral of pulsed chirped GHCG beam passing through turbulent oceanic is derived using extended Huygens-Fresnel principle and the Fourier Transform method. The study examines various factors, including ocean turbulence, transverse position, and initial beam parameters, to understand their influence on the spectral intensity of the pulsed chirped GHCG beam by using numerical simulations. Moreover, the effects of both optical parameters and oceanic turbulence parameters on spectral shifts at different observation positions are discussed in detail. The results obtained provide a comprehensive understanding of the spectral transition of the pulsed chirped GHCG beam propagating through turbulent oceanic environments and hold potential applications in information coding and transmission for marine communication systems.
Irregularly-bounded cross sections’ shape factors from high-order piecewise-polynomials
Authors: Júnior Valdecir Alves dos Santos , de Oliveira José One , de Oliveira Gustavo Charles Peixoto 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In a two-dimensional domain, bounded cross-sections are interpretable from the generalized concept of “aperture” and embrace uncountable applications. Shapefactors for apertures confined by irregular boundaries are much less known than regular ones. Besides, they are poorly estimated due to restrictions in experimental measurements of underlying properties and do not have immediate determination. An example is the estimation of the Kozeny constant in models derived from the classical Kozeny-Carman equation. This paper presents a numerical Galerkinbasedintegral (GBI) model that computes shape factors for apertures confined by arbitrary boundaries, thus filling a knowledge gap regarding shape factor determination. The technique relies on two underlying pillars: accurate boundary reconstruction by high-order piecewise polynomials and shape factor recovery using the Poiseuille number. The GBI technique treats the fluid flow as fully developed under the laminar regime, thus allowing a reasonable comprehension of the cross-sectional dynamics. Our study stands on realistic apertures modeled from rock core samples and is additive to understanding transport mechanisms in fractured media. The outcomes are specifically helpful for people who deal with fluid injection of any kind and need to compute shape factors for ducts, fissures, or cracks, either for biotechnology, engineering, or medical applications.
Salamander Habitats in an Urban Context within Allegheny County
Authors: Flynn Sean , Flynn Sean Patrick 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Human population growth has led to urbanization. Ecosystems produce habitats for many species in both local and national areas. Salamanders are crucial for ecosystems and urbanization affects them by having habitats being destroyed. Several tools along with a comparison between the Simpson and McIntosh Biodiversity Index, allows the results to show similar scores between the diversity indexes and while the scores are great considering the landscape of Allegheny County, more research needs to be done regarding observations and how the ever-changing environment affects salamanders throughout the life cycle.
A Hybrid Modeling Framework for Generalizable and Interpretable Predictions of ICU Mortality: Leveraging ICD Codes in a Multi-Hospital Study of Mechanically Ventilated Influenza Patients
Authors: Samadi Moein Einollahzadeh , Guzman-Maldonado Jorge , Nikulina Kateryna , Mirzaieazar Hedieh , Sharafutdinov Konstantin , Fritsch Sebastian Johannes , Schuppert Andreas 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The development of reliable mortality risk stratification models is an active research area in computational healthcare. Mortality risk stratification provides a standard to assist physicians in evaluating a patient's condition or prognosis objectively. Particular interest lies in methods that are transparent to clinical interpretation and that retain predictive power once validated across diverse datasets they were not trained on.
We've developed a hybrid model integrating mechanistic, clinical knowledge with mathematical and machine learning models to predict ICU mortality using ICD codes. A tree-structured network connecting independent modules that carry clinical meaning is implemented for interpretability. The trained model is then validated on external datasets from different hospitals, demonstrating successful generalization capabilities.
Research on reliability from wastewater online monitoring data for CODcr with primary test method by CSS-bias-correction of Deming regression analysis
Authors: Xingrong Niu , Lei Geng , Zhijing Sun , Shuo Yang , Zhiqiang Pan , Dongchang Ma , Douwen Wang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
There is a large number of online automatic devices, as the process stream analyzer undertaken testing in China, for their superiority compared with the laboratory technology. However, it has to be admitted that the online system, belonging to a non-standard, shall be paid more attention for its reliability. In this paper, for the chemical oxygen demand-dichromate method (CODcr) analysis in wastewater pollution sources using the online system (as X-method) [1–6] in comparison with primary test method (PTM as Y-method) [7], we, via Deming regression [8] of variable error at levels, fit with centered squares sum (CSS) correction between both methods, first unbiased (CSS0), and then constant bias (CSS1) or linear bias (CSS2). F and t, as well as χ2 distribution test are subsequently followed by for the selected CSS. To ensure residuals from the selected CSS under independent identical distribution (i.i.d) condition [9–15], Anderson Darling (AD) hypothesis test [16–19] is strongly recommended for i.i.d condition. All cumulative effects brought by the corrected online system under top-down site precision, are incorporated into the estimated value of the extended uncertainty to the maximum extent and avoided the complicated correlation, which is very helpful to improve the quality level of the online system.
The Use of GIS and Multi Criteria Analysis for Sustainable Land Use Planning in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Lalitpur District, Nepal
Authors: Thapa Narayan , Pant Pragya , Parsai Ritika , Mahata Aayush , Dulal Sujan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Nepal is facing rapid urbanization leading to unplanned land development/use. This research paper focuses on conducting a comprehensive land use suitability analysis for urban development in Lalitpur District, Nepal. By employing Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multi-criteria Analysis (MCA) techniques, this study aims to provide valuable insights into identifying suitable area for urban development and facilitating valuable insights into identifying suitable area for urban expansion and opening doors for informed decision making by planner and policy makers. By studying factors such as existing infrastructure which include land cover, population density, flood sensitivity, slope, digital elevation model (DEM), road network and proximity to brick factory, land fill site the study identified suitable areas for urban development in Lalitpur District. We divided the study area into four suitability classes: highly suitable, moderately suitable, marginally suitable, and not suitable. From our case study we found out that the highly suitable regions are typically flat, have low population densities, areas close to infrastructure, far away from landfill site, flood region and brick factory. Moderate suitable areas are typically hilly, have higher population densities, and areas farther from infrastructure. Marginal suitable areas are in floodplains, have steep slopes, and are near to industrial areas. Not suitable areas are too steep, highly prone to flood, too close to industrial areas, and have high population density. The findings of the analysis emphasize the importance of considering environmental factors in land use planning and urban development. It highlights the need to preserve green spaces, protect water bodies, and ensure the long-term well-being of residents. The results provide valuable insights for decision-makers and urban planners, enabling them to make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively.
Effect of molecular perovskite energetic materials DAP-4 on energy performances of solid propellants
Authors: Wang Yi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The molecular perovskite high-energetic material, i.e., (H2dabco)[NH4(ClO4)3] (DAP-4), is a highly promising explosive. Its standard specific impulse (Isp) is up to 3324.2N·s/kg and it is currently known as the high-energy material with the highest specific impulse among the high explosives. In this work, the energy performances of HTPB propellants, GAP propellants, CMDB propellants, and NEPE propellants are calculated by means of NASA-CEA2 software under standard conditions. The focus was on studying the trend of propellant energy changes after replacing RDX, HMX, CL-20, and TKX-50 with DAP-4, meanwhile, the energy performance of four types of propellants containing DAP-4 are compared. The results show that the standard specific impulse (Isp) and characteristic velocity (C*) increase linearly when DAP-4 is added to the propellant formula. Especially when the formula only contains DAP-4, the Isp of HTPB propellant, GAP propellant, CMDB propellant, and NEPE propellant reach 2731.3N/s/kg, 2782.2N/s/kg, 2873.2N/s/kg, and 2898.3N/s/kg, respectively, and C* reach 1673.5m/s, 1686.5m/s, 1745.4m/s, and 1758.5m/s, respectively. They are much higher than the specific impulse and characteristic velocity of solid propellant known at present, and this means that strategic missiles can increase the weight of the warhead by 2-3 times, or reduce the volume of the missile to 2/3 of its original volume, while maintaining a constant range. Moreover, when the mass fraction of DAP-4 is fixed, the energy performance ranking of the four propellants is: CL-20 propellant > HMX propellant ≈ RDX propellant > TKX-50 propellant. At the same time, the data of combustion temperature (Tc) and average molecular weight (Mc) of combustion products are also given. By analyzing the changes of these two parameters, the change mechanism of specific impulse and characteristic velocity after adding DAP-4 is partially explained, which provides a reference for the application of DAP-4 in solid propellant.
Anti-inflammatory effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in THP-1 macrophages: promising in-vitro insights
Authors: Hinai Hamed Al , Hooper Sam , Potter Steve , Alawi Sulaiman Amur Al , Shuhoumi Mohammed Al , Anna Dorel 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Uncontrolled inflammation is a one route to the pathogenesis and development of inflammatory diseases. The scientific literature has reported many evidences supporting the notion that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) belonging to the family of n-3 including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), have an anti-inflammatory function. Although much has been learned about EPA and DHA, so many questions remain unanswered, including the differential effects on health of DHA and EPA as well as the dose-response effect on clinical outcomes. The present study is aimed to investigate the effect of the PUFAs; EPA and DHA in the inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated THP-1 macrophages.
Methods
Cells were incubated for 24 and 48 hours with EPA and DHA. Cell viability test were used to determine the viability of cells during and after incubation. Doses concentrations of 0.09 and 0.45 mM for both EPA and DHA were utilized to study the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines that were measured by ELISA test. All data were presented as SEM and subjected to normality test by Anderson and Pearson tests and the statistical significance difference was determined via one-way ANOVA test.
Results
Our study revealed interesting findings that are in a significant agreement to other studies in the literature. DHA illustrated a decrease on the levels of IL-6 in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells treated with 0.09 mM, and a greater reduction with 0.45 mM DHA concentration (P<0.001). Moreover, DHA in our study, achieved no statistically significant difference in TNF-alpha inflammatory cytokines compared to cells alone (P<0.001). On the other hand, LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells, when subjected to EPA, it showed a significant decline in both IL-6 and TNF-alpha in the higher dose only and failed to express a statistically significant difference in 0.09 mM (P<0.001).
Conclusion
In conclusion, our data support the notion that PUFAs represented in EPA and DHA, are capable to reduce the expression of inflammatory cytokines. DHA stands out as a more potent anti-inflammatory agent which is a suggestive for a valuable marker to fight chronic diseases. Both in-vivo animals and human trials are urgently demanded to validate our current data.
Investigation of Crumb Rubber Modification on the Performance of Bitumen and Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Haroon Waqas , Ahmad Naveed 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The performance of flexible pavements is greatly influenced by rutting, fatigue, and durability. The limitations of traditional bitumen in flexible asphalt pavements are due to the significant rise in traffic loads and volumes. The reason for incorporating tire waste into bitumen is its incredible qualities and economical price as a bitumen modifier. The quality of crumb rubber-modified bitumen (CRMB) mainly depends on the concentration of crumb rubber (CR) dispersed into the base bitumen. The primary target of this research is to modify the bitumen with CR to improve the thermal properties, rheology, rutting resistance, fatigue resistance, and moisture-damaged performance. The three concentrations, i.e., 5%, 10%, and 15% of CR, were prepared by dispersion in conventional 60/70 penetration grade bitumen. The consistency and mixture test results concluded that the optimum dosage of CR-10% provides appropriate thermal, rheological, rut, fatigue, and moisture-damaged performance.
The Safi boulders (South of Morocco): another evidence of the 1755 Lisbon tsunami?
Authors: Khalfaoui Otmane , Joudar Imane , Chahid Nouhaila Erraj , Khalidi Khalid El , Minoubi Abdenaim , Bouchkara Mohammed , Zourarah Bendahhou 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Tsunamis and storm surges are among several hazards threatening the Atlantic coast of Morocco. During the last two decades, sedimentological deposits left by these events, in the form of fine-grained sediments (washover) and boulders, have been studied along the Moroccan shores to determine the return period of these events and how they fluctuate in terms of intensity. The present work investigates two new boulder fields located along the Safi coast (south of Morocco). Field surveys were accomplished in the two areas to collect the position/elevation and dimensions of 164 boulders using a GPS/DGPS and a traditional meter, respectively. The field data was combined with hydrodynamic equations to estimate the minimum velocity and storm/tsunami wave height to move the measured boulders. In site 1, the boulders are situated on a rocky intertidal platform, while in the second, they are on the top of a cliff. For both sites, the size of the boulders ranges from 0.6 to 5.60 m, 0.54 to 3.6 m, and 0.27 to 1.5 m on the major (a), medium (b), and minor (c) axes, respectively. They reach a volume of up to 25.20 m3 and a weight of 55.44 t. The maximum distance and elevation recorded are around 41.77 m and 13 m, respectively. According to hydrodynamic equations, the coastal platform boulders (site 1) can be moved by tsunami waves with heights between 0.31 and 2.50 m, and storm waves from 1.26 to 10 m. For the cliff-top boulders (site 2), they need tsunami and storm waves with at least 7.33 and 14.33 m, respectively, to be displaced. The results from the field surveys and hydrodynamic equations suggest that both, tsunami and storm waves, are capable of moving the boulders in site 1. For the cliff top-boulders, the data favours tsunamis as a source for this deposit.
Modulation of struvite composition in full-scale nutrient recovery system using source-separated urine
Authors: Jang Ziya Sing-guang , Lim Kahui , Leverenz Harold 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Using urine collected from a public restroom at a highway rest stop in Northern California, a full-scale nutrient recovery system involving a two-part system consisting of urine distillation followed by the precipitation of struvite crystals was characterized. The study examined the effects of different operational parameters of the coupled ammonium distillation and struvite process (CADSP) on the composition of struvite crystals and the overall nutrient recovery rates. System inputs that were investigated included the feed:steam (F:S), alkalinity source, and urinary pH. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the composition of the struvite produced can be varied by adjusting the preceding distillation unit process. Low F:S distillation operations result in high ammonium distillation rates which coincided with increased formation of magnesium potassium phosphate (MPP) while higher F:S operations led to conditions favorable to magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) precipitation. Therefore, low energy distillation operations (high F:S) are more conducive to MAP formation and high phosphorus recovery rates while high energy operations (Iow F:S) are more conducive to MPP formation. Sodium-based alkalinity sources should also be avoided in instances of low ammonium concentrations in the struvite precipitation tank to minimize the co-precipitation of magnesium sodium phosphate (MSP) with MPP.
Losartan: A Pharmacotherapy in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Tolou Ghamari Zahra 
Published: August 2023

Background:
A recently published article confirmed that in 2019, around 523 million people suffered from cardiovascular disease (including 18.6 million deaths) worldwide. Losartan, a drug, was patented 35 years ago and approved for medical use in the United States in 1995 (28 years ago). As an effective treatment for hypertension, losartan blocks the interaction of angiotensin II with its receptor by inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system.

Objective:
This article aims to review the available literature and recent studies demonstrating the efficacy, safety, mechanism of action and drug-drug interactions of losartan in cardiovascular disease.

Methods:
This is a focused literature review with the keywords relevant to the terms performed in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science through May 28, 2023, according to the PRISMA guidelines. Based on the PICO standard format, fifty-two relevant in-depth consequent guide approaches and evidence-based choices were selected associated with a knowledgeable collection of current, high-quality manuscripts.

Results:
After oral administration, time to reach maximum concentration is about 1-2 hours. With a 78% binding to protein, it has a bioavailability of 25-35%. Losartan is not removed by hemodialysis. For the full effect to occur, it may take up to 6 weeks. The drug is mainly prescribed for patients with high blood pressure, diabetic nephropathy, hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. The publication reported higher drug exposures and adverse reactions in women than men with antihypertensive medications. Losartan could improve changes in gut microbiota that might be associated with hypertension. In the high-risk group of renal transplant recipients with arterial hypertension, research reported well-controlled blood pressure with losartan monotherapy.

Conclusion:
In addition to the major losartan interactions with captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, and lithium, there are moderate interactions with aspirin, pregabalin, alprazolam, amitriptyline, baclofen, betamethasone, buspirone. Muscle cramps, respiratory infection, cough, hyperkalemia, anemia and stuffy nose are the main reported side effects. As polypharmacy could hide pharmacokinetics interaction due to cytochrome P450, therefore, the combination of losartan with drugs such as phenobarbital, rifampin or fluconazole needs vigilant attention regarding therapeutic drug monitoring.
MDCT Imaging of Volvulus Complicated with Acute Mesenteric Ischemia
Secondary to a Large Diverticulum of Jejunum in an Adult: A Case Report and
Literature Review
Authors: Lei Yan , Li Zhi-chun , Zhu Ting-ting , He Qian , Li Yong , Tang Wei 
Published: August 2023

Introduction:
A large jejunal diverticulum has been reported as a possible cause of volvulus and acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) in adults. A large diverticulum of the small bowel complicated with volvulus has been reported before in literature. However, imaging findings of a large diverticulum of the small bowel complicated with both volvulus and AMI on MDCT are rarely described and reported. In this study, we reported a case with a large diverticulum, volvulus, and AMI concurrently; these three imaging findings were reviewed and described on MDCT, and the relevant literature was briefly introduced.

Case report:
We reported the case of a 69-year-old man who presented to our hospital with acute abdominal pain and vomiting. An emergent abdominal enhanced MDCT imaging was performed and demonstrated the volvulus secondary to a large diverticulum of the jejunum complicated with AMI. Here, a case was presented that highlighted unique imaging findings on MDCT, as well as a literature review.

Conclusion:
A review of the literature revealed that a single jejunal diverticulum causing both volvulus and AMI is rare in adults. To our knowledge, a systemic description of their signs on MDCT in a case has not been reported yet.