bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fishing in your backyard: otters that prey on urban resources
Authors: Duarte Jesus , Rodríguez Diego , Farfán Miguel Ángel , Fa Julia E. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
We monitored the incidence of predation behavior in Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) from urban ponds in southern Spain, following reports of the mustelids’ presence in various urban locations. In one of the case studies, 30 small common carp and 35 Koi fish were released in May 2017 and April 2018, respectively, into two different ponds. Otters extensively predated on these fish over a period of 75–80 days. Only two small carp (6.6%) survived in one of the ponds and 10 Koi fish (28.5%) in the other. The surviving Koi were relocated. We determined that fish survival functions and mortality rates between these two years were not significantly different. At the second urban location, otters extensively predated on Iberian frogs over a period of 5–6 days in May 2018, left the area, and repeated this pattern in May 2019. Finally, at the third urban location, otters consumed 20 goldfish in 16 days in August 2018. Our results indicate that available food resources in urban settings can become a viable option for certain bold individuals of wildlife species and that otters appear to explore urban habitats when it suits them. Appropriate management and damage control strategies are therefore needed to ensure the survival of this protected species in case food resources in the wild become limited and urban raids become habitual.
Numerical and experimental investigations on cutting force of broaching internal spline holes
Authors: Ying Shenshun , Fu Chentai , Zhang Shunqi , Lin Lvgao 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Cutting force in broaching process is essential information for quality controlling, troubleshooting and tool life prediction, yet existing technical bottleneck in prediction and acquirement in internal spline holes broaching process. Based on the mechanics of orthogonal metal cutting, a numerical model of the cutting force in internal spline broaching is constructed by Johnson-Cook material constitutive and failure model taking friction on both rake face and flank face into consideration, and is used to numerically estimate the cutting forces. A measurement apparatus is developed and real-time cutting force is monitored, which contains the effects of structural vibration and can be divided into static cutting force and dynamic cutting force. Wavelet transform filtering method is therefore employed to separate the static component from dynamic component. Calculated value of the cutting force by numerical model is in good agreement with the static cutting force by experimental measuring. The model and measurement method are feasible in intelligent manufacturing where internal broaching process is used.
The Impact of Radiation Therapy Variables on Pediatric High-Grade Glioma Outcomes: A National Cancer Database Analysis
Authors: Williamson Christopher , Williamson Shayla , Jiang Renjian , Sudmeier Lisa , Esiashvili Natia , Eaton Bree R. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Pediatric high-grade glioma (HGG) is a devastating disease with a poor prognosis. The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the impact of Radiation Therapy (RT) variables on outcomes of pediatric HGG patients in the National Cancer Database (NCDB).
Methods
The NCDB was used to select patients age < 22 with histologically proven WHO Grade III and IV gliomas treated with ≥ 50Gy and < 76Gy RT between 2004 and 2013. RT variables including RT dose, timing between diagnosis and RT initiation (< 4 weeks, 4–6 weeks, or > 6 weeks), and RT modality were analyzed along with baseline demographic, tumor and treatment variables to assess the impact on overall survival in univariate and multivariable analyses.
Results
498 pediatric HGG patients were included. Histologies included glioblastoma (30%), astrocytoma (55%), oligogendroglioma (5%) and gliomas not otherwise specific (10%). The median RT dose was 59.4 Gy (SD 2.9 Gy) starting a median of 4.4 weeks from diagnosis (SD 2.5 weeks). Median follow-up was 19.6 months with 1- and 3-year OS of 78.4% and 40.4%, respectively. On Multivariable analysis, female gender, older age, and private insurance remained independently associated with lower rate of overall death. Radiation initiation ≤ 4 weeks from diagnosis, and glioblastoma histology were significantly associated with higher rate of overall death. There was no relationship between radiation dose or whether radiation was delivered with proton or photon therapy and overall survival.
Conclusions
Outcomes for pediatric HGG are poor. Early initiation of RT within 4 weeks from diagnosis was negative associated with overall survival and may be related to unknown prognostic factors.
A New Solution for D2D Assisted 5G AR Communications
Authors: Urosevic Ugljesa , Veljovic Zoran 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Device-to-Device (D2D) communications are one of the main drivers of new wireless standards. D2D improves resource utilization, spectral efficiency, energy efficiency and cellular coverage of wireless networks. In some applications like online gaming, video streaming and multimedia downloading, performances can be deteriorated for users at cell edges. This is particulary emphasises in the case of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. AR is a highly visual, interactive method of presenting relevant digital information in the context of the physical environment, e.g. connecting employees and improving business outcomes. In this paper, a new communication scheme with D2D assistance is proposed, which can significantly increase the spectral/energy efficiency in 5G AR use cases. The proposed scheme combines multiple input multiple output (MIMO) techniques, relaying and spatial modulation (SM). It allows the formation of virtual MIMO unicast, SM multicast, and SM unicast channels between AR devices. The simulation results show that spectral/energy efficiency can be significantly increased without significantly impairing bit error rate (BER) performance.
Development Of Highly Durable Superhydrophobic And UV-Resistant Wood By E-Beam Radiation Curing
Authors: Li Yulong , Xiong Zhi , Zhang Mingxing , He Yulong , Yang Yan , Liao Youwei , Hu Jiangtao , Wang Minglei , Wu Guozhong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Developing a practical strategy to fabricate an anti-abrasion and durable superhydrophobic wood surface with ultraviolet (UV) resistance has great practical significance for expanding the application of natural wood. In this study, a robust superhydrophobic layer with a hierarchical micro/nano-roughness structure was modified on the wood surface through in-situ mineralization and polymerization using a simple sol–gel method along with efficient electron beam (EB) curing technology. Hydrophobic agent (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS), and crosslinking monomer (γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane, MAPS) form new covalent bonds between TiO2 particle layer and wood substrate after EB radiation，which endows robust superhydrophobicity and remarkable UV resistance on the wood surface. The as-prepared wood exhibited a water contact angle (WCA) of approximately 165.7° and obvious repellency to many aqua-phase liquids (cola, strongly acidic, alkaline droplets etc.). Furthermore, the hierarchical micro/nano-protrusion structures remained unchanged and micro/nano particles aggregated tightly on the as-prepared wood surface under harsh external environments (sandpaper abrasion and, ultrasonic treatment), confirming the desirable anti-abrasion and mechanically durable performance of the superhydrophobic surface. After the 18-day UV accelerated weathering test, the TiO2 particle layer conspicuously retained the discoloration and maintained its exceptional repellency toward water. The biomimetic superhydrophobic wood with excellent mechanical durability and UV resistance reveals its potential application in the furniture and architecture fields.
Endemism in Recently Diverged Angiosperms Is Associated With Chromosome Set Duplication
Authors: Villa Sara , Montagna Matteo , Pierce Simon 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Chromosome set duplication (polyploidy) drives instantaneous speciation and shifts in ecology for angiosperms, and is frequently observed in neo-endemic species. However, the extent to which chromosome set duplication is associated with endemism throughout the flowering plants has not been determined. We hypothesised that across the angiosperms polyploidy is more frequent and more pronounced (higher evident ploidy levels) for recent endemics. Data on chromosome counts, molecular dating and distribution for 4210 species belonging to the major clades of angiosperms were mined from literature-based databases. As all clades include diploid taxa, with polyploids representing a possible ‘upper limit’ to the number of chromosomes over evolutionary time, upper boundary regression was used to investigate the relationship between the number of chromosomes and time since taxon divergence, both across clades and separately for families, with endemic and non-endemic species compared. A significant negative exponential relationship between the number of chromosomes and taxon age was evident across angiosperm clades (R2adj=0.48 with endemics and non-endemics considered together, R2adj=0.46 for endemics; R2adj=0.44 for non-endemics; p ≤0.0001 in all cases), which was three times stronger for endemics (decay constant=0.12, cf. 0.04 for non-endemics). The majority of families exhibited this relationship, with a steeper regression slope for endemic Campanulaceae, Compositae, Leguminosae, Poaceae, Caryophyllaceae and Rosaceae, cf. non-endemics. In conclusion, chromosome duplication is more frequent and extensive in recent angiosperms, particularly young endemics, supporting the hypothesis of polyploidy as a key driver of neo-endemism. However, as young endemics may also be diploid, polyploidy is not an exclusive driver of neo-endemism.
Three Year Outcomes of Intravitreal Ranibizumab and Aflibercept Treatment of Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema in a Real-World Setting
Authors: Akbaş Yusuf Berk , Alagöz Cengiz , Çakmak Semih , Demir Gökhan , Alagöz Neşe , Artunay Özgür 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
PurposeTo evaluate and compare the functional and anatomical outcomes of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) and aflibercept (IVA) treatments in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME).MethodsFour hundred three eyes of 235 naïve patients who underwent IVR or IVA treatment for diabetic macular edema and followed up to 36 months included in this retrospective, real-life study. All patients underwent 3 loading doses and followed up with a PRN regimen. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were measured at baseline, year 1, 2 and 3. ResultsThere were 198 eyes in IVR group and 205 eyes in IVA group. The changes in mean BCVA were 0.09±0.32 vs 0.17±0.41 logMAR (p=0.042) at year 1, 0.09±0.37 vs 0.12±0.45 logMAR (p=0.512) at year 2 and 0.13± 0.36 vs 0.15±0.48 logMAR (p=0.824) at year 3 in IVA and IVR groups, respectively. The baseline mean BCVA were lower (p=0.004) in IVA group. In terms of CMT changes, there were no differences between groups. Conclusion﻿At year 1, change in mean BCVA was statistically significantly higher in IVA group, however this difference did not persist at year 2 and 3. Both ranibizumab and aflibercept treatments achieved a good long-term visual and anatomical response in DME patients.
Workflow for robust Scholte and Love waves phase-velocity estimation from small aperture Ocean Bottom Seismometer arrays in Lake Lucerne: deployment, location, orientation, and clock error correction
Authors: Lontsi Agostiny Marrios , Shynkarenko Anastasiia , Kremer Katrina , Hobiger Manuel , Bergamo Paolo , Fabbri Stefano C. , Anselmetti Flavio S. , Fäh Donat 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The phase-velocity dispersion curve (DC) is an important characteristic of the propagation of surface waves in sedimentary environments. Although the procedure for DC estimation in onshore environments using ambient vibration recordings is well established, the DC estimation in offshore environments using arrays of Ocean Bottom Seismometers (OBS) presents three main challenges. These are the localization, the orientation of the OBS horizontal components, and the clock error. Here, we concentrate on the workflow for a robust estimation of the phase-velocity dispersion curves from small aperture OBS array measurements in Lake Lucerne (Switzerland). OBS array campaigns were performed between 2018 and 2020 using arrays with a maximum aperture of 679 m at a maximum water depth of 81 m. The challenges related to the OBS location on the lake floor were addressed by combining the multibeam bathymetry map and the backscatter image for the investigated site with the differential GPS coordinates of the OBS at recovery. The OBS measurements were complemented by airgun surveys. Airgun data were first used to estimate the misorientation of the horizontal components of the OBS and second to estimate the clock error. Finally, we use two array processing methods, namely the three-component high-resolution frequency-wavenumber and the interferometric multichannel analysis of surface waves, to estimate the dispersion characteristics of the propagating surface waves for one of the array sites. We clearly observe the phase-velocity dispersion curve branches for Scholte and Love waves in the frequency range between 1.2 and 3.2 Hz for both array processing techniques.
Urinary Phenols and Parabens Metabolites with Cardiovascular Disease in United States Adult
Authors: Yin Ting , Zhu Xu , Cheang Iokfai , Zhou Yufei , Liao Shengen , Lu Xinyi , Zhou Yanli , Yao Wenming , Li Xinli , Zhang Haifeng 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Environmental health has begun to examine the effects of higher-order chemical combinations. The current literature lacks studies exploring associations between multiple organic chemicals mixture and cardiometabolic disease (CVD). This study aimed to evaluate associations between urinary phenol and paraben metabolites and total and individual CVD among a nationally representative sample of adults in the US. This cross-sectional study analyzed 7 urinary chemicals detected among the general population from the 2005–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, n = 10,428). Multivariate logistic regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were applied to examine relationships between phenol and paraben metabolites, alone and combined, and total and individual CVD prevalence. WQS regression showed that phenol and paraben indices were independently correlated with total CVD (adjusted odds ratios [OR]: 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.06–1.28; P = 0.002), angina (adjusted OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.07–1.59; P = 0.009), and heart attack (adjusted OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.12–1.51, P < 0.001). Urinary bisphenol A (URBPA, weight = 0.636) was the most heavily weighted component in the total CVD model. Compared with the lowest quartile, URBPA (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.20–1.91; P = 0.001) levels in the highest quartile were independently associated with increased total CVD. Restricted cubic spline regression demonstrated positive correlations and non-linear associations between URBPA and both total CVD (P for nonlinearity = 0.032) and individual CVD (heart attack; P for nonlinearity = 0.031). Our findings suggested that high combined levels of phenols and parabens are associated with an increased CVD risk, with the URBPA contributing the highest risk.
Variation In The PRNP Gene Of Pere David’s Deer (Elaphurus Davidianus) May Impact Genetic Vulnerability To Chronic Wasting Disease
Authors: Perrin-Stowe Tolulope I.N. , Ishida Yasuko , Terrill Emily E. , Beetem Dan , Ryder Oliver A. , Novakofski Jan E. , Mateus-Pinilla Nohra E. , Roca Alfred L. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy caused by prions that has spread across cervid species in North America since the 1960s and recently spread to cervids in Eurasia. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) considers CWD to be of major concern for cervids in AZA-accredited facilities because of the indirect transmission risk of the disease and the impact of CWD regulatory protocols on captive breeding programs. Vulnerability to CWD is affected by variation in the PRNP gene that encodes the prion protein. We therefore sequenced PRNP in Pere David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus), a species that was extinct in the wild for more than a century, and descends from ca. 11 founders. In 27 individuals, we detected two PRNP haplotypes, designated Elad1 (51 of 54 chromosomes) and Elad2 (3 of 54 chromosomes). The two haplotypes are separated by four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), three of which are non-synonymous. Both Elad1 and Elad2 have polymorphisms that in other cervid taxa are associated with reduced vulnerability to CWD. The two haplotypes are more similar in sequence to PRNP in other cervids than to each other. This suggests that PRNP in cervids may have been under long-term balancing selection, as has been shown for PRNP in non-cervid taxa, and which could account for the presence of multiple haplotypes among founders. There may be a fitness benefit in maintaining both PRNP haplotypes in the species because variation in the prion amino acid sequence can limit transmission of CWD.
The Cold Rolling Load Distribution of the Nuclear Power Zirconium Alloy Based on the Self-adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Yuan Cao , Cao Jianguo , Tao Wang , Leilei Wang , Fang Li , Qian-qian Luo , Peng-fei Zhang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Aiming at the problem of load distribution during multi-pass cold rolling of nuclear zirconium alloy strip, the load distribution model with good shape is established by the self-adaptive particle swarm optimization algorithm (SAPSO), considering the main constraint conditions including rolling force, reduction and torque in cold rolling process. Based on the penalty function method transforming the constraint problem into the unconstrained problem, the particle swarm optimization algorithm with adaptive inertia weight factor optimized the load distribution model is developed to improve the local search ability of the particle swarm optimization algorithm. Compared with the existing nuclear zirconium alloy industrial schedule, the simulation results of load distribution based on the SAPSO can keep good shape in multi-pass cold rolling process with the high prediction accuracy. The industrial experiments demonstrate that the proportional crown difference value is consistent, the plate shape flatness is good.
The Potential Protective Effect of Spirulina Nanoparticles Against Ehrlich Solid Tumor Bearing Mice Induced Liver Toxicity, Tumor Markers, DNA Fragmentation, Oxidative Stress and Monooxygenase Variations
Authors: Alheeti Omar NK , Elsamie Gihan H Abd , El-Banna Sabah G , Tousson Ehab 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Ehrlich solid tumor (EST) is a spontaneous murine mammary adenocarcinoma, undifferentiated, making mainly beneficial for tumors studies. The current research aim to describe the antineoplastic activity of spirulina nanoparticles extract (SP NPs) against EST induced alteration in liver functions, oxidative stress, tumor markers, monooxygenase and DNA damage in female mice. 40 female mice were arbitrarily doled out into 4 gatherings (1st, Control; 2nd, SP NPs; 3rd, EST; 4th, EST + SP NPs). Results revealed significant elevation in the levels of AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, AFP, CEA, DNA damage; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in liver homogenate and depletions in the levels of albumin, total proteins, cytochromes (CYP450 & cyt b5), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver homogenate compared to control. EST Treatment with SP NPs (EST + SP NPs) improved and modulates these variations in liver functions, tumor markers, DNA damage, cytochromes, enzymatic and non-enzymatic, and oxidative stress as compared to mice bearing EST. These results suggest that SP NPs may have hepatic protective, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties; in addition to inhibition of the EST development, and liver DNA damage induced by EST.
Possible Causes of Gender Differences in COVID-19 Infection Rate and Mortality
Authors: liu can , Hu Renwang , Yu Yongqiang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose To study the causes of gender differences in infection rate and mortality of COVID-19.Methods According to the confirmed results so far, it was found that the expression of ACE2, TMPRSS2, NRP1 and FURIN genes were related to SARS-COV-2 virus infected cells; CD4, CD8 and NLRP3 genes were related to human immunological response; NSP1 gene was related to immunosuppression; IL6 (IL-6), IFNG (IFN-γ) and TNF (TNF-α) genes were related to the occurrence of cytokine storm. The differential expression of these genes between male and female were analyzed in normal and tumor patients, and further analyzed in different locations of normal and tumor tissues to find out risk factors affecting the infection rate and mortality. Results In our study, we identified that in the lung tissue, the expression level of ACE2, TMPRSS2, NRP1 and FURIN genes in male patients were higher than those in female patients. In all normal tissues of patients: NRP1, FURIN and NSP1 genes were significantly higher expressed in female. In all tumor tissues of patients: ACE2, FURIN and IL-6 genes were significantly higher expressed in male, while TMPRSS2, CD4, CD8, NLRP3, NSP1 and TNF genes were significantly higher expressed in female.Conclusions The significant differential expression of SARS-COV-2 receptor related genes and immune response related genes between male and female patients may be the reason for the difference in COVID-19 infection rate and mortality. The expression of COVID-19-related genes in normal and tumor patients were also significantly different, so clinical treatment should be treated differently.
Unexpectedly efficient ion desorption of graphene–based materials
Authors: Xia Xinming , Zhou Feng , Xu Jing , Wang Zhongteng , Lan Jian , Yang Zhou , Fan Yan , Wang Zhikun , Liu Wei , Chen Junlang , Feng Shangshen , Chen Liang , Fang Haiping 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Ion desorption is extensive and extremely challenging for adsorbents with superior performance, for which conventional desorption methods involving high acid or base concentrations and large consumption of reagents are widely used. Here we experimentally demonstrated the unexpectedly rapid and efficient desorption of ions on magnetite–graphene oxide (M–GO) by adding trace amounts of Al3+. The corresponding concentration of Al3+ used was reduced by a factor of at least 250 compared with the conventional desorption method. The desorption rate reached up to ~ 97.0% for the typical radioactive and bivalent ions of Co2+, Mn2+, and Sr2+ within ~ 1 min. Importantly, we achieved the effective enrichment of radioactive 60Co, with the volume of the concentrated 60Co solution reduced by approximately 10 times compared with the initial solution. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the interaction of graphene with Al3+ was much stronger than that with divalent ions, yielding the adsorption probability of Al3+ superior to Co2+, Mn2+, and Sr2+ ions, suggesting that the proposed method could be used to enrich a wider range of ions in the fields of energy, biology, environment, and materials science.