bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ocular involvement in metastatic and systemic malignancies is not rare
Authors: Sthapit Purnima Rajkarnikar , Saiju Rohit 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundMetastatic disease to the eye most commonly involves choroid followed by orbit leading to varied ocular manifestations. By comparison, it is relatively rarer than primary malignancies of eye as well as metastasis in other parts of the body.AimThe aim of this study is to evaluate the common eye and orbital structures involved in secondary ocular and metastatic disease, to describe its clinical manifestations and outline the management done.MethodsA retrospective study of newly diagnosed cases of ocular metastasis in last 2 years conducted in our recently established department of ocular oncology at a tertiary eye care hospital in Nepal. Demography, age and sex distribution were noted. The patients were segregated into those with secondary or metastatic ocular malignancies. Detail study on the metastatic disease to eye was made in regards to presenting symptoms, signs, primary site of cancer, and the treatment done. Details of the investigations done, like biopsy and imaging were also recorded.ResultsThere were a total of 28 patients, whose age group ranged from 9 years to 69 years with median age of 43 years. Females constituted 46% of total patients. Both the eyes were involved in 9 patients (32%). Eye was secondarily involved by paranasal sinus tumors and Non Hodgkin lymphoma (7 patients each). Ocular metastasis was commonly seen from broncogenic carcinoma in four and breast carcinoma in three patients. Simultaneous metastasis to other parts of the body was also seen in 61% of our patients. Diminution of vision in 49% was the most common presenting feature followed by proptosis in 16% and palpable mass in 14% of patients. Orbit in 43% cases is the commonest ocular structure involved. Histopathologic diagnosis was done in 32% only while rest was based on imaging alone. The most common treatment done was chemotherapy in 57% patients.ConclusionOcular metastasis can display a wide variety of clinical and imaging features and therefore a high degree of suspicion is required. It is often associated with simultaneous metastasis to other parts of the body as well, hence the importance of earlier diagnosis and metastatic workup.
Intelligent cloud computing platform for three‐dimensional sound reproduction
Authors: Zhang Maosheng , Hu Ruimin , Jiang Lin , Wang Xiaochen 
Published: February 2021

SummaryThree‐dimensional (3D) audio reproduction techniques reproduce realistic sound sources and spatial perception for listeners. However, it is a rather difficult work to configure all the parameters in the previous 3D reproduction systems since ordinary users hardly possess professional acoustic knowledge. In this article, we developed a sound source distance reproduction model and design an online parameter computing framework for users to generate reproduction parameters based on a cloud computing platform. The proposed model reproduces sound direction and distance cues under specific conditions. Subjective experiments are executed to assess the spatial reproduction performance in a real environment and objective experiments are performed in simulated scenarios. Both the subjective and objective experiments show that the proposed method improves the spatial perception of sound events. Since the reproduction model depends on environment and loudspeaker array configuration, a cloud parameter generation framework is developed for users to generate acoustic parameters for the reproduction system.
A new video watermarking using redundant discrete wavelet in singular value decomposition domain with multi‐objective optimization
Authors: Kumar Pala Mahesh , Srinivas Kalyanapu , Prabhakar Bitla 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDay by day, the transmission or sharing of digital information online is increasing due to the fact that Internet usage has become somewhat of an addiction for the majority of people. This results in larger copyright violation problems. Nowadays, most of the data or information is being transmitted in the form of digital images or videos, which are rather simple for the violators of copyright to forge or fake and then share for profit. Thus, digital watermarking came into existence as a possible solution to address these violations of copyright. This article proposes a new blind video watermarking (BVW) using redundant discrete wavelet transform (RDWT) in singular value decomposition (SVD) domain, which utilizes the advantages of both RDWT and SVD to embed and extract the watermark information into the cover video without degrading the quality of the watermark. In addition, an efficient meta‐heuristic optimization with multi‐objective optimization (MOO) is employed to further optimize the proposed RDWT‐SVD approach. Further, various attacks were applied to the watermarked frame to disclose the robustness of proposed BVW using RDWT‐SVD with MOO approach. Extensive simulations on several test videos with comparison to the conventional BVW methodologies exhibit the transcendency of the proposed BVW using RDWT‐SVD with MOO approach in terms of watermarking quality evaluation metrics such as peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index, normalized correlation, and even that of root mean square error as well.
An open computing language‐based parallel Brute Force algorithm for formal concept analysis on heterogeneous architectures
Authors: Novais João P. P. , Maciel Lucas A. , Souza Matheus A. , Song Mark A. J. , Freitas Henrique C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAlgorithms for the extraction of formal concepts are widely studied in several areas of knowledge, such as finance, health, and statistics. However, these algorithms require high‐performance processing due to their combinatorial characteristics. In this work, an Open computing language (OpenCL)‐based Brute Force algorithm is proposed and evaluated for formal concept extraction on heterogeneous architectures (CPU+GPU and CPU+FPGA). The CPU+GPU architecture presents higher performance and scalability than other architectures when our Brute Force algorithm processes high dimensional contexts with many objects and attributes. Our parallel approach shows performance results up to 18× better than a smarter sequential algorithm called Data‐Peeler. Moreover, our Brute Force algorithm running on CPU+GPU architecture has greater energy efficiency, reaching at least 1.79× more operations per energy consumption than other algorithms on different architectures explored in this work.
Exploiting weighted association rule mining for indicating synergic formation tactics in soccer teams
Authors: Lee Geon Ju , Jung Jason J. , Camacho David 
Published: February 2021

SummaryManagers make decisions on team tactics, formations, and player selection based on their own experiences. The managers have limitations in understanding the team's situation and sometimes they can think wrong. The purpose of this study is to make decisions on player selection and tactical formation according to the level of the opponent based on the data, not on the intuition of the manager. In our previous study, the Boruta algorithm was used to extract important features from 69 features in soccer player data by position. The detailed roles of each position were defined by using K‐means algorithm. For example, the detailed roles of each position were defined as Mezzala, Shadow Striker, Deep‐lying playmaker, and so on. That is, forward positions are classified as Target Man (TM) and Shadow Striker (SS). TM is a high‐goal, high‐competitive forward, and SS is a high‐dribble, high‐pass forward. In this study, we analyze a clustering dataset and the game appearance dataset. The game appearance dataset are divided into CL (Champions league Level), EL (Europa league Level), ML (Middle Level), and RL (Relegation Level). Association rule mining algorithm analyzes the synergy between positions, and selects a position with high synergy. Weighted association rule mining algorithm establishes player selection and tactical formation with the weight, which is the player's rating data. Finally, using the obtained results, we visualize the synergy between positions, tactical formation, and player characteristics depending on the level of the opponent.
An easy and reliable whole blood freezing method for flow cytometry immuno‐phenotyping and functional analyses
Authors: Braudeau Cecile , Salabert‐Le Guen Nina , Chevreuil Justine , Rimbert Marie , Martin Jerome C. , Josien Regis 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundImmune profiling by flow cytometry is not always possible on fresh blood samples due to time and/or transport constraints. Furthermore, the cryopreservation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) requires on‐site specialized lab facilities, thus severely restricting the extent to which blood immune monitoring can be applied to multicenter clinical studies. These major limitations can be addressed through the development of simplified whole blood freezing methods.MethodsIn this report, we describe an optimized easy protocol for rapid whole blood freezing with the CryoStor® CS10 solution. Using flow cytometry, we compared cellular viability and composition on cryopreserved whole blood samples to matched fresh blood, as well as fresh and frozen PBMC.ResultsThough partial loss of neutrophils was observed, leucocyte viability was routinely >75% and we verified the preservation of viable T cells, NK cells, monocytes, dendritic cells, and eosinophils in frequencies similar to those observed in fresh samples. A moderate decrease in B cell frequencies was observed. Importantly, we validated the possibility to analyze major intracellular markers, such as FOXP3 and Helios in regulatory T cells. Finally, we demonstrated good functional preservation of CS10‐cryopreserved cells through the analysis of intracellular cytokine production in ex vivo stimulated T cells (IFNg, IL‐4, IL‐17A,) and monocytes (IL‐1b, IL‐6, TNFa).ConclusionsIn conclusion, our protocol provides a robust method to apply reliable immune monitoring studies to cryopreserved whole blood samples, hence offering new important opportunities for the design of future multicenter clinical trials.
Comprehensive characterization of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor‐δ agonist GW501516 for horse doping control analysis
Authors: Trevisiol Stéphane , Moulard Yves , Delcourt Vivian , Jaubert Murielle , Boyer Sophie , Tendon Sophie , Haryouli Hayate , Taleb Wafek , Caroff Mylène , Chabot Benjamin , Drif Laura , André François , Garcia Patrice , Loup Benoit , Popot Marie‐Agnès , Bailly‐Chouriberry Ludovic 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAccording to international sport institutions, the use of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)‐δ agonists is forbidden at any time in athlete career due to their capabilities to increase physical and endurance performances. The (PPAR)‐δ agonist GW501516 is prohibited for sale but is easily available on internet and can be used by cheaters. In the context of doping control, urine is the preferred matrix because of the non‐invasive nature of sampling and providing broader exposure detection times to forbidden molecules but often not detected under its native form due to the organism's metabolism. Even if urinary metabolism of G501516 has been extensively studied in human subjects, knowledge on GW501516 metabolism in horses remains limited. To fight against doping practices in horses' races, GW501516 metabolism has to be studied in horse urine to identify and characterize the most relevant target metabolites to ensure an efficient doping control. In this article, in vitro and in vivo experiments have been conducted using horse S9 liver microsome fractions and horse oral administration route, respectively. These investigations determined that the detection of GW501516 must be performed in urine on its metabolites because the parent molecule was extremely metabolized. To maximize analytical method sensitivity, the extraction conditions have been optimized. In accordance with these results, a qualitative analytical method was validated to detect the abuse of GW501516 based on its most relevant metabolites in urine. This work enabled the Laboratoire des Courses Hippiques (LCH) to highlight two cases of illicit administration of this forbidden molecule in post‐race samples.
Extending the range of additivity in using inclusive fitness
Authors: Levin Samuel R. , Grafen Alan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInclusive fitness is a concept widely utilized by social biologists as the quantity organisms appear designed to maximize. However, inclusive fitness theory has long been criticized on the (uncontested) grounds that other quantities, such as offspring number, predict gene frequency changes accurately in a wider range of mathematical models. Here, we articulate a set of modeling assumptions that extend the range of scenarios in which inclusive fitness can be applied. We reanalyze recent formal analyses that searched for, but did not find, inclusive fitness maximization. We show (a) that previous models have not used Hamilton's definition of inclusive fitness, (b) a reinterpretation of Hamilton's definition that makes it usable in this context, and (c) that under the assumption of probabilistic mixing of phenotypes, inclusive fitness is indeed maximized in these models. We also show how to understand mathematically, and at an individual level, the definition of inclusive fitness, in an explicit population genetic model in which exact additivity is not assumed. We hope that in articulating these modeling assumptions and providing formal support for inclusive fitness maximization, we help bridge the gap between empiricists and theoreticians, which in some ways has been widening, demonstrating to mathematicians why biologists are content to use inclusive fitness, and offering one way to utilize inclusive fitness in general models of social behavior.
Contrasting patterns in the occurrence and biomass centers of gravity among fish and macroinvertebrates in a continental shelf ecosystem
Authors: Friedland Kevin D. , Smoliński Szymon , Tanaka Kisei R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe distribution of a group of fish and macroinvertebrates (n = 52) resident in the US Northeast Shelf large marine ecosystem were characterized with species distribution models (SDM), which in turn were used to estimate occurrence and biomass center of gravity (COG). The SDMs were fit using random forest machine learning and were informed with a range of physical and biological variables. The estimated probability of occurrence and biomass from the models provided the weightings to determine depth, distance to the coast, and along‐shelf distance COG. The COGs of occupancy and biomass habitat tended to be separated by distances averaging 50 km, which approximates half of the minor axis of the subject ecosystem. During the study period (1978–2018), the biomass COG has tended to shift to further offshore positions whereas occupancy habitat has stayed at a regular spacing from the coastline. Both habitat types have shifted their along‐shelf distances, indicating a general movement to higher latitude or to the Northeast for this ecosystem. However, biomass tended to occur at lower latitudes in the spring and higher latitude in the fall in a response to seasonal conditions. Distribution of habitat in relation to depth reveals a divergence in response with occupancy habitat shallowing over time and biomass habitat distributing in progressively deeper water. These results suggest that climate forced change in distribution will differentially affect occurrence and biomass of marine taxa, which will likely affect the organization of ecosystems and the manner in which human populations utilize marine resources.
Modeling herbivore functional responses causing boom‐bust dynamics following predator removal
Authors: Haller‐Bull Vanessa , Bode Michael 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNative biodiversity is threatened by invasive species in many terrestrial and marine systems, and conservation managers have demonstrated successes by responding with eradication or control programs. Although invasive species are often the direct cause of threat to native species, ecosystems can react in unexpected ways to their removal or reduction. Here, we use theoretical models to predict boom‐bust dynamics, where the removal of predatory or competitive pressure from a native herbivore results in oscillatory population dynamics (boom‐bust), which can endanger the native species’ population in the short term. We simulate control activities, applied to multiple theoretical three‐species Lotka‐Volterra ecosystem models consisting of vegetation, a native herbivore, and an invasive predator. Based on these communities, we then develop a predictive tool that—based on relative parameter values—predicts whether control efforts directed at the invasive predator will lead to herbivore release followed by a crash. Further, by investigating the different functional responses, we show that model structure, as well as model parameters, are important determinants of conservation outcomes. Finally, control strategies that can mitigate these negative consequences are identified. Managers working in similar data‐poor ecosystems can use the predictive tool to assess the probability that their system will exhibit boom‐bust dynamics, without knowing exact community parameter values.
Close encounters of the fatal kind: Landscape features associated with central mountain caribou mortalities
Authors: McKay Tracy L. , Pigeon Karine E. , Larsen Terrence A. , Finnegan Laura A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn western Canada, anthropogenic disturbances resulting from resource extraction activities are associated with habitat loss and altered predator–prey dynamics. These habitat changes are linked to increased predation risk and unsustainable mortality rates for caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). To inform effective habitat restoration, our goal was to examine whether specific linear disturbance features were associated with caribou predation in central mountain caribou ranges. We used predation‐caused caribou mortalities and caribou GPS‐collar data collected between 2008 and 2015 to assess caribou predation risk within and outside of protected areas at four spatio‐temporal scales: habitat use during the (a) 30 days, (b) 7 days, and (c) 24 hours prior to caribou being killed, and (d) characteristics at caribou kill site locations. Outside of protected areas, predation risk increased closer to pipelines, seismic lines, and streams. Within protected areas, predation risk increased closer to alpine habitat. Factors predicting predation risk differed among spatio‐temporal scales and linear feature types: predation risk increased closer to pipelines during the 30 and 7 days prior to caribou being killed and closer to seismic lines during the 30 days, 7 days, and 24 hours prior, but decreased closer to roads during the 30 days prior to being killed. By assessing habitat use prior to caribou being killed, we identified caribou predation risk factors that would not have been detected by analysis of kill site locations alone. These results provide further evidence that restoration of anthropogenic linear disturbance features should be an immediate priority for caribou recovery in central mountain caribou ranges.
Does parental angling selection affect the behavior or metabolism of brown trout parr?
Authors: Prokkola Jenni M. , Alioravainen Nico , Mehtätalo Lauri , Hyvärinen Pekka , Lemopoulos Alexandre , Metso Sara , Vainikka Anssi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe behavior of organisms can be subject to human‐induced selection such as that arising from fishing. Angling is expected to induce mortality on fish with bold and explorative behavior, which are behaviors commonly linked to a high standard metabolic rate. We studied the transgenerational response of brown trout (Salmo trutta) to angling‐induced selection by examining the behavior and metabolism of 1‐year‐old parr between parents that were or were not captured by experimental fly fishing. We performed the angling selection experiment on both a wild and a captive population, and compared the offspring for standard metabolic rate and behavior under predation risk in common garden conditions. Angling had population‐specific effects on risk taking and exploration tendency, but no effects on standard metabolic rate. Our study adds to the evidence that angling can induce transgenerational responses on fish personality. However, understanding the mechanisms of divergent responses between the populations requires further study on the selectivity of angling in various conditions.
Diet overlap among non‐native trout species and native cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii)in two U.S. ecoregions
Authors: Minder Mario , Arsenault Emily R. , Erdenee Bolortsetseg , Maasri Alain , Pyron Mark 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe invasion of freshwater ecosystems by non‐native species can constitute a significant threat to native species and ecosystem health. Non‐native trouts have long been stocked in areas where native trouts occur and have negatively impacted native trouts through predation, competition, and hybridization. This study encompassed two seasons of sampling efforts across two ecoregions of the western United States: The Great Basin in summer 2016 and the Yellowstone River Basin in summer 2017. We found significant dietary overlaps among native and non‐native trouts within the Great Basin and Yellowstone River Basin ecoregions. Three orders of invertebrates (Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, and Diptera) composed the majority of stomach contents and were responsible for driving the observed patterns. Great Basin trout had higher body conditions (k), and non‐native Great Basin trout had higher gut fullness values than Yellowstone River Basin trout, indicating a possible limitation of food in the Yellowstone River Basin. Native fishes were the least abundant and had the lowest body condition in each ecoregion. These findings may indicate a negative impact on native trouts by non‐native trouts. We recommend additional monitoring of native and non‐native trout diets, regular invertebrate surveys to identify the availability of diet items, and reconsidering stocking efforts that can result in overlap of non‐native fishes with native cutthroat trout.