bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution of Sideroxylon Mascatense (A.DC.) T.D.Penn. and Associated Perennial Plant Communities in Oman
Authors: Hopkins Eric , Al-Yahyai Rashid , Lupton Darach 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundOman is located on the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula and is characterized by an arid climate with a vast and varied landscape. Sideroxylon mascatense is a fruit-producing species growing in the arid mountainous regions of North Africa, The Middle East, and Asia. To date, there are no studies describing the population distribution of S. mascatense and the plant communities associated with it in Oman. This study fills this gap.ResultsA series of botanical field surveys was carried out between June 2018 and August 2019 to describe the distribution and associated plant communities of S. mascatense in the Western Hajar Mountains. Sample units were surveyed in the months of June, July, and August as this is the optimal fruiting period of S. mascatense in the Western Hajar Mountains of Oman. Throughout the surveys, 54 perennial non-cultivated species from 32 families were observed growing with S. mascatense. Two-way cluster analysis and indicator species analysis found two main plant communities associated with S. mascatense along an altitudinal gradient. These were the Acridocarpus orientalis-Euphorbia larica community and the Olea europaea-Euryops arabicus community. There was species overlap in the transitional area between the communities where the environmental factors allowed for continuation along the altitudinal gradient. There was no recruitment of S. mascatense observed during the surveys.ConclusionsThe lack of recruitment, along with the threats of overgrazing and habitat destruction, point to an uncertain future for the S. mascatense populations in Oman. As S. mascatense is associated with threatened key species in the Western Hajar Mountains, S. mascatense should be protected and included in conservation projects. This could allow for the establishment of natural recruitment of S. mascatense, thereby preserving the fragile ecosystem of the Western Hajar Mountains and ensuring the future survival of S. mascatense and its associated communities.
Single Brain Metastasis vs Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Voi-Based Multiparametric Analysys for Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Romano Andrea , Moltoni Giulia , Guarnera Alessia , Pasquini Luca , Napoli Alberto Di , Napolitano Antonio , Espagnet Maria Camilla Rossi , Bozzao Alessandro 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
PURPOSEThe authors purpose was to evaluate ADC and rCBV values in the enhanced lesion, in the peritumoral area and in distal oedema using a Volume of Interest (VOI) based method and to analysed hemodynamic curves obtained from DSC perfusion MRI, in order to create a valid multiparametric MRI model for the differential diagnosis between Glioblastoma and solitary Brain Metastasis.MATERIALS AND METHODSForty-one patients (twenty glioblastomas and twenty-one single brain metastases) were retrospectively evaluated. MRI images were acquired before surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. MRIs were analysed with Olea Sphere® 3.0 (Olea Medical, La Ciotat, France), in particular with diffusion, perfusion and volume of interest segmentation plug-ins. FLAIR, 3D T1 MP-RAGE images after gadolinium, ADC and rCBV maps for each patient were co-registered by the OleaSphere software; this was followed by visual inspection to ensure adequate alignment. Volumes of interest (VOIs) of the lesions were drawn on enhanced 3D T1 MP-RAGE avoiding cyst or necrotic degeneration, and then projected on ADC and rCBV co-registered maps. Another 2 VOIs were drawn in the region of hyperintense cerebral oedema, surrounding the lesion (GB or BM) visible on FLAIR images. The first VOI was drawn into perilesional oedema within 5mm around the enhancing tumor. The second VOI was drawn into residual oedema. Both VOIs were projected on ADC and rCBV maps. Perfusion curves were obtained for each lesion and the value of signal recovery (SR) was reported. A Two sample T-Test was obtained to compare all parameters of GB and BM groups. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the optimal parameter in distinguishing GB from BM. RESULTSComparing all parameters evaluated for patients with GB and BM, the cerebral lesions were distinguishable with the mean ADC VOI- values of solid component, the PSR values and the mean and max rCBV values in the perilesional edema within 5mm around the enhancing tumor. According to ROC analysis, the area under the curve was 88%, 78% and 74% respectively for mean ADC VOI-values of the solid component, the mean and max rCBV values in the perilesional edema and the PSR. The cumulative ROC curve of these parameters reached an area under the curve of 95% .Using perilesional max rCBV>1,37, PSR>75% and mean lesional ADC<1x10-3 mm2 s-1 GB could be differentiated from solitary BM with sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 86%. CONCLUSIONWe can conclude that lower values of ADC in the enhancing tumor volume and a higher percentage of signal recovery in perfusion curves, associated with higher values of rCBV in the peritumoral edema closed to the lesion, are strongly indicative of GB than solitary BM.
Particle Size of Drug Nanocarriers Defines the Fate of Spinal Cord Injury’s Recovery
Authors: Poormoghadam Delaram , Shiadeh Bita Rasoulian , Azedi Fereshte , Tavakol Hani , Rezayat Seyed Mahdi , Tavakol Shima 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition for which no definitive treatment has yet been identified. Noteworthy, it influences other tissues through inflammatory reactions and metabolic disturbance. Therefore, fingolimod (FTY-720) as an FDA-approved inflammatory modulator would be promising. In the present study, nanocarriers at two distinct monodisperse particle sizes of 60 (nF60) and 190 (nF190) nm were prepared.The neural stem cell (NSC) viability and LDH release were studied in the face of the nanocarriers and free FTY-720. Results indicated that nanocarriers and free FTY-720 enhanced NSC viability than the control group.However, nF190 significantly induced less cell membrane damage than nF60. Nanocarriers and free FTY-720 enhanced motor neuron recovery in SCI rats, while body weight and return to bladder reflux by nF190 was significantly higher than nF60 groups. Return to bladder reflux might be due to the role of FTY-720 in regulation of detrusor muscle tone and preservation of the integrity of vessels by acting on endothelial cells. Moreover,nF190 gained higher soleus muscle weight than the free drugs;probably decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines in soleus diminish muscular atrophy in SCI rats.To sum thing up, larger nanacarrirs with less cell membrane damage seems to be more efficient than smaller ones to manage SCI.
Prognostic Value of Intraoperative Pleural Lavage Cytology as an Independent Prognostic Factor in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ekkasak Sirawee , Pongchaikul Pisut , Ngodngamthaweesuk Montien 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this study is to demonstrate that intraoperative PLC has a role in predicting clinical outcomes in NSCLC patients.MethodsIntraoperative PLC was performed in NSCLC patients who had no pleural effusion before the operation. PLC was performed three times for each patient. PLC1 was performed after the thoracotomy; PLC2 was performed immediately after complete operation; and PLC3 was performed after complete operation and washed the pleural cavity with 5,000 ml of normal saline solution. Clinical records of 178 patients in Ramathibodi Hospital from 2012 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed and analysed for the relevance of intraoperative PLC and clinical outcomes.Results178 patients were included in this study; 67 patients were male (37.6%). Metastatic tumour from primary lung cancer occurred in 56 patients (31.4%). Positive intraoperative PLC was significantly associated with higher metastatic rate (p < 0.05). Survival rate in the positive intraoperative PLC group was significantly worse than that in the negative PLC group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study shows positive intraoperative PLC was statistically significant for increasing metastatic rate and decreasing survival rate in NSCLC patients. Intraoperative PLC could provide important information for the prediction of disease progression and treatment planning.
Blockchain Enabled Emperor Penguin Optimizer Based Encryption Technique for Secure Image Management System
Authors: U Padmavathi , Rajagopalan Narendran 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In recent years, the electronic sharing of digital images faces a major threat to security, as the existing image transmission infrastructure is mainly based on the trust of third parties. At the same time, the available solutions are placed on the cloud based centralized data center, which is expensive, requires large storage area, and security issues regarding the transmission of data over the network. So, it is needed to develop an image management system which enables sharing and storing of digital images effectively. This paper develops novel multiple share creation schemes with block technology for secure image management (MSCCBT-SIM) systems. The MSCCBT-SIM model allows the user to create consensus with no dependencies on central authorities. It involves an MSC which involves share creation and share encryption using emperor penguin optimizer based ElGamal public key cryptosystem (EPO-EPKC). In addition, the blockchain is used as a distributed data storage mechanism to generate a ledger for permitting access to the user and prevent third party access to the encrypted shares. The application of blockchain technology and MSC techniques helps to achieve decentralization, highly reliable, inexpensive, and secure transmission and storage of digital images. In order to validate the effective performance of the MSCCBT-SIM model, a series of simulations take place and investigated the results interms of different measures. The experimental results ensured the better performance of the MSCCBT-SIM model over the state of art methods.
Escape Dynamics of a Particle From a Purely-nonlinear Truncated Quartic Potential Well Under Harmonic Excitation
Authors: Farid Maor 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This paper focuses on the escape problem of a harmonically-forced classical particle from a purely-quartic truncated potential well. The latter corresponds to various engineering systems that involve purely cubic restoring force and absence of linear stiffness even under the assumption of small oscillations, such as pre-tensioned metal wires and springs, and compliant structural components made of polymer materials. This, in contrast to previous studieswhere the equivalent potential well could be treated as linear at first approximation under the assumption of small perturbations. Due to the strong nonlinearity of the current potential well, traditional analytical methods are inapplicable for describing the transient bounded and escape dynamics of the particle. The latter is analyzed in the framework of isolated resonance approximation by canonical transformation to action-angle (AA) variables and thecorresponding reduced resonance manifold (RM). The escape envelope is formulated analytically. Surprisingly, despite the essential nonlinearity of the well investigated, it exhibits a universal property of a sharp minimum due to the existence of multiple intersecting escape mechanisms. Unlike previous studies, three underlying mechanisms that govern the transient dynamics of the particle were identified: two maximum mechanisms and a saddle mechanism. The first two correspond to a gradual increase in the system's response amplitude for a proportional increase in the excitation intensity, and the latter corresponds to an abrupt increase in the system's response and therefore more potentially hazardous. The response of the particle is described in terms of energy-based response curves. The maximal transient energy is predicted analytically over the space of excitation parameters and described using iso-energy contours. All theoretical predictions are in complete agreement with numerical results.
Full-field MRIMeasurements of in-vivo Positional Brain Shift Reveal the Significance of Intra-cranial Geometry and Head Orientation for Stereotactic Surgery
Authors: Zappalà Stefano , Bennion Nicholas J. , Potts Matthew R. , Wu Jing , Kusmia Slawomir , Jones Derek K. , Evans Sam L. , Marshall David 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Positional brain shift (PBS), the sagging of the brain under the effect of gravity, is comparable in magnitude to the margin of error for the success of stereotactic interventions (∼1 mm). This non-uniform shift due to slight differences in head orientation can lead to a significant discrepancy between the planned and the actual location of surgical targets. Accurate in vivo measurements of this complex deformation are critical for the design and validation of an appropriate compensation to integrate into neuronavigational systems. PBS arising from prone-to-supine change of head orientation was measured with magnetic resonance imaging on 11 young adults. The full-field displacement was extracted on a voxel-basis via digital volume correlation and analysed in a standard reference space. Results showed the need for target-specific correction of surgical targets, as a significant displacement ranging from 0.52 mm to 0.77 mm was measured at surgically relevant structures. Strain analysis further revealed local variability in compressibility: anterior regions showed expansion (both volume and shape change), whereas posterior regions showed small compression, mostly dominated by shape change. Finally, analysis of correlation demonstrated the potential for further patient-and intervention-specific adjustments, as intra-cranial breadth and head tilt correlated with PBS reaching statistical significance.
Giant Lipoma in Superior Vena Cava: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Soetisna Tri Wisesa , Namretta Lisca , Ronidipta Bagus , Elen Elen , Raharjo Sunu Budhi , Tjubandi Amin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Intravascular lipomas were a rare occurrence, especially in major vessels. This tumor is composed of adipocytes in a fibrous capsule that had a slow growth rate and usually shows no symptoms. There were only eight reports in the literature regarding intravascular lipoma located in the superior vena cava.Case presentation: A 54-year-old man had episodes of supraventricular tachycardia and atrial flutter for over a year. Radiological findings preoperative showed a giant mass that arose from superior vena cava to right atrium and biopsy catheter showed that there were no signs of malignancy. The patient then underwent surgery through a median sternotomy and the mass was extirpated on the highest part of the stalk that could be reached. The patient was stable and remains to show no symptoms or evidence of residual mass or stalk in 2 years follow-up.Conclusion: The surgical approach in excising lipoma in SVC should be considered wisely with the support of adequate preoperative diagnostic. Extensive manipulation that could increase surgical technique difficulty or postoperative morbidity and mortality is not necessary since lipoma is a very slow-growing tumor.
WITHDRAWN: Intrarater and Interrater Reliability of Dynamic Gait Index in Post Stroke Patients With Eye Movement Disorders
Authors: Batool Sana , Zafar Hamayun , Gilani Syed Amir , Ahmad Ashfaq , Hanif Asif 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: The Dynamic Gait Index is a useful scale that has been evaluated for its reliability in patients with vestibular disorder, elderly people and, in chronic stroke population but its reliability has not been evaluated yet in sub-acute stroke patients with eye movement disorders. So the purpose of this study was to evaluate the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the Dynamic gait index to measure the dynamic balance, gait and risk of fall in sub-acute stroke population with eye movement disorders.Methods: A total of 30 (18 male, 12 females) stroke patients in the sub-acute phase suffering from eye movement disorders were recruited for this reliability study. Two experienced Physical therapists assessed the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the Dynamic gait index in two testing sessions three days apart. In the later session, two raters assessed the patients’ performance simultaneously on the Dynamic gait index. Data analysis was done at 95% confidence interval using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC2, 1). A significance level was set at P-value <0.05.Results: Mean tests scores by rater 1 in the first and second assessment were 17.4±2.04 and 18.0±2.05. Mean tests score by rater 2 in the second assessment were 18.6±2.06. Intra-rater (ICC=0.86, CI=0.73-0.93) and inter-rater (ICC=0.91, CI=0.83-0.96) reliability of total DGI scores was found good to excellent while intra-rater (ICC=0.73-0.91) and inter-rater (ICC=0.73-0.93) reliability of individual items of DGI scores were ranged from moderate to good. Item 8 (steps) showed lowest reliability (ICC=0.73). The significant difference was seen in total and individual scores (P<0.001) of DGI scale in both intra-rater and inter-rater reliability.Conclusions: The Dynamic gait index is found clinically a reliable tool to objectively measure dynamic balance, gait and risk of fall in sub-acute stroke individuals with eye movement disorders. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the total DGI scores was found good to excellent; whereas intra-rater and inter-rater reliability for individual items of DGI were varied from moderate to good.
A Deep Learning Approach for Successful Big-bubble Formation Prediction in Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty
Authors: Hayashi Takahiko , Masumoto Hiroki , Tabuchi Hitoshi , Ishitobi Naofumi , Tanabe Mao , Grün Michael , Bachmann Björn , Cursiefen Claus , Siebelmann Sebastian 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The efficacy of deep learning in predicting successful big-bubble (SBB) formation during deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) was evaluated. Medical records of patients undergoing DALK at the University of Cologne, Germany between March 2013 and July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) SBB or (2) failed big-bubble (FBB). Preoperative images of anterior segment optical coherence tomography and corneal biometric values (corneal thickness, corneal curvature, and densitometry) were evaluated. A deep neural network model, Visual Geometry Group-16, was selected to test the validation data, evaluate the model, create a heat map image, and calculate the area under the curve (AUC). This pilot study included 55 patients overall (12 women, 43 men). SBBs were more common in keratoconus eyes (KC eyes) than in corneal opacifications of other etiologies (non KC eyes) (p = 0.001). The AUC was 0.746 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.603–0.889). The determination success rate was 78.3% (18/23 eyes) (95% CI: 56.3-92.5%) for SBB and 69.6% (16/23 eyes) (95% CI: 47.1–86.8%) for FBB. This automated system demonstrates the potential of SBB prediction in DALK. Although KC eyes had a higher SBB rate, no other specific findings were found in the corneal biometric data.
Incidence and Risk Factors for L5-S1 Complications After Long-level Floating Fusion in Adult Degenerative Scoliosis
Authors: Jiang Tinghua , Cheng Yunzhong , Hai Yong , Zhang Xinuo , Su Qingjun , Meng Xianglong , Pan Aixing , Zhang Hanwen , Xu Gang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background Whether to preserve L5-S1 with no pre-existing pathology in the fusion for patients with adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) remains controversial. This study is to determine the predictors of L5-S1 diseases for the distal fusion to L5 in the long instrumented fusion for ADS. Methods A total of 159 patients with ADS who had undergone long floating fusion were evaluated with a minimum 2 year follow-up between 2014 to 2018. The patient- and surgical-related risk factors for each individual were identified by using univariate testing. All patients were divided into groups with and without L5-S1 diseases. Univariate testing was used to identify the potential risk factors. Independent risk factors of L5-S1 diseases were identified using multivariate logistic regression. Results BMD of the patients with L5-S1 diseases were much higher than that without L5-S1 diseases (P = 0.003). Postoperative sacral slope in L5-S1 diseases group was much higher than that without L5-S1 diseases group (P = 0.000). Patient-related independent risk factors for the development of L5-S1 diseases included gender (OR = 0.41, P = 0.016) and BMD (OR = 0.42, P = 0.000). Surgical-related independent risk factors for the development of L5-S1 diseases included fusion level (OR = 2.64, P = 0.033) and postoperative sacral slope (OR = 1.43, P = 0.000).ConclusionsGender and BMD were the most common patient-related independent risk factors, Fusion levels and postoperative sacral slope were the most common surgical-related independent risk factors. Prevention of these risk factors can reduce the incidence of L5-S1 diseases in patients with long floating fusion.
Attraction of Choristoneura Rosaceana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) to Pheromone Blends in Ratios Produced in Females’ Pheromone Gland or Emitted by the Females in Michigan Apple Orchards
Authors: Huang Juan , Grieshop Matthew J , Gut Larry J 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Trap captures of obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) to pheromone blends in ratios approximating those reported in pheromone glands and a novel blend based on a volatile headspace collection from live virgin females were evaluated in field experiments in Michigan apple orchards. In an initial field trapping study, pheromone lures composed of either a three- or four-component blend approximation of the blend present in female pheromone glands at doses ranging from 0.1 to 20 mg/lure were compared. The four-component blend was a combination of (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (Z11-14:Ac), (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (E11-14:Ac), (Z)-11-tetradecen-1-ol (Z11-14:OH), and (Z)-11-tetradecenal (Z11-14:Al) in a ratio of 96.5:1.8:1.4:0.2, respectively, while the three-component blend lacked Z11-14:Al. Pheromone emissions by groups of virgin females and commercial lures were collected in the laboratory and analyzed by gas chromatography. These data were used to formulate a new pheromone lure that was compared to a commercial lure in a second trapping study. In the first field study, traps baited with 10 mg pheromones or above captured significantly more moths than traps baited with 1 mg or less, regardless of the blend. Surprisingly, groups of virgin females only emitted two detectable pheromone components, Z11-14:Ac and Z11-14:OH in a ratio of 37:63 which was substantially different from the blends detected in pheromone glands in the literature. The newly formulated pheromone lure based on females’ emission was more than twice as attractive as the commercial lure which emitted a 74:5:21 three-component blend of Z11-14:Ac, E11-14:Ac, and Z11-14:OH, indicating that the response of C. rosaceana to its pheromone was more strongly mediated by the pheromone quantity relative to the blend ratio.