bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing the efficacy of Trichogramma ostriniae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) as a inundative biological control agent in Western Nebraska
Authors: Cluever Jeffrey D , Peterson Julie A , Wright Robert J , Salgado Astudillo Sara , Swoboda-Bhattarai Katharine , Colombo Da Luz Priscila , Daniel Samantha , Bradshaw Jeffrey D 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The western bean cutworm (Striacosta albicosta) is a primary pest of corn and dry edible bean, for which control measures are often warranted. Inundative releases of Trichogramma ostriniae have been used to control lepidopterous pests, such as the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), in eastern North America (e.g., New York, Virginia). However, no prior field studies have assessed T. ostriniae as a biological control agent in the North American Great Plains. Objectives for this study were (i) to determine the suitability of S. albicosta as a host for T. ostriniae and (ii) to assess the feasibility of T. ostriniae as a biological control agent of S. albicosta in Nebraska corn and dry edible bean fields. Dispersal and parasitism were monitored with yellow sticky cards and sentinel egg masses (O. nubilalis, S. albicosta, and Ephestia kuehniella) at 36 locations surrounding a central release point. Trichogramma ostriniae adults tended to be concentrated near the point of release. However, egg parasitism was so low that the minimum rates of T. ostriniae needed for effective control could not be determined. Our evidence indicates that the low parasitism measured in this study may indicate low suitability of T. ostriniae to Western Nebraska and, possibly, the Great Plains.
Optimizing switch placement and status for sustainable grid operation and effective distributed generation integration using the APGSK-IMODE algorithm
Authors: Kamarposhti Mehrdad Ahmadi , Shokouhandeh Hassan , Lee Yeonwoo , Kang Sun-Kyoung , Colak Ilhami , Barhoumi El Manaa 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The paper examines the critical role of switch placement and optimal maneuver selection in distribution grids to enhance both voltage quality and reliability. It utilizes the Adaptive Parameter Gaining Sharing Knowledge-based Improved Multi-Operator Differential Evolution (APGSK-IMODE) algorithm to determine the optimal locations and statuses of switches for these improvements. Additionally, the impact of integrating distributed generation sources on grid voltage profiles and reliability is assessed. The research evaluates three distinct scenarios: improving voltage profiles, enhancing reliability indices, and achieving simultaneous improvements in both. The results show that integrating distributed generation sources positively impacts voltage profile enhancement and grid reliability, with significant improvements observed postinstallation. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of optimization algorithms demonstrates the superior performance and accuracy of the APGSK-IMODE algorithm over other methods.
Optimization of PSO-BP neural network for short-term wind power prediction
Authors: Miao Lu , Fan Wei , Liu Yu , Qin Yingjie , Chen Deyang , Cui Jiayan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This paper uses a back propagation (BP) neural network to predict short-term wind power. Since the initial weights and thresholds of BP neural networks significantly impact their performance, we use the optimized particle swarm optimization (PSO) to obtain the critical parameters of BP neural networks. Specifically, we optimize the PSO to make it easier to get better parameters. The experimental results show that the BP neural network's mean relative error (MRE) is 11.91%, 15.18%, and 8.56%, respectively. In comparison, the MRE of the optimized BP neural network is 5.09%, 7.21%, and 4.44%.
Under cover: the nuanced influence of functional properties of cover on resource selection by pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis)
Authors: Stein Rachel M , Lecigne Bastien , Johnson Timothy R , Eitel Jan U H , Rachlow Janet L 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Animals at risk of predation select habitat that enhances security from predators. Two properties of cover related to security are concealment (i.e., habitat structure that blocks an individual from detection by others) and visibility (i.e., visual information accessible relative to habitat structure). Although these properties are often negatively correlated, they are not always inverse; animals in habitat with heterogeneous structure may be able to select for both. We investigated habitat use by pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) at 2 scales (patch and microsite) to evaluate the influence of both structural properties of cover and visual properties (concealment and visibility) on habitat use by prey. We contrasted vegetation structure at paired used and unused patches. At each patch, we measured concealment and viewshed (i.e., visibility) in 3 orientations (i.e., aerial, terrestrial, and overall) and structural density using lidar. We also measured heights of the 3 tallest shrubs. Additionally, within used patches, we assessed the density of fecal pellets as an index of intensity of use and also measured distance to nearest burrow. At the patch scale, rabbits selected for structural properties of cover (dense vegetation and tall shrubs), but not visual properties of cover. Pygmy rabbits more intensively used microsites associated with high terrestrial concealment and in proximity to burrows. Our results suggest that pygmy rabbits may perceive greater threat from terrestrial as opposed to aerial predators at both scales, and they also indicate a nuanced relationship between properties of cover and habitat use.
Prognostic factors in localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after neoadjuvant therapy and resection: a systematic review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Javed Ammar A , Habib Alyssar , Mahmud Omar , Fatimi Asad Saulat , Grewal Mahip , Mughal Nabiha , He Jin , Wolfgang Christopher L , Daamen Lois , Besselink Marc G 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Prognostic markers for overall survival (OS) in resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are well-established but remain unclear following neoadjuvant therapy (NAT). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine factors associated with OS following NAT in resected PDAC.

Methods
The PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were systematically searched from inception till May 2024. Studies that reported univariable and multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) were included if patients underwent NAT and resection for localized PDAC. Study quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analysis was performed using generic inverse-variance random-effects models.

Results
Among 2,208 unique articles identified by the search, 92 were included in the meta-analysis. Eighty-five of these were of 'good' and 7 of 'poor' quality. The NAT regimen was described in 84 studies, of which 62 included patients treated with FOLFIRINOX (FFX). Margin status, nodal disease, AJCC T-stage, and normalization of CA19-9 after NAT were prognostic for OS, while age, sex, perineural invasion, baseline tumor size, and baseline CA19-9 were not. The test for subgroup differences between ypN-substages was not significant in the multivariable model. Neoadjuvant FFX was associated with better survival than other regimens.

Conclusions
This meta-analysis identified margin status, nodal disease, AJCC T-stage, and normalization of CA19-9 after NAT as prognostic factors for OS in patients with resected localized PDAC following NAT.
Literary characters and GPT-4: from William Shakespeare to Elena Ferrante
Authors: Abrams Gabriel 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
We prompted GPT-4 (a large language model) to play the Dictator game, a classic behavioral economics experiment, as 148 literary fictional characters from the 17th century to the 21st century. There is a general and mainly monotonic decrease in selfish behavior over time in literary characters. Fifty per cent of the decisions of characters from the 17th century are selfish compared to just 19 per cent from the 21st century. Historical literary characters have a surprisingly strong net positive valence across 2,785 personality traits generated by GPT-4 (3.2× more positive than negative). However, valence varied significantly across centuries. Positive traits were 10× more common than negative in the 21st century, but just 1.8× more common in the 17th century. ‘Empathetic’, ‘fair’, and ‘selfless’, were the most overweight traits in the 20th century. Conversely, ‘manipulative’, ‘ambitious’, and ‘ruthless’ were the most overweight traits in the 17th century. Male characters were more selfish than female characters. The skew was highest in the 17th century, where selfish decisions for male and female were 62 and 20 per cent, respectively. This analysis also offers a quantifiable partial Turing test. The key human-like characteristics of the model are the zero price effect, lack of spitefulness, and altruism. However, the model does not have human sensitivity to relative ordinal position and has significantly lower price elasticity than humans.
KIC 7914906: An eclipsing heartbeat star with tidally excited oscillations and gamma Doradus/delta Scuti hybrid pulsations
Authors: Li Min-Yu , Qian Sheng-Bang , Zhu Li-Ying , Liu Liang , Liao Wen-Ping , Zhao Er-Gang , Shi Xiang-Dong , Li Fu-Xing , Sun Qi-Bin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
We present the eclipsing heartbeat star KIC 9704906 with tidally excited oscillations (TEOs) and gamma Doradus/delta Scuti hybrid pulsations. The derived parameters show that it has an orbital period of $P = 8.7529108(1)$ d, a high eccentricity of $e = 0.467(3)$, and a high inclination of $i = 78.^{\!\!\!\circ }81(6)$. The mass ratio $q = 0.981(5)$ and relative radii (radius divided by the semi-major axis) $r_1 = 0.0639(2)$ and $r_2 = 0.0715(4)$ indicate that the secondary component has a smaller mass and a larger radius, and may have evolved off the main sequence. The eight derived TEO candidates, $n = 3$, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 40, and 44 harmonics, are consistent with or close to the dominant spherical harmonic $l=2$, $m=0$, or $\pm 2$, assuming that the spin and orbital axes are aligned, and the pulsations are adiabatic and standing waves. We also identify eight independent frequency candidates, but one of them, ${f_{7}}$, is more like a modulation of a quasi-periodic signal and the orbits. According to the g-mode frequencies, we find that the rotation period of one component is 11.52(29) d. Although the masses and radii cannot be further constrained due to the lack of sufficient high-precision spectra, fascinating phenomena in the Fourier spectra are evident and valuable in this system.
Comparison between Ultrasound Guided Femoral Nerve Block versus IPACK Block (Interspace between the Popliteal Artery and Capsule of the Posterior Knee) in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Replacement on Postoperative Ambulation and Pain
Authors: Abdelkhalek Elsayed Elkaranily Abdelrahman Atef , Ali Sultan Sherif Sayed , Hussein Mostafa Mansour , Ahmed Mohammed Haggag Adham Magdy 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Total knee replacement (TKR) is a well-known popular surgical procedure for knee diseases, including end-stage knee osteoarthritis that causes severe postoperative pain and prolonged immobility. TKR is associated with significant postoperative pain. The need for effective analgesia without compromising function is a priority.

Aim of the Work
The current study aims to assess the IPACK block concerning postoperative ambulation as a primary outcome and analgesic efficacy as a secondary outcome when compared with femoral nerve block following TKR.

Patients and Methods
This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 40 random patients who were scheduled to undergo total knee replacement and were divided into 2 equal groups: Group A: Patients in group A (n = 20) received spinal anesthesia followed by FNB block at the beginning of the operation with 20ml bupivacaine (0.25%) under complete aseptic conditions, Group B: Patients in group B (n = 20) received spinal anesthesia followed by IPACK at the beginning of the operation with 20ml bupivacaine (0.25%) under complete aseptic conditions.

Results
As for the comparison between effect of the IPACK block and FNB regarding ambulation and postoperative pain in TKR, it showed that there is significance regarding ambulation that was delayed in FNB than IPACK using TUG test and 10-min walk test, but regarding VAS score that was used to assess postoperative pain and its intensity, it showed that FNB has more analgesic effect concerning IPACK block with less total analgesics consumption (in mg.) over 24-hour period post-operative.

Conclusion
Our study showed that there was delayed ambulation in FNB than in IPACK using the TUG test and 10-min walk test, but regarding the VAS score that was used to assess postoperative pain and its intensity, it showed that FNB has more analgesic effect concerning IPACK block with less total analgesics consumption (in mg.) over 24-hour period post-operative.
Comparative Study between Corrected Carotid Flow Time, Femoral Arterial Doppler and Aortic Velocity Time Index Assessment in Septic Shock Patients
Authors: Elkawy Elsaed Aboraya Ahmed Abd , Dien Ewais Bahaa El , Abdullah Waleed , Mohamed Ali Rania Magdy , Fouad Amr 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Septic shock is a serious infectious condition characterized by low blood pressure and multiple organ damage. One of the traditional recommendations is to administer intravenous fluids as the first step to improve blood pressure. However, studies have shown that not every patient benefits from aggressive intravenous hydration. Only about 40% of hypotensive patients with sepsis respond to fluid infusion with improvement in blood pressure and outcomes.

Aim of the Work
to compare between corrected carotid flow time, femoral artery doppler and aortic VTI in fluid responsiveness assessment in septic shock patients.

Patients and Methods
This is prospective, cohort study conducted on 45 Septic shock patients assessed to detect aortic VTI, corrected carotid flow time and femoral artery Doppler to assess fluid responsiveness, patients attended to intensive care unit of Ain Shams University Hospitals during the period from January 2021 to January 2022.

Results
1-Comparative study between corrected carotid flow time, femoral arterial doppler and aortic velocity time index in fluid responsiveness assessment in septic shock patients not differ significantly among sex, age. The vasopressor support Norepinephrine and Dopamine, MV (mechanical ventilation), APACHE II and SOFA, not show any significant changes between the responder and non-responder group. The WBCs, PCT and CRP not show any significant changes between responder and non-responder groups. The hemodynamic parameters HR T0 (beats/min), HR T1 (beats/min), MAP T0 (mm Hg), MAP T1 (mm Hg), PP T0 (mm Hg) and PP T1 (mm Hg) not show any significant changes between responder and no responder groups. The Trans-thoracic echocardiography parameters cleared that, all parameters of Eco that includes LVEF (30 – 49 %) and &gt; 50 %, CO T0 (L/m), CO T1 (L/m), SV T0 (mL), SV T1 (mL), VTIAo T0 (cm) and VTIAo T1 (cm). not differ significantly among responder and non responder groups (P &gt; 0.05) and this variables. While, the VTIAo (%) differ significantly (P &lt; 0.01) between responder and non-responder group. As its level in responder group was 35.34 ± 3.11 and in non-responder group was 8.14±1.15.

Conclusion
Femoral Doppler parameters is a good tool to assess hemodynamic response to PRL in septic shock. The increase in VFmax over 8% and VTIF over 11% are accurate tool to distinguish fluid responders (R) from non-responders (NR) so, it could be taken as an alternative approach to TTE in monitoring fluid responsiveness. In patients with early, undifferentiated shock, ΔCAVTI and %ccFT induced by a PLR maneuver was able to predict fluid responsiveness. It compares favorably with %VTIAo by Echocardiography, with an AUC of 0.88 suggesting that it is an alternative to other methods. Its effectiveness is not affected by mechanical ventilation, respiratory rate, or PEEP &gt;5mmH2O.
A Comparative Study between Femoral Nerve Block and Intravenous Ketamine in Pain Management for Septuagenarian and Octagenerian Patients with Femur Fracture during Positioning before Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Luka Meleik Amr Magdy , Eldeen Abdelhamid Amr Essam , Refaat Mostafa Sameh Ahmed , Ahmed Mohammed Khaled Mohammed 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Femur fracture commonly occurs following trauma in elderly patients and central neuraxial block especially spinal anesthesia is more preferred for providing anesthesia for such cases. Proper positioning during spinal anesthesia is a must for a successful procedure, but extreme pain and limb immobility are obstacles for an ideal position for this procedure. Different methods like intravenous fentanyl, ketamine, femoral nerve block or fascia iliaca block have been used to control the pain pre-operatively and improve these patients' positioning.

Aim of the Work
To investigate the effect of Ultrasound guided FNB using 0.25% bupivacaine versus IV analgesic ketamine dose (0.25 mg/kg) in pain control for positioning before spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing surgery for fractured femur. In addition to recording postoperative analgesic effect, postoperative opioid consumption and rate of complications

Patients and Methods
The study was conducted on 60 randomly chosen patients in Ain Shams University Hospitals after approval of the medical ethical committee

Results
Results of the study revealed that FNB analgesia was more effective than IV analgesic dose of ketamine for pain control during positioning. The first call for rescue analgesia (morphine), total morphine consumption and postoperative pain scores indicated that the superiority of the FNB technique with opioid sparing effect and lesser complications.

Conclusion
Unlike preoperative intravenous ketamine analgesia, preoperative FNB provided better pain control during positioning for spinal blockade in fractured femur patients. Furthermore, FNB was associated with less adverse effects, better postoperative analgesia and less postoperative opioid consumption.
Ultrasound Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block versus Oblique Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Adults Patients after Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Shoukry Randa Ali , Hefny Taha Sameh Salem , Elshaeer Eman , Mohab Eldin Hussein Mohamed Halim Amr Mohamed 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Major abdominal surgery can cause significant post-operative pain and stress. Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) remains the gold- standard in its management. However, it is not without side effects or potential risks. Regional techniques might offer an alternative when thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) is not possible.

Aim of the Work
The aim of this study is to test the efficacy of ultrasound guided erector spinae plane block versus ultrasound guided oblique subcostal TAP block as regards its efficacy, hemodynamic stability, onset of post-operative pain, amount of post-operative narcotics used.

Patients and Methods
In the current study, forty patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery received general anaesthesia were included. Patients were divided randomly into two groups, each group includes 20 patients. Group T: Patients in this group received ultrasound guided OSTAP block after induction of general anaesthesia. Group E: Patients in this group received ultrasound guided ESP block after induction of general anaesthesia.

Results
As regard the analgesic parameters recorded in the current study; the NRS was significantly lower in Group E (ESP) block when compared with that of Group T (OSTAP) block and showed significant difference between both groups at 4, 6, 8 and 10 hrs postoperatively. Time to rescue analgesia, there was clinically and statistically highly significant longer time to ist rescue analgesic in group E (ESP) block was 15.68+1.50 hours compared to that of group T (OSTAP) block was 9.56+2.41 hours. These findings were in an array with a case series done by Luis-Navarro and his colleagues who reported that the first rescue analgesic was required only at 16 hours after ESP block. In the current study, total meperidine consumption with the mean total consumption in each group was 75+0.37 mg in the ESP block group compared with 125+0.87 mg in the OSTAP block group there was highly statistically significant higher mean of total analgesic consumption in group T compared to group E.

Conclusion
Erector spinae plane block under ultrasound guidance for laparoscopic colorectal surgery provides a longer duration and better quality of postoperative analgesia, as well as reducing the postoperative analgesic consumption when compared to oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block for laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Both blocks are mostly devoid of complications, and they provide reliable and effective postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
Sensitivity of Lung Ultrasound in Early Detection of Increased Extra Vascular Lung Water in Critically Ill (severe) Burn Patients in Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Fekry Shehata Andrew Ashraf , Mohamed AboElella Sahar Kamal , Alsalam Algendy Mohammad Abd , Abdel Hafiez Mohamed Rania Hassan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Burn injury, by definition, is not an injury limited to the site of burn, but instead, it is a multi-organ injury with a high incidence of morbidities and mortalities among burned patients. Multiple factors determine the extent of affected organs and the degree of their damage.

Patients and Methods
The study was conducted in Burn ICU in Ain Shams University Hospitals after approval of the ethics committee and written patients’ consent. It included 24 patients aged 24 – 64 years, of both Genders, suffering from severe burn upon admission to Burn ICU in Ain Shams University Hospitals with burn extent equal to or more than 20%, stayed in burn ICU for 14 days or more and showed at least once Lung ultrasound findings related to lung water capable of elevating LUS score more than zero.

Results
The main finding is that the lung ultrasound is a sensitive tool in detection of extra vascular lung water in Burn patients with severe burn of burn surface area 20% or more of the total body surface area in intensive care unit when compared by chest CT and chest x-ray. And, by daily lung ultrasound follow up, early sensitivity of lung ultrasound in detection of extra vascular lung water in comparison with chest x- ray and clinical data is concluded.

Conclusion
Our study showed that lung ultrasound is an early sensitive tool in detection of extra vascular lung water in burn patients with severe burn of burn surface area 20% or more of the total body surface area in intensive care unit.