bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agricultural drought-driven mechanism of coupled climate and human activities in the karst basin of southern China
Authors: Pan Shan , He Zhonghua , Gu Xiaolin , Xu Mingjin , Chen Lihui , Yang Shuping , Tan Hongmei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The timely and accurate agricultural drought monitoring and an analysis of drought-driven mechanisms in karst basins in the context of global warming are of great significance for drought disaster monitoring and sustainable ecological development in a basin. In this paper, based on MODIS data, meteorological and topographic data and land use data from 2001 to 2020, we used the Sen slope, the Mann-Kendall test and geographic detector to explore the agricultural drought driving mechanism of climate change and human activities in the karst basin of southern China from 2001 to 2020. The results showed that 1) the annual and seasonal scale rainfall and temperature in the karst basin in southern China had an increasing trend; the spatial distribution of rainfall mainly showed a gradual increase from west to east, and the temperature gradually increased from east to west. 2) The intensity of agricultural drought in southern China showed a decreasing trend in the year, spring, summer, and autumn and an increasing trend in the winter; moreover, the spatial variation in drought increased significantly in the year and the western part in the four seasons and decreased significantly in the year, the southern part in autumn, and the central part in spring and winter. 3) The drought intensity of agricultural drought in the southern Chinese karst climate change and human activities in the watershed had a significant impact on agricultural drought, with climate change driving drought the most, followed by watershed characteristics, and human activities driving drought to a lesser extent; multifactor coupling drove drought follows: rainfall (q = 0.424) > temperature (q = 0.340) > elevation (q = 0.219) > land utilization (q = 0.188 ) > population density (q = 0.061) > slope (q = 0.057). Therefore, revealing the mechanism of agricultural drought in the karst basin through the study of this paper has important theoretical significance and technical guidance for drought relief in the karst area.
A transcriptomic pan-cancer signature for potential implications in prognosis and treatment based on disulfidptosis-related gene
Authors: Xu Xiao , Xie Jun , Lu Shenyi , Cai Songqi , Song Zhenyu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Disulfidptosis is a new type of regulated cell death that involves cytoskeletal collapse, induced by excessive disulfide bond formation. However, understanding of the biological characteristics and clinical significance of disulfidptosis in pan-cancers remains limited.
Methods
We obtained transcriptome data from TCGA via UCSC Xena. Based on the expression of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRG), we constructed a consensus DRG-related signature (DRGS) using the LASSO Cox regression model. A nomogram incorporating the DRG score was developed as a quantitative tool for predicting prognosis. We utilized the z-score algorithm to integrate gene expression characteristics and activity of specific pathways. Comprehensive analyses were performed to investigate tumor microenvironment and mutation profiles. We evaluated the responses of subgroups to immunotherapy and conducted drug screening. Finally, we utilized immunofluorescence (IF) to evaluate the expression of hub genes in patients with ovarian cancer (OV).
Results
The DRGS was considered a prognostic factor for various types of cancer, with higher scores indicating more unfavorable outcomes. DRGS can also serve as a predictive indicator for various malignant biological processes. The independent prognostic significance for survival was confirmed using multivariate analysis. The group characterized by high expression levels of inverted formin 2 (INF2) demonstrated an attenuated response to palbociclib treatment and an immunosuppressive phenotype. In OV, INF2 was associated with poor clinical outcomes.
Conclusion
Our study demonstrated a prognostic DRGS, which holds great promise as a robust tool for uncovering clinical characteristics, predicting survival outcomes, and reflecting the response to targeted therapy across various cancer types.
A machine learning approach for predicting the best solution heuristic for a large scaled Capacitated Lotsizing Problem
Authors: Kärcher Jens , Meyr Herbert 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
For some NP-hard lotsizing problems, many different solution heuristics exist, but they have different solution qualities and computation times depending on the characteristics of the problem instance. The computation times of the individual solution heuristics increase significantly with the problem size, so that testing all available solution heuristics for large problem instances requires extensive time. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method that allows a prediction of the best solution heuristic for the respective problem instance without testing all available solution heuristics. The Capacitated Lotsizing Problem (CLSP) is chosen as the problem to be solved, since it is well researched and several different solution heuristics exist for it. The CLSP addresses the problem of determining lotsizes on a production line given limited capacity, product-dependent setup costs, and deterministic, dynamic demand for multiple products. The objective is to minimize setup and inventory holding costs. Five different forecasting methods are presented. One of them is a two-layer neural network called CLSP-Net. It is trained on small problem instances, which can be solved very fast with the considered solution heuristics. Nevertheless, CLSP-Net is able to predict the best solution heuristic even for large problem instances.
Maternal employment patterns after childbirth and child mental health with 4 to 6 years of age
Authors: Kurz Deborah , Peter Raphael S. , Braig Stefanie , Genuneit Jon , Rothenbacher Dietrich 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: The evidence on maternal employment after childbirth and subsequent child mental health is controversial, and maternal employment is often assessed at only one point in time.
Methods: In this prospective birth cohort study analyzing 536 families, we estimated trajectory classes of maternal employment 0-36 months postpartum. We used multivariable linear regression models to examine possible associations between (1) trajectory classes and (2) maternal employment status at 12 months postpartum with child mental health at 4, 5, and 6 years of age.
Results: We identified five different trajectory classes and found substantial adverse associations with later mental health only among boys. For boys, trajectory classes 2 and 3 (characterized by relatively high maternal working hours/week) were associated with worse mental health at ages 5 and 6 compared to class 1 (relatively low or no working hours/week). For girls, in contrast, class 5 (increasing and subsequently decreasing working hours/week) was associated with better mental health compared to class 1. In addition, a positive association between part-time employment at 12 months postpartum and later mental health among boys was found.
Conclusion: Maternal employment may be associated with children's mental health between the ages of 4 and 6, although an appropriate definition of exposure is needed as the time of assessment is important. Whether there are gender differences in the associations of maternal employment with child mental health, or whether this is an issue susceptible to parental perception requires further investigation.
A Real-time Framework for HD Video Defogging using modified Dark Channel Prior
Authors: Wu Xinchun , Chen Xiangyu , Wang Xiao , Zhang Xiaojun , Yuan Shuxuan , Sun Biao , Huang Xiaobing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Foggy weather reduces the quality of video capture and seriously affects the normal work of video surveillance, remote sensing monitoring, and intelligent driving. Many methods have been proposed to remove video haze. However, under the premise of ensuring real-time performance, their defogging effect needs to be further improved. This paper improves the dark channel prior (DCP) dehazing algorithm, and designs a defogging framework that takes into account good dehazing effect and real-time processing. First, an adaptive threshold segmentation algorithm is proposed, which can well solve the serious color cast problem in brighter areas in DCP. Second, an algorithm for preserving image details using gradients is proposed, which achieves agood balance between detail preservation and computational efficiency. Then, each frame of video is evenly divided into a plurality of sub-areas, and the sub-ares are sequentially processed in a pipeline manner, which improves calculation efficiency. Finally, a high-definition real-time video defogging framework with a resolution of 1920×1080 and 60 frames/s is realized on the ZYNQ7035.
Exploring the Impact of Virtual Reality on Developing EFL Learners’ Speaking Skills in Situated Learning
Authors: Yan Weijian , Lowell Victoria , Yang Li 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The utilization of Virtual Reality (VR) has proven effective in enhancing the speaking skills of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners by providing an authentic learning environment conducive to situated learning. This exploratory mixed-method study explored the impact of VR-enhanced instruction on EFL learners' speaking skills and their perception of the learning experience within the context of situated learning. 16 first-year undergraduate students majoring in English at a Chinese public university participated in role-playing speaking exercises through the desktop-based VR application, Immerse. The research employed various instruments, including a pretest and a posttest covering comprehension, pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and vocabulary. Additionally, participants filled out a presurvey detailing demographic information and a post-survey assessing their overall perception of the learning experience in VR. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted. Quantitative analysis of the test results revealed a significant improvement in learners' speaking performance (t (15) = 7.69, p < 0.01, Cohen's d = 1.79), with notable enhancements in vocabulary, fluency, and grammar. A thematic analysis of the interview and open-ended responses in the post-survey supported the quantitative findings, emphasizing that authentic contexts in the VR environment can help EFL learners enhance knowledge comprehension and retention, engagement and motivation, and knowledge transfer to real life, which can facilitate situated learning.
Electroacupuncture attenuates degeneration by upregulating of aquaporins via the cAMP/PKA pathway in a rabbit model of disc degeneration
Authors: Wang Min , Huang Jia-Bao , Zou jing , Huang Guofu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Intervertebral disc degeneration(IVDD) is characterized extracellular matrix (ECM) decrease and water loss which is one of the main causes of LBP. Electroacupuncture (EA) has long been used to release low back pain with IVDD. To investigate whether EA can upregulate aquaporins(APQs) in IVDD via the cAMP/PKA pathway in a rabbit model of disc degeneration.
methods
A homemade loading device was adapted to induce a disc degeneration model. After 28 days, EA treatment was performed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were performed to evaluate the AQP content and water diffusion.The AQP protein expression in discs was observed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining (IFC). Using linear correlation analysis, the relationship between radiology images and AQPs contains was measured. The levels of cAMP and PKA were examined by using ELISA, and the expressions of AQPs and the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway and its related molecules were examined by using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis.
Results
EA intervention decreased the MRI grades, fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. IFC showed an apparent increase in AQP 1 and 3 immunoreactions after EA intervention. MRI grades negatively correlated with the AQP1, 3 protein content, but a positive correlation was found between FA and ADC value and AQP protein expression. The levels of cAMP and PKA were significantly increased after EA intervention in rabbits with IDD. The mRNA and protein expression levels of AQP1 and 3, p-CREB, eIF-2, Actin, MAP1A, MAP1B, MAP2, MAP4, and Tau were significantly decreased in the model group as compared with the sham group, and the expression levels were partially restored after EA intervention.
Conclusion
EA may attenuate degeneration through regulating the AQPs expression, which may be mediated by the cAMP/PKA pathway.
The clinical characteristics and nomograms for the prognosis of patients with primary pelvic malignancies: A SEER population-based analysis
Authors: Ren Gang , Wang Xin , Wang Xishun , Zhang Jiangchao , Cui Yinpeng , Liu Zhenjiang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background and Objective: Primary pelvic malignancies are infrequent, and they exhibit unique clinical characteristics. This study aimed to determine the risk factors and develop nomograms to predict cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with primary pelvic malignancies.
Methods: Patients with primary pelvic bone malignancies between 2000 and 2019 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to determine the independent prognostic factors. Nomograms were developed to predict the likelihood of CSS and OS. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) curves were utilized to evaluate the performance of the nomograms.
Results: The clinical data of 2,231 patients with primary pelvic malignancies were retrieved from the SEER database. A total of 534 patients, all with complete survival and treatment data, were included in this study. Among the primary pelvic malignancies, chondrosarcoma was the most prevalent, comprising 316 cases, followed by osteosarcoma with 132 cases, Ewing sarcoma with 59 cases, chordoma with 23 cases, and giant cell tumor of bone with 4 cases. Independent prognostic factors for CSS and OS included age, tumor size, International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O)-3 histology code, tumor extent, tumor differentiation grade, and surgery at the primary tumor site. Nomograms incorporating these prognostic factors were developed, demonstrating an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.785 for CSS and 0.808 for OS.
Conclusion: Nomograms for the prediction of CSS and OS in patients with primary pelvic malignancies were developed, which may serve as a reliable reference for clinicians when making clinical decisions.
Unravelling stroke gait deviations with movement analytics, more than meets the eye: a case control study
Authors: Pan Jing Wen , Sidarta Ananda , Wu Tsung-Lin , Kwong Wai Hang Patrick , Ong Poo Lee , Tay Mathew Rong Jie , Phua Min Wee , Chong Wei Binh , Ang Wei Tech , Chua Karen Sui Geok 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to identify and quantify the kinematic and kinetic gait deviations in post-stroke hemiplegic gait with matched healthy controls using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM). Fifteen chronic stroke patients and 15 matched healthy were recruited. During a 10-m walking task, joint angles, ground reaction forces (GRF), and joint moments were collected, analyzed, and compared for an entire gait cycle. The results showed that generally, when comparing the stroke patients’ affected hemiplegic and less affected, contralateral limbs with the control group, SPM identified significant differences in the late stance phase and early swing phase in the joint angles and moments in bilateral limbs (all p < 0.005). In particular, vertical and anteroposterior components of GRF were significantly different in various periods of the stance phase (all p < 0.005), while mediolateral component showed no differences between the two groups. The SPM method was able to describe abnormal gait cycle patterns in both the affected and less affected limbs with significant differences when compared with the control group. The findings draw attention to significant quantifiable gait deviations in the less affected post-stroke limb which may provide rehabilitation professionals with new insights with potential impact on gait retraining strategies.
Cholesterolized TLR7 agonist liposomes combined with radiotherapy elicit antitumor immunity through oxidized mitochondrial DNA- driven inflammasome pathway
Authors: Han Xuejiao , Cheng Yuan , Wan Dandan , Alu Aqu , Zhang Ziqi , Bi Zhenfei , Wang Manni , Hong Weiqi , Chen Siyuan , Chen Li , Wei Yuquan , Wei Xiawei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Radiotherapy is fundamental in the treatment of malignancies; however, its ability to consistently control tumor recurrence and metastases remains limited. There has been significant interest in exploring innovative immunomodulatory strategies that can enhance antitumor immunity by synergistically combining novel immunostimulatory agents with radiotherapy. The objective of this study was to investigate the antitumor efficacy and mechanism of cholesterolized TLR7 agonist liposomes, 1V209-Cho-Lip, in combination with radiotherapy.
Methods
Mouse tumor models were applied to validate the antitumor efficacy of 1V209-Cho-Lip combined with radiotherapy. Changes in the immune microenvironment were analyzed using flow cytometry. In vitro, primary mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were utilized to investigate the activated pathway. Casp1−/− mice were used to confirm the crucial role of caspase-1 in the antitumor effect of 1V209-Cho-Lip combined with radiotherapy.
Results
The combination of 1V209-Cho-Lip with radiotherapy demonstrated a synergetic antitumor effect and reduced spontaneous lung metastasis in 4T1 and B16-F10 tumor models. This combined therapy effectively promated dendritic cell (DC) maturation and activated effector and memory CD8+ T cells. Specifically, oxidized mitochondria DNA (ox-mtDNA) released from irradiated tumor cells, as DAMPs, synergized with 1V209-Cho-Lip to activate the inflammasome pathway in DC, leading to the production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and maturation of DC. The antitumor efficacy of 1V209-Cho-Lip combined with radiotherapy was impaired in Casp1−/− mice.
Conclusions
Our findings highlight the potential of combining 1V209-Cho-Lip and RT as a promising anticancer treatment strategy, providing a proof-of-concept for translation to early-phase clinical trials.
Assessing hierarchies by their consistent segmentations
Authors: Gutman Zeev , Vij Ritvik , Najman Laurent , Lindenbaum Michael 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Current approaches to generic segmentation start by creating a hierarchy of nested image parti- tions and then specifying a segmentation from it. Our first contribution is to describe several ways, most of them new, for specifying segmentations using the hierarchy elements. Then, we consider the best hierarchy-induced segmentation specified by a limited number of hierarchy elements. We focus on a common quality measure for binary segmentations, the Jaccard index (also known as IoU). Optimizing the Jaccard index is highly non-trivial, and yet we propose an efficient approach for doing exactly that. This way we get algorithm-independent upper bounds on the quality of any segmentation created from the hierarchy. We found that the obtainable segmentation quality varies significantly depending on the way that the segments are specified by the hierarchy elements, and that representing a segmentation with only a few hierarchy elements is often possible. (Code is available).
From Black Box to Transparency: the hidden costs of XAI in NGN
Authors: Corona Julio , Rodrigues Pedro , Almeida Leonardo , Teixeira Rafael , Antunes Mário , Aguiar Rui 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As the 5G era progresses and the research community shifts its focus to the future 6G era, an unprecedented surge in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques for network development and operation is expected. AI is envisioned to play a crucial role in 6G networks, enabling intelligent network management, enhanced user experience, higher security, and unprecedented levels of connectivity. However, the opaque nature of Machine Learning (ML) models has prompted a shift towards Explainable AI (XAI) techniques to enhance decision-making transparency and auditability. Despite the promises of XAI, computational costs remain a critical consideration. This study investigates the temporal and energy costs associated with four prominent XAI techniques: SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME), Permutation Importance (PI), and Morris Sensitivity (MS). These techniques are applied to four ML models in two distinct 5G network scenarios. Our results show that MS emerged as the most time-efficient and energy-conserving XAI method, demonstrating consistent feature relevance across various ML models and datasets, affirming its efficacy in explaining model decisions.
Ventricular Septation of the Double-Inlet Ventricle: Over Three Decades of Follow-Up
Authors: Nguyen Stephanie N. , Quaegebeur Jan M. , Corda Rozelle , Shah Amee , Setton Matan I. , Bacha Emile A. , Goldstone Andrew B. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
There is renewed interest in septation of the double-inlet ventricle as an alternative to Fontan palliation. We examined our septation experience with over 30 years of follow-up.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients with double-inlet ventricle from 1990–2011. Patients with two adequate atrioventricular valves, a volume-overloaded ventricle, and no significant subaortic obstruction were septation candidates.
Results
Of 98 double-inlet ventricle patients, 9 (9.2%) underwent attempted septation via a one-stage (n = 2, 22.2%) or two-stage (n = 7, 77.8%) approach. Ages at primary septation were 7.5 and 20.2 months. In the staged group, median age at the first and second stage was 8.3 months [range: 4.1–14.7] and 22.4 months [range: 11.4-195.7], respectively. There were no operative mortalities. Median follow-up was 18.8 years [range: 0.4–32.9] and 30-year transplant-free survival was 77.8%±13.9%. Both single stage patients are alive and in sinus rhythm; 1 underwent bilateral outflow tract obstruction repair 27 years later. Of 7 patients planned for two-stage septation, there was 1 interval mortality and 1 deferred the second stage. Five patients underwent the second stage; 1 required early reintervention for a residual neo-septal defect and 1 underwent right atrioventricular valve replacement 28 years later. Three patients required a pacemaker preoperatively (n = 1) or after partial septation (n = 2). At latest follow-up, 7 patients have normal biventricular function and no significant valvulopathy. All remain NYHA functional class I.
Conclusions
Select double-inlet ventricles may be septated with excellent long-term outcomes. Reconsideration of this strategy is warranted to avoid the sequelae of Fontan circulation.