bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coexistence of two sympatric predators in a transitional ecosystem under constraining environmental conditions: a perspective from space and habitat use
Authors: Rodrigues Chloé Warret , Roth James D. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundRange expansion of species, a major consequence of climate changes, may alter communities substantially due to competition between expanding and native species.MethodsWe first quantified size differences between an expanding habitat generalist, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), and a circumpolar habitat specialist, the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), at the edge of the Arctic, where climate-related changes occur rapidly, to predict the likelihood of the larger competitor escalating interference to intraguild killing. We then used satellite telemetry to evaluate competition in a heterogeneous landscape by examining space use early during the foxes' reproductive period, when resource scarcity, increased-food requirements and spatial constraints likely exacerbate the potential for interference. We used time-LoCoH to quantify space and habitat use, and Minta's index to quantify spatio-temporal interactions between neighbors.ResultsOur morphometric comparison involving 236 foxes found that the potential for escalated interference between these species was high due to intermediate size difference. Our results from 17 collared foxes suggested that expanding and native competitors may coexist when expanding species occur at low densities. Low home-range overlap between neighbors suggested territoriality and substantial exploitation competition for space. No obvious differential use of areas shared by heterospecific neighbors suggested low interference. If anything, intraspecific competition between red foxes may be stronger than interspecific competition. Red and Arctic foxes used habitat differentially, with near-exclusive use of forest patches by red foxes and marine habitats by Arctic foxes.ConclusionHeterogeneous landscapes may relax interspecific competition between expanding and native species, allowing exclusive use of some resources. Furthermore, the scarcity of habitats favored by expanding species may emphasize intraspecific competition between newcomers over interspecific competition, thus creating the potential for self-limitation of expanding populations. Dominant expanding competitors may benefit from interference, but usually lack adaptations to abiotic conditions at their expansion front, favoring rear-edge subordinate species in exploitation competition. However, due to ongoing climate change, systems are usually not at equilibrium. A spread of habitats and resources favorable to expanding species may promote higher densities of antagonistically dominant newcomers, which may lead to extirpation of native species.
Quality of life assessment using questionnaires EQ-5D and VAS in patients with Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness
Authors: Madrigal Jorge , Olier Paula , Torre Maria Mercedes de la , Velez Daniela , Fonseca Marielena , Vanegas-Munera Johanna , Castillo-Bustamante Melissa 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Objective
Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic vestibular condition that produces non-spinning vertigo, dizziness and unsteadiness which leads to an altered quality of life (QoL). Little is known about QoL assessment using questionnaires such as EQ-5D in hispanic patients with PPPD compared to those with other vestibular disorders.
Methods
We conducted a prospective study in using EQ-5D and VAS in patients with PPPD and patients with other vestibular disorders such as vestibular migraine, Ménière’s disease and Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo without PPPD. An EQ-5D- VAS Index calculator was used to convert results to a single utility index using country specific value sets. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis and lineal regression.
Results
Fifty-one patients with PPPD and sixty patients with other vestibular disorders without PPPD were included. Mobility (51% vs 49, p = 0.001), self-care (27.5% vs 2%, p = 0.025) and anxiety/depression (47.1% vs 37.5%, p = 0.0001) were the most common affected items in patients with PPPD than those without this disorder. Worse EQ and VAS scores were seen in patients with PPPD when compared to other vestibular conditions (p = 0.027 vs p = 0.148). Increased EQ-5D and VAS scores were seen in older patients with PPPD.
Conclusion
Patients with PPPD presented worse EQ5D and VAS scores compared to those without PPPD. As age increased worse EQ-VAS scores were found. Mobility, self-care, and anxiety/depression scores were found in patients with PPPD than those with other vestibular conditions. Further prospective studies focused in QoL including therapeutic and rehabilitation outcomes are suggested.
Level of Evidence: Prospective Study
Health related quality of life and its influencing factors of socio- demographic and clinical characteristics in patients with cervical cancer based the scale QLICP-CE(V2.0)
Authors: Chen Huiyan , Zhou Lin , Fong Daniel , Cun Yingli , Yang Zheng , Wan Chonghua 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background Quality of life research can guide clinical workers to adopt more targeted treatment and intervention measures, so as to achieve the purpose of improving patients' quality of life. The objective of this study was to evaluate health-related quality of life in Chinese patients with cervical cancer and to explore its influencing factors.Methods A total of 186 patients with cervical cancer were investigated by using the QLICP-CE (V2.0) scale (Quality of Life Instruments for Cancer Patients-Cervical Cancer) developed by our group in China. The data were analyzed by t-test, one-way ANOVA, univariate analysis, and multivariate linear regression.Results The total score of quality of life scale for cervical cancer patients was (62.58 ± 12.69), Univariate analysis of objective clinical indexes showed that creatinine concentration was a negative influence factor in the psychological domain, potassium ion concentration was a negative influence factor in the common symptoms and side effect domain, erythrocyte content was a positive influence factor physical domain and common general domain. Multiple linear regression results suggested that clinical staging was the influencing factor of common symptom and side effect domain, common general module and total score of scale. Marital status has different degrees of influence on the psychological, social, and common general domains. The level of education also influenced scores in the social domain.Conclusion The total score of quality of life in patients with cervical cancer who received active treatment was acceptable. There are many factors influencing the health-related quality of life in patients with cervical cancer. Marital status, clinical staging, and educational level are the factors that affect the quality of life of patients with cervical cancer. At the same time, potassium ion concentration, red blood cell count and creatinine concentration also have important effects on quality of life in patients with cervical cancer. Therefore, it is very important to give personalized treatment and nursing to patients based on various factors.
BW-PBFT: Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance Consensus Algorithm Based on Credit Bidirectionally Waning
Authors: Wang Zhen-Fei , Liu Shi-Qi , Wang Pu , Zhang Li-Ying 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The consensus algorithm, as one of the cores of blockchain technology, plays a very critical role. As one of the mainstream consensus methods, PBFT has the advantages such as low energy consumption and large throughput. However, the traditional PBFT algorithm also has disadvantages, such as high network bandwidth occupation, for PBFT needs broadcasting information for all nodes in stage 3 and 4; limited expandability. With the increase of nodes, the bandwidth overhead of the blockchain network will increase significantly, which leads to a decrease in throughput, so that cause a crash of the blockchain network. We proposed an improved PBFT consensus based on a credit value bidirectionally waning, named BW-PBFT. The algorithm first elects some nodes to form a committee according to the ballot and the credit value, and then the committee nodes use the PBFT algorithm for consensus, and calculate the credit value of the nodes according to the performance in the consensus process. If nodes do not get punishment anymore, their credit value will approach 50 with the increase of the blockchain height. Theoretical analysis and experiments prove that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the quality of the nodes involved in the consensus.
Defect Detection for Gear System of Station Wagon by Extensive Empirical Wavelet Decomposition and Deep Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Huang Xuebin , Liu Hongbing , Chen Fangyuan , Ye Bingcheng 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Gear system is the one of the most important components of station wagon, so it is very important to study the defect detection method for gear systemof station wagon. Defect detection for gear system of station wagon by extensive empirical wavelet decomposition and deep extreme learning machine is proposed in this paper. As the features the time-frequency image based on extensive empirical wavelet decomposition (EEWT) are clearer than those of empirical wavelet decomposition (EWT), EEWT is used to decompose the vibration signals of gear system of station wagon, and create the time-frequency images of the vibration signals of gear system of station wagon. Deep extreme learning machine (DELM) is formed by stacking multi-layer extreme learning auto-encoders, so it can extract higher-level features and has higher classification and recognition accuracy than traditional ELM, thus, DELM is used to defect detection for gear system of station wagon. The experimental results demonstrates that the defect detectionaccuracy of EEWT-DELM is higher than EWT-DELM,EWT-ELM, and traditional ELM, and EEWT-DELM is suitable for defect detection of gear system of station wagon.
The effects of curcumin on serum galactin-3, rat behavior, cognition, and total antioxidant capacity in the streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's model in rats
Authors: Hosseini Razieh , Mirshekar Mohammad Ali , Montazerifar Farzaneh , Soltanmohammadi Mozhgan , Behrasi Fatemeh 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Aims: To our knowledge, no previous study has investigated the effect of curcumin (CUR) on galectin 3 (Gal3) as a factor associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of CUR on serum Gal3 and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in rat models with AD.
Methods: In this study, 32 adult male Wistar rats were utilized as test subjects. The animals were randomly divided into four groups with eight rats in each group as follows: (1) Sham (animals that received normal saline (NS)), (2) streptozotocin (STZ), (3) CUR, and (4) CUR -STZ. Animals were treated for 56 consecutive days and finally the level of Gal3, TAC and cognitive function were evaluated.
Results: The result of study showed that a significant effect of CUR intake on the reduction of serum Gal3 in the CUR-STZ as compared to the STZ group (P = < 0.001). There was a markedly effect of CUR intake on the TAC in the CUR-STZ as compared to the STZ group (P = < 0.001). Additionally, it was markedly lower in the STZ group than in controls (P = < 0.05)
Conclusions: The present study found that CUR consumption improved TAC and reduced Gal3 in rat models of AD. However, more studies are needed to elucidate CUR’s neuroprotective mechanisms.
Preparation of mechanically tunable non-isocyanate polyurethane based on thiol-ene click reaction and amine structure
Authors: Li Shuai , Zhong Jiang , Gao Fei , Yang Yuping , Zhong Yuting , Shen Liang , Qiao Yongluo 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) is one of the hot spots in the scientific research of polyurethane. In this work, mechanically regulable NIPU were prepared by ring-opening polymerization of cyclic carbonates via diamines. Cyclocarbonates with different functionalities were firstly synthesized by thiol-ene click reaction, which was characterized through nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FITR). Subsequently, the controllable performance of NIPU films were obtained by using diamines with different structures. The mechanical and thermal properties of prepared NIPU films were studied by swelling experiment, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile test and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Experimental results suggested that the control of functionality and reactivity endowed the material with an adjustable crosslinking density. The Young's modulus of the material could be regulated from 51.31 MPa to 765.07 MPa. Furthermore, the studied films also showed good thermal stability.
Prognostic and Therapeutic Response Analysis of Breast Cancer Based on Post-translational Ubiquitin and Ubiquitin-Like Modification-Related Signature
Authors: Zhou Nanyang , Kong Dejia , Lin Qiao , Yang Xiaojing , Zhou Dan , Lou Lihua , Lou Xiangming 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like (UUL) modifications play pleiotropic functions and are subject to fine regulatory mechanisms frequently altered in cancer. However, the comprehensive impact of UUL modification on breast cancer remains unclear.
Methods: Transcriptomic and clinical data of breast cancer were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. Molecular subtyping of breast cancer was conducted using the NMF and CIBERSORT algorithms. Prognostic genes were identified via univariate, lasso and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Clinical pathological features, immune cell infiltration, immune therapeutic response and chemotherapy drug sensitivity were compared between groups using the Wilcoxon test. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.
Results: In breast cancer, 63 UUL modification-related genes were differentially expressed, with 29 up-regulated and 34 down-regulated genes. These genes were used to generate two UUL modification patterns that exhibited significant differences in prognostic features and immune cell infiltration. The UUL modification patterns were associated with 2038 differentially expressed genes that were significantly enriched in nuclear division, chromosome segregation, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, cell cycle, and other biological processes. Of these genes, 425 were associated with breast cancer prognosis, which enabled the classification of breast cancer into two clusters with significantly distinct prognoses. We developed a prognostic model, UULscore, which comprised nine genes and showed a significant correlation with partial immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, UULscore demonstrated potential predictive value in breast cancer overall survival prediction, immune therapeutic response, and chemotherapy drug sensitivity. UULscore, stage, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were identified as independent prognostic factors for breast cancer. Based on these factors, a nomogram model was constructed, which demonstrated exceptional prognostic predictive performance.
Conclusion: In conclusion, we identified two UUL modification-derived molecular subtypes in breast cancer, and have successfully constructed a risk scoring model that holds potential value in prognosis, immune infiltration, immune therapeutic response, and chemotherapy drug sensitivity.
The Role of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Other Physiological and Hormonal Factors in Predicting Pregnancy Outcomes in Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Treatments
Authors: Sun Xingyu , Yang Liu , Xiong Junjun , Cheng Hui , Yin Chengliang , Liu Ling 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with pregnancy outcomes and identify potential predictive parameters in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments.Methods A total of 213 women of reproductive age who underwent their first cycle of IVF or ICSI were included in the study. Demographic, hormonal, metabolic, and endocrine data were collected. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between various factors and pregnancy outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to assess the predictive performance of the significant factors.Results The multivariate analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (Vitamin_D) were significantly associated with pregnancy outcomes. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that BMI, FSH, HbA1c, and Vitamin_D levels showed moderate predictive performance for pregnancy outcomes, with area under the curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.574 to 0.648.Conclusions This study suggests that BMI, FSH, HbA1c, and Vitamin_D levels may play crucial roles in predicting pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing IVF and ICSI treatments. Clinicians should consider these factors when counseling and managing patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatments.
Brain tumor pathological image segmentation based on residual U-net ++ network
Authors: Pu Qiumei , Tian Jinglong , Li Guonan , Xing Rongchang , Zhao Zhe , Wu Liyuan , Zhao Lina 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The incidence of brain tumors has been on the rise, highlighting the need for early and accurate diagnosis. Deep learning in image segmentation can assist in automated diagnosis and diagnostic efficiency. This study proposes an improved U-Net + + network with a jump short connection instead of a long connection to be more sensitive to edge information. The residual structure replaces the convolutional blocks to prevent the model from degradation, while the residual blocks are batch normalized for increasing convergence speed. The improved U-Net + + was validated on the Tumor Imaging Archive dataset, with a Dice factor of 0.927, Accuracy of 0.995, and Sensitivity of 0.913. The improved U-Net + + network can better fuse features of different depths and update the weights of the network in time. This allows the network to approach the true value without degradation during the training process, and the segmentation accuracy of the training model is also increased.
Assessment of Atrial Fibrillation Substrate: Correlation between Left Atrial Function and Myocardial Fibrosis by Non-Invasive Imaging
Authors: Paz Dulman O. Pineda-De , Montserrat Sílvia , Tirapu Laia , Cascos Enric , Caixal Gala , Olivas Dahyr , Alarcón Francisco , Garre Paz , Borràs Roger , Prat-González Susana , Perea Rosario J. , Tolosana José M. , Roca Ivo , Guasch Eduard , Mont Lluis , Sitges Marta 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Purpose The atrial fibrillation (AF) substrate can be characterized by left atrium (LA) fibrosis assessed by delayed-enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), potentially guiding therapeutic strategies and predicting outcomes in patients with AF undergoing the catheter ablation (CA) procedure. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) can assess LA function and has been shown to be predictive of CA success. This study evaluated the correlation between LA function by 2D-STE and LA fibrosis by delayed-enhancement CMR in patients with paroxysmal AF before the CA procedure.Methods This was a single-centre, prospective study of patients undergoing the CA procedure due to symptomatic drug-refractory paroxysmal AF. LA function was assessed by 2D-STE. Strain (S) and strain rate (SR) curves were obtained for the assessment of reservoir (LASs, LASRs), conduit (LASe, LASRe) and booster pump (LASa, LASRa) phases. Quantification of LA fibrosis was obtained using delayed-enhancement CMR according to the Utah classification. LA fibrosis was defined as Utah stage > 1 (≥ 10%).Results Eighty-six patients were studied. LASa and LASRa were abnormally low in all Utah fibrosis stages. LASs, LASe, LASRs and LASRe significantly decreased as the burden of fibrosis increased. LASRe proved to be an independent predictor of LA fibrosis by delayed-enhancement CMR with a cut-off point of -1.6 s-1, AUC of 0.72, sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 75% with PPV 0.52 and NPV 0.89.Conclusions LASRe was the strongest independent predictor of LA fibrosis by delayed-enhancement CMR. Further investigations are needed to assess to long-term the ablation success / freedom from arrhythmia after catheter ablation, which should be correlated with the potential of LASRe to predict LA fibrosis.
Cellulose based electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds as a novel transdermal patch; Survey on their thermophysical and biological proficiencies
Authors: Tashakkorian Hamed , Kazemi Sohrab , Abedian Zeinab , moghadamnia Ali Akbar 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCellulose derivatives due to their biocompatibility, bioactivity and biomechanics are among the most used resources for biomedical applications. In this study mats using different amounts of cellulose acetate (CA)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/ polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) of blended nanofibers were prepared via co-electrospinning technique by employing double nozzle for jetting solutions of CA/PVP and PVA, separately. The chemical structure, morphology, thermal stability and tensile analyses of the prepared nanofibrous samples were fully characterized. Moreover, MTT assay and cell culture studies using human skin fibroblast cell lines were also carried out to determine the cytocompatibility, viability and proliferation of the cells on the surface of the prepared scaffolds. To survey on the release kinetics,ex-vivoskin permeation studies were performed on the mat with the most suitable ratio, using Franz cell diffusion system. According to the obtained thermophysical and biological results, the synthesized electrospun nanofibrous mat unveil great potentials in biomedical applications especially in cell culture, tissue engineering and also as a drug loaded transdermal patch.
Detailed Probabilistic seismic hazard analysis of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Poudyal Dibyashree , Nordin Norhaiza , Gupta Kunal , Satyam Neelima , Roslan Siti Nur Aliaa , Dahal Bhim kumar 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The Kathmandu Valley, situated in a region with high seismic activity, has experienced numerous earthquakes in the past. The Gorkha earthquake in Nepal has increased the probability of significant earthquakes happening in the future along this orogenic belt, including the Valley. In this study, an effort has been made to conduct a detailed probabilistic seismic hazard analysis of the Kathmandu Valley by considering earthquakes between 1900 and 2023. A complete catalog of the quake was compiled, encompassing entire seismic events within a 300 Kilometers range. The earthquake catalog was employed to homogenize the magnitude into moment magnitude (Mw) scale using global relationships, and Gardner and Knopoff's algorithm for declustering was used to filter dependent events. Catalog completeness was evaluated using Stepp's technique, and recurrence parameters were calculated using Gutenberg-Richter's law, which is necessary for probabilistic seismic hazard analysis. This study uses a seismic hazard analysis tool R-CRISIS. Global attenuation models within a logic tree were employed to evaluate interface events in Nepal. The findings were presented through maps depicting an Arias intensity, peak ground acceleration, and peak ground velocity for 50-year periods with 2% and 10% risk of exceedance. This study of ground motion will assist in future seismological analysis before developing future infrastructures.