bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of diurnal solar radiation regime and tree density on sap flow of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) in fragmented stands
Authors: Singh Vivek Vikram , Zabihi Khodabakhsh , Trubin Aleksei , Jakuš Rastislav , Cudlín Pavel , Korolyova Nataliya , Blaženec Miroslav 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The continuous threat of ongoing climate changes and related weather anomalies pose a significant challenge to forest ecosystems. The phytosociological structure of forests plays a crucial role in determining their resilience to various biotic and abiotic stressors. Moreover, stand density, which regulates the allocation of resources within individual trees, is a vital aspect for comprehending forest functioning. This study was conducted in Norway spruce forests located in the Czech Republic, where we investigated the influence of tree density on sap flow rates within three predefined directions corresponding to sun position during the morning (5:00–11:10 hours; East), noon (11:10–15:10 hours; South), and evening (15:10–21:10 hours; West) intervals. Tree density was calculated within a 10m radius buffer around each tree using high spatial resolution aerial imagery acquired by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). We measured the sap flow in 10-minute intervals for 25 selected trees during the nine hottest days of the summer in 2019. We normalized sap flow measures using the abundance of tree foliage, which was qualitatively evaluated in the field as a reverse estimate of defoliation. The normalized data were used in further statistical analyses. Our findings reveal a strong negative correlation between sap flow and tree density, underscoring the substantial impact of neighboring tree density on tree transpiration. This relationship was most pronounced during midday, followed by the evening and morning hours, suggesting that sparser stands experience greater water deficit. The interaction between stand density and incoming solar radiation may constitute a crucial factor allowing forests to endure and adapt to climate change and other stressors such as bark beetle infestations.
Patent Processus vaginalis: role of ultrasound in pediatric population with unilateral inguinal hernia and other predictors
Authors: Abdelmotaal Yehia S. , Taher Heba , Kaddah Sherif , Elbarbary Mohamed , Elsayem Karam 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Inguinal hernia (IH) is a daily practice for pediatric surgeons. In a developing country with limited facilities predicting and diagnosing a contralateral patent processus vaginalis (PPV) is important to avoid the risk and cost of further surgery. Objectives: To assess accuracy of ultrasound in detecting PPV was our main objective using laparoscopic evaluation as a confirmatory test. We also looked for different predictors for PPV in our study population. Methods: One hundred forty-one patients were included in this 2-year cross-sectional prospective study; each patient was assessed in outpatient clinics then had a pre-operative ultrasound. This was followed by laparoscopic evaluation during repair of the hernia. Inclusion criteria were bilateral inguinal hernia elective patients, with no major comorbidities and age between 2months to 8years. Results: A total of 141 patients were included, 110 (78%) were males, 121 (85.9%) were full term and 96 (68.1) had right side hernia. Mean age 2.64 ± 1.9. The Ultrasound sensitivity showed 85.7% sensitivity, specificity 90.8%, and accuracy 90.1%. We analyzed other predictors with age less than 1 year, right side hernia and defect size more than 10mm were statistically significant predictors for a contralateral PPV. Conclusion: ultrasound has a high accuracy profile and is a beneficial alternative in the instances of limited settings and restricted access to minimally invasive surgery. Patients with age less than one year, right side hernia or larger manifested hernia defect has higher risk of having contralateral PPV.
Effects of a single strength training session on the peripheral concentrations of irisin in trained men
Authors: Ferreira Larissa , Borges Marcos , Nagata Gabriela Yumi , Barroso Lucélia Scarabeli Silva , Fernandes Heliana Barros , Souza-Gomes Antonio Felipe , Miranda Aline Silva , Nunes-Silva Albená 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Strength training is recommended for improving muscle strength and performance. It is shown that endocrine mediators, such as irisin, mediate part of these benefits. However, the acute effects of strength training on peripheral concentrations of irisin remain poorly understood.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a single strength training session on irisin plasma and urinary concentrations in trained adult men.
Methods: Fourteen healthy men participated in a strength training program. The strength training protocol included bench press, 45° inclined leg press, and lat pulldown exercises, with four sets of repetitions maximum at 60% of the evaluated1RM, 120 seconds for intervals between sets and exercises. Blood samples were collected pre-, post, and 1h-post, while urine samples were collected pre and 1h-post and measured using the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.
Results: The results show that a strength training session at 60% of 1RM can increase plasma lactate concentration levels from 1.19 ± 0.38 to 15.69 ± 2.22 mmol/L. Furthermore, heart rate increased from 93.95 ± 10.87 to 126.80 ± 10.23 bpm, and perceived exertion (RPE) rating rose from 0 to 9.39 ± 0.80. No changes were observed in plasma and urine levels of irisin.
Conclusion: A single bout of strength training can induce acute changes in physiological parameters; however, this stimulus does not affect plasma and urinary iris concentrations in adult men experienced in strength training.
Proteomic analysis of exosomes secreted during the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and potential biomarkers of mesenchymal high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Ferreira Germano Aguiar , Thomé Carolina Hassibe , Izumi Clarice , Grassi Mariana Lopes , Lanfredi Guilherme Pauperio , Smolka Marcus , Faça Vitor Marcel , Reis Francisco José Candido 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) promotes cell signaling and morphology alterations, contributing to metastatic progression. Exosomes, extracellular vesicles containing proteins involved in cell-cell communication, have emerged as potential source of biomarkers for several diseases.
Methods: In this study, our aim was to evaluate the proteome of exosomes secreted after EMT-induction in order to identify potential biomarkers for ovarian cancer classification. EMT was induced in the ovarian cancer cell line CAOV3 by treating it with EGF (10 ng/mL) for 96 hours following 24 hours of serum deprivation. Subsequently, exosomes were isolated from the supernatant using selective centrifugation after decellularization, and their characteristics were determined. The proteins present in the exosomes were extracted, identified, and quantified using Label-Free-Quantification (LFQ) using LC-MS/MS. To identify potential biomarkers, the obtained proteomic data was integrated with the TGGA database for mRNA expression using principal component analysis and a conditional inference tree.
Results: The exosomes derived from CAOV3 cells exhibited similar diameter and morphology, measuring approximately 150 nm, regardless of whether they were subjected to EMT stimulation or not (~). The proteomic analysis of proteins from CAOV3-derived exosomes revealed significant differential regulation of 157 proteins, with 100 showing upregulation and 57 downregulation upon EMT induction. Further comparison of the upregulated proteins with the TCGA transcriptomic data identified PLAU, LAMB1, COL6A1, and TGFB1 as potential biomarkers of mesenchymal HGSOC subtype.
Conclusions: EMT induction, exosome isolation, and proteomic analysis highlight potential biomarkers for aggressive ovarian cancer. Further investigation into the role of these proteins in warranted enhancing our understanding of ovarian cancer outcomes.
Planckian behavior of cuprates at the pseudogap critical point simulated via flat electron-boson spectral density
Authors: Park Hwiwoo , Park Jun H. , Hwang Jungseek 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Planckian behavior has been recently observed in La1.76Sr0.24CuO4 at the pseudogap critical point. The Planckian behavior takes place in an intriguing quantum metallic state at a quantum critical point. Here, the Planckian behavior was simulated with an energy-independent (or flat) and weakly temperature-dependent electron-boson spectral density (EBSD) function by using a generalized Allen's (Shulga's) formula. We obtained various optical quantities from the flat EBSD function, such as the optical scattering rate, the optical effective mass, and the optical conductivity. These quantities are well fitted with the recently observed Planckian behavior. Fermi-liquid behavior was also simulated with an energy-linear and temperature-independent EBSD function. The EBSD functions agree well with the overall doping- and temperature-dependent trends of the EBSD function obtained from the optically measured spectra of cuprate systems, which can be crucial for understanding the microscopic electron-pairing mechanism for high-Tc superconductivity in cuprates.
Evaluating the Efficacy of EEG Features and Data Fusion in Migraine Diagnosis
Authors: Saeedinia Samaneh Alsadat , Jahed-Motlagh Mohammad Reza , Tafakhori Abbas 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This study investigates the potential of using EEG features for the diagnosis of migraine. The asymmetry, phase synchronization, and relative power spectra of EEG signals were analyzed in 10 migraineurs and 10 healthy subjects. The objective of the study is to ascertain the relative importance of distinct characteristics in migraine diagnosis and establish a more effective classifier model for a limited dataset application. Singular features displayed inadequate accuracy in migraine classification under no photic stimulation, with an accuracy of roughly 70%. However, data fusion using the Random Forest algorithm resulted in a 5% increase in accuracy, achieving an accuracy of 75% with no photic stimulation and 88% under 3Hz photic stimulation. Results indicates that Random Forest is the most efficient classifier model for the identification of migraine utilizing a small dataset with numerous characteristics. The study presents innovative perspectives into the efficacy of amalgamating multiple well-known EEG abnormalities for migraine diagnosis and highlights the significance of meticulous deliberation of the choice of classification model and the scale of the dataset in constructing precise and dependable diagnostic tools for migraine. The findings demonstrate the potential for future studies to explore additional characteristics and algorithms to boost the accuracy of migraine classification. This investigation contributes to the burgeoning collection of research in the field of migraine diagnosis and presents a foundation for further inquiry into the amalgamation of multiple characteristics and the effectiveness of distinct methods.
Development and Validation of Deep Learning Models for Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma Survival
Authors: Liu Yan , yang Yang , Zhao Wenna , Zhang Yuan , Huang Changzhen , Wang Yuanjian , Chu Ran , Li Li , Wang Yu 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a rare and distinct histologic subtype of epithelial ovarian carcinomas. Few studies have explored the use of deep learning models for predicting survival in OCCC. Our study aims to compare the performance of deep learning models with a multivariate Cox regression model in predicting survival for OCCC patients. Methods In this population-based cohort study, we extracted 926 patients diagnosed with OCCC between 2010 and 2017 from the Surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database. Three algorithms, including DeepSurv and neural multi-task logistic regression (NMTLR) based on neural networks, and RSF based on ensemble learning, were chosen for training. Additionally, a Cox proportional hazard model was constructed for comparison purposes. The algorithm was externally validated on an independent test cohort, comprising 134 OCCC patients diagnosed between January 2005 and July 2021 in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University. The model's performance was assessed using the C-index and IBS (Integrated Brier Score), while the accuracy of predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival was evaluated using ROC and AUC. Furthermore, a user-friendly interface was developed to facilitate the use of deep learning models for predicting survival. Results The deep learning model has demonstrated promising results in predicting overall survival (OS) for OCCC patients, outperforming the Cox proportional hazard model. DeepSurv consistently exhibited superior prediction performance compared to the Cox proportional hazard model in both the SEER training set (C-index: 0.781 vs. 0.724) and the independent China test set (C-index: 0.836 vs. 0.829). Additionally, the DeepSurv model displayed significantly higher AUC values for 3-year and 5-year OS in the China cohort when compared to the Cox proportional hazard model (AUC for 3-year OS: 0.844 vs. 0.836; AUC for 5-year OS: 0.821 vs. 0.817). Moreover, we developed a user-friendly graphical interface that allows for visualization of the deep learning model. Conclusions This study appears that deep learning models hold more promising than traditional linear regression models in predicting OS in OCCC patients. However, it is important to note that further large-scale, real-world studies are required to validate and substantiate this model.
Preoperative sarcopenia as a predictor of post-induction hypotension in elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery - A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: fan guanglei fan , Zang Baohe , 扶 书扬 , cai wen , 郑 明珠 , Shan Tianchi , Xu Wei , Zhao Wenjing 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The effect of sarcopenia on post-induction hypotension(PIH) of cardiac surgery remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to assess whether preoperative sarcopenia could be used to predict the outcome of post-induction hypotension in elderly cardiac surgery patients.
Methods
212 elderly patients undergoing elective open heart surgery who had an abdominal CT scan within 120 days before surgery. The primary predictor was Sarcopenia, defined as an age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass plus loss of muscle strength and/or reduced physical performance. The primary outcome was the incidence of post-induction hypotension. The univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for PIH.
Results
Sixteen percent of the patients (n = 34) had sarcopenia before cardiac surgery. The sarcopenic group had significantly lower BMI, hemoglobin levels, and base MAP, and higher ASA class, NT-ProBNP concentration, PIH, and major morbidity compared to non-sarcopenic individuals. In multivariate analysis, age (aOR = 1.07, 95% CI1.00-1.14; p = 0.036), ASA class(aOR = 2.15,95% CI 1.02–4.52; p = 0.043), Base MAP (aOR = 0.97,95% CI 0.94-1.00; p = 0.042) and sarcopenia (aOR 4.78, 95% CI 1.90-12.06; p = 0.001) were associated with PIH. The area under the ROC curve (95% CI) for sarcopenia score, ASA class, and both predicting PIH were 0.729(0.672-0781), 0.649(0.589–0.706), and 0.758(0.702–0.808), respectively. The difference in AUC between the ASA class and both combined was statistically significant (Z = 4.27, P < 0.001) and a statistically significant difference in AUC between sarcopenia and both combined (Z = 2.30, P = 0.021).
Conclusions
Sarcopenia is an independent predictor of post-induction hypotension of cardiac surgery in the elderly and can be used for preoperative risk assessment. In addition, its combination with traditional risk assessment tools (ASA classification) can improve the predictive accuracy of PIH.
Juvenile southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) uses snow hole to fast in winter at its southernmost breeding site
Authors: Wu Fuxing , Dai Yufei 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) are the largest pinniped in the world and exhibit a circumpolar distribution in the Southern Ocean. They return to shore for breeding or molting in austral summer and autumn (October to April) for a short time, but onshore sightings of elephant seals after June are rare. This note provides the first record of a juvenile elephant seal fasting in a snow hole at Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica, for at least 34 days in June and July 2014 before finally returning to the sea. During the study period, although the conditions of the snow hole changed as snow continuously fell, the seal slept inside for the entirety of this period. Hypotheses as to why an elephant seal hauled out and fasted inside the snow hole during the winter are discussed and included energy conservation, limitation of heat loss, and avoidance of predators, which may provide some insights into the winter behavior of this species.
Cabrol Procedure and Its Modifications： A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Sen , Zhang Ya-yong , Zi Yun-feng , Pu Lei , Qian Xu , Ren Le , Li Yong-bo , Jin Zhi-hao , Liu Jian-feng , Yuan Zhuo , Li Ya-Xiong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Cabrol procedure has undergone various modifications and advancements since it was invented. However, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding meta-analyses assessing the Cabrol procedure.
Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and long-term outcomes of the Cabrol procedure and its modifications. Pooling was conducted using random-effects model. Outcome events were reported as linearized occurrence rates (percentage per patient year) with 95% confidence intervals.
Results
A total of 14 studies involving 833 patients (mean age: 50 years; 71% male) were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled early mortality rate was 9.0% (66 patients), and the combined rate of reoperation due to bleeding was 4.9% (17 patients). During the average 4.4-year follow-up (3,727 patient-years), the annual occurrence rates (linearized) for complications were as follows: 3.63% (2.79–4.73) for late mortality, 0.64% (0.35–1.18) for aortic root reoperation, 0.57% (0.25–1.31) for hemorrhage events, 0.66% (0.16–2.74) for thromboembolism, 0.60% (0.29–1.26) for endocarditis, 2.32% (1.04–5.16) for major valve-related adverse events, and 0.58% (0.34–0.98) for Cabrol-related coronary graft complications.
Conclusion
This systematic review provides evidence that the outcomes of the Cabrol procedure and its modifications are acceptable in terms of mortality, reoperation, anticoagulation, valve-related complications, especially in Cabrol-related coronary graft complications. Notably, the majority of Cabrol procedures were performed in reoperation and complex cases. Furthermore, the design and anastomosis of the dacron interposition graft for coronary reimplantation, considering natural anatomy and physiological hemodynamics, may represent a promising avenue for future advancements in this field.
Sugarcane Bagasse Ash in Alkali-Activated Concrete Mix Proportion for 3D printing: An experimental investigation on Fresh and Hardened Properties
Authors: Mukherjee Kingshuk , Kapoor Ashish , Chourasia Ajay 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In contrast to traditional casting, 3D printing builds complex architectural and structural components by depositing extruded materials layer by layer without the need of molds or human labor. Critical early-age qualities that define the 3D printed alkali activated concrete are extrudability, shape retention, buildability, and open time. This paper investigates the fresh and hardened properties of alkali activated concrete mix utilizing sugarcane bagasse ash, fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag(GGBFS) suitable for extrusion-based 3D printing. The percentages of fly ash, GGBFS, bagasse ash were varied, while the sodium silicate/sodium hydroxide ratio was fixed at 1:1 and sand: binder was kept 1.3:1 and a total of six mixes were characterized by a systematic experimental approach to obtain a best printable mix. The outcomes show that bagasse ash, with a suitable substitution ratio of 20% fly ash, is a useful binder for alkali-activated concrete printing. It was revealed that while addition of bagasse ash (BA) increased the open time for printing, it resulted in decreased workability and continuous increment of BA resulted in diminishing value of compressive strength.
Mori-Zwanzig Approach for Belief Abstraction with Application to Belief Space Planning
Authors: Hou Mengxue , Lin Tony X. , Zhou Enlu , Zhang Fumin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We propose a learning-based method to extract symbolic representations of the belief state and its dynamics in order to solve planning problems in a continuous-state partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDP) problem. While existing approaches typically parameterize the continuous-state POMDP into a finite-dimensional Markovian model, they are unable to preserve fidelity of the abstracted model. The first major contribution of this paper is we propose a Neural Network based method to learn the non-Markovian transition model based on the Mori-Zwanzig (M-Z) formalism. Different from existing work in applying M-Z formalism to autonomous time-invariant systems, our approach is the first work generalizing the M-Z formalism to robotics, by addressing the non-Markovian modeling of the belief dynamics that is dependent on historical observations and actions. The second major contribution is we theoretically show that modeling the non-Markovian memory effect in the abstracted belief dynamics improves the modeling accuracy, which is the key benefit of the proposed algorithm. Simulation experiment of a belief space planning problem is provided to validate the performance of the proposed belief abstraction algorithms.
Preparation and Properties of PDMS elastomer cross-linked with hydrolyzate of TEOS, HEDS, or OETS oligomers: influence of cross-linker structure
Authors: Sato Yohei , Hayami Ryohei , Yamamoto Kazuki , Gunji Takahiro 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Linear oligoethoxysiloxanes were hydrolyzed, and the resulting hydrolyzates were dimethylsilylated to produce Si–H terminated ethoxysiloxanes (CLs). These CLs were characterized using gel permeation chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated the formation of highly condensed cyclic siloxanes, four-membered cyclic siloxanes, and linearly condensed cyclic siloxanes when derived from tetraethoxysilane, hexaethoxydisiloxane, and octaethoxytrisiloxane, respectively. The CLs were subsequently reacted with vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane in the presence of the Karstedt catalyst to yield PDMS elastomers, which are comprised of di- and quadra-functional silicones. Tests for transmittance, thermal properties, tensile strength, and swelling in toluene were conducted to assess the impact of the molecular weight and microstructure of the CLs on the final products. As the number of silicon atoms in the linear oligoethoxysiloxanes increased, there was a noticeable rise in the secant modulus and a reduction in the degree of swelling. These findings suggest that the structure of PDMS elastomers can be tailored by varying the structure of the linear oligosiloxanes used as a cross-linking agent.