bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Omicron Dynamics and Development in China: with a Deep Learning Enhanced Compartmental Model
Authors: Deng Qi , Wang Guifang
Published: July 2023

Background: The mainstream compartmental models require stochastic parameterization to estimate the transmission parameters between compartments, which depends upon detailed statistics on epidemiological transmission characteristics that are economically and resource-wide expensive to collect. As an alternative, deep learning techniques are effective in estimating these stochastic parameters with greatly reduced dependency on data particularity.
Objectives: We apply deep learning techniques as a lower data dependency alternative to estimate transmission parameters of a customized compartmental model, for the purpose of simulating the dynamics of the Omicron phase of the COVID-19 epidemics and projecting its further development in China.
Methods: We apply deep learning to estimate the transmission parameters of a customized compartmental model and then feed the estimated transmission parameters to the compartmental model to predict the development of Omicron epidemics in China for 28 days.
Results: In mainland China, the daily Omicron infection increase is between 60 and 260 in the 28-day forecast period between June 4 and July 1, 2022. On July 1, 2022, there would be 768,622 cumulative confirmed cases and 591 cumulative deceased cases. The average levels of prediction accuracy of the model are 98% and 92% for the number of infections and deaths, respectively.
Conclusions: The effectiveness of prevalent compartmental modes depends upon detailed statistics on epidemiological transmission characteristics. As an alternative, deep learning techniques are effective in estimating these stochastic parameters with greatly reduced dependency on data particularity. Our model demonstrates the efficacy and potential of applying deep learning methodologies in predicting the dynamics of infectious diseases.
Tumor-specific migration routes of xenotransplanted human glioblastoma cells in mouse brain
Authors: Gupta Rajesh , Niklasson Mia , Bergström Tobias , Segerman Anna , Betsholtz Christer , Westermark Bengt
Published: July 2023

The migration of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) to their final destination during development follows well-defined pathways. Cells from the highly malignant tumor glioblastoma (GBM) appear to exploit similar routes to invade brain parenchyma. In this report, we have analyzed the migration of GBM cells using three-dimensional high-resolution confocal microscopy in brain tumors derived from eight different human GBM cell lines xenografted in immunodeficient mice. The main routes of invasion were long-distance migration along white matter tracts and local migration along blood vessels. We found that GBM cells of most tumors (6/8) do not associate with blood vessels, as observed for migrating NPCs. These tumors, derived from low lamin A/C expressing GBM cells, were comparatively highly diffusive and invasive. On the other hand, 2/8 tumors showed perivascular invasion and displacement of astrocyte end-feet, migrated less diffusively, grew as a solid tumor, and were characterized by high expression of lamin A/C. We conclude that the migration pattern of glioblastoma is tumor cell-specific, and that the ability to invade the narrow spaces within white matter tracts may require low expression of lamin A/C leading to increased nuclear plasticity. This study highlights the role of GBM heterogeneity in driving the aggressive growth of glioblastoma.
Construction and validation of nomograms to predict overall survival and cancer-specific survival in patients with gastroesophageal junction cancer of no distant metastasis
Authors: Zhang Shiqiang , Qiang Jinhu , Shi Hanfei , Zhang Yujie
Published: July 2023

Background
Gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer is a distinctive type because of its site of incidence, our study aimed to explore the factors affecting the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with GEJ cancer of no distant metastasis and to construct nomogram model to predict the prognosis.
Methods
Patients with GEJ cancer of no distant metastases were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and randomized into two cohorts in a 7:3 ratio. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the OS and CSS risk factors, and nomograms were constructed utilizing these factors. The C-index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to validate the reliability of the model.
Results
3,831 GEJ cancer patients without distant metastases were enrolled in the study; 2,686 of these patients were in the training cohort and 1,145 were in the validation cohort. In the training cohort, the result of the multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model demonstrated that age, histological grading, T-stage, N-stage, and primary site surgery were independent factors for OS. As for CSS, in addition to the appeal factors, the number of tumors was also an independent influencing factor, The C-index of OS and CSS predicted by nomogram models were 0.681 (95% CI: 0.668–0.694) and 0.707 (95% CI: 0.693–0.721). Based on the result of calibration curve and ROC, the nomogram model was able to predict the prognosis of GEJ cancer without distant metastases with accuracy. Up to a certain point, DCA showed a good net advantage of the model in predicting patient survival over a wide range.
Conclusion
The nomogram prediction model had been validated to have good predictive and clinical application value, which can accurately predict survival rates and inform individualized treatment decisions in patients with GEJ cancer without distant metastases.
IABPC: An Improved Angle-Based Path Clustering Protocol for Energy Efficient Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Mishra Shailendra
Published: July 2023

Sensor nodes are generally placed in areas that are inaccessible. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are designed to efficiently collect data from sensor nodes and forward it to sinks. Many technological obstacles must be overcome before WSN can be implemented and used effectively. Battery life and signal range are two factors causing many of these technological hurdles. Batteries are the primary source of power for WSNs due to their primary functions, which include sensing, computing, and multi-hop communication. It is crucial for WSNs to maintain the vitality of their sensor nodes. For WSNs to last longer, energy-efficient cluster-based routing protocols are required. This paper proposes an improved angle-based path clustering (IABPC) approach that uses parameters such as residual energy and angle to select the Channel Head and Gateway nodes. The performances of proposed IABPC protocol are evaluated by comparing residual energy, lifetime, packet delivery ratio, energy efficiency, and end-to-end delay with existing protocol Adaptive Routing Protocol with Energy Efficiency (ARPEES) and Event Clustering an Scalable Energy Efficient Clustering Hierarchy protocols (SEECH) respectively. In comparison to ARPEES and SEECH protocols, IABPC protocol achieved higher residual energy and lifetime by 13.1% and 6.1%, a packet delivery ratio of 12.7% and 7%, greater energy efficiency of 13.3% and 7.6% than ARPEES and SEECH protocols, and an increased packet delivery ratio of 13.4%. Several regions are created in the proposed protocol to extend the network lifetime.
Some New Ramanujan's Modular Equations of Degree 15
Authors: Chuan-Ding Zhang , Li Yang
Published: July 2023

Ramanujan in his notebook recorded two modular equations involving multiplier with moduli of degrees (1,7) and (1,23). In this paper, we find some new Ramanujan's modular equations involving multiplier with moduli of degrees (3,5) and (1,15), and give concise proofs by employing Ramanujan's multiplier function equation.
Mathematics Subject Classification: 11F20 , 33C05
Small field-of-view T2-weighted MRI of the pancreas in a screening setting for hereditary pancreatic cancer: improving image quality through radial k-space sampling
Authors: Boekestijn Bas , Bogdanski Aleksander , Feshtali Shirin , Webb Andrew , Geest Rob van der , Wasser Martin
Published: July 2023

Background
Radial k-space sampling is compared with conventional Cartesian k-space sampling in small field-of -view respiratory-triggered Turbo Spin Echo (TSE) T2-weighted imagingof the pancreas regarding image quality and artifacts in a screening program for hereditary pancreatic cancer.
Methods
Small field-of-view radial and Cartesian k-space sampled respiratory triggered TSE images were acquired in 40 healthy mutation carriers undergoing annual screening for pancreatic cancer. Two radiologists evaluated images for motion artifacts, anatomical sharpness, pancreatic duct conspicuity and sharpness of vessels using a five-point Likert scale (1=very poor, 5=excellent) and reported their preferred sequence. Contiguousness between slices was quantified by segmentation of the superior mesenteric vein and determining the continuity of the vessel wall on consecutive slices by determining the deviation of the superior mesenteric vein center points.
Results
All categories except in-plane motion artifacts yielded statistically significant differences (p<0.001). Radial sampling performed better in slice contiguousness, anatomical sharpness and sharpness of vessel walls. Pancreatic duct conspicuity was higher on the Cartesian approach. Slice contiguousness had an average score of 4.53 ± 0.71 for radial and 3.46 ± 0.76 for Cartesian TSE. Radial sampling was preferred in 65 cases (81.3%). The average deviation of the superior mesenteric vein center points was 1.45 mm (interquartile range (IQR) 1.08 – 2.06) on radial TSE and 2.31 mm (IQR 1.65 – 3.30) on Cartesian TSE, p < 0.001.
Conclusion
Radial k-space sampling yields better overall image quality and contiguousness between slices compared to Cartesian sampling in high-resolution respiratory triggered T2-TSE of the pancreas.
CAF-released galectin 1 mediates non-cell-autonomous resistance to ceritinib in NSCLC.
Authors: Rizzolio Sabrina , Orrù Claudia , Volante Marco , Bellomo Sara Erika , Migliore Cristina , Giordano Silvia , Corso Simona
Published: July 2023

Background
Despite the advent of second and third-generation compounds targeting ALK in ALK-addicted Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), this tumor remains largely incurable due to drug resistance. A variety of cell-autonomous mechanisms have been shown to mediate acquired resistance to ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs); however, if and how tumor stroma can drive resistance to ALK inhibitors is not known.
Methods
We generated in vivo NSCLC models of acquired resistance to the ALK TKI ceritinib. Mechanisms of resistance have been investigated on ex-vivo derived tumor cells and Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs).
Results
Here we show that, under in vivo prolonged treatment with ceritinib, CAFs increased expression and release of galectin 1 (GAL1) that, through the activation in cancer cells of EGFR-dependent signaling, sustained drug resistance. Block of stromal GAL1 or pharmacological targeting of EGFR, in combination with ALK inhibition, resulted in bypass of resistance. We also proved that this non-cell-autonomous, adaptive resistance can evolve into a cell-autonomous genetic one, thus representing an intermediate step toward acquisition of a stably resistant phenotype. Importantly, this adaptive resistance mechanism was confirmed in NSCLC patients progressed on ALK TKIs, proving the clinical relevance of our findings.
Conclusions
Our work underlines the importance to mechanistically understand the tumor–stroma crosstalk, that can lead to aberrant molecular signaling networks sustaining resistance to ALK inhibitors. Indeed, the reported results open novel scenarios in the design of rational clinical trials, suggesting the benefit of combining ALK TKIs with anti-EGFR treatment to overcome or even prevent ceritinib resistance onset.
A visual-olfactory multisensory fusion spike neural network for early fire/smoke detection
Authors: Dai Xinyu , Huo Dexuan , Gao Zhanyuan , Zhang Jilin , Chen Hong
Published: July 2023

The integration and interaction of multisensory information has notably augmented the cognitive capacity of living organisms in their perception of the complex and varied world around them. In recent times, machine learning theory, particularly in image recognition, has progressed tremendously and has demonstrated immense potential in a multitude of practical scenes. Here, we report a biomimetic multisensory spike neural network (SNN) for early fire/smoke detection, which combines visual and olfactory perception for the first time. Inspired by the remarkable ability of insects to process information using their highly evolved vision and olfactory capabilities, we propose a network which extracts and utilizes both image and air features for early fire/smoke detection in complex scenes. We have built a comprehensive dataset sampled from multiple fire and smoke scenes, recording image and air data from several locations. The proposed multisensory SNN boasts a recognition accuracy of 95.21% for fire/smoke detection, while remaining highly hardware friendly and, enabling on-chip learning on hardware, and showing considerable potential in biological interpretability. The biomimetic multisensory algorithm provides a promising avenue for early fire/smoke detection, with important implications for enhancing safety and minimizing risk in a variety of complex scenes.
Fabrication of Fluorescent PMMA-Carbon Nanodots Optical Films and their Feasibility in Improving Solar Cells Efficiency using Low-Cost Sustainable Materials
Authors: Soares Marco César Prado , Cacioppo Michele , Amato Francesco , Cabral Thiago D. , Carreño Marcelo N. P. , Pereyra Inés , Ramos Carlos A. S. , Cid Manuel , Goveia Gilson S. , Chubaci José F. D. , Fujiwara Eric , Bartoli Julio R.
Published: July 2023

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots synthesized from L-arginine and ethylenediamine (NCNDs); citric acid-derived carbon nanodots with carboxylic surface groups (α-CDs); and Silica-Cdots hybrids produced through coupling α-CDs to SiO2 nanoparticles were used for the fabrication of fluorescent PMMA-CDs optical films. PMMA naturally emits luminescence when irradiated by 300-320 nm and the nanoparticles occlusion allows the conversion of a broader UV bandwidth to the visible: emissions around 450 nm are observed for excitations from 330-360 nm. Since this photoluminescence could increase the efficiency of solar energy concentrators and generators, photovoltaic cells were coated with films obtained with the blue-emitting NCNDs for a proof-of-concept of increasing the cells’ efficiencies with such materials. At our preliminary experiments, even using a setup with low contact of the optical polymer film on silicon surface, a promising increase from 4.24% to 4.72% cell efficiency was observed, showing the feasibility and potential for application of these environmentally friendly materials.
Biocontrol agents establishment and their impact on rhizosphere microbiome and induced grapevine defenses is highly soil-dependent
Authors: Leal Catarina , Eichmeier Ales , Štůsková Kateřina , Armengol Josep , Bujanda Rebeca , Fontaine Florence , Trotel-Aziz Patricia , Gramaje David
Published: July 2023

Without effective chemical treatments, there is an increased interest on biological control of plant diseases. Trichoderma and Bacillus species have shown biocontrol potential against several grapevine diseases. However, few studies have investigated the impact of introducing beneficial microorganisms in rhizosphere, on the indigenous soil existent microbiome. In this study, we conducted a greenhouse-based experiment to explore the effect of the two most well characterized BCAs in grapevine, Trichoderma atroviride SC1 (Ta SC1) and Bacillus subtilis PTA-271 (Bs PTA-271), on the grapevine rhizosphere bacterial and fungal microbiome, and on plant defense expression, using high-throughput amplicon sequencing, and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. Additionally, we quantified both Ta SC1 and Bs PTA-271 in rhizosphere overtime using droplet digital PCR. Our results demonstrated that, the fungal microbiome is more affected by factors such as soil type, BCA treatment, and sampling time than bacterial microbiome. Specifically, Ta SC1 application produced a negative impact on fungal diversity, while applications of BCAs did not affect bacterial diversity. Interestingly, the survival and establishment of both BCAs showed opposite trends depending on the soil type, indicating that the physicochemical properties of soils have a role on BCA establishment. Fungal co-occurrence networks were less complex than bacterial networks, but highly impacted by Ta SC1 application. Soils treated with Ta SC1, presented more complex and stable co-occurrence networks, with a higher number of positive correlations. Induced grapevine defenses also differed according to the soil, being more affected by BCA inoculation on sandy soil. The findings of this research emphasize the complex relationships among microorganisms in the rhizosphere, and highlight the significance of taking into account various factors like soil type, sampling time, and BCA treatment, and their influence on the structure and dynamics of microbial communities.
Qinghai Lake in metagenomics Study on soil microbial diversity in Gangcha County
Authors: Dong Zhiqiang , Xu Xuewei , Wang Xia , Dong Nannan , Li Lingling , Chen Kelong , Cheng Cheng , Mao Yahui
Published: July 2023

The Qinghai Lake Basin, situated in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is recognized as the "Third Pole" of the world. It serves as a pivotal aquatic ecosystem for upholding the ecological security of the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, thereby carrying substantial significance for the conservation of this region's ecology. Poa alpigena Lindm, a prevalent and dominant grass species across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, plays a crucial role in soil and water conservation within the Qinghai Lake Basin. Soil microorganisms actively engage in root-soil interactions, exerting paramount influence on plant growth, health, and adaptability. In this study, we investigated the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils of Poa tableland in the Gangcha region of Qinghai Lake. We examined the impact of Poa tableland on the composition and structure of soil microbial communities, while analyzing the diversity and disparities of microorganisms in these two soil types.The findings of this study indicate that the non-rhizosphere soil in the Gangcha region exhibits significantly higher microbial abundance and diversity compared to the rhizosphere soil. However, the proportions of dominant microorganisms show minimal variation between the two soil types. It is evident that the root system of Poa grass exerts a strong selective influence on the microbial assemblages in the soil environment. Analysis of KEGG metabolic pathways reveals notable enrichment of pathways related to photosynthesis and energy synthesis in the rhizosphere microbiota, whereas pathways associated with gene expression display significant enrichment in the non-rhizosphere soil microbiota. Moreover, the examination of dominant microorganisms across all soil samples reveals the presence of mutual inhibition or promotion relationships among different microbial taxa.
What matters for The Bitcoin Price and Volatility during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Social Media based- Evidence
Authors: Mgadmi Nidhal
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we try to examine the relationship between the Bitcoin price, social media metrics and the intensity of Covid-19 pandemic. We also attempt to investigate the behavior of Bitcoin volatility during such pandemic. For this end, we use the error correction model, Co-integration processing tool and vector error correction model to detect potential transmission mechanisms among different variables and the dynamic coupling between them. We also apply the GARCH-type models to better apprehend the behavior of Bitcoin volatility. Our results clearly display the short- and long term evidences of the relationshipbetween the Bitcoin price, severity of the Covid-19 health crisis and social media metrics. Moreover, there is strong evidence related to the information content of social media during turbulent phases. We also report some distinctive and salient features of Bitcoin volatility. The information spillover from pandemic-related news to the Bitcoin prices is well-documented. Using the Covid-19 deaths and confirmed cases can be considered as measure of pandemic severity. As well, the information transmission mechanism is well-documented through social media which seems to have an added value during the stressful periods. Such analysis could have insightful implications for investors in crypto-currency market.
Causes of Internal Migration and Its Impact on Poverty: A Case Study from Kurigram District in Bangladesh
Authors: Salam Md. Abdus , Kiron Md. Asduzzaman
Published: July 2023

This study conducted mainly based on primary data, among them 300 respondents’ data were collected from interviewed, 100 were collected from migrants’ family members and 82 were from their kinships. Internal migration plays an important role in reduction of poverty. In Bangladesh this rate is widespread. Some studies have been published based on secondary data about internal migration. The proper result of internal migration based on published data is ambiguous. So, this study fulfils this gap using primary data. The study conducts some important finding such as the causes of internal migration and impact of internal migration on poverty. It also identifies the theoretical justification of migration theory. The study found that living standards of the respondents after migration is better than their living standards of before migration. This paper also conducted that socio economic and socio demographic factors plays an important role in the decision of internal migration.
Exploring the Varied Manifestations of Structural Violence in the Lives of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Their Parents: A Qualitative Longitudinal Study in Kurdistan, Iran
Authors: Khougar Ansar , Ahmadi Paria Baba , Ranjbar Hadi , Ahadi Mahsa , Ahadi Parisa
Published: July 2023

Background
The terminology and definition of "Autism Spectrum Disorder" can inadvertently shift focus away from exploring the disregarded dimensions associated with autism that are both subtle and impactful. These dimensions are closely connected to social structures, policies, and power dynamics and they silently impact the well-being of individuals within the autism spectrum. This research aims to explore these overlooked aspects using a theoretical framework called "structural violence."
Methods
A qualitative longitudinal approach was chosen to capture the intricacy and depth of participants' experiences in this research. The study was conducted in Kurdistan, Iran. A purposive sampling method was employed to select the participants, with eleven parents (four fathers and seven mothers) taking part. The study data comprised 29 interviews conducted with these 11 parents over a span of 30 months. Thematic analysis was utilized for data analysis. To enhance the scientific rigor of this research, four criteria, including Guba and Lincoln's principles, were implemented to ensure methodological accuracy.
Results
The research findings highlight four primary forms through which structural violence impacts children with ASD and their families: access to healthcare, geographic disparities, awareness and stigma, and poverty and financial burden. Additionally, the study identified 11 subthemes related to structural violence in the context of autism and families.
Conclusions
We illustrated how structural forces create barriers to accessing adequate healthcare services, exacerbate discrimination based on ethnicity and geography, perpetuate stigma, and contribute to poverty and the inability to meet basic needs. These factors not only worsen health issues but also deepen existing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes for children with ASD and families. we emphasizes the urgent need for systemic changes to address these issues. It is essential to promote public awareness, provide better access to health and support services, and address economic and political factors that contribute to these inequalities.
Privacy-preserving Image Retrieval Based on Additive Secret Sharing in Cloud Environment
Authors: Zhang Bo , Xu Yanyan , Yan Yuejing , Wang Zhiheng
Published: July 2023

With the growth of cloud computing, an increasing number of resource-constrained data owners tend to store their images on the cloud, and cloud servers provide image retrieval services for users. However, this poses significant privacy leakage risks. Privacy-preserving image retrieval can prevent privacy leakage during retrieval, but existing schemes have the problem of low search accuracy. Additionally, existing solutions usually utilize a single cloud server to provide retrieval services, which suffer from problems such as a single point of failure and a greater risk of privacy leakage. This is because the cloud server is honest but curious, and it may peek at users' data out of curiosity or interest.With the proliferation of cloud service providers, image retrieval services can be supported collaboratively by multiple cloud servers. However, complex encryption techniques and frequent interactions between servers significantly degrade the performance of the overall search process.This paper proposes a lightweight three-party computation (3-PC) image retrieval strategy based on additive secret sharing in a cloud environment.Specifically, the data owner extracts the features of images using a pre-trained CNN model and constructs an index for the features using the K-means hierarchical index tree. After splitting and outsourcing the images, CNN model, and index tree to three cloud servers, the data owner remains offline. The three cloud servers process the user's query request and utilize a secure computation protocol based on secret sharing. This protocol ensures that the parameters of the neural network and the extracted query image features are hidden from the cloud servers and other attackers. Additionally, a secure feature similarity computation and distance ranking protocol is designed to avoid privacy leakage during the search process.Security analysis and experimental results demonstrate the security and retrieval performance of the scheme.
Impact of Irrigating Vegetables With Water From a Stream Receiving Leachate From an As2o3 Polluted Cattle Dip Site in Zimbabwe.
Authors: Zaranyika Mark Fungayi , Viriri Tapiwa , Musiiwa Douglas
Published: July 2023

The levels of arsenic (As) and other carcinogenic elements (Be, Cd, Cr, Co and Ni), and toxic elements (Hg and Pb) in vegetables grown in riverbank gardens irrigated with water from a stream receiving leachate from a polluted site around a cattle dip historically based on AS2O3 as dip chemical, were determined using ICP-MS. Furthermore, the distribution and concentration of these metals in the garden soils and stream water were also measured, and a correlational analysis carried out. The data presented shows that the levels of As at 9±0.14 to 22±0.1 µg/kg, 3.15±0.0.07 to 12.1±0.28 µg/L, and 9.7±0.14 to 39.37 µg/kg, as well as other carcinogenic and/or toxic elements (Be, Cd, Cr, Co, Ni, Hg and Pb), fall within the permissible limits set by the WHO/FAO for food, irrigation water and soil respectively. However, the levels of Co in vegetable samples, and those of Ni and Pb in the river water, were above the set permissible limits. In addition, correlation data showed that irrigating the garden soils with the stream water had little or no effect on the concentration of AS in the garden soils and the vegetable grown in the garden soils, but resulted in a slight increase in the concentration of Co in the garden soils as well as the vegetables. Other possible sources of pollution of the garden soils by AS, other than the stream water used for irrigation, are discussed.
Effect of saline perfusion before catheter removal in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia treated with GreenLight laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate
Authors: Han Jiaxi , Luo Fei , Li Jian , Zheng Di , Zhang Na , Zhou Xiaoyi , Zhang Dong
Published: July 2023

Purpose: To investigate the effect of saline perfusion before catheter removal in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treated with GreenLight laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP).
Materials and Methods: Patients (n=200) with BPH treated with PVP were divided into perfusion (n=100) and control (n=100) groups. For the perfusion group, saline (200 mLor the maximum capacity tolerated) was irrigated into the bladder after standardized external urethral disinfection, and the catheter was removed. Catheter removal was routinely performed in the control group. Perioperative adverse events and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups.
Results: Patients in the perfusion group exhibited a shorter waiting time [3 (0–4) vs. 15 (8.75–26) min; P < 0.001] and better satisfaction grade [24 (21.75–26) vs. 23 (20–25); P=0.016] of first urination than those in the control group. The perfusion group exhibited lower anxiety levels regarding first urination than the control group [1 (1–2) vs. 1.5 (1–2), respectively; P=0.012]. Urinalysis revealed that the perfusion group had significantly lower white blood cell (WBC) count than the control group on the day [25.5(8–37.75) vs. 43.5(24.0–64.75); P<0.001] and 2 weeks [20.5(11–27) vs 31.0(20–42); P<0.001] after catheter removal. No significant differences in treatment-related adverse events were observed [(perfusion (n=15), control (n=20)].
Conclusion: Saline perfusion before catheter removal in patients with BPH treated with PVP could shorten the waiting time for first urination, improve patient anxiety and satisfaction, and reduce postoperative urinary WBC levels.
Tissue-specific differences in Ca 2+ sensitivity of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Experiments in rat liver and heart
Authors: Ricardez-García Carolina , Reyes-Becerril Mauricio , Mosqueda-Martínez Edson , Castañeda-Támez Paulina , Méndez-Romero Ofelia , Ruiz-Ramírez Angélica , Uribe-Carvajal Salvador
Published: July 2023

Opening of the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) permeability transition pore (PTP) dissipates ion gradients and the transmembrane electric potential (ΔΨ) across IMM, releasing excess Ca2+ from the mitochondrial matrix. Immediate closure of PTP must follow to prevent outer membrane disruption, loss of cytochrome c and eventual apoptosis. Flickering, defined as the rapid alternative opening/closing of PTP, has been reported in heart, which undergoes frequent, large variations in Ca2+. In contrast, in tissues that undergo depolarization events less often, such as the liver, PTP would not need to be as dynamic and thus these tissues would not be as resistant to stress. To evaluate this idea, it was decided to follow the reversibility of the permeability transition (PT) in isolated murine mitochondria from two different tissues: the very dynamic heart, and the liver, which suffers depolarizations less frequently. It was observed that in heart mitochondria PT remained reversible for longer periods and at higher Ca2+ loads than in liver mitochondria. In all cases, Ca2+ uptake was inhibited by ruthenium red and PT was delayed by Cyclosporine A. Characterization of this phenomenon included measuring the rate of oxygen consumption, organelle swelling and Ca2+ uptake and retention. Results strongly suggest that there are tissue-specific differences in PTP physiology, as it resists many more Ca2+ additions before opening in a highly active organ such as the heart than in an organ that seldom suffers Ca2+ loading, such as the liver.
Targeting TREM2 to disrupt the mitochondrial lipid and iron metabolism in cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cells
Authors: Wang Rui , Guo Quanquan , Ma Meimei , Shi Xiaohong
Published: July 2023

Cancer cells compete with tumor associated macrophages for iron, especially for drug resistant tumor cells. But how drug resistant tumor cells compete with immunosuppressive macrophages in tumor microenvironment is unclear. Here, we identified the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM-2) as a signaling hub that orchestrates lipid and iron metabolism, and immune evasion. TREM-2 was expressed only on cisplatin resistant gastric cancer cell lines, but not on normal gastric epithelial cells and gastric cancer cells. Suppressing TREM2 reversed the drug resistance in vitro and slowed down tumor growth in vivo. Mechanically, TREM2 facilitated TFR1-mediated iron endocytosis to fuel the mitochondria for integrated membrane potential and ATP output. Furthermore, TREM2 knockdown lead to STING upregulation and promote the downstream cytokines IL6, IL-1β secretion. Collectively, our study identified TREM2 as a signaling hub that orchestrates lipid and iron metabolism and immune evasion in cisplatin resistant cells, and explains the complicated metabolic and immune signature for tumor drug resistance.
The association of CpG island DNA methylation in the promoter region, genetic polymorphism of ALAS1 with anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury
Authors: Tang Shaowen , Hao Zhuolu , Chen Xinyu , Jian Hongkai , He Xiaomin , Lu Lihuan , Zhang Meiling , Pan Hongqiu , Yi Honggang
Published: July 2023

Anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury (AT-DILI) may be related to the accumulation of hepatotoxin protoporphyrin IX, while aminolevulinate synthase 1 (ALAS1) is the key rate-limiting enzyme. The study aimed to investigate the association of CpG island methylation, genetic polymorphism of ALAS1 with the risk of AT-DILI. Based on 1:1 matched case-control study with 150 AT-DILI cases and 150 controls, patients with methylation status were at a high risk of AT-DILI (OR = 1.784, 95%CI: 1.098–2.899, P = 0.019), and patients carrying the CT genotype of rs352169 had an increased risk of AT-DILI (OR = 1.719, 95%CI: 1.019–2.901, P = 0.043). Furthermore, patients with CT + TT genotype and methylation status had a higher risk of AT-DILI than those with CC genotype and unmethylation status (OR = 3.348, 95%CI: 1.407–7.964, P = 0.006). So, the methylation status and rs352169 polymorphism in ALAS1 may be associated with the susceptibility to AT-DILI. Moreover, there may be a synergistic effect between methylation and polymorphism in the occurrence of AT-DILI.
Spatial variation, health risk assessment and transfer model of heavy metals in a soil-rice system at a typical production field of Southeastern China
Authors: he ying , Lao Jieyu , Zheng Meiyang , Fang Jia , Zhao Keli , Fu Weijun
Published: July 2023

The spatial variation and transfer characteristics of heavy metals (HMs) in the soil-rice system is important for revealing HM pollution in rice production areas and guaranteeing the safety of rice products. In this research, 95 pairs of topsoil (0-20cm) and their corresponding rice samples from a production area of southeastern China were collected. The pollution status, spatial variation characteristics, and HMs transfer models were studied. The main conclusions indicated that the mean values of total cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) concentrations were 0.21, 28.65, 27.02, 38.50, 98.75 mg kg-1, respectively. The Cd had the maximum potential ecological risk to the system, but the overall potential risk in this production area was low. The maximum concentration of rice Cd was three times greater than the threshold value, indicating that Cd could accumulate in the human body and pose a health risk by consuming parts of rice samples by residents. The children had a higher exposure risk to HMs than the adult, especially for Cd and Cu. The spatial distributions of HMs in rice were similar to that in soils, reflecting that the concentration of HMs in soil affected the accumulation of HMs in rice. The spatial distribution patterns of HM enrichment index (EI) revealed that the transfer abilities of Ni, Zn, and Cd were strong in the west. Principal component analysis showed that soil physicochemical properties had significant effects on the HMs transfer.
Dynamics of a diffusive infection model with immune response
Authors: Liu XiaoLan , Zhu Cheng Cheng , Srivast Hari Mohan , Xu Hong Yan
Published: July 2023

Firstly, in this paper, we analyze the globalstability for a new system with both immune response and two delays. By using the Lyapunov-LaSalle method, and by introducing the reproductive numbers R0 and R1, we point out that the infection-free equilibrium E0 is globally asymptotically stable, if R0 ≤ 1 ; if R1 ≤1 < R0 , then the CTL-inactivated infectionequilibrium E1 is globally asymptotically stable; if R1 > 1, then the CTL-activated equilibrium E2 is globally asymptotically stable.Secondly, we investigate the discretization of the above system by making use of the non-standard finite difference scheme.That is, the global stability of equilibria is consistent when R0 ≤ 1, or R1 ≤ 1 < R0, however, if R1 > 1, the global stability of the two kinds model is not consistent. Finally, we carry out numerical simulations to illustrate the theoretical results.
AMS Subject Classification: 35C07, 35K55, 35K57, 92D25.
Automatic Suggestion Detection from Online User Reviews with Information Retrieval and Deep Learning
Authors: Hadizadeh Zahra , Nazari Amin , Mansoorizadeh Muharram
Published: July 2023

After the outbreak of COVID-19, the use of the web platform as a means of communication between users and decision-making in online shopping has been accepted in e-commerce. Comments of users express substantially positive and negative emotions about a particular item, which offers suggestions for the improvement of products and organizations. Therefore, mining opinions to extract suggestions can increase the utility of companies and organizations. A good deal of research on suggestion mining employs rule-based approaches and statistical classifiers using manually identified features, while recently, several researchers have considered solutions based on deep learning tools and techniques. The purpose of this study is to use information retrieval techniques for the automatic detection of suggestions. Therefore, distance measurement approaches, multilayer perceptron neural networks, support vector machines, regression logistics, convolutional neural networks with TF-IDF, BOW, and Word2Vec vectors, and keyword extraction were adopted. The proposed approach is presented on the SemEval2019 dataset for extracting suggestions from the text of online user reviews. The results show that the F1Score has improved, as compared to the previous work, and has reached 0.87. The experiments indicate that information retrieval-based approaches tend to be promising for this task.
Risk Factors for Corneal Graft Rejection after Penetrating Keratoplasty for Keratoconus
Authors: Alsubaie Hamad , Alrubaian Ahmad , Ahmad Syed Khabir , Ahad Muhammad Ali
Published: July 2023

Purpose
To evaluate the association between donor-related factors and the risk of rejection in patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) for keratoconus.
Methods
A Retrospective review was performed of keratoconus patients with no corneal neovascularization who underwent PKP from November 2014 to December 2016 and completed at least two years of follow-up. Preoperative, donor, operative, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed to identify factors leading to corneal graft rejection.
Results
Among the 201 patients (201 eyes) who underwent PKP, 46 patients (22.9%) had an episode of graft rejection. The graft survival rate was 98.5%. Grafts with a death-to-excision time (DET) greater than 8 hours had a 0.53X lower risk of rejection compared with grafts with DET within 8 hours or less (P = 0.05). Rejection was higher in patients receiving grafts with a preservation time within 7 days or less compared with preservation time greater than 7 days (30.6% vs. 21.2%, respectively, P = 0.291). The rejection rate was higher in patients with a history of corneal transplant in the fellow eye than those without keratoplasty in either eye (32.7% vs. 19.2%, respectively; P = 0.077). Graft rejection was 2.4 times higher if recipients developed postoperative stromal neovascularization (P = 0.003).
Conclusion
Short DET could be an independent risk factor for rejection after PKP. There were no strong correlations between graft rejection and donor age, donor/recipient gender, or graft size.
Development of the optimal cultivation pattern to manage changes in the groundwater level using fuzzy ideal planning models (Study area: Qom-Kahak)
Authors: Alizadeh Farshid , Mohammadian Farshad , Emamifar Saeed , Mohammadi Reza
Published: July 2023

Planning for the optimal use of water and soil resources, in addition to their protection, will lead to increased production, growth of farmers' income, and economic prosperity. Modifying and proposing the optimal model of cultivation that reduces water consumption and increases the efficiency of its use is one of the requirements of most of the critical plains. The current study aims to provide the optimal cultivation model by the groundwater resources in the aquifer level of the Qom-Kahak study area to compensate for the long-term cumulative deficit of the aquifer and to emphasize the indicators of agricultural sustainability in the twenty-year planning horizon. After preparing information about the cultivated area, the production cost and selling price of major agricultural products were estimated. Also, the net irrigation requirement was calculated in terms of irrigation efficiency. To simulate the behavior of rainfall components from different scenarios, the outputs of scenario A2 of the HADCM3 climate model were used, and by using the balance continuity equation, the amount of water that can be allocated to the agricultural sector each year was estimated. Then, by using fuzzy ideal planning models, sustainable agricultural patterns were presented in the framework of technical limitations. The results showed that the current cultivation pattern is not in an optimal state and also the current exploitation rate is more than the amount of aquifer recharge. If this scenario is implemented, 536 MCM of the reservoir deficit will be compensated for the sustainability of the groundwater and it is predicted this amount will increase to 941 MCM at the end of the planning horizon.
Assessment of Quality of life, Pre- and Post-fitting Satisfaction and Visual Outcome in Keratoconus Patients with Rose-k Contact Lenses
Authors: Khan Salal , Pandey Harshita
Published: July 2023

Purpose
To evaluate the visual outcomes and acceptability among the keratoconus patients with Rose-k contact lens and comparison between visual outcome and quality of life.
Method
This prospective study was carried out from Jan-Jun 2023 among keratoconus patients at H.V. Desai Eye Hospital, Pune. We enrolled 44 keratoconus patients from different cities in Maharashtra. The self-structured questionnaire was included in this project to assess the patient’s knowledge, quality of life and satisfaction level about the Rose-k contact lens. At the baseline visit, all keratoconus patients had a comprehensive ocular health examination and best-corrected visual acuity values were taken with spectacle corrections.
Results
Out of 88 eyes, 64 eyes were having keratoconus; of which 28 had mild keratoconus, 26 had moderate keratoconus & 10 were having advanced keratoconus. A higher prevalence of mild keratoconus was seen in the lower age-group. Mild keratoconus was the commonest keratoconus form in adult groups (43.7%, N = 28). Keratoconus prevalence males (56.8%, N = 25) was significantly higher than females (43.18%, N = 19). Commonly experienced symptoms were distorted vision (61%, N = 27), Glare problems (36%, N = 16), Headache (23%, N = 10), Dry eye (41%, N = 18) amongst the keratoconus patients. All parameters were found to be statistically significant with Pearson Chi-square test.
Conclusion
Rose-K contact lenses are an important step forward in the treatment of keratoconus. When compared to spectacle lenses, the Rose K lens considerably enhanced visual performance in this investigation. The Rose-K lens design has been shown to improve patient happiness and quality of life while managing all grades of keratoconus.
SRSF10 inhibition prevents HCC growth and metastasis and enhances the anti-PD-L1- mediated tumor suppression
Authors: Luo Xiangyuan , Zhang Zerui , Wang Yijun , Sun Mengyu , Hu Dian , Jiang Junqing , Wang Yufei , Ji Xiaoyu , Chen Xiaoping , Zhang Bixiang , Liang Huifang , Li Yiwei , Liu Bifeng , Nie Yongzhan , Wu Kaichun , Fan Daiming , Liu Danfei , Huang Wenjie , Xia Limin
Published: July 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Austrian Conservative Reflections on Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars During the Vormärz Era (the Case of Works by Joseph Von Hormayr, 1817-1828)
Authors: Рагозин Г.С.
Published: July 2023

Статья обращается к осмыслению Революционных и Наполеоновских войн в консервативном лагере державы Габсбургов на примере сочинений Йозефа фон Хормайра 1817–1828 гг. Автор проанализировал формирование и развитие консервативного взгляда на события 1792–1815 гг., а также их интеграцию в официальный исторический дискурс державы Габсбургов. В 1817–1828 гг. сместились акценты в образах общего прошлого для частей державы Габсбургов, а также Австрии и Германии. После разгрома Наполеона приоритет однозначно отдавался сюжетам об «австрийской свободе» и «семье народов» под властью Габсбургов во время войн. Однако «германская сопричастность» сохранила свои позиции как элемент обоснования права Австрии на лидерство в Германии и Европе.

The paper deals with conceptualization of Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars in conservative political thought of the Habsburg empire basing on the works by Joseph von Hormayr published between 1817 and 1828. The author analyzed the evolution of conservative discourse on the events between 1792 and 1815, and its integration into official Habsburg historical discourse. During the years between 1817 and 1828 the “common past” image for all lands of the Habsburg empire, Austria and Germany faced the change of emphasis. After the fall of Napoleon, the official historiography and Hormayr prioritized the narratives on the role of “Austrian freedom” and “the family of peoples under the Habsburg rule” during the wars. Nonetheless the “German mutuality” discourse did not disappear, and preserved its positions as a means of justifying the Austrian leadership in Germany and Europe.
The Aceh War and The Intellectual Legacy of C.S. Hurgronje in the Context of Counterinsurgency Colonial Experience of Major European Powers
Authors: Нестеров Д.А.
Published: July 2023

В статье рассмотрена деятельность голландского антрополога и исламоведа Христиана Снука Хюргронье в контексте Ачехской войны. Проанализированы рекомендации ученого по организации контрпартизанской деятельности Голландской империи в регионе Аче. Показано место и роль Хюргронье в традиции колониального антиповстанчества ведущих европейских империй. Проведен сравнительный анализ экспертной деятельности голландского ученого с аналогичным опытом Франции, Британии, Бельгии. Приводится доказательство того, что вывод зарубежных исследователей о том, что именно Х.С. Хюргронье первым в мире создал всеобъемлющую стратегию противодействия повстанцам, не соответствует действительности.

The article considers activities of Christian Snouck Hurgronje, Dutch anthropologist and scholar of Islam, in the context of the Aceh War. The study analyzed the scholar's views and recommendations on the counterinsurgency strategy of the Dutch Empire in the Aceh area. The article also considers the role and place of C. Snouck Hurgronje in the tradition of counterinsurgency of major European Powers. A comparative analysis of the expert activity of a Dutch scientist with similar experience of France, Britain, Belgium is carried out. The article proves that the conclusion of foreign researchers that C. Snouck Hurgronje was the first to create a comprehensive counterinsurgency strategy does not correspond with reality.