bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel multi-objective linear fractional optimization model in intuitionistic fuzzy environment and its application in organization planning
Authors: Sharma Kirti , Singh Vishnu Pratap , Ebrahimnejad Ali , Chakraborty Debjani
Published: August 2023

In real life situations, fractional objectives are considered as a better tool for measuring efficiency of a system. These days, various businesses prefers to maximize their efficiency rather than only maximizing their output. Fractional objective gives a better view at efficiency and thus are used most often in practical decision making situations. For example, ratios like profit/cost, sales/inventory are maximized in production planning problems; whereas in health care system, the ratios like nurses/patients, nurses/rooms are optimized. While solving a real-world optimization problem, the state of impreciseness and indeterminacy are inevitable because of uncontrollable factors such as fluctuating market conditions, weather conditions, political scenarios etc. and thus the decision maker needs to involve components that can be used to represent the impreciseness and uncertainty while formulating the mathematical models to solve such optimization problems. The concept of intuitionistic fuzzy numbers, as given in fuzzy set theory, can be used to handle such situations. In this work, an approach for solving multi-objective intuitionistic fuzzy linear fractional programming problem (IFLFPP) has been presented. While solving the optimization problem, the component-wise optimization method is used to handle the impreciseness and then the fuzzy goal programming approach is used to handle the multi-objective nature of the problem. A real life optimization problem in organization planning is also modelled and solved efficiently in this work by using the proposed approach.
Third Birth Intention of the Working Women with Two Existing Children in Hainan Island, China: The Impact of Fertility Costs and Utility
Authors: Qiu Lei , Zhang Dongxian , Liu Xuan , Zhong Jie
Published: August 2023

Background
Few studies have explored the impact of fertility costs and utility on the third birth intention of Chinese women in the context of the “three-child policy.”
Aim
The present study aimed to acknowledge the status and impact of fertility costs and utility of the third birth intention of working women with two existing children in China.
Methods
This study conducted a cross-sectional survey in Hainan Island, China, from October 1st to November 1st, 2021, using an offline survey. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data such as fertility intentions, fertility costs and utility, and demographics and family characteristics. A multinomial logistic regression analysis determined the associations between childbearing intention and fertility costs and utility.
Findings:
Data was collected from 1067 working women with two existing children in Hainan Island, China. Among them, only 8.06% of participants reported having a third-birth intention. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, higher economic cost (odds ratio(OR) = 1.89) and lower succession utility (OR = 5.08) were significantly associated with the lack of intent to have a third child.
Conclusion
Working women with two existing children in Hainan Island had a low intention to give birth to a third child. It is necessary to transfer or share the economic costs of child-rearing for people of childbearing age at the national level, such as providing third-child subsidies, to increase the birth rates. Moreover, more emphasis should be placed on family values and responsibilities and a cultural environment conducive to reproduction.
Enhanced photostrictive actuation in freestanding ferroelectric membranes
Authors: Ganguly Saptam , Pesquera David , Garcia Daniel Moreno , Saeed Umair , Mirzamohammadi Nona , Santiso José , Padilla Jessica , Roque José Manuel Caicedo , Laulhé Claire , Berenguer Felisa , Villanueva Luis Guillermo , Catalan Gustau
Published: August 2023

Complex oxides offer a range of functional properties and recent advances in fabrication of freestanding membranes of these oxides have enabled enhanced functionality and novel manipulation strategies. Here, we demonstrate photoactuation on freestanding thin film resonators of ferroelectric Barium Titanate (BaTiO3) and paraelectric Strontium Titanate (SrTiO3). The membranes act as nano-drums, oscillating at their natural resonance frequency when illuminated by a frequency-modulated laser. Upon illumination, large out-of-plane deflections develop in BaTiO3 membranes, two orders of magnitude larger than in SrTiO3 ones, providing evidence for a ferroelectric origin of their large photoresponse. Time-resolved X-ray micro-diffraction under illumination and temperature-dependent vibrometry provide combined evidence for a photostrictive strain in BaTiO3 originated from partial screening of polarization by photo-excited carriers. These findings emphasise the pivotal role of light-matter interaction and its manifestation in ferroelectrics such as photostriction, and demonstrate the potential of freestanding ferroelectric membranes as wireless remote optomechanical devices for applications such as photo-actuators and sensors.
Connect-ROD – Development and Qualitative Evaluation of a Community-Based Group Intervention to Support Well-Being in Patients With a Rare or Orphan Disease
Authors: Bardon Cecile , Rioux Marie-Éve , Rivard Mélina , Porras Floryana-Maria Viquez , Zaky Julie
Published: August 2023

Background: Patients living with various rare or orphan diseases (ROD) experience common psychosocial difficulties for which they currently lack support. We developed, pilot-tested and evaluated acceptability, feasibility, implementation, and short-term effects of an online group intervention to support adult patients with a ROD (AP-ROD), which aims to improve coping mechanisms, reinforce sense of control and support personal goals of AP-ROD.
A qualitative study comprised of in-depth pretests, post-test interviews and standardized questionnaires, was conducted with 14 participants in two groups.
Results: The Connect-ROD intervention is strongly anchored in acceptance and commitment therapy as well as community psychology approaches. A pilot test allowed us to improve on the initial structure and to produce a manualized 10-week program delivered online, made up of 2-hour sessions comprising formal activities, exchanges and homework. The evaluation showed satisfactory acceptability and accessibility, compliant delivery by facilitators, and promising short-term effects on personal objectives, sense of control, coping mechanisms, symptom management, acceptance of the emotions associated with the disease, distress, self-efficacy, social support and connectedness. The program did not show short-term effects on overall quality of life.
Conclusion: Connect-ROD should be evaluated on a larger scale, but seems promising to support various AP-ROD who live with the complex psychosocial consequences of their disease.
Do Medical Tubes Affect Outcomes of Older Patients with In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest? Results of a National Health Insurance Database Analysis
Authors: Huang Chi-Chang , Chiu Ching-Ju , Hu Fang-Wen , Yang Deng-Chi , Lo Yu-Tai , Chang Chia-Ming
Published: August 2023

Background
With a rapidly aging population, older patients had higher risk of functional deficits with medical tubes. This study investigated whether the placement of medical tubes affect outcomes of older patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest.
Methods
Based on data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2012, a retrospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted to enroll patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent a first CPR event. All enrolled cases were followed for at least one year before 2013 or until death within one year. Demographic factors, comorbidities, main admission diagnoses, CPR process, and medical tubes dependency were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate factors of those who survived to discharge and 1-year survivors.
Results
Among 6034 eligible patients, 669 (11.09%) survived to discharge, 206 of whom survived for more than 1 year. In the survival-to-discharge model, either univariate or multivariate analysis, patients with age ≥ 85 years, with a main diagnosis of infection or malignancy at admission, a nonventricular fatal arrhythmia or longer duration of cardiac massage, and requiring a nasogastric tube were less likely to be successfully resuscitated, with prolonged cardiac massage (> 11 min) being the strongest factor (OR: 3.922, 95% CI: 2.270–6.766, p = 0.003). Less than 30% of cases were survival to discharged without long-term tube dependency. The following factors, older age, male sex, high Charlson–Deyo Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores, and long-term tube dependency after CPR, decreased 1-year survival among surviving older adults with noncritical discharge. Among them, the long-term need for three medical tubes was the significantly associated with lower rates of 1-year survival. (OR: 6.818, 95% CI: 4.068–11.427, P < 0.001)
Conclusions and Implications
Different medical tubes have inconsistent effects on the survival to discharge of older patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest. Prolonged cardiac massage was the most important risk of non-survival to discharge among older patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest, and long-term multiple-tube dependency, which implies functional deficits, was highly prevalent after CPR and the strongest factor affecting 1-year survival.
Pre-War Situation with Soil Pollution in the City of Zaporizhzhia – Metallurgical Industry Centre in Ukraine - Characterized by Magnetic, Geochemical and Microscopy Methods
Authors: Bondar Kseniia M , Tsiupa Iryna , Sachko Anastasia , Nasiedkin Ievhen
Published: August 2023

Metallurgical industries incorporated into the living environment of the city cause significant enrichment of the topsoil with harmful substances including small size particulate matter, which contains heavy metals and magnetic iron oxides. The present study is focused on characterization of magnetic and geochemical pollution accumulated by urban soils in the city of Zaporizhzhia. Industrial dusts from the most powerful emmitants of airborne pollution are also analyzed. Two types of magnetic industrial emissions were discriminated to contribute in urban soil magnetization: spread of coarse-grained magnetite-bearing particles is limited to industrial zone, while smaller magnetic spherules were traced to settle far from the pollution sources bringing significant amounts of heavy metals to the soil. Magnetic susceptibility, saturation remanence and anhysteretic ratio of soil samples show strong relationship with heavy metals contents and Pollution Load Index. Thus magnetic parameters can serve as reliable proxies for complex urban and industrial pollution of soils. The obtained results provide important insight into magnetism and geochemistry of urban soils in Zaporizhzhia, characterizing the pollution rate as it was before missile attacks, aerial bombardments and artillery shelling of the city by russian invaders started since 24 February 2022.
WITHDRAWN: The effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with and without Sertraline in patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: a pilot randomized trial
Authors: Effatpanah Marzie , Farhadian Maryam , Ghaleiha Ali , Renner Fritz , Moradveisi Latif
Published: August 2023

Background
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most common psychiatric diagnoses in the world. Common evidence-based treatments for OCD are pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.
Aims
To examine cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) with and without pharmacotherapy for treating of OCD.
Methods
Participants were 40 adults between 18 and 70 years, recruited through self-referrals, professional and clinic referrals, and hospital advertisements. Participants diagnosed with OCD through telephone screening were referred to Sina Hospital in Hamadan City, Iran, for further assessment.
Results
Of 40 participants (Most patients were women 80%, with university education 57.5%, and between 31 and 65 years old 65%), 20 parcipitants received CBT and 20 underwent CBT plus sertraline. After completing the intervention in both conditions, the mean OCD symptom severity score on the Y-BOCS decreased (P < 0.001), indicating that OCD symptoms improved in both conditions. The results showed that the reduction of OCD in each group was significant compared to the beginning of the study, but the two groups did not differ significantly (P = 0.058). The variables of gender, comorbidity, personality, education, and initial severity of the disease did not interact with treatment in the two treatment groups.
Conclusions
Based on the findings of the present study, the addition of drug therapy to CBT in patients with OCD was not associated with increased therapeutic response, indicating the high effectiveness of CBT in the treatment of OCD.
Identification of two major QTLs for pod shell thickness in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) using BSA-seq analysis
Authors: Liu Hongfei , Zheng Zheng , Sun Ziqi , Qi Feiyan , Wang Juan , Wang Mengmeng , Dong Wenzhao , Cui Kailu , Zhao Mingbo , Wang Xiao , Zhang Meng , Wu Xiaohui , Wu Yue , Luo Dandan , Huang Bingyan , Zhang Zhongxin , Cao Gangqiang , Zhang Xinyou
Published: August 2023

Background
Pod shell thickness (PST) is an important agronomic trait of peanut because it affects the ability of shells to resist pest infestations and pathogen attacks, while also influencing the peanut shelling process. However, very few studies have explored the genetic basis of PST.
Results
An F2 segregating population derived from a cross between the thick-shelled cultivar Yueyou 18 (YY18) and the thin-shelled cultivar Weihua 8 (WH8) was used to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for PST. On the basis of a bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq), four QTLs were preliminarily mapped to chromosomes 3, 8, 13, and 18. Using the genome resequencing data of YY18 and WH8, 22 kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers were designed for the genotyping of the F2 population. Two major QTLs (qPSTA08 and qPSTA18) were identified and finely mapped, with qPSTA08 detected on chromosome 8 (0.69-Mb physical genomic region) and qPSTA18 detected on chromosome 18 (0.15-Mb physical genomic region). Moreover, qPSTA08 and qPSTA18 explained 31.1–32.3% and 16.7–16.8% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Fifteen genes were detected in the two candidate regions, including three genes with nonsynonymous mutations in the exon region. Two molecular markers (Tif2_A08_31713024 and Tif2_A18_7198124) that were developed for the two major QTL regions effectively distinguished between thick-shelled and thin-shelled materials.
Conclusions
The QTLs identified and molecular markers developed in this study may contribute to molecular marker-assisted breeding and lay the foundation for breeding cultivars with a shell thickness suitable for mechanized peanut shelling.
An integrated model incorporating deep learning, radiomics and clinical and US features to diagnose central lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Gao Yang , Wang Weizhen , Yang Yuan , Xu Ziting , Lin Yue , Lang Ting , Lei Shangtong , Xiao Yisheng , Yang Wei , Huang Weijun , Li Yingjia
Published: August 2023

Objective
To evaluate the value of an integrated model incorporating deep learning (DL), radiomics and clinical and US imaging features for diagnosing central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).
Methods
This retrospective study reviewed 613 patients with clinicopathologically confirmed PTC from two institutions. The DL model and radiomics model were developed using primary lesion images and then integrated with clinical and US features selected by multivariate analysis to generate an integrated model. The performance was compared with junior and senior radiologists on the independent test set. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) plot and Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) were used for the visualized explanation of the model.
Results
The integrated model yielded the best performance with an AUC of 0.841. surpassing that of the radiomics model (0.706, p < 0.001) and the DL model (0.819, p = 0.26). Compared to junior and senior radiologists, the integrated model reduced the missed CLNM rate from 57.89% and 44.74–27.63%, and decreased the rate of unnecessary central lymph node dissection (CLND) from 29.87% and 27.27–18.18%, respectively. SHAP analysis revealed that the DL features played a primary role in the diagnosis of CLNM, while clinical and US features (such as extrathyroidal extension, tumor size, age, gender, and multifocality) provided additional support. Grad-CAM indicated that the model exhibited a stronger focus on thyroid capsule in patients with CLNM.
Conclusion
Integrated model can effectively decrease the incidence of missed CLNM and unnecessary CLND. The application of the integrated model can help improve the acceptance of AI-assisted US diagnosis among radiologists.
Robot versus video-assisted thymectomy for large thymomas: A propensity- matched analysis
Authors: Zhu Longfei , Zhang Lingmin , Zuo Chunjian , Sun Tianyu , Jiang Bin
Published: August 2023

Background Both video-assisted thymectomy (VAT) and robot-assisted thymectomy (RAT) have been suggested as technically sound approaches for early-stage thymomas. However, the choice of VAT or RAT for large and advanced thymomas remains controversial. In this study, the perioperative outcomes of VAT and RAT were compared in patients with large thymomas (size ≥5.0 cm). Methods A total of 113 patients with large thymomas who underwent minimally invasive surgery were included. Sixty-three patients underwent RAT, and 50 patients underwent VAT. Patient characteristics and perioperative variables were compared. Results Compared with the VAT group, the RAT group experienced a shorter operation time (median: 110 minvs.130 min;P < 0.001) and less blood loss (30.00 mlvs.100.00 ml,P < 0.001). No patients in the RAT group needed conversion to open surgery, but in the VAT series, five patients required conversion to open procedures (0%vs.14.29%,P = 0.054). The rate of concomitant resection in the RAT group was similar to that in the VAT group (11.43%vs.5.71%;P = 0.673). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the duration of chest tube (P = 0.587), postoperative complications (P = 1.000), and the duration of postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.141). Conclusion For large thymomas, RAT can be performed safely and effectively in a radical fashion. Due to the advanced optics and precise instrument control, concomitant resections can be easily achieved in larger thymomas using the robotic approach.
Analgesic effects of oral Yokukansan on acute postoperative pain and involvement of the serotonin nervous system: A mouse model study
Authors: Kurita Shuichiro , Sasaki Mika , Tanaka Moegi , Baba Hiroshi , Kamiya Yoshinori
Published: August 2023

Background
Yokukansan (YKS), a traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo), has been widely used to treat neurosis, dementia, and chronic pain. Previous in vitro studies have suggested that YKS acts as a partial agonist of the 5-HT1A receptor, resulting in amelioration of chronic pain through inhibition of nociceptive neuronal activity. However, its effectiveness for treating postoperative pain remains unknown, although its analgesic mechanism of action has been suggested to involve serotonin and glutamatergic neurotransmission. This study aimed to investigate the effect of YKS on postoperative pain in an animal model.
Methods
A mouse model of postoperative pain was created by plantar incision, and YKS was administered orally the day after paw incision. Pain thresholds for mechanical and heat stimuli were examined in a behavioral experiment. In addition, to clarify the involvement of the serotonergic nervous system, we examined the antihyperalgesic effects of YKS in mice that were serotonin-depleted by para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) treatment.
Results
Serotonin immunoreactivity in the spinal dorsal horn was entirely abolished by PCPA pretreatment; however, it did not change the pain threshold after paw incision. YKS increased the pain threshold in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the antihyperalgesic effect of YKS was significantly attenuated by PCPA as compared with that in postoperative pain model mice without PCPA treatment.
Conclusion
In this study, we revealed that oral administration of YKS had acute analgesic effects in a mouse model of postoperative pain, and our behavioral experiments using serotonin-depleted mice suggested that YKS acts as a partial agonist of one of the serotonin receptors.
The Effect of Health-Related Quality of Life on Academic Success in Nursing Students: The Mediating Role of Academic Burnout and Academic Motivation
Authors: Torkani Fatemeh , Vasli Parvaneh
Published: August 2023

Background
Identifying the key factors that affect academic success in nursing students, including health-related quality of life, academic burnout, and academic motivation has been to date of utmost importance. In this sense, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of health-related quality of life on academic success, as mediated by academic burnout and academic motivation.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was fulfilled upon recruiting 262 eligible nursing students, selected via convenience sampling. To collect the data regarding health-related quality of life, academic burnout, and academic motivation, the 12-item Short Form Health Survey, the Academic Motivation Scale, and Breso’s Academic Burnout Scale, were respectively administered. Moreover, the nursing program grade point average was considered as the measure of academic success. The data analysis was further performed using the SPSS Statistics (ver. 26) and Mplus (ver. 6.12) software packages at the significance level of 0.05.
Results
The study results showed that although health-related quality of life did not directly affect academic success, it can increase academic success by 0.005 through mediating intrinsic motivation. In addition health-related quality of life can increase academic success through mediating academic burnout and intrinsic motivation by 0.013 (p ≤ 0.05), which means academic burnout and intrinsic motivation significantly mediates the path from the health-related quality of life to academic success.
Conclusions
In accordance with the study results, nursing education planners and instructors are recommended to develop and implement proper measures to enhance academic success in nursing students, and then promote their health-related quality of life and academic motivation, thereby reducing academic burnout.
Nursing students’concerns towards nursing, in the south-west of Iran during 2022–2023: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Rafiee Ghazanfar
Published: August 2023

BackgroundSelecting a career is the young people's main concern and is considered as one of the most important decisions that a person will make his/her in their lifetime. This study aimed at determining concerns among undergraduate nursing students regarding nursing.Methods300 participants were enrolled in the study. This study was descriptive-analytical cross-sectional. The research population consisted of 400 male and female undergraduate nursing students in Nursing and Midwifery Faculty. A researcher-made questionnaire that assessed the nursing students’ concerns towards the nursing profession with three sub-dimensions such as personal concerns(12 items), interpersonal concerns(3 items, social concerns(5 items) was used. After completion of the validation and reliability, the scale was reduced to 19 items. Using a 5-point Likert scale, we evaluated all responses to the second part of the questionnaire from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).ResultsThe majority of the students (55.7%) were female, (age range 18–35); 86.9% of them were single, 44.3% of them were males, (age range 18–29). It was revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between some items. However, there was statistically significant difference between some other items.ConclusionIt was determined that the majority of the participants chose nursing for the purpose of easily securing a job, that the participants held a negative perception of the profession and had a dream profession other than that of nursing. The majority of participants were concerned regarding the fact that they chose the nursing field in the university entrance exam and were studying in the nursing field. The society doesn’t respect the obtained clinical scientific capabilities of nurses and does not pay attention to the spiritual and humanitarian aspects of this field.
Exploring land and sea transport options for the installation of green artificial reefs (GARs) in shallow waters: the case study of Galician estuaries
Authors: Barros Juan José Cartelle , Munín-Doce Alicia , Castro-Santos Laura , Lamas Javier , Carral Luis
Published: August 2023

The aim of the present paper is to propose a new methodology for the production and installation of green artificial reefs (GARs) in shallow waters, with special attention to the transport stages. The process includes both onshore (manufacturing, road transport and unload at port) and offshore (load at port, sea transport, positioning, and deployment tasks) stages. Two different types of truck were analysed for the road transport. Furthermore, three different options were considered for the sea one: a workboat powered by liquefied natural gas, a barge using diesel (ECA distillate, 0.1% sulphur) as fuel, and an electric specific design barge. A simulation tool called AGARDO (Automatic Green Artificial Reef Deploy Optimisation) was developed for such a purpose. An estuary located in Galicia (North-West of Spain), where 180 GAR units must be installed, has been considered as case study. AGARDO was used to obtain results concerning process total time, equivalent CO2 emissions and costs for different scenarios. Consequently, the use of the proposed methodology allows the decision-maker to select the best option in terms of costs, emissions and time. AGARDO can be easily adapted to other case studies, with different onshore and offshore options.
Antinuclear Antibodies: Safety Assessments, Radioiodination and Preclinical Evaluations in Pc3 Xenograft Mice
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thu , Nguyen Thu Minh Chau , Hoang Lu Duc Chinh , Nguyen Quang Chien , Nguyen Thi-Khanh-Giang , Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Nguyen Thanh Binh , Dang Ho Hong Quang , Bui Van Cuong , Pham Thanh Minh
Published: August 2023

This study aims to provide in vitro and in vivo data to support the utilization of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) as novel tools for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancers. The hematological, biochemical, and histological toxicities of ANAs were assessed, and they were labeled with 131I using the chloramine T method. A radioimmunoconjugate was developed, and the biodistribution and treatment efficacy were subsequently investigated in a PC3 xenograft model. No changes in clinical behavior or signs of intoxication, necrosis, or malignancy were observed in ANA-treated mice. 131I-ANA was obtained in very high yield and radiochemical purity, and it exhibited good immunoreactivity with PC-3 cells. Levels of radiolabeled ANAs were higher in tumor tissues than in other examined organs, in association with significantly inhibited tumor growth and a nearly twofold improvement in median survival. These results demonstrate that radioimmunotherapy of radiolabeled natural ANAs may be an effective treatment for prostate tumors.
Mechanistic analysis of the hardening process of the thorns on stems of Bougainvillea spectabilis Willdenow
Authors: Sun Lina , Wang Xinhua , Li Jinhua , Gong Jianying , Yang Shuting , Yang Kaitai , Chen Er , Li Bing , Lu Zhixiang , Chen Qi , Mao Lin
Published: August 2023

Background
Bougainvillea spectabilis Willdenow is thorny woody vine or shrub. The rigidity of the thorns on the stems should be considered as a horticultural character. In order to find the genes and pathways related to the hardening process of the thorns on the stems of B. spectabilis, the eukaryotic unreferenced transcriptome sequencing analysis is applied to explore the 3 stages of the thorns hardening process.
Results
This study investigates the transcriptomic changes in B. spectabilis plants during the process of thorns hardening. 3 developmental stages from thorns formation (stage 1) to thorns hardening (stage 2 to stage 3) were examined. Total RNA was extracted from thorns and stems, and transcriptome libraries were constructed and sequenced using unreferenced Illumina sequencing. Gene function annotation was performed using various databases, resulting in 8937 co-annotated genes. The density distribution of Fragments Per Kilobase of transcript per Million mapped reads (FPKM) depicted the overall gene expression patterns. Gene expression correlation analysis confirmed the reliability of the experiment, showing strong similarity among biological replicates. Differential expression analysis revealed that during thorns hardening, 1045 genes significantly up-regulated in thorns and 918 in stems at stage 2 compared to thorns formation (stage 1). At stage 3, as thorns became harder, 98 genes exhibited notable expression increase within thorns, and 46 genes up-regulated in stems, compared to stage 2. These findings highlight stage 2 as the period of highest gene expression activity during the thorns hardening process in B. spectabilis. Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis is a key step in the hardening process of the thorns of B. spectabilis. This transcriptome analysis offers insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying thorns development in this plant species.
Conclusion
The formation and hardening of thorns on the stem of B. spectabilis is a process in which lignin gradually accumulates in the thorns, and several genes are involved in the process. The phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, trans-cinnamate 4-monooxygenase, reductase4-coumarate-CoA ligase, cinnamoyl-CoA reductase, cinnamyl-alcohol dehydrogenase and peroxidase are the key genes for lignin synthesis and accumulation. The process involves the pathways-phenylpropanoid biosynthesis.
Recruitment of biofouling assemblages in a coral reefs ecosystem: combined effects of reduced grazing and nutrient enrichment on functional groups
Authors: Jamshidi Mohammad Mehdi Zamani , Seyfabadi Jafar , Nasrolahi Ali , Marnani Hamid Rezai
Published: August 2023

While the coral reefs in the Persian Gulf have adapted to withstand some of the most challenging environmental conditions, overfishing and eutrophication can disrupt the structure of their associated epibenthic assemblage. In this study, we investigated the effects of reduced grazing pressure and nutrient pollution on the assemblage structure of biofouling functional groups in the coral reefs of Hengam Island in the Persian Gulf. We conducted a 21-month manipulative experiment using settlement tiles to assess these effects. A total of 40 biofouling taxa were identified, none of them belonged to reef-building corals or the key facilitators of coral settlement, such as coralline algae and calcareous sponges. Our results revealed that nutrients played a significant role in shaping the composition of biofouling assemblages associated with the reefs, suggesting a bottom-up control mechanism rather than top-down regulation in the coral ecosystem of the island. When grazers were excluded, biofouling cover percentage increased and biofilms and turf algae propagules dominated. However, the effect of grazers on cover percentage was overshadowed by nutrient enrichment. Furthermore, increased nutrients resulted in the proliferation of of foliose and frondose macroalgae. Our results suggest that herbivores can reduce the coral-competing functional groups only in the absence of other confounding factors such as nutrient pollution.
Tracing the Land Use Changes in Ishurdi and Bheramara Upazila, Bangladesh: Application of Google Earth Engine
Authors: Uddin Md. Jahir , Kabir Md. Shahariar
Published: August 2023

The main objective of this study is to observe the land use and land cover changes in the emerging zone of Bangladesh. Therefore, this research utilizes the Ishurdi and Bheramara upazilas, renowned for the industrial agglomerated area in Bangladesh. The study utilized Google Earth Engine to examine land use and land cover patterns in the region from 1990 to 2021, focusing on 5-year intervals.. We used Landsat imagery to create a land use category and employed a random forest classifier for classification. The analysis entailed utilizing Markov Cellular Automaton Model analysis, while anticipated changes were projected using TerrSet and ArcGIS software tools. The study area experienced changes in vegetation and built-up areas from 1990 to 2021, and obviously in 2041, with a notable decrease in vegetation and an increase in developed areas. The projected trend estimates a significant growth of 77.97% in developed areas between 2022 and 2041. Furthermore, river erosion will also drive the future land use scenario in 2041. Additionally, the overall accuracy exceeds an impressive level of reliability at 86.84%. This study can help local government officials, developers, and other organizations make informed decisions about land use and cover policies for resource management, sustainable development, and public planning.
TNBC Molecular Subtypes and Risk Signatures Based on Copper Metabolism: Prognostic and Immunological Importance
Authors: zhan Chenni , yang Ouou , luo Hua , Su Kunlun , Xu Haibin , Hu Zujian , Fu Xueyan
Published: August 2023

Background
Cuproptosis is a copper-dependent cellular death mechanism linked to tumor progression, prognosis, and immune response. Yet, the precise impact of copper-related genes (CRGs) on the tumor microenvironment (TME) within triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains enigmatic.
Methods
In total, we collected 222 samples of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and three Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. The classification was carried out utilizing R software packages. Simultaneously, unsupervised clustering analysis using the ConsensusClusterPlus R package was applied to establish a consensus molecular subtyping of copper subtypes. We thoroughly investigated the relationships between the various subgroups and their clinical pathological characteristics, immune infiltration traits, as well as the mutation status of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Lastly, to enhance the clinical utility of the CRG_score, we developed a nomogram and a calibration curve to predict the probability of patient survival.
Results
A comprehensive set of 196 CRGs underwent meticulous analysis, leading to the identification of 14 genes that distinctly impact the survival outcomes of patients across all cohorts. Based on risk scores, patients were stratified into different groups. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed pronounced enrichment of immune-related pathways across all datasets. Intriguingly, our observations unveiled that the high-risk CRG group exhibited heightened expression of all immune checkpoints and genes associated with antitumor activities. Correspondingly, a substantial proportion of the mentioned immune genes, with the exception of CD274, HAVCR2, CXCL9, and TNF, showcased elevated expression within gene cluster A. Furthermore, a predictive nomogram was meticulously crafted, leveraging patient characteristics and risk scores, to prognosticate the outcomes of patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Conclusion
In this study, we constructed a cuproptosis least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model. It was revealed to be a potential independent prognostic indicator of HCC and high CRGs samples showed a poor prognosis. Interestingly, CRGs were correlated with TME characteristics as well as clinical treatment efficacy. Importantly, compared with the low-risk CRGs group, the high-risk CRGs group may benefit from immunotherapy treatment.
Reinforcement Learning based approach for Underwater Environment to evaluate Agent Algorithm
Authors: R Shruthi K , C Kavitha
Published: August 2023

A lot of research is undergoing in Underwater as it has huge applications. An underwater network is a delay-tolerant network [1][2] due to its intermittent characteristics. Underwater acoustic communication enables communication undersea. Wireless sensor nodes underwater are sparsely placed due to environmental characteristics [3] to gather information. Communication undersea is tedious because of noise and varying environments. Since the underwater environment is highly unpredictable due to its nature, there doesn’t exist a constant path or route between wireless sensor nodes. And the battery of sensor nodes is a major concern as they cannot be replaced frequently. Therefore, it's necessary to design an algorithm that can establish a path to the destination dynamically based on the environmental conditions and the node’s battery level. In this paper, the authors have proposed a Reinforcement Learning approach to evaluate sensor nodes’ performance. Many machine learning algorithms have used only the epsilon greedy action selection method. But here, four different types of action selection methods are used for the routing purpose. Based on the threshold level, an appropriate action selection method is chosen. The validation of the proposed approach is carried out by comparing the RL algorithm with other baseline algorithms. Experimental results showcase RL algorithm outperforms other baseline algorithms.
Cot-DCN-YOLO: Self-attention-enhancing YOLOv8s for Detecting Garbage Bins in Urban Street View Images
Authors: Dai Jiguang , Xu Wenhao , Zhang Tengda , Wu Yujie , Chen Tong , Li Yan
Published: August 2023

Accurately and quickly obtaining information from garbage bins has great application value in smart city construction and urban environmental management. However, existing deep learning methods are affected by factors such as occlusion, large geometric appearance differences, and multi-scale, leading to missed detections in garbage bin detection results. We propose a Cot-DCN-YOLO model for garbage bin detection, which is designed to effectively extract contextual information with the Double Convolutions Semantic Transformation (DCST) module, which addresses the vulnerability of garbage bins to occlusion. According to the large geometric appearance differences when garbage bins are damaged, we propose the C2f embedded with DCNv2 (DC2f) module, which can adaptively adjust the target shape with a flexible receptive field. Furthermore, considering the multi-scale characteristics of garbage bins in images, we introduce the SPPCSPC module. Experimental results show that compared with other methods, Cot-DCN-YOLO achieves the best results on our self-made garbage bin dataset, with Precision, Recall, and mAP reaching 77.1%, 69.4%, and 74.0%, respectively, outperforming existing SOTA methods.
Microbiome variation at the clam-sediment interface may explain changes in local productivity of Chamelea gallina in the North Adriatic Sea
Authors: Trapella Giulia , Cinti Nicolò , Parma Luca , De Marco Antonina , Dell’Acqua Andrea Nicolò , Turroni Silvia , Rampelli Simone , Scicchitano Daniel , Iuffrida Letizia , Bonaldo Alessio , Franzellitti Silvia , Candela Marco , Palladino Giorgia
Published: August 2023

Background
Chamelea gallina is an ecologically and economically important marine species in the Northwestern Adriatic Sea, which currently suffers from occasional, and still unexplained, widespread mortality events. In order to provide some glimpses in this direction, this study explores the connections between microbiome variations at the clam-sediment interface and the nutritional status of clams collected at four Italian production sites along the Emilia Romagna coast, with different mortality incidence, higher in the Northern sites and lower in the Southern sites.
Results
According to our findings, each production site showed a peculiar microbiome arrangement at the clam-sediment interface, with features that clearly differentiate the Northern and Southern sites, with the latter also being associated with a better nutritional status of the animal. Interestingly, the C. gallina digestive gland microbiome from the Southern sites was enriched in some health-promoting microbiome components, capable of supplying the host with essential nutrients and defensive molecules. Furthermore, in experiments conducted under controlled conditions in aquaria, we provided preliminary evidence of the prebiotic action of sediments from the Southern sites, allowing to boost the acquisition of previously identified health-promoting components of the digestive gland microbiome by clams from the Northern sites.
Conclusions
Taken together, our findings may help define innovative microbiome-based management strategies for the preservation of the productivity of C. gallina clams in the Adriatic Sea, through the identification and maintenance of a probiotic niche at the animal-sediment interface.
Transcriptional Profiling of Pituitary Adenoma Stem Cells: Unveiling the Pivotal Role of CXCR4 in Tumorigenesis and Clinical Applications
Authors: Yuan LinHao , Li BaoWang , Sui Huimin , Wang Xu , Li Jiang , Jia Guijun , Zhu Zhaohui , Li Deling , Jia Wang , Kang Peng
Published: August 2023

Background Growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma (GHPA) is characterized by excessive growth hormone production and leads to clinical manifestations like acromegaly. The molecular intricacies underpinning the tumorigenesis of this neoplasm remain largely elusive, with tumor stem cells postulated to play a significant role. Method Human pituitary adenoma stem cells (hPASCs) were extracted and cultured from eight GHPA clinical samples. RNA-sequencing was performed to discern genetic disparities between hPASCs and matched bulk tumor samples. Primary clusters of protein-protein interaction network were mapped using MCODE plugin in Cytoscape. The functional role of CXCR4 was assessed by both siRNA and antagonist AMD3465 in GH3 cells or primary hPASCs. Seven GHPA patients received PET/CT scan using CXCR4-based tracer 68Ga-pentixafor. Results HPASC culture was established and verified. A total of 685 differentially expressed genes were identified between hPASC and bulk tumor samples. Four primary protein-protein interaction network clusters were predicted, each demonstrating distinct biological functions. CXCR4 knockdown significantly attenuated GH3 cell proliferation and the hormone production. CXCR4 antagonist AMD3465 markedly reduced cell proliferation during differentiation of hPASCs. PET/CT imaging showed 68Ga-pentixafor can be a superior tracer in the detection of GHPA in the patients. Conclusion This study delivers a comprehensive genetic profiling of hPASCs and substantiates the critical role of CXCR4 in tumorigenesis, highlighting its considerable diagnostic potential in the translational research.
Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome Misdiagnosed as as Atypical Optic Neuritis
Authors: Han Kwang Eon , Lee Seung Min , Kim Su-Jin , Choi Heeyoung , Choi Jae Hwan
Published: August 2023

Background
We report a case of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) masquerading as atypical optic neuritis in a young female patient.
Case presentation:
A 23-year-old female presented with ocular pain and visual field defect in her left eye for one week. Her best corrected visual acuity was 20/20 on her right eye and 20/30 on her left eye. Pupillary size was 3 mm for both eyes. Relative afferent pupillary defect was detected on the left eye. Color vision test was normal for both eyes. Visual field test revealed blind spot enlargement on the left eye. On fundus examination, disc swelling was found on the left eye. Other abnormalities were not found. The patient was suspected with atypical optic neuritis. Fluorescein angiography showed hyperfluorescent spots in the posterior pole and leakage of disc on the left eye. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging did not show any abnormal findings or enhancement. Multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) showed reduced amplitude for the involved area. There were relatively hyper-autofluorescence lesions outside fovea and hypo-autofluorescent fovea in blue light fundus autofluorescence (BL-FAF) image. En face optical coherent tomography (OCT) revealed multiple hyporeflective dots at the ellipsoid zone (EZ). Swept-source-OCT (SS-OCT) showed irregular cells in the EZ with increased outer retinal thickness. On repeated fundus examination, multiple white dots were found vaguely. The patient was diagnosed with MEDWS and was able to recover in six weeks.
Conclusions
Patients with MEDWS who present with disc swelling, ocular pain, and RAPD might be misdiagnosed as optic neuritis. In atypical optic neuritis, en face OCT, BL-FAF and SS-OCT can aid in the differential diagnosis.
Relationships among premonitory urge, tics, and quality of life in drug-naive children with tic disorders: a mediation analysis of a Chinese sample
Authors: Wang Xianbin , Xu Hui , Li Yanlin , Hu Shujin , Yang Kai , Zhang Wenyan , Jiang Zhongliang , Cui Yonghua , Li Ying
Published: August 2023

Background: This study explores the relationship among premonitory urges (PU), tic severity, and quality of life in individuals with tic disorders (TD).
Methods: Clinical data from 1204 drug-naive TD patients aged 6-16 were collected, including the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), Premonitory Urge to Tic Scale (PUTS), and Tourette-Quality of Life Scale (GTS-QOL). Patients were categorized into PU (PUTS > 12) and non-PU (NPU, PUTS ≤ 12) groups. Logistic regression assessed age and gender's influence on PU presence. Correlation and mediation analyses were performed.
Results: Among 911 PU and 293 NPU patients, significant differences (p < 0.05) existed in age, YGTSS, GTS-QOL scores, excluding cognitive and physical factors. Sex differences were insignificant (p = 0.228). Age was a significant predictor for PU (OR = 1.127, p = 0.001). Tic-related impairment did not mediate (p > 0.05) the PU-quality of life relationship. Vocal tics mediated (p < 0.05) overall quality of life, while motor tics mediated (p < 0.05) the PU-quality of life link.
Conclusions: PU incidence in TD increases with age, predicting higher tic severity and reduced quality of life. Motor and vocal tics, but not tic-related impairment, mediate the PU-quality of life effect. Targeting PU, motor tics, or vocal tics in therapies may enhance TD patients' quality of life.
Spatiotemporal trends and driving factors of pine wilt disease in China
Authors: Du Jingjing , Wu Zongren , Zhang Chao , Yu Ailin , Li Ping , Luo Youqing , Shi Juan
Published: August 2023

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is considered the most serious invasive alien species threatening China's forestry ecology and economy. Since it first invaded China in 1982, it has spread to 18 provinces in 2020. In order to clarify its spatial distribution and drivers of range expansion, we collected census data of pine wilt disease (PWD) from 2010 to 2020, as well as climate and anthropogenic active data. The results of centroid analysis of PWD-affected region in China showed that the center of PWD occurrence was located at about 29°~29.5°N in northern Jiangxi Province. The comparison of the north-south boundary and centroid of the distribution area of B.xylophilus in North America (the native range) and China showed that the centroid of B.xylophilus in China was more southerly by about 10.52°, and its northern boundary in China was comparitively south of its native range, indicating the potential that B.xylophilus will continue to spread northwards in the future. The impact of climate (temperature, precipitation, wind speed) and anthropogenic factors (road network density, gross product) on PWD was analyzed using a random forest classification model. The results show that temperature and road network density have a significant impact on PWD damage density. The influence of precipitation, wind speed and gross production value on PWD damage density was not significant. The study provided a theoretical basis for PWD prevention and control in areas with similar geographical environments.