bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographical distribution-based differentiation of cultivated Angelica dahurica, exploring the relationship between the secretory tract and the quality
Authors: Wu Qinghua , Jiang Lan , Yan Yuhang , Yan Qi , Zhu Xinglong , Zhang Jiaxu , Huang Chengfeng , Zhou Tao , Ren Chaoxiang , Wen Feiyan , Pei Jin
Published: September 2023

Based on geographical distribution, cultivated Chinese Angelica dahurica has been divided into Angelica dahurica cv. ‘Hangbaizhi’ and Angelica dahurica cv. ‘Qibaizhi’. Long-term geographical isolation has led to significant quality differences between them. The secretory structure in medicinal plants, as a place for accumulating effective constituents and information transmission to the environment, links the environment with the quality of medicinal materials. However, the secretory tract differences between A. dahurica cv. ‘Hangbaizhi’ and A. dahuricacv. ‘Qibaizhi’ have not been revealed. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the secretory tract and the quality of two kinds of A. dahurica. Root samples were collected at seven development phases. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (DESI-MSI) were used for the content determination and spatial location of coumarins. Paraffin section was used to observe and localize the root secretory tract. Origin, CaseViewer, and HDI software were used for data analysis and image processing. The results showed that compared to A. dahurica cv. ‘Qibaizhi’, A. dahuricacv. ‘Hangbaizhi,’ with better quality, has a larger area and quantity of root secretory tracts. Hence, the root secretory tract can be included in the quality evaluation indicators of A. dahurica. Additionally, DESI-MSI technology was used for the first time to elucidate the temporal and spatial distribution of coumarin components in A. dahurica root tissues. This study provides a theoretical basis for the quality evaluation and breeding of improved varieties of A. dahurica and references the DESI-MSI technology used to analyze the metabolic differences of various compounds, including coumarin and volatile oil, in different tissue parts of A. dahurica.
Surgical Strategies in Acute Subdural Hematoma: A Meta-Analysis of Decompressive Craniectomy vs. Craniotomy
Authors: Shafique Muhammad Ashir , Mustafa Muhammad Saqlain , Kumar Aashish , Rangwala Burhanuddin Sohail , Abdullah Muhammad , Ali Syed Muhammad Sinaan , Haseeb Abdul
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION
Acute subdural hematoma (SDH) stands as a significant contributor to morbidity after severe traumatic brain injuries. The primary treatment approach for patients experiencing progressive neurological deficits or notable mass effects is the surgical removal of the hematoma, which can be achieved through craniotomy or craniectomy. Nevertheless, the choice between these two procedures remains a subject of ongoing debate and controversy.
METHOD
We conducted a comprehensive literature review, utilizing prominent online databases and manually searching references related to craniotomy and craniectomy for subdural hematoma evacuation up to July 2023. Our analysis focused on outcome variables such as the presence of residual subdural hematoma, the need for revision procedures, and overall clinical outcomes.
RESULT
We included a total of 10 comparative studies in our analysis, encompassing 3,933 patients, with 2,734 undergoing craniotomy and 1,199 undergoing craniectomy, meeting the inclusion criteria. Patients who underwent craniectomy displayed significantly lower scores on the Glasgow Coma Scale during their initial presentation. Following surgery, the craniectomy group exhibited a significantly reduced rate of residual subdural hematoma (p = 0.004), with no notable difference in the revision rate. Additionally, the likelihood of a poor outcome during follow-up was lower in the craniotomy group (33.1% vs. 42.7%, p = 0.001). Likewise, the mortality rate was lower in the craniotomy group compared to the craniectomy group, with an odds ratio of 0.65 (95% CI: 0.40-1.07, p = 0.004).
CONCLUSION
The debate over the safety and effectiveness of craniotomy versus decompressive craniectomy for treating acute subdural hematoma (SDH) persists. In our recent investigation, we observed that craniectomy was linked to a more unfavorable clinical presentation and postoperative outcomes when compared to craniotomy. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that craniectomy demonstrated a lower incidence of residual SDH after treatment.
Diminished circadian and ultradian rhythms in pathological brain tissue in human in vivo
Authors: Wang Yujiang , Panagiotopoulou Mariella , Thornton Christopher , Chowdhury Fahmida , Duncan John , McEvoy Andrew , de Tisi Jane , Taylor Peter , Gascoigne Sarah , Smith Billy , Diehl Beate , Miserocchi Anna
Published: September 2023

Chronobiological rhythms, such as the circadian rhythm, have long been linked to neurological disorders, but it is currently unknown how pathological processes affect the expression of biological rhythms in the brain.

Here, we use the unique opportunity of long-term, continuous intracranially recorded EEG from 38 patients (totalling 6338 hours) to delineate circadian and ultradian rhythms in different brain regions. We show that functional circadian and ultradian rhythms are diminished in pathological tissue, independent of regional variations. We further demonstrate that these diminished rhythms are persistent in time, regardless of load or occurrence of pathological events.

These findings provide the first evidence that brain pathology is functionally associated with persistently diminished chronobiological rhythms in vivo in humans, independent of regional variations or pathological events. Future work interacting with, and restoring, these modulatory chronobiological rhythms may allow for novel therapies.
Comparative Study on The Difference of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Influencing Factors between Middle-aged and Elderly People in Coastal Areas and Inland Areas of China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Liu Ying , Liu Wanheng
Published: September 2023

Background.
Osteoarthritis is a common chronic disease that occurs mainly in synovial joints, progresses slowly, and manifests itself as localized destruction of articular cartilage with osteophytes or bony lip formation in the adjacent subchondral bone plate.Osteoarthritis seriously affects the quality of life and health status of patients, and increases the burden of medical care and old-age care on families and society, and middle-aged people, as "quasi-elderly people," need to be the focus of observation for early prevention.
Objective.
To analyze the differences in the prevalence and influencing factors of osteoarthritis in middle-aged and elderly people ≥45 years old between coastal and inland areas in China.
Methods.
Based on data from the 2018 China Health and Aged Care Tracking Survey (CHARLS), regional differences in the prevalence and influencing factors of rheumatoid arthritis in middle-aged and elderly people in coastal and inland areas were analyzed using the c2 test and logistic regression model.
Results.
The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in middle-aged and elderly people is significantly higher in inland areas than in coastal areas (c2= 21.897, P < 0.001), and there are commonalities and characteristics of influencing factors. Physical pain and self-assessment of health status were the same factors affecting the development of rheumatoid arthritis in middle-aged and older adults in coastal and inland areas, while mute or stuttering disability was only affected middle-aged and elderly people in coastal areas. Compared with baseline good status, the incidence of osteoarthritis in middle-aged and elderly people with poor self-rated health status increased by 57.5% (OR=0.425, 95%CI: 0.285-0.632) in inland areas and 53.3% in coastal areas. Compared with middle-aged and elderly people with physical pain, the incidence of osteoarthritis in middle-aged and elderly people without physical pain in inland areas was reduced by 57.2% (OR=0.428, 95%CI: 0.316~0.581), and that in coastal areas was reduced by 70.3% (OR=0.297, 95%CI: 0.190~0.466).
Conclusion.
According to the different influencing factors in coastal areas and inland areas, the prevention and treatment strategies were formulated, provide regional medical services and rehabilitation guidance.
Research hotspot and trend of plant water use in karst: A bibliometric analysis from 1984 to 2022
Authors: Zhu Degen , Ning Jing , Yang Hui , Pu Junbing , Cao Jianhua , Zhou Mengxia
Published: September 2023

Research on the ecohydrological processes of terrestrial plants is a frontier field comprising ecology, hydrology and global change research, yielding the key theoretical foundations of ecohydrology. The basic characteristics of the inorganic environment in a karst ecosystem are a lack of water, a lower amount of soil and high amounts of calcium. Vegetation growing in karst areas has certain particularities and a greater degree of complexity compared with other ecosystems. To comprehensively and intuitively understand the current progress and development trends in plant water use research focusing on karst areas, this paper uses the VOSviewer software to analyze the literature on plant water use in karst areas between 1984 and 2022. The results show that: (1) Research on plant water use in karsts has developed rapidly worldwide, and the number of relevant studies in the literature has increased year by year, which together means that it is attracting more and more attention. (2) Research on plant water sources, the geological background of karst areas, seasonal arid tropical climates, the relationship between δ13C values and plant water use efficiency, karst plant water use in karst savannas and subtropical areas, and ecosystems under climate change yields the knowledge base in this field. (3) Most studies in this area focus on the division of water sources of plants in karst areas, the methods of studying the water use sources of plants, and the water use strategies and efficiency of plants. (4) The functional response of plant water use in karst areas to the influence of the Earth's critical zones, the impact of climate change on plant water use in karst areas, the phenomenon of ecohydrological separation in karst areas, and explorations at the community scale and in the spatial dimension will be the focus of future research. These studies will provide key scientific basis for guiding ecological restoration in karst areas and promoting regional sustainable development and are important research directions in the future.
Prime-Induced Illusion of Control: The influence of unconscious priming on self-initiated actions and the role of regression to the mean
Authors: Kiepe Fabian , Hesselmann Guido
Published: September 2023

To what degree human cognition is influenced by subliminal stimuli is a controversial empirical question. One striking example was reported by Linser and Goschke (2007): participants overestimated how much control they had over objectively uncontrollable stimuli when masked congruent primes were presented immediately before the action. Critically, however, unawareness of the masked primes was established by post hoc data selection. In our preregistered study we sought to explore these findings while examining prime visibility prior to the main experiment so that each participant underwent both visible and non-visible conditions. In Experiment 1, including semantic primes, N = 39 participants adjusted prime visibility by individually modifying prime contrast and judged their subjective experience of control over the effect-stimulus' identity based on their key-presses, using a rating scale that ranged from 0% (no control) to 100% (complete control). Contrary to Linser and Goschke (2007)'s findings, this experiment demonstrated that predictive information influenced the experience of agency only when primes were consciously processed. In Experiment 2, utilizing symbolic (arrow) primes and incorporating an inter-stimulus interval of 64ms to adjust prime awareness, N = 35 participants had to rate their feeling of control over the effect-stimulus’ identity during a forced-choice paradigm. The results revealed no significant influence of subliminal priming on agency perceptions. In summary, this study implies that unconscious stimuli may not exert a substantial influence on the conscious experience of agency, underscoring the need for careful consideration of methodological aspects and experimental design's impact on observed phenomena.
Approaches to Modeling and Oversight in Mechatronic Systems: Methodological Insights
Authors: Dinulescu Dorin Mihail
Published: September 2023

This paper introduces a comprehensive methodology for the assessment, safe operation, and supervision of mechatronic systems. The objective is to systematically analyse mechatronic systems and establish effective supervisory frameworks. To achieve this, we leverage the Safe-Structured Analysis Design Technique (Safe-SADT) formalism to evaluate overall system reliability and the Grafcet modeling approach to capture control-command aspects in mechatronic systems. We also outline the practical steps involved in implementing WinCC for mechatronic system supervision. This methodology empowers in-depth exploration of mechatronic systems during the design phase.
Modeling of the Economic Value of Ecosystem Services for Sustainable Resource Management in Northern Ethiopian Highlands
Authors: Gidey Eskinder , Mhangara Paidamwoyo , Birhane Emiru , Gidey Medhn , Dikinya Oagile , Lottering Romano , Nasir Jemal , Tadesse Tewodros , Hishe Solomon , Rannestad Meley Mekonen , Girma Atkilt , Teweldebirhan Sarah , Wolde–Georgis Tsegay , Ngwenya Mthulisi , Zenebe Amanuel
Published: September 2023

Nature offers meaningful solutions to the climate crisis as we look to a world of greater risk and uncertainty with climate change. But while we know that nature is vital, we also know that we are losing nature at a rate unprecedented in human history. Global forest area is projected to decline gradually, which may affect existing ecosystem services (ESs) and the ecological and economic benefits of these services. We analyzed the ESs provision value of the Hugumburda State Forest (HSF) and the Southern Tigray-northern Ethiopian highlands, which was based on optical remote sensing, the Ecosystem Services Provision Index (ESPI), and the revised ESs valuation coefficients under different scenarios and the ecosystem services value function (ESVf). The forest coverage of HSF is anticipated to increase by 19.1 Km2 (3.8%) until 2030 from its earlier coverage of 88.6 km2 in the year 2020. As a result, ecosystem services value (ESV) provisions are expected to increase, sustain, and improve the local community's well–being by 1.88 million US$ ha–1 year–1. We also found a significant relationship between the ESV of forestland, shrubland, arable land, grassland, and water body and their area expansion (p < 0.01). The ESPI showed a higher value in the forest & grassland areas (0.38), whereas it was lower in water bodies (–0.51). HSF provides higher-level regulating services than provisioning, supporting, and cultural services. The combined use of optical remote sensing and ESPI is essential for developing a cost-effective ESs provision management framework regarding environmental and social benefits.
Identification of key proteins related to cashmere fibre diameter by integrated proteomics and bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Zhang Chongyan , Qin Qing , Liu Zhichen , Wang Yichuan , Lan Mingxi , Zhao Dan , Kong Deqing , Zhang Jingwen , Wang Zhixin , Li Jinquan , Liu Zhihong
Published: September 2023

Goat (Capra hircus) has always been a source of fibre for human use and holds an important place in international high-end textiles. Fibre diameter is the most concerned economic indicator for producers. Understanding the formation mechanism of fibre diameter and related key proteins can help optimize and control the production of cashmere. Although mass spectrometry (MS)-based workflows have made great progress in achieving near-genome-wide coverage, the equivalent complete map of cashmere proteome is still elusive. Here, we performed label-free liquid chromatography coupled with tandem MS to profile the cashmere proteome. Firstly, by measuring the fibre diameter, it was found that the average fibre diameter of Alxa cashmere was significantly smaller than that of Alpas. With the help of proteomics technology,170 proteins were detected with high confidence. A total of 68 differentially expressed proteins were identified in the two cashmere, 131 proteins were specifically expressed in Alpas, and 40 proteins were specifically expressed in Alxa. Through Gene Ontology enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, Protein-Protein Interaction network construction, and the CytoHubba plugin of the Cytoscape software were used to interpret the proteomic data. Finally, KRT10, KRT14, KRT17, and KRT82 played a key role in leading to the difference in the diameter of the two fibres. Combined with bioinformatics, the structure and function of these proteins were further studied to provide a more comprehensive perspective for understanding the regulation mechanism of cashmere diameter. At the same time, combined with the information on genetics and gene expression, the genetic factors and epigenetic regulation mechanisms affecting cashmere fibre diameter can be further studied.
Lower Eyelid Retraction Repair Using Autologous Auricular Scapha Cartilage
Authors: Bilge Ayşe Dolar
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To evaluate lower eyelid retraction surgery using autologous auricular scapha cartilage (anterior surface groove between helix and anti helix) and present its surgical results in a group of patients.
Methods: Medical records of 21 patients who underwent lower eyelid retraction surgery using scapha cartilage were reviewed. Retractions were longstanding (6 months to 20 years), with 1 mm or more inferior scleral show, and due to previous lower eyelid blepharoplasty, facial palsy or congenital retraction. Lateral canthotomy, cantholysis, subtarsal conjunctiva-lower eyelid retractors incision, lower eyelid retractor lysis and suturing of the cartilage graft to the defect area without conjunctival cover, and tighteneing of the lateral canthal corner were performed in all patients.
Results: Twenty nine eyelids in 21 patients were operated. There were no per-operative complications. During the follow-up period (mean 11 months; range 6-30 months), lower lid retraction improved in 96,5% of eyelids. The mean postoperative margin to refle distance measurements (MRD2) was statistically significantly lower compared with preoperatives (p=0,001; p<0,01). Average MRD2-a (midpupil to lower lid) and MRD2-b (lateral limbus to lower lid) improvements were 1,77±0,80 and 2,04±0,81 respectively (p=0,001; p<0,01).
Four eyelids (4/29) were revised because of canthal corner loosening. All four already had two or more repairs elsewhere and require correction with periosteal flaps. The graft was visible in two lids but revision was not required. One patient had mild donor area helix deformity that did not require futher intervention.
Conclusion: Many lower lid retractions that have no middle or posterior lamellar shortening can be corrected without grafting. However in those cases of lower lid retraction associated with middle/posterior lamella shortening, auricular scapha cartilage spacer graft is useful. Its advantages include ease of harvest with low complication rate at the donor site; being autologous, it is stable and does not shrink; it is softer compared to posterior cartilage and has a concavity that fits well on the globe.
Multi-Category Prediction of Students’ Academic Performance Using Machine Learning: For Students Joining Higher Educational Institutions in Ethiopia
Authors: Ahmed Abdulkadir , Tolera Daniel
Published: September 2023

Following the deployment of the Learning Management System (LMS) platform in higher educational institutions in Ethiopia, a massive amount of potentially helpful but as-yet untapped educational data has been generated. Despite the fact that the data is powerful enough to contribute to reducing student dropout rates through the application of modern educational data mining techniques such as machine learning, it has not been successfully employed to tackle student academic performance problems in higher education institutions(HEIs). As a result, a machine learning model was proposed based on data from three semesters of undergraduate students at Bule Hora University. To predict students' academic achievement, five machine learning methods (SVM, Random Forest, KNN, Gradient Boosting, and Decision Tree) were used. The Decision Tree model outperformed other models with a promising result of 97.3% on test accuracy and was selected as a proposed model. Moreover, our findings suggest that academic factors (entrance result, study time, attendance, and Internet access) and socio-demographic factors (age, gender, father job, mother job, family size, and address) had a greater impact on students' academic success. However, the academic performance of students was less affected by additional features like extra classes, another job, and guidance and counselling. Moreover, we are working on improving the accuracy of the proposed model. In this study, the student entrance result is the only variable used from the pre-university data. However, a CGPA result is not sufficient to qualify a student. Therefore, in the future, the exit exam results of the students will be incorporated.
Gender and underemployment in Cameroun
Authors: Bea Clarence Mickaël , Ndongo Jean Colbert Awomo , Akono Christian Marie Zamo , Ntamack Simon Alain Song
Published: September 2023

This paper analyzes disparities in visible and invisible underemployment between men and women in Cameroon using data from the Employment and Informal Sector Survey conducted in 2010. The results indicate that a single woman is less likely to be visibly underemployed than a woman living in a couple; a high endowment of human capital, on the other hand, tends to increase this type of underemployment. Similarly, for women working in the informal sector, there is a lower probability of being invisibly underemployed than for women working in the formal public sector. We suggest: introducing positive discrimination in favor of women by, for example, imposing quotas when recruiting for formal public and private jobs; creating formal jobs in rural areas; and insisting on a school enrollment policy geared towards increasing female attendance.
Jel: J13, J16, J22, J24, J78.
Solution synthesis of two-dimensional ZnO / MoS2 heterostructure through reactive templating for enhanced visible-light degradation of Rhodamine B (RB)
Authors: Liu Lili , Chen Ping , zhang xin , Kovarik Libor , De Yoreo James , Liu Jun , Sushko Maria L.
Published: September 2023

Numerous inorganic materials have been identified as potential candidates for high-performance photocatalysts. However, their solar-to-energy conversion efficiencies still fail to meet commercial requirements. The main hurdle is the rapid recombination of photoexcited electrons and holes in single-phase materials. A viable predicted approach to suppress charge recombination is coupling two materials to form a two-dimensional (2D) heterostructure that physically separates photoinduced electrons and holes in different layers. In this work, the heterostructure-based paradigm was tested and a scalable solution synthesis of epitaxial ZnO-MoS2 heterostructure was developed. A 2D ZnO-MoS2 heterostructure was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions by stabilizing intermediate Zn-hydroxide states on a functionalized MoS2 surface. Detailed characterization showed the formation of multilayer heterostructure with MoS2 flakes intercalated between large size ZnO plates. The performance of this heterostructure was evaluated using photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B. A degradation efficiency of 70 % was measured within 90 minutes of visible-light irradiation, almost doubling the efficiency of the corresponding single-phase materials or their physical mixtures.
Gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease: a combined culturomics and metagenomics perspective
Authors: Park Hyunjoon , Yeo Soyoung , Lee Taekyu , Han Yumin , Ryu Chang Beom , Huh Chul Sung
Published: September 2023

Background:Gut dysbiosis has been linked to a variety of human diseases. Genome-based research has provided vast information on this topic over the past few decades, suggesting the necessity of microbial therapeutics. However, since genomic data alone are insufficient for experimental verification and clinical application of gut bacterial interactions, the need for culture-based gut microbiome research has been attracting great attention. Over the past decade, culturomics (a high-throughput cultivation and identification approach) has increased the possibility of overcoming this challenge. In our study, we explored the complementarity of culturomics and metagenomics by comparing the gut microbiota of healthy individuals with that of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), which are subtypes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our ultimate goal was to select putative pathobionts related to each IBD subtype and probiotic candidates for microbiome-based therapeutics, which were extended from the metagenomics results.Results:We used a culturomics approach to obtain 14,131 gut bacterial isolates from UC and CD patients. They were classified into 265 species (UC, 215 and CD, 170). This IBD gut bacterial library included new species that had never been cultured. In the 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequence-based analysis, the gut dysbiosis in CD patients compared with the healthy control (HC) group was more severe than in UC patients compared with the HC group, with an increase in the abundance ofProteobacteriaand a decrease in the abundance ofActinobacteriota, which were dependent on the disease severity. Culturomics data also showed a more shifted dysbiosis in CD patients than in UC patients, with significantly decreasing species diversity, particularly anaerobes. From the two omics results, we suggested 24 taxa associated with UC or CD patients and 44 commensal species that could be used as live therapeutic candidates based on probiotic properties.Conclusions:Our study extended the understanding of gut dysbiosis in IBD patients using culturomic and metagenomic approaches. Our large-scale culture collection will be a foundation for identifying human gut bacterial diversity and strain characteristics.
The COVID-19 pandemic decreases cardiorespiratory fitness. A 3-year follow-up study in industry
Authors: Skare Øivind , Mamen Asgeir , Skogstad Marit
Published: September 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to determine if maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), resting heart rate (RHR), and self-reported leisure- time moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) changed over a 3-year follow-up (FU) among industrial workers during restrictions of outdoor movement and the concurrent closure of fitness centres due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: We assessed cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among workers in industry in August 2018 and in August 2021. The last 17-18 months of the 3-year FU coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from 86 participants were collected; demographics by questionnaire and cardiovascular outcomes from medical examination: V̇O2max, RHR, and fat mass (%). At both time points, workers reported on their leisure-time MVPA. To assess changes in health outcomes, we applied a linear mixed model, adjusting for baseline (BL) age, sex, pack-years, shift work, and a 5-month plant shutdown. In a second analysis, we adjusted for actual age instead of BL age.
Results: V̇O2max decreased from 39.6 ml/kg/min at BL to 34.0 at FU, a reduction of 5.6 ml/kg/min (95%CI, -7.6,-3.7). When adjusted for actual age, the corresponding figure for V̇O2max was 5.4 ml/kg/min, (95%CI, -7.4,-3.4), an annual loss of 4.6%. RHR increased from 61.3 to 64.4 beats per minute (95%CI, 0.8, 5.4). Self-reported MVPA decreased by 43.9 min/week, (95%CI, -73.5,-14.4).
Conclusion: We observed a significant decrease in V̇O2max, an increase in RHR and a decrease in self-reported MVPA over the 3-year FU among industrial workers. These changes may be attributable to physical inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ISRCTN42416837, date of registration 25.10.2018
Bioinformatics Analysis of Immune Cell Infiltration Patterns and Potential Diagnostic Markers in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ji Haigang , Yuan Ling , Jiang Wenbo , Jiang Yinke , Jiang Mengke , Sun Xuemei , Chen Jing
Published: September 2023

Background
This study aimed to investigate efficient diagnostic markers and molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis and to analyze the role of immune infiltration through bioinformatics analysis.
Results
Expression profile datasets (GSE28829 and GSE43292) of patients with atherosclerosis and healthy controls were downloaded from the GEO database. Glutamine (GLN) metabolism-associated genes were obtained from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB). The limma package in R was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Significant modules were filtered using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). MSigDB sets were subjected to Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and Gene Set Variation Analysis. The biological functions of DEGs were examined using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. STRING and Cytoscape software were used to identify hub genes and functional modules through protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. The xCell software was adopted to assess the composition patterns of immune and stromal cells. Correlation analyses were performed for key genes and immune cell subtypes. We identified 308 DEGs and GLN-associated genes. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these genes were strongly enriched in muscle contract, muscle tissue development, cutile fiber, mycobacterial, and actin binding. Enriched KEGG pathways comprised dilated cardiomyopathy, Hypergraphic cardiomyopathy, and the cAMP signaling pathway. In the PPI network analysis, 27 genes were identified as hub genes. The area under the curve (AUC) values of 27 biomarkers were relatively high, indicating high diagnostic values. The atherosclerosis group exhibited a markedly higher degree of infiltration than the control group.
Conclusions
This study identified 27 GLN-associated genes as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis. It provides a new perspective on immune responses that facilitates exploration of the molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis.
Mixed pattern study on the development of midwifery profession job satisfaction scale
Authors: DAĞLI Elif , REYHAN Feyza AKTAŞ
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study is to develop a measurement tool on midwifery job satisfaction. In the research, the "exploratory sequential mixed method" design was used. Case study in order to examine midwives' (n = 10) perceptions of midwifery job satisfaction in the qualitative phase of the research; Methodological research design was used to create a scale on the evaluation of factors affecting midwifery job satisfaction at the quantitative stage (n = 210). In the light of qualitative findings and literature review, a 41-item draft scale was created in line with the expert opinion created and received for the Midwifery Profession Job Satisfaction Scale. In order to test the construct validity of the scale, exploratory factor analysis was conducted using principal components method and varimax axis rotation. As a result of the analysis, a scale consisting of 40 items and a 6-factor structure with an eigenvalue above 1 and explaining 72.24% of the total variance was obtained. The confirmatory factor analysis results of the scale also show that the data fit well with the model. It was determined that the Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient of the scale ranged from 0.94 and the sub-dimensions between 0.83 and 0.96. It has been determined that the developed scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be used to evaluate the job satisfaction of midwives.
What are the views of Quebec and Ontario citizens on the tiebreaker criteria for prioritizing access to adult critical care in the extreme context of a COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Ramirez Claudia Calderon , Farmer Yanick , Frolic Andrea , Bravo Gina , Gaucher Nathalie Orr , Payot Antoine , Opatrny Lucie , Poirier Diane , Dahine Joseph , L'Espérance Audrey , Downar James , Tanuseputro Peter , Rousseau Louis-Martin , Dumez Vincent , Descôteaux Annie , Dallaire Clara , Laporte Karell , Bouthillier Marie-Eve
Published: September 2023

Background
The prioritization protocols for accessing adult critical care in the extreme pandemic context contain tiebreaker criteria to facilitate decision-making in the allocation of resources between patients with a similar survival prognosis. Besides being controversial, little is known about the public acceptability of these tiebreaker. In order to better understand the public opinion, Quebec and Ontario’s protocols were presented to the public in a democratic deliberation during the summer of 2022.
Objectives
1) To explore the perspectives of Quebec and Ontario citizens regarding tiebreakers, identifying the most acceptable ones and their underlying values. 2) To analyze these results considering other public consultations held during the pandemic on these criteria.
Methods
This was an exploratory qualitative study. The design involved an online democratic deliberation that took place over two days, simultaneously in Quebec and Ontario. Public participants were selected from a community sample which excluded healthcare personnel. Participants were first presented the essential components of prioritization protocols and their related issues. They subsequently deliberated on the acceptability of these criteria. The deliberation was then subject to thematic content analysis. A scoping review was previously done to identify other public consultations conducted on this topic in the context of this pandemic, and to guide the analysis of our results.
Results
A total of 47 participants from the provinces of Quebec (n = 20) and Ontario (n = 27) took part in the online deliberation. A diverse audience participated excluding members of the healthcare workforce. Four themes were identified: 1) Priority to young patients - the life cycle - a preferred tiebreaker; 2) Randomization - a tiebreaker of last resort; 3) Multiplier effect of most exposed healthcare workers - a median acceptability tiebreaker, and 4) Social value – a less acceptable tiebreaker.
Conclusion
Life cycle was the preferred tiebreaker as this criterion respects intergenerational equity, which was considered relevant when allocating scarce resources to adult patients in a context of extreme pandemic. Priority to young patients is in line with other consultations conducted around the world. Additional studies are needed to further investigate the public acceptability of tiebreaker criteria.
Multivariate Motion Patterns and Applications to Rainfall Radar Data
Authors: Fischer Svenja , Oesting Marco , Schnurr Alexander
Published: September 2023

The classification of movement in space is one of the key tasks in environmental science. Various geospatial data such as rainfall or other weather data, data on animal movement or landslide data require a quantitative analysis of the probable movement in space to obtain information on potential risks, ecological developments or changes in future. Usually, machine-learning tools are applied for this task, as these approaches are able to classify large amounts of data. Yet, machine-learning approaches also have some drawbacks, e.g. the often required large training sets and the fact that the algorithms are often seen as black boxes. We propose a classification approach for spatial data based on ordinal patterns. Ordinal patterns have the advantage that they are easily applicable, even to small data sets, are robust in the presence of certain changes in the time series and deliver interpretative results. They therefore do not only offer an alternative to machine-learning in the case of small data sets but might also be used in pre-processing for a meaningful feature selection. In this work, we introduce the basic concept of multivariate ordinal patterns and the corresponding limit theorem. A simulation study based on bootstrap demonstrates the validity of the results. The approach is then applied to two real-life data sets, namely rainfall radar data and the movement of a leopard. Both applications emphasize the meaningfulness of the approach. Clearly, certain patterns related to the atmosphere and environment occur significantly often, indicating a strong dependence of the movement on the environment.
MSC Classification: 62M10 , 62H20 , 62F12 , 60F05 , 05A05 , 62G30
Assessment of interference scope induced by stray current in the metro depot for the corrosion risk of buried metal pipeline
Authors: Wang Chengtao , Wang Yuqiao , Xu Shaoyi , Li Wei , Wang Yifu , Xing Fangfang
Published: September 2023

The hazard of stray current attracts more and more attention due to the potential infrastructure failure caused by the electrochemical corrosion. In view of the poor insulation performance and lack of stray current collection system in the metro depot, stray current leakage becomes particularly evident in this area. In order to evaluate the corrosion risk of buried metal pipeline surrounding metro depot, an assessment model for interference scope induced by stray current is proposed in this paper. The distribution of stray current is calculated based on the resistive network by considering different boundary conditions in different areas of metro depot, and the interference scope is assessed by surface potential gradient for corrosion risk of corroded pipeline. Moreover, the characteristics of surface potential gradient distribution in different areas of metro depot and the influence of electrical parameters are analyzed. Finally, the proposed model is verified through CDEGS-based simulation and experimental results.
COD Removal in Organic Dyes Using Ultrasonication-Ozonation: Computational and Experimental Study
Authors: Hutagalung Sutrisno Salomo , Khotimah Khusnul , Rafryanto Ande Fudja , Suhardi Sri Harjati , Supriadi Sri , Rochman Nurul Taufiqu , Kurniadi Deddy
Published: September 2023

Organic dye is a highly toxic, nonbiodegradable, and harmful substance that causes significant environmental contamination. The combined effort of an ultrasonication (US) method followed by ozonation (OZ) treatment for organic dye solution is described here. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the optimum frequency of 26 kHz is utilised in the experiment acquired from the acceptable frequency range based on the simulation. The initial organic dye solutions in this investigation contained low-COD conditions, 40 mg L− 1 of Methylene Blue (MB), and 134 mg L− 1 of industrial effluent. The latter case exhibits that the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of industrial removal rate is 57.46%, where the lowest concentration of 57 mg L− 1 is attainable, which indicates that the combined method fulfils the acceptance range of the ZDHC International Standard of 60 mg L− 1. The sequential approaches unambiguously demonstrate a promising strategy for effective wastewater treatment for organic pollutants.
WITHDRAWN: Circular Polarization Division Multiplexing in Visible Light Communication System by Incorporating QPSK and Distortion Compensation Enabled DSP/IDSP
Authors: Pahuja Hunny , Verma Monika , Sachdeva Shippu , Kaur Simarpreet , Sindhwani Manoj , Shukla Manoj Kumar
Published: September 2023

Hybrid polarization division multiplexing (PDM) and Visible Light Communication (VLC) have fostered speedy data transmission in the last few years and emerged as the strong candidate that enables users to leverage the pervasive illumination/communication infrastructure. Circular PDM (CPDM) is replacing the linear PDM (LPDM) variant in wired/wireless systems due to the even scattered light distributions and elimination of polarization axis alignment requirements. In this research work, a 1.6 Tbps multi-wavelength line of sight (LoS) based VLC system is presented and data modulation is performed by employing Quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK). The conventional DSP algorithms such as Viterbi Phase Estimation (VPE), Blind Phase Search (BPS), and Constant Modulus Algorithm (CMA) algorithms are replaced with Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization procedure (GSOP), time-domain equalization algorithm (TEDA), improved Viterbi algorithm (IVA), and least mean square (LMS) algorithm in proposed IDSP. Three different systems are compared such as LPDM-VLC-DSP, CPDM-VLC-DSP, and CPDM-VLC-IDSP at different VLC link ranges, transmitter half angles (THA), incidence half angles (IHA), and optical concentrator areas (OCAs) in terms of error vector magnitude percentage (EVM%), log symbol error rate (log SER), and Q factor. After doing the extensive comprehensive literature survey, it is discerned that the presented CPDM-VLC-IDSP system has covered the longest distance i.e. 14 cm at 1.6 Tbps capacity under the acceptable bit error rate (BER) limits.
Andreev hidden spinor coordinates: Standard Model, gravity and 3He
Authors: Volovik Grigory
Published: September 2023

This paper is prepared for a special memorial issue of J. Low Temp. Phys. dedicated to memory of Alexander Andreev. The paper considers some ideas of Andreev on the fermion-boson transmutation, which look somewhat contradictory, but their consideration and development may lead to new physics on the more fundamental trans-Planckian level.
PACS numbers:
F1 distant hybrids between two edible lilies (Lilium brownii var. viridulum and L. davidii var. unicolor) produce more n than 2n functional eggs with more recombinant chromosomes
Authors: Liu Siyu , Sun Yanni , Peng Mingzhu , Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhou Shujun
Published: September 2023

Lilium brownii var. viridulum (BB) and L. davidii var. unicolor (AdAd) are grown for edible in China, but their breeding lags far more than other ornamental lily breeding. To improve the situation, F1 BA hybrids were used as seed parents to cross with AdAd and other diploid Asiatic lilies (AA). The results showed that the F1 BA hybrids could produce BC1 progenies. The average seedlings obtained from the combinations per fruits were very variable from 1.7 to 22.5, indicating that their compatibilities are different depending on their males. Among the 18 progenies with genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), ten of them were diploid (2n = 2x = 24), two are aneuploid - near diploid (2n = 2x ± 1), and other six were allotriploid (2n = 3x = 36); and all of them contain much more recombinant chromosomes and breakpoints than other distant lily hybrids. We concluded that F1 LA hybrids produced much more n functional egg cells than 2n functional egg cells and this would pay a new way to realize lily ingression breeding at diploid ploidy level.
The effects of Curcumin and Crocin on the inflammatory phase of thyroid eye disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Yazd Mohammadreza Akhondian , Kiarudi Mohammad Yaser , Bakhtiari Elham , Saber-moghaddam Niloufar , Avan Amir , Shariati Mehrdad Motamed , Sabermoghaddam Aliakbar
Published: September 2023

Objective
A randomized, triple-blinded study was designed to assess the influences of curcumin and crocin on clinical findings and serologic markers, including IL-6 and TNF-α, of the inflammatory phase of thyroid eye disease (TED).
Methods
The curcumin and crocin were added to the traditional care of the patients after randomizing to placebo, curcumin, and crocin groups. Before interventions, CAS was evaluated and a blood sample (to measure the serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α) was taken. The CAS was reassessed in the first and second months and the blood sampling was repeated in the second month afterward.
Results
A total of 46 TED cases (22 to 64 years old) were enrolled, 16 patients in the Placebo group, 17 patients in the Curcumin group, and 13 patients in the Crocin group. CAS, TNF-α, and IL-6 significantly reduced in all patients, regardless of their group and received drugs. No statistically significant difference was observed in the reduction of CAS score and TNF-α level in a two-month follow-up between the study groups.
Conclusion
Daily consumption of 30 milligrams (mg) of crocin or 80 mg of curcumin in addition to standard care could be effective in decreasing CAS in TED patients.
A Quantum Optimization Case Study for a Transport Robot Scheduling Problem
Authors: Leib Dominik , Seidel Tobias , Jäger Sven , Heese Raoul , Jones Caitlin Isobel , Awasthi Abhishek , Niederle Astrid Elisa , Bortz Michael
Published: September 2023

We present a comprehensive case study comparing the performance of D-Waves' quantum-classical hybrid framework, Fujitsu's quantum-inspired digital annealer, and Gurobi's state-of-the-art classical solver in solving a transport robot scheduling problem. This problem originates from an industrially relevant real-world scenario. We provide three different models for our problem following different design philosophies. In our benchmark, we focus on the solution quality and end-to-end runtime of different model and solver combinations. We find promising results for the digital annealer and some opportunities for the hybrid quantum annealer in direct comparison with Gurobi. Our study provides insights into the workflow for solving an application-oriented optimization problem with different strategies, and can be useful for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches.
A Benchmark of Existing Tools for Outlier Detection and Cleaning in Trajectories
Authors: Duarte Mariana Machado Garcez , Sakr Mahmoud
Published: September 2023

Outlier detection and cleaning is an essential step in data preprocessing to ensure the integrity and validity of data analyses. This paper focuses on outlier points within a individual trajectories, i.e., points that deviate significantly inside a single trajectory. We benchmark ten open-source libraries to comprehensively evaluate available tools, comparing their efficiency and accuracy in identifying and cleaning outliers. This benchmarking considers the libraries as they are offered to end users, with real-world applicability. We compare existing outlier detection libraries, introduce a method for establishing ground-truth, and aim to guide users in choosing the most appropriate tool for their specific outlier detection needs. Furthermore, we survey the state-of-the-art algorithms for outlier detection and classify them into seven types: Statistic-based methods, Sliding window algorithms, Clustering-based methods, Graph-based methods, Ensemble-based methods, Learning-based methods, and Heuristic-based methods. Our research provides insights into these libraries' performance and contributes to developing data preprocessing and outlier detection methodologies.