bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intelligent Traffic Light Switch Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning with Attention Mechanism
Authors: Wang Min , Cui Jianqun , Chang Yanan , Wu Libing 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
How to design a good traffic signal switch scheme is crucial to alleviate transportation pressure. However, some existing traffic signal control methods based on reinforcement learning apply a convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract features from the state matrix, which is too coarse because state matrices sometimes are sparse. These methods use the discrete traffic state encoding (DTSE) approach to build the position and speed matrices. We overcome this problem in two ways: by reducing the number of zero value in the state matrix and using a spatial attention mechanism in convolution operations. This paper redefines the state at the intersection by dividing each entering road with an unequal length and then concatenating them. Our division method can reduce the state matrix’s sparsity by reducing the size of the input matrix and the number of zero value. We then propose a deep Q-learning network (DQN) with spatial attention in CNN to control the traffic light. The spatial attention mechanism can focus on the specific element in the con-volutional feature vectors and overcome the sparse matrix’s difficult problem to extract features. Besides, we set a discount factor β on the reward definition, which can diminish the received reward and alleviate the overestimation caused by DQN. We conduct experiments on the Simulation of Urban MObility (SUMO) with two datasets, a synthetic intersection and Cologne’s traffic intersection in Germany. Experimental results on synthetic intersection demonstrate that our method can reduce delay, travel time, and queue length than three other methods. Results on Cologne confirm that the proposed method can save 23.7%, 9.1%, 4.5% travel time compared with the fixed-time traffic light control, self-organizing traffic light control, and DQN method, respectively.
Biological and physico-chemical properties of the soil in an acidified environment influenced by previous mining activities at the Šobov locality (Slovakia)
Authors: Nosalj Sanja , Hrabovský Andrej , Labuda Roman , Kollár Jozef , Šimonovičová Alexandra 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
More than 20 years after remedial measures were carried out, six plots (Š1 – Š6) at the Šobov locality were examined in more detail. From a pedological viewpoint, the physico-chemical differences of the soils in these areas are not the result of pedogenesis. This is the effect of extremely acidic mineralised solutions that have leaked from or are still leaking from the heap at the site. The plant community here is most often poor to weakly developed with acidophilic vegetation (Š1, Š2, Š5), without vegetation (Š4) or with dense species-rich vegetation (Š3, Š6). Saprotrophic microscopic fungi of the phylum Zygomycota are notably suppressed and their biodiversity is low. Species of the genera Absidia and Zygorhynchus were found most often. In contrast, the biodiversity of the phylum Ascomycota is notably high. The genera Penicillium (35 species), Aspergillus (7 species) and Trichoderma (5 species) are dominantly represented. Species of microscopic filamentous fungi in every soil sample that did not occur in the other samples were also recorded; i.e. they form the specific soil mycobiome of the given location. From the 15 types of keratinophilic fungi, the most commonly occurring were Purpureocillium lilacinum and Keithomyces carneus. Keratinolytic properties were recorded only in the species Trichophyton ajelloi. Soil reaction is the most important ecological factor that influences the biological properties of soils.
Tribological properties of PTFE/PI-PAI composite coatings filled by GO/ ZrO2 on the surfaces of different micro-textures
Authors: Xiang Peng , Cao Jun , Long Qihua , Wang Shiming , Wu Jinxing , Abbas Zeshan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Three different PTFE/PI-PAI composite coatings filled by GO/ZrO2 were designed to improve the tribological properties of engine bearing. The pentagonal and triangular textures were prepared on the surface of copper alloy by laser processing. The designed coatings were prepared on the surfaces of textures and smooth substrates by liquid spraying. The results indicated that the coating with 0.25 wt.% of GO and 4.75 wt.% of ZrO2 has the best tribological properties at room temperature and 75°C. The coating has the better mechanical and tribological performances on the surface of the pentagonal textures. The mechanical simulation showed that the contact stress and deformation of the coating on the pentagonal texture is less than that of the triangular texture.
Extent and early impacts of France’s first established population of the little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata
Authors: Blight Olivier , Thomas Theophile , Jourdan Hervé , Bichaton Jean-Yves , Colindre Laurent , GALKOWSKI Christophe 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata, is one of the most widely distributed invasive alien ant species on earth, with major environmental, economic and sanitary impacts. Here we report the first established outdoor population of W. auropunctata in South East of France. We describe its detection, its extent and its early ecological impacts. Currently, the invaded area extends over around 1ha. Given the area invaded and the first reports of stings in 2019, it is likely that W. auropunctata was introduced at least five years ago. Although the introduction is probably recent, negative impacts on the abundance and richness of native ants can already be observed. We have not yet recorded any impact on other arthropods. In parallel with identifying the pathway of introduction, an eradication plan is being prepared to tackle this major environmental and economic problem. Widespread species such as the little fire ant represent a new challenge for biosecurity monitoring for Europe.
Seafood independence is within reach: multi-scale assessment of seafood self-reliance in the United States
Authors: Oyikeke Tolulope Samuel , Advani Sahir , Stoll Joshua 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

As a vital source of nutrition, cultural identity, and economic activity, seafood has become one of the most globally traded commodities worldwide. However, increased concerns about food security, coupled with the disruptive effects of climate change, contagious diseases, and geopolitical conflict are bringing acute attention to the need for food transformation at multiple scales. Here, we investigate the United States’ potential to achieve seafood “independence” and maximize health benefits to the nation by integrating production, utilization, yield, and consumption data across six regions of the United States and nationally over 50 years (1970-2021). Although the United States is the second largest importer of seafood worldwide, findings from this study show that self-reliance at the national-level is achievable, though the ability for different subregions to meet demand is variable. Achieving greater seafood independence will require shifts in consumer behavior, investments in infrastructure, and continual adaptation in the face of climate change.
Exploring MGMT Methylation-Driven Structural Connectivity Changes in Insular Gliomas: A Tractography and Graph Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Yang Zuo-cheng , Yin Chuan-dong , Yeh Fang-cheng , Xue Bo-wen , Song Xin-yu , Li Gen , Sun Sheng-jun , Deng Zheng-hai , Hou Zong-gang , Xie Jian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objectives
To investigate the correlation between methylation of the O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter levels and structural connectivity in insular gliomas across hemispheres.
Methods
We analyzed 61 left insular glioma cases and 50 healthy controls, using differential tractography, correlational tractography, and graph theoretical analysis to investigate the correlation between structural connectivity and the methylation level.
Results
The differential tractography results revealed that in left insular glioma, the volume of affected inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF, p = 0.012) and uncinate fascicle (UF, p = 0.030) significantly correlated with methylation levels. Correlational tractography results showed that the quantitative anisotropy (QA) value of peritumoral fiber tracts also exhibited a significant correlation with methylation levels (FDR < 0.05). On the other hand, in right insular glioma, anterior internal part of the reticular tract, IFOF, and thalamic radiation showed a significant correlation with methylation levels but at a different correlation direction from the left side (FDR < 0.05). The graph theoretical analysis showed that in the left insular gliomas, only the radius of graph was significantly lower in methylated MGMT group than unmethylated group (p = 0.047). No significant correlations between global properties and methylation levels were observed in insular gliomas on both sides.
Conclusion
MGMT methylation levels are significantly associated with structural connectivity changes in insular gliomas, displaying hemisphere-dependent differences.
Effect of Stress Urinary Incontinence on Vaginal Microbiota Stability
Authors: Zhang Man , Zhou Yanhua , Yao Siqi , Zhao Yiming , Batool Syeda , Huang Jing , Jiang Li , Yan Dayu , Yan Wenguang , Yu Zheng 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background Stress urinary incontinence and vaginal microbial dysbiosis frequently occur in postpartum women. A better understanding of the relationship between SUI and the composition of vaginal microbiota may help to prevent the emergence of vaginal diseases. However, limited research has been conducted to investigate the potential association between vaginal microbial dysbiosis and stress urinary incontinence. Results The present study revealed a strong correlation between changes in the composition of vaginal microbiota and stress urinary incontinence, with stress urinary incontinence being more likely to lead to dysbiosis of vaginal microbiota. In terms of the vaginal microbiota, both alpha diversity and evenness were significantly higher in the stress urinary incontinence group compared to the group without stress urinary incontinence. Additionally, there were notable differences in the composition of the vaginal microbiota between two groups. Specifically, among stress urinary incontinence patients, the abundance of bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis, such as Streptococcus, Prevotella, Dialister, and Veillonella, showed an increase, while the abundance of Lactobacillus decreased. Furthermore, the vaginal microbial co-occurrence network of stress urinary incontinence patients displayed higher connectivity, complexity, and clustering. Conclusions As a result, our study emphasizes the significant role of Lactobacillus in maintaining homeostasis within the vaginal microbial community. A correlation between stress urinary incontinence and the vaginal microbiota was observed, indicating an increased risk of vaginal microbial disorders and bacterial vaginosis for individuals with stress urinary incontinence. Consequently, we anticipate that our findings will contribute novel insights into the prevention of bacterial vaginal diseases associated with stress urinary incontinence.
Multifaceted ORganizational InterventiONs (M-ORION) project for prevention of depression and anxiety among workers: A five-arm cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Watanabe Kazuhiro , Hikich Hiroyuki , Imamura Kotaro , Sakuraya Asuka , Yoshikawa Toru , Izawa Shuhei , Eguchi Hisashi , Inoue Akiomi , Yoshida Kengo , Orihashi Yasushi , Tsutsumi Akizumi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health issues experienced by workers. Although organizational intervention has been extensively evaluated as a primary prevention of depression and anxiety, the corresponding scientific evidence remains limited because of the lack of cluster randomized controlled trials (cRCT) and failure to detect organizational-level effects. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the preventive effects of four types of interventions on depression and anxiety among workers in an open, five-arm, parallel-group cRCT.
Methods
Overall, 140 worksites and 18,200 nested employees will be recruited from September 2023. The eligible worksites will be randomly assigned to each of the five arms, and programs will be offered for 6–12 months. The five arms are 1) psychoeducation for workers, 2) psychoeducation for supervisors, 3) work environment improvement, 4) physical activity promotion, and 5) active control. The primary outcomes of interest are depression and anxiety. We will also assess psychosocial factors at work, work engagement, health-related quality of life, well-being, economic outcomes, physiological outcomes of health checkups, cortisol levels extracted from fingernails, and indices representing the process and implementation outcomes, including program completion rates. Follow-up surveys will be conducted at 6, 12, and 18 months from baseline, and the primary endpoint is set at the 6-month follow-up. Repeated-measures multi-level mixed modeling will be used to evaluate the effect of each intervention compared with the control.
Ethics and dissemination:
The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Kitasato University Medical Ethics Organization (C22-082). The results and findings of this study will be published in a scientific journal and disseminated to companies that participate in the study.
Trial registration number:
UMIN000050949
Age at first sexual intercourse and pan- cancers: Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Wu Xinhua , Feng Xu , Qi Shiguai , Yang Xiuwen , Shi Zheng-rong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Whether the age of first sexual intercourse increases the risk of cancer has attracted widespread attention, but the conclusion is still controversial. It is unclear whether the age of first sexual intercourse has a definite causal effect on pan- cancers.
Methods
Based on the Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) dataset from the large prospective UK Biobank and other alliance databases, two sample mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to explore the causal impact of age at first sexual intercourse on cancer risk in different regions. Five MR methods were applied to to investigate the causality. The stability, heterogeneity, and pleiotropy of MR results were also evaluated.
Results
196 SNPs were selected as instrumental variables in the population of the age of first sexual intercourse, which satisfies the local wide significance level (p < 5*10 − 8). the age of first sexual intercourse has a significant causal effect on the risk of head and neck cancer(OR = 0.997, 95%CI:0.9955–0.9984, p < 0.0001) and lung cancer(OR = 0.9928, 95%CI:0.9903–0.9954, p < 0.0001). And there is a slight causal relationship between the age of first sexual intercourse and the liver cell cancer(OR = 0.9993, 95%CI:0.9988–0.9999, p = 0.0260) and cervical cancer(OR = 0.9979, 95%CI:0.9960–0.9998, p = 0.0366). At the same time, the age of first sexual intercourse has a slight causal effect on breast cancer(OR = 1.005, 95%CI:1.0009–1.0092,p = 0.0175) and prostate cancer(OR = 1.1732, 95%CI:1.0118–1.3604, p = 0.0344).
Conclusion
This study explored the causal relationship between the age of first sexual intercourse and pan-cancer, and found that the age of first sexual intercourse has a significant protective effect on head and neck cancer and lung cancer, a slight protective effect on liver cell cancer and cervical cancer, and a slight promoting effect on breast cancer cancer and prostate cancer. However, more rigorous research is still needed to explore the relationship between first sexual intercourse and pan-cancer.
Diversity in Lacrimal Pathway Morphology Among Japanese Patients with Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Authors: Nakamura Jutaro , Ohno Tomoko , Asano Mizuki , Takeuchi Masaki , Mizuki Nobuhisa , Matsumura Nozomi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objective:
This study aimed to explore the diversity in lacrimal pathway morphology among Japanese patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) by examining dacryocystography (DCG) images.
Study Design:
Prospective observational study
Methods:
The study involved 64 patients who underwent DCG prior to undergoing general anesthesia surgery for unilateral CNLDO at our institution between July 2012 and February 2023. Several parameters were measured from the sagittal section DCG images: (1) The angle between the lacrimal sac and the nasolacrimal duct, (2) The angle between the superior orbital rim, the center of the lacrimal sac, and the nasolacrimal duct, (3) The length of the bony nasolacrimal duct, (4) The length of the lacrimal sac. Additionally, following parameters were measured from coronal section images: (5) The angle formed by the lacrimal sac and the nasolacrimal duct, (6) The angle formed by the lacrimal sac concerning the midline.
Results:
The average age of the patients was 34.3 months, ranging from 14 to 84 months. The mean ± standard deviation of the measurements of the above parameters were (1) –1.2 ± 16.5° (range, –44.6° to +46.6°), (2) –5.0 ± 10.3° (range, –24.0° to +19.0°), (3) 8.0 ± 2.5 mm (range, 3.1 mm to 14.8 mm), (4) 10.2 ± 2.4 mm (range, 6.5 mm to 16.0 mm), (5) 15.6 ± 11.2° (range, –16.8° to +41.0°), (5) 15.1 ± 5.2° (range, +3.3° to +29.8°). Our study revealed that all parameters, except for parameter (4) (length of the lacrimal sac), conformed to a normal distribution, as determined by the Shapiro-Wilk test.
Conclusions:
This study offers valuable anthropometric data derived from DCG images, and the results emphasize the substantial variability in lacrimal pathway morphology among individuals. Moreover, probing with straight probes was considered anatomically infeasible in 25.0% of cases in the patients included in this study.
These findings have the potential to impact the diagnosis and treatment planning for CNLDO.
CSF interferon-β: A key player in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis and cognitive impairment
Authors: Shen Yong , Wang Qiong , Yuan Shufen , Wang Chenxi , Huang Duntao , Zhang Mengguo , Zhan Yaxi , Gao Feng , Shi Jiong , Levey Allan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Recent research has postulated that the activation of interferon signaling pathways could be implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the precise types of interferons and related cytokines, both from the brain and periphery, responsible for cognitive impairment in patients with AD remain unclear. A total of 131 participants (78 [59.5%] female and 53 [40.5%] male; mean [SD] age, 61.5 [7.6] years) with normal cognition and cognitive impairment from the China Aging and Neurodegenerative Initiative cohort were included. CSF and serum IFNα-2a, IFN-β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, MCP-1and CXCL-10 were tested. The correlation between these interferons and related cytokines with AD core biomarkers in the CSF and plasma, cognition performance, and brain MRI measures were analyzed. We found that only CSF IFN-β levels were significantly elevated in Alzheimer’s disease compared to normal cognition. Furthermore, CSF IFN-β levels were significantly associated with AD core biomarkers (CSF P-tau and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio) and cognitive performance (MMSE and CDR score). Additionally, the CSF IFN-β levels were significantly correlated with the typical pattern of brain atrophy in AD (such as hippocampus, amygdala, and precuneus). In contrast, CSF IL-6 levels were significantly elevated in non-AD cognitively impaired patients compared to other groups. Moreover, CSF IL-6 levels were significantly associated with cognitive performance in non-AD individuals and correlated with the vascular cognitive impairment-related MRI markers (such as white matter hyperintensity). Our findings demonstrate that distinct inflammatory molecules are associated with different cognitive disorders. Most notably, CSF IFN-β levels are significantly linked to the pathology and cognitive performance of AD, identifying this interferon as a potential target for AD therapy.
Effectiveness of Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Nutritional Interventions to Reduce Pathogenic Infections and Improve Nutritional Status in Children: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pradana F. Josse Pasca , Kaizar Hafidz Ardan , Tuba Syahrul 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and nutritional interventions in reducing pathogenic infections and improving nutritional status in children.
Method
Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Epistemonikos. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, comparing interventions related to WASH and nutritional enhancements against control groups. Meta-analysis techniques were applied to analyze the impact on weight, height, and pathogenic infections.
Result
WASH interventions exhibited significant reductions in weight-related outcomes (OR: 0.58) and pathogenic infections (OR: 0.40). Height outcomes showed a positive effect (OR: 0.66). Nutritional interventions indicated significant reductions in weight-related outcomes (OR: 0.33) and positive effects on height (OR: 0.27). Although a trend towards reduced pathogenic infections was observed (OR: 0.78), statistical significance was not reached.
Conclusion
WASH and nutritional interventions demonstrated meaningful impacts on weight, height, and pathogenic infections in children. These findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing such interventions for enhancing child health and well-being.
Comparative analysis of the mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes of Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus), a noxious weed
Authors: Yu Shixian , Miao Xiaorong , Li Donghai , Niu Junqi , Tang Wenwei 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background Cyperus rotundus L. is a notorious weed that harms agricultural ecosystems worldwide. Although the chloroplast genome (cpgenome) of C. rotundus has been studied, there have been no reports on the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of C. rotundus.
Results The mitogenome and the cpgenome of C. rotundus XFZ01 have four circular DNA moleculesand one circular DNA molecule, respectively. Their total lengths were 1,491,358 bp and 186,119 bp, respectively. The mitogenome contained 75 genes, including 40 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 9 rRNA genes, and 26 tRNA genes. The cpgenome contained 121 genes, including 69 PCGs, 8 rRNA genes, and 44 tRNA genes. Analysis of repetitive sequences identified 350 and 88 SSRs, 144 and 123 tandem repeats, 686 and 1,210 interspersed repeats in the mitogenome and cpgenome, respectively. Homologous fragment analysisindicated that 11 homologous fragments migrated from the cpgenome to the mitogenome. Codon preference analysis showed that both the mitogenome and cpgenome had weak codon preferences. Furthermore, cpgenome PCGs had 23 RNA editing sites compared to 13 in mitogenome PCGs. Phylogenetic analysis verified that C. rotundus had the closest genetic relationship with C. esculentus. Finally, Ka/Ks research showed that most mitogenomic PCGs, except for the nad6 gene, undergo negative selection.
Conclusions In this study, we assembled and annotated the mitogenome of the noxious weed C. rotundus and conducted a differential analysis using its cpgenome. These results lay a theoretical foundation for understanding the genetic variation, phylogeny, and population control of C. rotundus.