bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide association studies combined with k‐fold cross‐validation identify rs17822931 as an ancestry‐informative marker in Han Chinese population
Authors: Li Zheng , Wu Jiayi , Yang Jiawen , Li Kai , Chen Ji , Huang Shuainan , Ji Qiang , Kong Xiaochao , Xie Sumei , Zhan Wenxuan , Zhang Beilei , Ye Ke , Liu Qingfan , Mao Zhengsheng , Cao Yue , Huang Huijie , Yu Youjia , Wang Kang , Yu Yanfang , Li Ding , Chen Feng , Chen Peng 
Published: May 2023

AbstractDNA‐based ancestry inference has long been a research hot spot in forensic science. The differentiation of Han Chinese population, such as the northern‐to‐southern substructure, would benefit forensic practice. In the present study, we enrolled participants from northern and southern China, each participant was genotyped at ∼400 K single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and data of CHB and CHS from 1000 Genomes Project were used to perform genome‐wide association analyses. Meanwhile, a new method combining genome‐wide association study (GWAS) analyses with k‐fold cross‐validation in a small sample size was introduced. As a result, one SNP rs17822931 emerged with a p‐value of 7.51E − 6. We also simulated a huge dataset to verify whether k‐fold cross‐validation could reduce the false‐negative rate of GWAS. The identified ABCC11 rs17822931 has been reported to have allele frequencies varied with the geographical gradient distribution in humans. We also found a great difference in the allele frequency distributions of rs17822931 among five different cohorts of the Chinese population. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that even small‐scale GWAS can also have potential to identify effective loci with implemented k‐fold cross‐validation method and shed light on the potential maker of rs17822931 in differentiating the north‐to‐south substructure of the Han Chinese population.
6‐Gingerol induces browning of white adipose tissue to improve obesity through PI3K/AKT‐RPS6‐mediated thermogenesis pathway
Authors: Alhamoud Yasmin , Wu Junhao , Ahmad Muhammad Ijaz , Chen Fang , Feng Fengqin , Wang Jing 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe browning of white fat has become a hot topic as it could help to lose weight and improve metabolic health. Therefore, this study aims to explore the in vivo browning or thermogenesis effect of 6‐gingerol (6G), a natural bioactive compound of ginger, and to clarify the underlying mechanism. The results showed that 6G limited weight gain, improved cold tolerance, and increased energy expenditure in high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice. Moreover, histological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that 6G activated brown adipose tissue (BAT) and induced more beige cells in epididymal adipose tissue (eWAT). Meanwhile, eWAT browning was marked by appearance of multilocular lipid droplets, a higher level of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), and increased mitochondrial content. The potential molecular mechanism of eWAT browning was further investigated by RNA‐seq, qPCR, and western blot assays. Results indicated that 6G significantly induced the expression of beige and thermogenesis‐specific markers in eWAT and triggers thermogenesis mainly through a phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) / protein kinase B (AKT)‐ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6) axis. Consistently, in vitro, data showed that pretreatment of primary white adipocytes with PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor significantly counteracted the 6G‐induced effects. This study reveals, for the first time, that 6G induces browning in adipose tissue by modulating the PI3K/AKT‐RPS6 and thermogenesis pathways, thereby alleviating obesity.
Green tea catechin epigallocatechin gallate alleviates high‐fat diet‐induced obesity in mice by regulating the gut–brain axis
Authors: Zhou Jihong , Ding Lejia , Chen Wei , Wang Yuefei 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPlant polyphenols have gained attention in recent years because of their potential to alleviate obesity and metabolic syndrome, protect neurological function, and maintain intestinal function. Here, we evaluated the effect of green tea catechin epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to suppress obesity, alleviate intestinal inflammation, and regulate hypothalamic neurotransmitters in high‐fat diet mice. Obese male C57BL/6J mice were gavaged with 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg·body weight (bw) of EGCG or water per day for 6 weeks. The results demonstrated that EGCG significantly reduced bw, fat accumulation, and liver steatosis. EGCG also modulated hypothalamic neurotransmitters such as dopamine and 5‐HTP. Besides, EGCG attenuated the expression of colonic inflammatory factors and barrier damage, increased the gut microbial abundance such as genus Alloprevotella, reduced short‐chain fatty acids, and downregulated the transcription factors. The results suggest that EGCG may alleviate obesity and related metabolic disorders through gut–brain interaction.
Exploring teacher and student knowledge of sentence‐level language features
Authors: Knecht Rachel , Larson Lisa , Townsend Dianna 
Published: May 2023

AbstractProficiency with sentence‐level features of language is essential for reading comprehension of academic texts, especially for early adolescents who face increasingly complex, discipline‐specific texts as they enter upper elementary and middle school. However, little research has been done to explore instruction in sentence‐level features. This qualitative case study explores how a sixth‐grade social studies teacher developed knowledge of sentence‐level features and implemented sentence‐level instruction through a professional learning inquiry, as well as how 3 sixth‐grade students responded to challenging sentences as a result of this instruction. Findings from thematic analyses of both teacher and student data sources indicate that increased metalinguistic awareness of sentence‐level features in the teacher participant was essential to effective, discipline‐specific instruction in sentence‐level features. Additionally, explicit instruction in sentence‐level features led to increased metalinguistic awareness in students, which supported their comprehension of challenging sentences.
Infantile umbilical hernia tape fixation method without compression materials
Authors: Tonosaki Kanata , Suzuki Yuki , Yonenaga Kazumichi , Tomimoto Kazuhiko , Yuzawa Kentaro , Oku Shiori , Eto Shuji 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundCompression therapy using compression material is often used for umbilical hernias in infants; however, there are problems regarding its use, such as appearance and cost. In our hospital, we use the tape fixation method without compression materials. We report the effectiveness of this method, its significance in measuring the degree of hernia bulge before treatment, and parent satisfaction with the treatment.MethodsWe analyzed 77 cases of umbilical hernias (41 boys and 36 girls, mean age 52.7 ± 18.3 days) that were treated with the tape fixation method at the Department of Pediatrics of our hospital. Hernia size was classified based on the height of the bulge: mild (<1 cm), moderate (1≦ and <3 cm), or severe (>3 cm). Treatment duration was compared between the groups using the Steel–Dwass test. After the treatment, a questionnaire was mailed to the parents to assess the treatment satisfaction.ResultsSeventy‐three patients (94.8%) achieved closure of the hernia orifice, with no excess skin and a well‐shaped umbilicus. The duration of treatment was significantly shorter, with the following order: mild (18.5 ± 8.2 days), moderate (25.0 ± 11.9 days), and severe cases (47.8 ± 11.7 days). According to the questionnaire, 97.5% of the parents were satisfied with the treatment.ConclusionsOur tape fixation method without compression material achieved a high closure rate and a good shape of the umbilicus. In addition, we noted that the height of the hernia bulge can be used as a guide to estimate the duration of treatment.
Unveiling Laser Radiation of Multiple Optical Solitons by Nonlinear Fourier Transform
Authors: Zhou Yi , Zhou Gai , Qin Yuwen , Fu Songnian , Lau Alan Pak Tao , Wong Kenneth K. Y. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMode‐locked fiber lasers are applied in versatile scientific fields and exhibit a rich diversity of nonlinear dynamics. However, the nontrivial coexistence of solitons and embedded dispersive wave radiation prevents unveiling the real nonlinear dynamics in mode‐locked fiber lasers, such as multiple solitons interaction. Here, nonlinear Fourier transform (NFT) is applied as a signal processing tool to reveal nonequilibrium multiple soliton dynamics. It is feasible to isolate solitons from the continuous wave background in a fiber laser. The real‐time coherent homodyne detection methodology is used to measure the full‐field dynamic evolution of multiple solitons, including multiple solitons buildup and sequentially nonequilibrium evolution with complex splitting, drifting, and collision processes. With the approach of inverse NFT, the corresponding various pure solitons buildup and collision are reconstructed. The eigenvalue probability distributions are used to classify different lasing regimes. Moreover, the controllable multiple solitons drifting is achieved and characterized by using all‐optical methods. Experimental results suggest that NFT can be used to identify localized soliton nonequilibrium evolution excluding dispersive wave radiation influence, which provides a new window into the physics of the underlying laser dynamics and uncovers real soliton interaction in dissipative nonlinear systems.
From Glow to Growth: Chemiluminescence Induced Cationic Polymerization Using Ferrocenium Salt
Authors: Liu Xiaoxuan , Luo Yicong , Chen Yu , Wu Shufang , Li Zhiquan 
Published: May 2023

AbstractChemiluminescence (CL) has recently emerged as a novel light source for triggering various photoreactions with appealing features such as the elimination of continuous power supply and complex instrumentation. Here, CL‐induced cationic photopolymerization using ferrocenium salts as unimolecular photoinitiators is reported. The ferrocenium salts, facilely synthesized via ligand exchange reactions, absorb the visible light emitted from CL reactions and generate Lewis acids capable of initiating the cationic polymerization of oxirane and vinyl monomers. The presented method can be applied to create linear polymer chains and cross‐linked luminescent polymer networks, which have significant potential in the fabrication of new polymeric materials and various bioapplications.
R&D expenditures and CEO compensation policy: The effect of corporate control and market competition on managerial opportunism
Authors: Wang Hsiao‐Wen , Chen Hsin‐Yu , Li Shu‐Hsing 
Published: May 2023

AbstractChina and Taiwan (so‐called Greater China) are representative of two of the fastest‐growing economies in the Pacific Rim region. This study uses Taiwanese high‐tech firms as sample and explores whether boards of directors attempt to avoid opportunistic reductions in research and development (R&D) investments by CEOs. This study considers a scenario in which high‐tech firms face a small earnings decline or a small loss but their CEOs could opportunistically cut R&D investments to improve financial results. The focus of this study is to examine how corporate control (whether or not a firm is controlled by a family) and market competition affect the relationship between R&D investments and CEO compensation schemes. Overall, we find that the stock‐based incentive compensation is more effective than the cash compensation in deterring managerial opportunism. In non‐family firms, we find there exists a positive significant relationship between changes in R&D expenditures and changes in CEO stock‐based compensation when a firm is faced with a small earnings decline or a small loss. Specifically, compared to family firms, the boards of directors of non‐family firms face more severe agency problems (as a result of the separation of ownership and control) and therefore tend to significantly adjust the incentive components in CEO compensation schemes to deter managerial opportunism. Regarding the effect of market competition, we find that incentives to adjust compensation plan to remove CEOs from opportunistically reducing discretionary R&D investments are greater in firms facing more intense market competition.
Image registration and mutual thresholding enable low interimage variability across dynamic MRI measurements of supraclavicular brown adipose tissue during mild cold exposure
Authors: Sardjoe Mishre Aashley S. D. , Martinez‐Tellez Borja , Straat Maaike E. , Boon Mariëtte R. , Dzyubachyk Oleh , Webb Andrew G. , Rensen Patrick C. N. , Kan Hermien E. 
Published: May 2023

PurposeActivated brown adipose tissue (BAT) enhances lipid catabolism and improves cardiometabolic health. Quantitative MRI of the fat fraction (FF) of supraclavicular BAT (scBAT) is a promising noninvasive measure to assess BAT activity but suffers from high scan variability. We aimed to test the effects of coregistration and mutual thresholding on the scan variability in a fast (1 min) time‐resolution MRI protocol for assessing scBAT FF changes during cold exposure.MethodsTen volunteers (age 24.8 ± 3.0 years; body mass index 21.2 ± 2.1 kg/m2) were scanned during thermoneutrality (32°C; 10 min) and mild cold exposure (18°C; 60 min) using a 12‐point gradient‐echo sequence (70 consecutive scans with breath‐holds, 1.03 min per dynamic).Dynamics were coregistered to the first thermoneutral scan, which enabled drawing of single regions of interest in the scBAT depot. Voxel‐wise FF changes were calculated at each time point and averaged across regions of interest. We applied mutual FF thresholding, in which voxels were included if their FF was greater than 30% FF in the reference scan and the registered dynamic. The efficacy of the coregistration was determined by using a moving average and comparing the mean squared error of residuals between registered and nonregistered data. Registered scBAT ΔFF was compared with single‐scan thresholding using the moving average method.ResultsRegistered scBAT ΔFF had lower mean square error values than nonregistered data (0.07 ± 0.05% vs. 0.16 ± 0.14%; p < 0.05), and mutual thresholding reduced the scBAT ΔFF variability by 30%.ConclusionWe demonstrate that coregistration and mutual thresholding improve stability of the data 2‐fold, enabling assessment of small changes in FF following cold exposure.
Use of antibacterial effective food packaging of crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol/sodium caseinate/silver nanoparticle composite films
Authors: Samatya Yılmaz Sema , Uzuner Hüseyin , Aytac Ayse 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn this study, composite films were produced with the solution casting method from prepared solutions by adding 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to blends 60/40 (w/w) ratio of polyvinyl alcohol and sodium caseinate (NCS). Afterward, the films were crosslinked by dipped in a glutaraldehyde bath. This crosslinking method applied to the films did not cause any adverse effects on the surface views of the films. The occurred aldehyde groups confirmed crosslinking. The thermal stability increased with crosslinking and increasing Ag NPs amount. The 1% Ag NP added film showed the highest tensile strength compared with the crosslinked raw film. The lowest moisture content was observed in 5% and 7% AgNP‐added films. The used crosslinking method increased the crosslinking efficiency compared with the crosslinking method in solution, ensuring a decrease in the total soluble matter (TSM) amount of the films. In addition, the TSM value continued to decrease proportionally with the increasing amount of Ag NP compared with the raw crosslinked film. Through the lowest swelling rate, the 3% AgNP‐added film exhibited the highest crosslinking density. While the water vapor permeability rate of the crosslinked raw film increased, a proportional decrease was observed by increasing Ag NPs. The 7% Ag NP added film exhibited the best barrier property. All films showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. It is suggested that the produced composite films can be used as food packaging with an antibacterial effect.Highlights
PVA/NCS/Ag NPs blended composite films were obtained.
The composite films were crosslinked in the glutaraldehyde bath.
The crosslinked films exhibited high antibacterial activity.
Low water vapor permeability and low swelling behavior were observed on films.
Crosslinked PVA/NCS/Ag NPs films were suggested to be used as food packaging.
Tyrosinase inhibitory activity of Sargassum fusiforme and characterisation of bioactive compounds
Authors: Javed Ahsan , Alam Md Badrul , Naznin Marufa , Shafique Imran , Kim Sunghwan , Lee Sang‐Han 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIntroductionSargassum fusiforme (Harvey) Setchell, also known as Tot (in Korean) and Hijiki (in Japanese), is widely consumed in Korea, Japan, and China due to its health promoting properties. However, the bioactive component behind the biological activity is still unknown.ObjectivesWe aimed to optimise the extraction conditions for achieving maximum tyrosinase inhibition activity by using two sophisticated statistical tools, that is, response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN). Moreover, high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was used to tentatively identify the components, which are then further studied for molecular docking study using 2Y9X protein.MethodologyRSM central composite design was used to conduct extraction using microwave equipment, which was then compared to ANN. Electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) was used to tentatively identify bioactive components, which were then docked to the 2Y9X protein using AutoDock Vina and MolDock software.ResultsMaximum tyrosinase inhibition activity of 79.530% was achieved under optimised conditions of time: 3.27 min, temperature: 128.885°C, ethanol concentration: 42.13%, and microwave intensity: 577.84 W. Furthermore, 48 bioactive compounds were tentatively identified in optimised Sargassum fusiforme (OSF) extract, and among them, seven phenolics, five flavonoids, five lignans, six terpenes, and five sulfolipids and phospholipids were putatively reported for the first time in Sargassum fusiforme. Among 48 bioactive components, trifuhalol‐A, diphlorethohydroxycarmalol, glycyrrhizin, and arctigenin exhibited higher binding energies for 2Y9X.ConclusionTaken together, these findings suggest that OSF extract can be used as an effective skin‐whitening source on a commercial level and could be used in topical formulations by replacing conventional drugs.
A new parametric approach to gender gap with application to EUSILC data in Poland and Italy
Authors: Greselin Francesca , Jȩdrzejczak Alina , Trzcińska Kamila 
Published: May 2023

AbstractReal income distribution comparisons are of interest to policy makers across European countries. Nowadays, a crucial component of income inequality remains the discrepancy between men and women, often called the gender gap. Since the gender gap is related to the whole distribution of incomes in a population, popular single metrics are not adequate, and previous studies applied the relative distribution method, a non‐parametric approach to the comparison of distributions. Here, we propose a parametric approach for estimating the relative distribution. Then we extend it to assess the impact of selected covariates—related to the personal characteristics of the samples—on the existing gender gap in both countries. In more detail, models for income were fitted to empirical data from Poland and Italy, from the European Survey of Income and Living Conditions (wave 2018). Afterwards, their parameters were employed to obtain the estimates of relative distribution characteristics. The methods applied in the study turned out to be relevant to describe the gender gap over the entire income range. Finally, the results of the empirical analysis are discussed to reveal similarities and substantial differences between the countries.
Why some canine and feline blood donors do not make the cut: A cohort study
Authors: Descamps Marjanne , Humm Karen 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundWhile there has been extensive investigation into the selection and retention of human blood donors, veterinary research in this area is limited. This study aimed to identify the reasons for the rejection and withdrawal of canine and feline blood donors from a blood donation programme.MethodsRecords of cats and dogs presenting as prospective blood donors and/or donating between 2014 and 2019 were analysed. Reasons for rejection at sign‐up were categorised into medical and temperament. Reasons why animals left before retirement age were categorised into medical, temperament and owner related.ResultsData from 362 dogs and 134 cats were analysed. Cats (20.8%) were more likely to be rejected than dogs (5.2%) at sign‐up, mostly due to medical reasons. Both species often left the blood donor service early due to temperament reasons. Owner and medical reasons for leaving early were also common.LimitationThis was a retrospective study with subjective assessment of temperament.ConclusionsInability to donate due to temperament and medical reasons is common. When recruiting blood donors, it should be recognised that a fairly high proportion will not be successful. Owner understanding and motivation are essential to ensure successful selection and retention of donors, which allows amortisation of recruitment costs.
Incidence of disease, injury and death in Thoroughbred foals and yearlings on stud farms in the UK and Ireland
Authors: Mouncey Rebecca , Arango‐Sabogal Juan Carlos , de Mestre Amanda M. , Verheyen Kristien L. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundUp‐to‐date estimates of early‐life morbidity and mortality in Thoroughbreds are lacking.MethodsA birth cohort was established on Thoroughbred stud farms across the UK and Ireland. All veterinary interventions for disease or injury between birth and 18 months of age or leaving the study were recorded. Multilevel Poisson regression models with farm and foal as random effects were fitted to estimate incidence rates.ResultsData were available for 3328 foal‐months at risk for 275 foals on seven farms. The overall rates of disease and injury requiring veterinary intervention and mortality were 11.9 cases/100 foal‐months at risk (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.6–16.2) and 0.2 cases/100 foal‐months at risk (95% CI 0.1–0.4), respectively. Almost half (n= 133/273, 49%, 95% CI 43–55) of the live‐born cohort required veterinary intervention for musculoskeletal disease or injury, equating to 5.8 cases/100 foal‐months at risk (95% CI 4.1–8.2), predominantly reported as developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD).LimitationsConvenience sampling of participants may affect the generalisability of the findings.ConclusionsRates of musculoskeletal disease and injury, in particular DOD, on Thoroughbred stud farms were high. Further work to identify modifiable risk factors and further understanding of the economic impact of these conditions and long‐term consequences for musculoskeletal health and performance is required.
Introduction: Connecting Global Issues of Net-Zero Carbon Society in the 21st Century
Authors: Huang Michael C. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractClimate change has caused severe flooding and droughts, crop yield problems, and habitat changes, which pose a serious threat to the ecosystem and humanity. As a result, stakeholders are reconsidering environmental management policies and economic development limitations. This chapter introduces the overview of the book that explores achieving net-zero emissions through carbon pricing, carbon trade schemes, renewable energy transition, ecological conservation, and carbon sinks. It also examines
the economic and social impacts of introducing carbon-neutral policies in the Asia-Pacific region. The urgency of addressing climate change and finding solutions to mitigate its effects on the environment and society is emphasized.