bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring Vulnerability in Urban Areas: Housing and Living Poverty in Seoul, South Korea
Authors: Lee Yookyung , Han Seungwoo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
While COVID-19 and climate change have recently had a tremendous impact on the global population, the urban poor have experienced greater suffering. The urban poor in South Korea are not immune to this social phenomenon. The current study explores urban poverty in Seoul, the capital of Korea, by considering the characteristics of housing and living poverty in Seoul. Through a data-driven approach, this study identifies how regions in Seoul form clusters and identifies the magnitude of poverty differences between regions. According to the findings, Seoul can be generally divided into two areas which clearly show the spatial dimension of socio-economic stratification. Furthermore, we find that more than 75% of Seoul is exposed to vulnerabilities. This implies that poverty is a threat to most citizens and that the poor are neighbors in their communities. In this respect, the instability of the poor caused by exposure to various types of risks indicates the instability of the living environment for all citizens.
A structured mentored review program improves the quality of peer review: a pre-post intervention study
Authors: Lyons-Warren Ariel Maia , Aamodt Whitley W , Pieper Kathleen M , Strowd Roy 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: Peer review is essential to the advancement of knowledge. However, training on how to conduct peer review is limited, unorganized, and not well studied. Thus, we sought to determine if a structured mentored peer-review program improves the quality of peer review as measured by quantitative assessment of peer review of a standardized manuscript.
Methods: This pre-post intervention study enrolled 55 mentees across 5 cohorts from 2020 to 2023. Each cohort completed pre-program evaluations, participated in two mentored reviews, and completed post-program evaluations over 6 months. The primary outcome measured was total score on the modified Review Quality Index (RQI). Secondary outcomes included participant-reported comfort with and understanding of the review process as well RQI subscores. Pre- and post-program measures were compared using the Wilcoxon test. The a priori hypothesis was that mentored review would improve peer review quality.
Results: 42 mentees completed both pre- and post-program reviews of a standardized manuscript. For these participants, post-program total modified RQI score (median (IQR) = 31 (26.25-35.75)) was significantly higher than pre-program total scores (26.59 (19.67-29.46)). 53 mentees completed both pre- and post-program surveys which showed improved participant perceptions of the review (median (IQR) scores pre = 4 (3-4) , post =5 (4-5)) and editorial processes (pre = 3 (2-4), post = 4 (4-5)). In addition, confidence in completing an independent review of both scientific (median (IQR) scores pre = 2 (2-3), post = 4 (4-4)) and non-scientific (pre = 3 (2-4) , post = 4 (4-5)) manuscripts significantly increased following program participation. p < 0.0001 for all scores noted above.
Conclusions: A six-month structured mentored-review program including 2 mentored reviews improves peer review quality as measured by the modified RQI as well as participant understanding of publication science.
Fecal Microbiota Profiling in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Authors: Cui Xiufang , Wang Haiyang , Jiang Wenyu , Zhang Hongjie 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Introduction:
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is common in irritable bowel disease (IBS) and has been proposed as an etiologic factor. This study aimed to identify potential fecal microbiota profiles in patients with IBS and SIBO.
Methods
Patients with IBS were divided into two groups: IBS with SIBO (IBS.SIBO+) and IBS without SIBO (IBS.SIBO-). SIBO was identified using a standard glucose hydrogen breath test. A total of 52 subjects were enrolled in this study, of whom 18 were normal controls (NCs), 17 had IBS with SIBO, and 17 had IBS without SIBO. The IBS symptom severity scale, abdominal pain, and health-related quality of life (QoL) were evaluated using questionnaires. Rectal balloon distension was used to measure the visceral sensitivity. Fresh fecal samples were collected, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis was performed to evaluate the structure and diversity of the microbiota among different groups. Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between specific flora and abdominal pain, visceral sensitivity, and QoL.
Results
The richness of the intestinal microbiota in the IBS without SIBO group was significantly lower than that in the IBS with SIBO group (P = 0.012). At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes decreased significantly in fecal samples collected from patients with IBS and SIBO compared to those in the NC and IBS groups. No significant difference was found between the IBS with SIBO and IBS without SIBO groups, although the phylum type showed a decreasing trend in the latter. At the genus level, Fusobacterium (P = 0.01) was significantly less abundant in the IBS with SIBO group than in the NC group; however, no significant difference was found between the IBS with SIBO and IBS without SIBO groups. The relative abundance of Firmicutes correlated negatively with the abdominal pain scale (r = 0.436, P = 0.026) and the IBS symptom severity scale (r = 0.494, P = 0.010), whereas a positive correlation was found between the defecation distress threshold and Firmicutes (r = 0.458, P = 0.019).
Conclusions
Fecal microbiota showed obvious dysbiosis in patients with IBS and SIBO compared to those without SIBO. The decreased abundance of Firmicutes may be related to IBS symptoms and abdominal pain, rather than visceral sensitivity.
The Multiscent-20: A Digital Odour Identification Test Developed with Item Response Theory
Authors: Nakanishi Marcio , Brandão Pedro Renato de Paula , Freire Gustavo Subtil Magalhães , Vinha Luis Gustavo do Amaral , Fornazieri Marco Aurélio , Lima Wilma Terezinha Anselmo , Galvão Claudia , Hummel Thomas 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Although validated and reliable psychophysical tests of olfactory function are available, an easy-to-use and feasible test has yet to be developed. This study aimed to design a digital odour identification test, evaluate its validity, establish a normative curve, and explore the impact of demographic factors. The odour identification test was presented with the Multiscent-20, a hand-held, tablet-like digital scent device that features an integrated odour digital delivery system. The identification performance on the 20 odours was assessed using item response theory (IRT). The normative curve was established by administering the test to a large sample of participants (n = 1,299). The mean identification score was 17.5 (SD = 2.1). The two-parameter logistic IRT model provided the best fit, revealing variation in item discrimination and difficulty parameters. Educational attainment influenced performance, with primary education associated with lower scores. Sex was marginally associated with performance, suggesting that men scored slightly lower than women. This study provides initial evidence supporting the validity of use of the Multiscent-20 as a digital odour identification test. The test's automation and portability enable the standardized delivery of olfactory stimuli and efficient automatic recording and scoring of responses.
The Benefits of Neutral Bicarbonate Ionized Water Baths: An Open-Label, Randomized, Crossover Trial
Authors: Saito Ichiro , Nakayama-Ushikoshi Ryoko , Yamazaki Tomoe , Omagari Daisuke , Matsumoto Naoyuki , Inoue Hiroko , Nukuzuma Chiyoko , Nishino Seiji 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
We performed a randomized, open-label, crossover trial to examine the effects of neutral bicarbonate ionized water (NBIW) bathing on mental stress, sleep, and immune function. Participants who regularly felt stressed were randomly assigned to NBIW or regular bathing for 4 weeks. Mental stress was assessed with the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ) and the Profile of Mood States Second Edition (Japanese version); sleep quality, with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-J; Japanese version) and actigraphy; and immune function, with laboratory tests. PSQI-J scores and actigraphy sleep latency and bed out latency improved significantly more with NBIW bathing than with regular bathing (p < 0.05). Furthermore, NBIW bathing reduced both stress-induced fluctuations in CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts and fluctuations in the naïve to memory T cell ratio and neutrophil phagocytosis, indicating improved immune function. These findings suggest that NBIW bathing improves mental stress, sleep quality, and immune function.
The variability of experimental capacity curve models for existing buildings and their within-building and between-building components.
Authors: Ghimire Subash , Guéguen Philippe 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In this study, accelerometric data from seven Japanese buildings under long-term monitoring were analysed to explore the variability of the buildings’ co-seismic response over time and its within- and between-building components, using co-seismic capacity curves developed in acceleration-displacement-response-spectrum format. The data include the 2011 Tohoku Mw9.1 earthquake, which caused building damage of different levels of severity, and the time-varying actual capacity curves were analysed considering earthquakes before and after 2011. We observed that the initial slope of the capacity curves reflects the amount of damage. The between-building and within-building components of the variability are discussed by comparing a single building and several buildings in the same class for several earthquakes. Finally, the epistemic uncertainty of seismic risk assessment studies is discussed in relation to the selection of a generic capacity model for all buildings in a single class.
Methane emissions decreased in fossil fuel exploitation and sustainably increased in microbial source sectors during 1990–2020
Authors: Chandra Naveen , Patra Prabir , Fujita Ryo , Höglund-Isaksson Lena , Umezawa Taku , Goto Daisuke , Morimoro Shinji , Vaughn Bruce , Röckmann Thomas 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Setting and tracking mitigation goals for methane (CH4) emissions to limit warming to 1.5°C can be supported by analyzing atmospheric CH4 and its isotopic composition (δ13C, δD). This study, based on reconstructions of the temporal trends, latitudinal, and vertical gradient of CH4 and δ13C from 1985 to 2020 using an atmospheric chemistry transport model, suggests that (1) a reduction in emissions from oil and gas exploitation (ONG) since the 1990s stabilized the atmospheric CH4 growth rate in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and (2) emissions from farmed animals, waste management, and coal mining contributed to the increase in atmospheric CH4 since 2006. Our findings support neither the increasing ONG emissions reported by the EDGARv6 inventory during 1990-2020 nor the large unconventional emissions increase reported by the GAINSv4 inventory since 2006. Total fossil fuel emissions remained stable from 2000 to 2020, as the decrease in ONG emissions in some regions offset the increase in coal mining emissions in China.
The Asiatic Clam (Corbicula fluminea) as a Bio-monitor for Determining the Distribution of Antimony, Arsenic and Thallium in the Water Column and Sediments of Manadas Creek, Laredo, Texas
Authors: addo-mensah alfred , Garcia Natasha , Vaughan Thomas 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Introduction and Purpose Manadas Creek is an urban tributary of the Rio Grande that flows past a decommissioned antimony smelter and processing plant. This antimony plant is associated with heavy metal contamination in the creek and still poses a threat to the surrounding aquatic environment. Corbicula fluminea was used to determine bioaccumulation from the water column and sediments in Manadas Creek. The metals arsenic (As), antimony (Sb) and thallium (Tl) were analyzed in the water, sediments, gills, mantle, foot, digestive (DI) tract, gonads and shell of clams being monitored at eight sites between March and August 2013.
Materials and methodsSediment, water, and dissected Corbicula fluminea samples from different sites in the Creek were acid-digested and analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy.
Results and discussion High levels of antimony (25.88 ug/L; 75.96 mg/kg) and arsenic (8.26 ug/L; 6.41 mg/kg) in the water and sediments were observed at the site downstream from the smelter. There were no detectable concentrations of arsenic, antimony, or thallium in the shell of C. fluminea. Arsenic and antimony were detected in the tissues of C. fluminea but thallium was not detected.
Conclusion Based on the results, the organotropism for arsenic is DI tract > gills > gonads > foot > mantle > shell and the organotropism for antimony is gills > DI tract > gonads > mantle > foot > shell. This study shows that the Asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminea) is a useful bio-monitor to provide data on the status of metal pollution in Manadas Creek, Laredo, Texas.
GeneAI 3.0: Powerful, Novel, Generalized Hybrid and Ensemble Deep Learning Frameworks for miRNA Classification of species-specific Stationary Patterns from Nucleotides
Authors: Singh Jaskaran , Khanna Narendra N. , Rout Ranjeet K. , Singh Narpinder , Laird John R. , Singh Inder M. , Kalra Mannudeep K. , Mantella Laura E. , Johri Amer M. , Isenovic Esma R. , Fouda Mostafa M. , Saba Luca , Fatemi Mostafa , Suri Jasjit S. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background and Motivation: Due to the intricate relationship between the small non-coding ribonucleic acid (miRNA) sequences, the classification of miRNA species, namely Human, Gorilla, Rat, and Mouse is challenging. Previous methods are not robust and accurate. In this study, we present GeneAI 3.0 (AtheroPoint™, Roseville, CA, USA), a powerful, novel, and generalized method for extracting features from the fixed patterns of purines and pyrimidines in each miRNA sequence in ensemble paradigms in machine learning (EML) and convolutional neural network (CNN)-based deep learning (EDL) frameworks.
Method: GeneAI 3.0 utilized five conventional (Entropy, Dissimilarity, Energy, Homogeneity, and Contrast), and three contemporary (Shannon entropy, Hurst exponent, Fractal dimension) features, to generate a compositefeature set from given miRNA sequences which were then passed into our ML and DL classification framework. A set of 11 new classifiers was designed consisting of five EML and six EDL for binary/multiclass classification. It was benchmarked against 9 solo ML (SML), 6 solo DL (SDL), 12 hybrid DL (HDL) models, resulting in a total of 11+27=38 models were designed. Four hypotheses were formulated and validated using explainable AI (XAI) as well as reliability/statistical tests.
Results: The order of the mean performance using accuracy (ACC)/area-under-the-curve (AUC) of the 24 DL classifiers was: EDL>HDL>SDL. The mean performance of EDL models with CNN layers was superior to that without CNN layers by 0.73%/0.92%. Mean performance of EML models was superior to SML models with improvements of ACC/AUC by 6.24%/6.46%. EDL models performed significantly better than EML models, with a mean increase in ACC/AUC of 7.09%/6.96%. The GeneAI 3.0 tool produced expected XAI feature plots, and the statistical tests showed significant p-values.
Conclusions: Ensemble models with composite features are highly effective and generalized models for effectively classifying miRNA sequences.
The age of recipients and the number of received and inseminated oocytes affect the ART outcomes in a transnational oocyte donation program with vitrified oocytes: a single-center, seven-years’ experience
Authors: Marino Angelo Alessandro , Volpes Aldo , Sammartano Francesca , Modica Martina , Scaglione Piero , Gullo Salvatore , Quintero Luis , Allegra Adolfo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In Italy, egg donation is being allowed again following the ruling by the Constitutional Court n. 162/2014. Nevertheless, the number of voluntary donors is insignificant, probably because no reimbursement is provided. Therefore, the great majority of egg donation cycles are performed by using imported cryopreserved oocytes from foreign countries. However, recent evidence has questioned the overall efficacy of this strategy in comparison with the shipment of frozen sperm and vitrified embryos. A retrospective cohort study was conducted ANDROS Day Surgery Clinic Palermo, Italy in the period 2016–2022, using cryopreserved donated oocytes acquired from a single Spanish clinic (Next Fertility Valencia), with the objective of evaluating the efficiency of each batch of oocytes. The primary outcome was the cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate (COPR). The secondary outcomes were the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (CCPR) and the miscarriage rate. The COPR totalled 36.8%, the CCPR 49.2% and the miscarriage rate 24.7%. The age of recipients and the number of received and inseminated oocytes were significantly associated with the cumulative ongoing and clinical pregnancies. Thus, the greater the number of oocytes, the higher the pregnancy rate, and the younger the recipients, the higher the success rates. In conclusion, our “transnational” donation program with vitrified oocytes has good success rates. The number of received and inseminated oocytes represents a crucial factor for increasing the cumulative pregnancy rates. Further interesting data regards the negative effect of advancing recipient age on success rates, outlining a possible, important role of age-related uterine factor on implantation mechanisms.
Precipitated iodine cathode enabled by trifluoromethanesulfonate oxidation for cathode/electrolyte mutualistic aqueous Zn−I batteries
Authors: Jin Zhong , Zhang Kaiqiang , Yu Qianchuan , Sun Jingjie , Tie Zuoxiu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Aqueous Zn − I batteries hold great potential for high-safety and sustainable energy storage. However, the iodide shuttling effect and the hydrogen evolution reaction that occur in the aqueous electrolyte remain the main obstacles for their further development. Herein, we present the design of a cathode/electrolyte mutualistic aqueous (CEMA) Zn − I battery based on the inherent oxidation ability of trifluoromethanesulfonate ([OTf]−) based aqueous electrolyte towards triiodide species. This results in the formation of iodine sediment particles assembled by fine iodine nanocrystals (approximately 10 nm). An iodine host cathode with high areal iodine loading was realized via a spontaneous absorption process that enriched redox-active iodine and iodide species from aqueous electrolyte onto nanoporous carbon based current collector. By tuning iodide redox process and suppressing competitive hydrogen evolution reaction, the assembled CEMA Zn − I batteries demonstrated a remarkable capacity retention of 76.9% over 1000 cycles, retaining a capacity ranging from 141 to 112 mAh g− 1 at a current density of 0.5 mA cm− 2. Moreover, they exhibited a notable rate capability, with a capacity retention of 74.6% when the current density was increased from 0.5 to 5.0 mA cm− 2, resulting in a capacity retention range of 130 to 97 mAh g− 1. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using the oxidation effect to repel redox-active species from the electrolyte to the cathode, paving a new avenue for high-performance aqueous Zn − I batteries.
Genomic histories of polyploidy, diversification, and admixture in a Hawaiian plant radiation
Authors: Lindqvist Charlotte , Tomlin Crystal , Rajaraman Sitaram , Sebesta Jeanne , Scheen Anne-Cathrine , Bendiksby Mika , Low Yee Wen , Salojärvi Jarkko , Michael Todd , Albert Victor 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Island systems provide important contexts for studying processes underlying lineage migration, species diversification, and organismal extinction. The Hawaiian endemic mints (Lamiaceae family) are the second largest plant radiation on the isolated Hawaiian Islands. We generated a chromosome-scale reference genome for one Hawaiian species, Stenogyne calaminthoides, and resequenced 45 relatives, representing 34 species, to uncover the continental origins of this group and their subsequent diversification. We further resequenced 109 individuals of two Stenogyne species, and their purported hybrids, found high on the Mauna Kea volcano on the island of Hawai’i. The three distinct Hawaiian genera, Haplostachys, Phyllostegia, and Stenogyne, are nested inside a fourth genus, Stachys. We uncovered four independent polyploidy events within Stachys, including one allopolyploid hybridization event underlying the Hawaiian mints and their direct western North American ancestors. While the Hawaiian taxa may have principally diversified by parapatry, localized admixture may have played an important role early in lineage diversification. Our genomic analyses provide a view into how organisms have radiated on isolated island chains, a topic that provided one of the principal natural laboratories for Darwin’s thinking about the evolutionary process.
Climate Crisis Attitudes among Financial Professionals and Climate Experts
Authors: Kirchler Michael , König-Kersting Christian , Gsottbauer Elisabeth 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
To address this climate crisis, it is necessary to transform the economy with the finance industry taking a central role by implementing sustainable investment policies. We use an incentivized experiment to measure the willingness to forgo payout to curb greenhouse gas emissions and a survey to elicit attitudes and beliefs toward the climate crisis among finance professionals---key protagonists on financial markets---and climate experts---key protagonists providing scientific findings. We provide suggestive evidence that finance professionals have a lower willingness to curb greenhouse gas emissions, are less concerned about climate change, and are less supportive of carbon taxes compared to climate experts. We also show differences in motivations and priorities with finance professionals emphasizing economic and reputational considerations and climate experts prioritizing ecological and social consequences of the crisis. Our findings highlight the importance of financial incentives and reputational concerns in motivating finance professionals to address the climate crisis.
Diffusiophoresis promotes phase separation and transport of biomolecular condensates
Authors: Shin Sangwoo , Doan Viet Sang , Alshareedah Ibraheem , Singh Anurag , Banerjee Priya 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The internal microenvironment of a living cell is heterogeneous and comprises a multitude of organelles with distinct biochemistry. Amongst them are biomolecular condensates, which are membrane-less, phase-separated compartments enriched in system-specific proteins and nucleic acids. The heterogeneity of the cell engenders the presence of multiple spatiotemporal gradients in chemistry, charge, concentration, temperature, and pressure. Such thermodynamic gradients can lead to non-equilibrium driving forces for the formation and transport of biomolecular condensates. Here, we report how ion gradients impact the transport processes of biomolecular condensates on the mesoscale and biomolecules on the microscale. Utilizing a microfluidic platform, we demonstrate that the presence of ion concentration gradients can accelerate the transport of biomolecules, including nucleic acids and proteins, via diffusiophoresis. This hydrodynamic transport process allows localized enrichment of biomolecules, thereby promoting the location-specific formation of biomolecular condensates via phase separation. The ion gradients further impart active motility of condensates, allowing them to exhibit enhanced diffusion along the gradient. Coupled with reentrant phase behavior, the gradient-induced active motility leads to a dynamical redistribution of condensates that ultimately extends their lifetime. Together, our results demonstrate diffusiophoresis as a non-equilibrium thermodynamic force that governs the formation and active transport of biomolecular condensates.