bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The potential and shortcomings of mitochondrial DNA analysis for cheetah conservation management
Authors: Meißner René , Winter Sven , Westerhüs Uta , Sliwa Alexander , Greve Carola , Godsall-Botriell Lena , Botriell Paul , Fernandes Carlos Rodríguez , Vercammen Paul , Hunter Luke , Abramov Alexei , Khalatbari Leili , Horin Petr , Burger Pamela Anna , Prost Stefan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
There are only about 7,100 adolescent and adult cheetahs remaining in the wild. With the majority occurring outside protected areas, their numbers are rapidly declining. Evidence-based conservation measures are essential for the survival of this species. Genetic data is routinely used to inform conservation strategies, e.g., by establishing conservation units (CU). A commonly used marker in conservation genetics is mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Here, we investigated the cheetah's phylogeography using a large-scale mtDNA data set to refine subspecies distributions and better assign individuals to CUs. Our dataset mostly consisted of historic samples to cover the cheetah’s whole range as the species has been extinct in most of its former distribution. While our genetic data largely agree with geography-based subspecies assignments, several geographic regions show conflicting mtDNA signals. Our analyses support previous findings that evolutionary forces such as incomplete lineage sorting or mitochondrial capture likely confound the mitochondrial phylogeography of this species, especially in East and, to some extent, in Northeast Africa. We caution that subspecies assignments solely based on mtDNA should be treated carefully and argue for an additional standardized nuclear single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker set for subspecies identification and monitoring. However, the detection of the A. j. soemmeringii specific haplogroup by a newly designed Amplification-Refractory Mutation System (ARMS) can already provide support for conservation measures.
Variable physical functions in individuals in response to sensory stimuli
Authors: Tsujimoto Masashi , Yoshida Takahiro , Tanaka Seiya , Shitara Hitoshi , Suzuki Keisuke 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
PURPOSE: Sensory stimulation affects physical functions; however, the type and range of physical function change remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the type and extent of changes in the simple physical functions resulting from exposure to color and taste stimuli.
METHODS: Five basic colors (red, blue, yellow, green, and black) and foods representative of five basic tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami) were used as stimuli. Three different physical function tests, muscle strength (grip strength), flexibility (bending length), and balance (stabilometer trajectory area) were measured while wearing color-tinted goggles or after tasting food stimuli. Tests were repeated for six successive days in a controlled environment.
RESULTS: Each stimulus had different effects on participants. For color stimulation, the median change ratio between the minimum and maximum effects was 5.68% (4.14%–8.07%) for muscle strength, 8.52% (5.11%–13.39%) for flexibility, and 30.60% (26.81%–36.18%) for balance. The corresponding values in taste stimulation were 4.96% (3.67%–7.89%), 6.11% (4.37%–8.86%), and 28.92% (21.38%–34.01%). The rate of change in balance was the highest among the three physical tests and was significantly different from the rate of change in the other physical functions (balance vs. muscle power, P < 0.001; balance vs. flexibility, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Color and taste stimuli have differential effects on physical function. The extent of physical change to stimuli differed among the participants, suggesting individual-level differences in sensitivity to stimuli. Sensory stimuli affect physical functions individually and affect balance more than any other physical function.
Mediating Role of Risk Management and Profitability of Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Mwelu Noah , Watundu Susan , Moya Musa 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Over decades, manufacturing firms are struggling to remain competitive in an intense manufacturing industry. The struggle is due to increasing manufacturing companies dealing in similar or related products. Given the competitive dynamics in the manufacturing industry, firms are proactively searching for viable strategies to ensure profitability and survival. Scholars and management have jointly conducted studies to find amicable strategies influencing firms’ profitability. Whereas various studies have been conducted on profitability, majority of these studies were concerned with strategies directly influencing profitability with little attention on the mediating role of other strategies. Specifically, little is known on mediation studies in manufacturing industry. Despite strategies directly influencing profitability being established, firms’ are in receivership with several kicked out of business indefinitely. This study bridges the gap by considering the mediating role of risk management on outsourcing and profitability of manufacturing firms. A cross-sectional research design was adopted. Specifically, a partial mediation approach was adopted following Baron and Kenny mediation guidelines. Results from Med-Graph and Sobel tests proved that risk management significantly mediated the relationship between outsourcing and profitability (Sobel Z-value = 3.441, p = 0.002). Hence, firms are encouraged to embrace mediation strategies in ensuring profitability and survival in the competitive environment.
Acupuncture Combined with Chinese Herbal Medicine for Tubal Obstructive Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Wenrui , Han Xia , Li Yixin , Huang Tingting , Jie Huimin 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background: Tubal obstruction is the leading cause of infertility. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) are widely used in treating tubal obstruction infertility (TOI), and clinical research is increasing. However, there is still controversy about its efficacy and safety. This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture and CHM in treating TOI.
Methods: We searched eight databases to collect randomized controlled trials comparing Hydrotubation with Acupuncture combined with CHM from inception to July 31, 2022. A total of 1580 papers were collected, and the methodological quality of the included trials was assessed in line with the criteria of the Cochrane risk of the bias assessment tool. In the end, only 18 randomized clinical trials met the requirements and were included.
Results: Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture and CHM was associated with a higher pregnancy rate [RR 1.74, 95% CI (1.54, 1.95), P < 0.00001] and a lower ectopic pregnancy rate [OR 0.61, 95 % CI (0.19, 1.92), P＜0.0001]. The success rate of tubal recanalization was significantly improved with acupuncture combined with CHM treatment[RR 1.37, 95 % CI (1.20, 1.57), P＜0.0001], and signs and symptoms were better relieved [OR 3.44, 95 % CI (2.22, 5.33), P＜0.00001].
Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that acupuncture and CHM can be used as complementary therapies to treat tubal obstructive infertility with better outcomes than Hydrotubation.
Clinical outcomes of the intraocular lens injector for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty in patients with iridocorneal endothelial syndrome
Authors: Li Saiqing , Sun Binjia , Zheng Qinxiang , Ren Yueping , Zhao Zelin , Wang Haiou , Chen Wei 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To report the outcomes of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) performed in iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome patients using the intraocular lens injector (injector), which was compared with those using the Busin glide.
Methods: In this retrospective, case-control study, we evaluated the outcomes of DSAEK performed using the injector (n=7) or the Busin glide (n=7) for patients with ICE syndrome. Graft position and postoperative complications were recorded. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and endothelial cell loss (ECL) were monitored over a 12-month follow-up period.
Results: DSAEK was conducted successfully in the 14 cases, and no one was noted with graft dislocation during the follow-ups. The BCVA improved from the preoperative 1.18±0.60 to 0.41±0.40 at 12-month after operation (P < 0.001), with no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.455). ECL at 1 month after DSAEK was 21.56±12.28% in the injector group, which was significantly lower than 36.84±11.18% of the Busin group (P=0.032). No complications were observed in the 14 cases intraoperatively or postoperatively.
Conclusions: The graft injector to deliver the endothelial graft for DSAEK may cause significantly less endothelial cell damage than the pull-through technique using the Busin glide. The injector allows safe endothelial graft delivery without the need of anterior chamber irrigation, which increase the ratio of successful graft attachment.
Trial registration number: ChiCTR2100048371
Trial registration date: 2021-07-06 (retrospectively registered)
Research on Diffusion Wear Mechanism of WC Tool Cutting Al2024 Based on MD
Authors: LI Xueguang , ZHAGN Wang , MIAO Liqin 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Al2024 belongs to a typical Al-Cu-Mg series alloy. It has the advantages of high strength, low specific gravity, stress resistance, corrosion resistance, good heat resistance and high fatigue resistance. It is widely used in aerospace, Automobiles, ships, chemicals and other fields. aluminum alloys play a pivotal role in industry and manufacturing. Cemented carbide tools are often used in the processing of aluminum alloys, and diffusion wear is prone to occur during the processing. It is of great significance to study the diffusion phenomenon of WC tools in the process of cutting aluminum alloys for improving tool life and workpiece surface machining accuracy. In this paper, based on the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method, the WC tool and the Al2024 model were established, the Morse potential parameters between the tool and the workpiece atoms were calculated, and the diffusion wear mechanism of the WC tool in the process of cutting Al2024 was studied. Through the displacement nephogram in the tool-worker X direction, it is found that the workpiece atoms have a tendency to diffuse to the tool. Using the mean square displacement (MSD) method, the diffusion velocities of Al, Cu and Mg atoms in the workpiece were obtained. The results show that the activation energy of atomic vacancies at the grain boundary is smaller than that at the lattice, and the Al, Cu and Mg atoms at the grain boundary of the workpiece are more likely to diffuse, and the diffusion rate of Mg atoms is the fastest. The total energy of single atoms in the cutting process was analyzed, and it was found that the energy required for Al, Cu and Mg elements at the grain boundary of the workpiece to diffuse into the WC tool and the energy required for the Mg and Al elements at the workpiece lattice to diffuse into the WC tool were satisfied.
Progranulin in the Nucleus Accumbens Contributes to Neuroinflammation-Induced Depression-Like Behavior in Mice
Authors: Wang Jing , Lai Simin , Zhou Ting , Xia Zhihao , Li Weina , Sha Wenqi , Liu Jingjie , Chen Yanjiong 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Neuroinflammation in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is well known to influence the progression of depression. However, the molecular mechanisms triggering NAc neuroinflammation in depression have not been fully elucidated. Progranulin (PGRN) is a multifunctional growth factor that is linked to the innate immune response and inflammation, and PGRN plays a key role in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, the purpose of this study was to validate whether PGRN was involved in the NAc neuroinflammation-promoted depressive-like phenotype.
Methods
A NAc neuroinflammation-relevant depression-like model was established using wild-type (WT) and PGRN knockout (KO) mice after NAc injection with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and various behavioral tests related to cognition, social recognition, depression and anxiety were performed with WT and PGRNKO mice with or without NAc immune challenge. RT‒PCR, ELISA, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to determine the expression and function of PGRN in the neuroinflammatory reaction in the NAc after LPS challenge. The morphology of neurons in the NAc from WT and PGRNKO mice under conditions of NAc neuroinflammation was analyzed using Golgi-Cox staining, followed by Sholl analyses. The potential signaling pathways involved in NAc neuroinflammation in PGRNKO mice were investigated by western blotting.
Results
Under normal conditions, PGRN deficiency induced frontotemoral dementia (FTD)-like behaviors in mice and astrocyte activation in the NAc, promoted the release of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 and increased dendritic complexity and synaptic protein BDNF levels in the NAc. However, NAc neuroinflammation enhanced PGRN expression, which was located in astrocytes and microglia within the NAc, and PGRN deficiency in mice alleviated NAc neuroinflammation-elicited depression-like behaviors, seemingly inhibiting astrocyte- and microglia-related inflammatory reactions and neuroplasticity complexity in the NAc via the p38 and nuclear factor of kappa (NF-κB) signaling pathways present in the NAc after neuroinflammation.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that PGRN seems to exert distinct effects on different behaviors, such as FTD-like behavior and depression-like behavior, resulting from mediating astrocyte and microglial functions from the NAc in different status.
Mechanism of loess planar erosion and numerical simulation based on CFD-DEM coupling model
Authors: Wen Feng , Li Xi-An , Yang Wenfu , Li Jie , Zhou Bingquan , Gao Rongrong , Lei JingWei 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Planar erosion is an important mode of soil erosion, which occurs in the process of loess slope erosion, gully erosion, and cave erosion. It is of great significance to understand the characteristics and mechanism of planar erosion to reveal the mechanism of loess erosion and the prevention and treatment of soil and water loss. In this paper, a series of loess planar erosion tests have been carried out through self-developed large-scale loess scour instrument. The erosion process and stage characteristics of subsurface erosion under different conditions have been analyzed and summarized, and the internal mechanism of the loess planar erosion process in different erosion characteristic stages has been revealed. Then, based on the characteristics of loess microstructure, a discrete element fluid-solid coupling numerical model suitable for characterizing loess microstructure and anti-erosion property was established. The whole process of loess planar erosion is successfully inverted by numerical simulation. Loess has a special "nuclear + measuring" microstructure characteristics of clay attached to silt skeleton as cement particle surface connects skeleton particles, and the skeleton particles between the relay strength are directly related to the moisture content, the microstructure characteristics of powder of action between skeleton particles are very suitable for the connection with the discrete element keys to characterization. The numerical simulation results carried out based on the numerical model of inter particle linkage established in this paper are in good agreement with the main results of the physical simulation of planar erosion. The results all show that the loess planar erosion at the scale of large test blocks can be divided into three characteristic stages: uniform planar erosion stage, micro gully erosion stage, and collapse failure stage. This indicates that the fluid-solid coupling simulation method of CFD-DEM proposed in this paper has high simulation accuracy and has great application potential in the research and application of loess erosion. This provides a new and feasible idea for the study of loess slope erosion and hydraulic loss control on the Loess Plateau, which is worthy of further promotion.
Subtypes of Early-Onset Restrictive Food Intake Disorder in Children: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Stordeur Coline , Ayrolles Anaël , Trebossen Vincent , Barret Ségolene , Baillin Florence , Poncet-Kalifa Hélène , Meslot Carine , Clarke Julia , Bargiacchi Anne , Peyre Hugo , Delorme Richard 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Rationale. The two most frequent early-onset restrictive food intake disorders are early-onset anorexia nervosa (EOAN) and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorders (ARFID). Although the core symptoms of EOAN(i.e., fear of gaining weight and disturbed body image) are not present in ARFID, these symptoms are difficult to assess during the initial phase of hospitalisation.
Objectives: (i) To identify restrictive food intake disorder subtypes in children using latent class analysis (LCA) based on information available at admission to hospital, and (ii) to determine the agreement between the subtypes identified using LCA and the final diagnosis: EOAN or ARFID.
Method: We retrospectively included 97 children under 13 years old with severe eating disorders (DSM-5) at their first hospitalisation in a specialized French paediatric unit. LCA was based on clinical information, growth chart analyses and socio-demographic parameters available at admission. We then compared the probabilities of latent class membership with the diagnosis (EOAN or ARFID) made at the end of the hospitalisation.
Results: The most parsimonious LCA model was a 2-class solution. Children diagnosed with EOAN at the end of hospitalisation had a 100% probability of belonging to class 1 while children diagnosed with ARFID had an 8% probability of belonging to class 1 based on parameters available at admission.
Discussion: Our results indicate that clinical and socio-demographic characteristics other than the core symptoms of EOAN may be discriminating for a differential diagnosis.
Physical Injuries and Burns among Refugees in Lebanon: Implications for Programs and Policies
Authors: Al-Hajj Samar , Moustafa Moustafa , El-Hechi Majed , Chahrour Mohamad A. , Nasrallah Ali A. , Kaafarani Haytham 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background: Refugees are prone to injury due to often austere living conditions, social and economic disadvantages, and limited access to health care services in host countries. This study aims to systematically quantify the prevalence of physical injuries and burns among the refugee community in Western Lebanon and examine injury characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes.
Methods: We conducted a cluster-based population survey across 21 camps in the Beqaa region of Lebanon from February to April 2019. A modified version of the ‘Surgeons Overseas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS)’ tool (Version 3.0) was administered to the head of the refugee households and documented all injuries sustained by family members over the last 12 months. Descriptive and univariate regression analyses were performed to understand the association between variables.
Results: 750 heads of households were surveyed. 112 (14.9%) households sustained injuries in the past 12 months, 39 of which (34.9%) reported disabling injuries that affected their work and daily living. Injuries primarily occurred inside the tent (29.9%). Burns were sustained by at least one household member in 136 (18.1%) households in total. The majority (63.7%) of burns affected children under 5 years and were mainly due to boiling liquid (50%). Significantly more burns were reported in households where caregivers cannot lock children outside the kitchen while cooking (25.6% vs 14.9%, p-value=0.001). Similarly, households with unemployed heads had significantly more reported burns (19.7% vs 13.3%, p-value=0.05). Nearly 16.1% of the injured refugees were unable to seek health care due to the lack of health insurance coverage and financial liability.
Conclusions: Refugees severely suffer from injuries and burns, causing substantial human and economic repercussions on the affected individuals, their families, and the host healthcare system. Resources should be allocated toward designing safe camps as well as implementing educational awareness campaigns specifically focusing on teaching heating and cooking safety practices.
A Data Science Approach to Risk Assessment for Automobile Insurance Policies
Authors: Hosein Patrick 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
In order to determine a suitable automobile insurance policy premium one needs to take into account three factors, the risk associated with the drivers and cars on the policy, the operational costs associated with management of the policy and the desired profit margin. The premium should then be some function of these three values. We focus on risk assessment using a Data Science approach. Instead of using the traditional frequency and severity metrics we instead predict the total claims that will be made by a new customer using historical data of current and past policies. Given multiple features of the policy (age and gender of drivers, value of car, previous accidents, etc.) one can potentially try to provide personalized insurance policies based specifically on these features as follows. We can compute the average claims made per year of all past and current policies with identical features and then take an average over these claim rates. Unfortunately there may not be sufficient samples to obtain a robust average. We can instead try to include policies that are``similar" to obtain sufficient samples for a robust average. We therefore face a trade-off between personalization (only using closely similar policies) and robustness (extending the domain far enough to capture sufficient samples). This is known as the Bias-Variance Trade-off. We model this problem and determine the optimal trade-off between the two (i.e. the balance that provides the highest prediction accuracy) and apply it to the claim rate prediction problem. We demonstrate our approach using real data.
Identification of LEAFY gene in longan involved in flower induction
Authors: Jue Dengwei , Li Zhexin , Tang Jianmin , Sang Xuelian , Guo Qigao 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Backgroud: Flowering at the right time is a very important factor affecting the stable annual yield of longan. However, a lack of knowledge of the regulatory mechanism and key genes of longan flowering restricts the healthy development of the longan industry. Therefore, identifying the relevant genes and analyzing their regulatory mechanism are essential for scientific research and the development of the longan industry. Here, we isolated a LEAFY homologue gene from longan, DlLFY, and identified its function.
Results: DlLFY contains a 1167 bp open reading frame and encodes 388 amino acids. The amino acid sequence has a typical LFY/FLO family domain. DlLFY was expressed in all the tested tissues, expect for leaf, pericarp, and ulp, with the highest expression occurring in flower buds. The expression of DlLFY was significant upregulated at the early flower induction stage in “SX” (“Shixia”). The results of subcellular localization and transactivation analysis show that DlLFY is a kind of typical transcript factor with transcriptional activator. Moreover, overexpression of DlLFY in Arabidopsis promoted early flowering and restrained growth, resulting in reduced plant height and number and area of rosette leaves of transgenic plants. DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP-Seq) analysis showed that 13 flower-related genes corresponding to five homologous genes of Arabidopsis may be the binding sites and putative target genes. Among these five flower-related genes, only AtTFL1 was strongly inhibited in transgenic lines.
Conclusion: Taken together, these results indicate that DlLFY plays a pivotal role in controlling longan flowering, possibly by negatively regulating TFL1.